We are thrilled
to have you join us at
Château de Candes
Vallée de la Loire, France
to celebrate
Jennifer’s 60th
May 27 through 31
Château de Candes
sits at the top of the hill in the charming village of Candes St. Martin, overlooking the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers. We will be staying in the domaine of the château, which comprises a number of buildings as well as a Street Art Parc.
Schedule of Events
Monday, May 27 - Arrival
Plan to arrive anytime after 3:00 p.m. at Château de Candes.
You can drive directly to the village or take a train to Tours, Saint-Pierre-des-Corps or Saumur.
Rental cars are available- but NEVER on a Sunday.Park in the small lot at the top of the hill above the château.
Contact Sarah Bird for help with transportation questions.
A food truck will be serving local specialties in the courtyard from 7:00-9:00 p.m.
Tuesday, May 28
Breakfast served at Château de Candes 7:00-9:00 a.m.
Cocktails will be served starting at 6:00 p.m.
Casual dinner at the château at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 29
Breakfast served at Château de Candes 7:00-9:00 a.m.
Walking tour of Cândes-St. Martin at 4:45 p.m.
Gather at 6:45 p.m. to walk through the château grounds down the hill to board a boat on the river
Boat departs at 7:00 p.m.
Dinner on the river at 7:30 p.m.
Return to the village at 10:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 30
Breakfast served at Château de Candes 7:00-9:00 a.m.
Final birthday celebration with DJ and dancing at the château
Friday, May 31
Depart by 11:00 a.m.
During the Days
You’re on your own!
Feel free to explore the region — go bike riding, wine tasting, sightseeing; walk to a nearby village, hang out by the pool, take a picnic to the river — do whatever suits your fancy!
In the Evenings
We’ll all gather at the château for dinner and festivities.
Please Note
There are some activities that require advance planning, such as renting a bike or going on a guided wine tour. Be sure to contact Sarah Bird for more information.
Local Information
Candes-St. Martin and the neighboring/attached village of Montsoreau are both designated “most beautiful villages in France”.
La Petite Vienne (café/bar)
Auberge de la route d'or (restaurant)
A 20-minute walk (.7 miles) along a hillside path will get you to Montsoreau where you will find:
Boulangerie Besnard - 5 Av. de la Loire (closed Tuesdays)
Bar-Tabac (buy newspapers and have a drink)
Le 2 (tea room): Right next to the Bar-Tabac
Ververt (great restaurant)
Restaurant le Montsellori (restaurant of Hotel le Bussy)
Le P'Tit Bar du Mestre (restaurant/café/bar): Open throughout the day, not just at mealtime, closed Tuesdays
Le Lion d'Or (bar/café): Open all day, every day
Hotel Marine de Loire (tea room)
Montsoreau Castle and Contemporary Art Museum
Other Nearby Towns
Twenty minutes by bike or 7 minutes by car, you will find:
Boulangerie de Parnay - 18 Route de Saumur (open Tuesdays, closed Mondays)
A Pharmacy (just health/medical needs) across the bridge in Varennes sur Loire
Three miles away (20-minute bike ride, hour walk), you’ll find:
An abbey (UNESCO World Heritage site)
Fontevraud l'Hotel (restaurant)
Hotel La Croix Blanche (restaurant)
Chinon and Saumur, both a 20-minute drive away:
A large supermarket and big gas station in Chinon
Lots of restaurants
The closest gas station is tiny local Total Energy as you leave Montsoreau heading west towards Saumur
For additional information visit the Sites & Activities page
And Finally…
No gifts!
I can’t imagine a greater gift than spending time with people I love in such a beautiful setting. That is the best present of all.
This is a small private event.
If you post on social media, please leave out names and event-identifying information.
Merci beaucoup! Can’t wait to see you in France~