Issue No. 14

Loire Mushroom caves
Deep inside the cool dark Caves des
Roches at Bourré something is growing...
slowly, silently and surely.
These are several famous funghi farms of
the Loire Valley and this is one of the best.
Here they pick 1000kg of mushrooms a
week, grown in 12km of galleries on seven
levels. They thrive in a natural atmosphere
which ensures the most taste; they’re
delivered all over France and around the
world. The special Pied Bleu mushrooms
grow here – destined for the very best
restaurants. Oyster, Shitake and Paris
button mushrooms are quite a sight to see,
growing from the damp blocks that imitate
a woodland setting - the smell is incredible,
earthy and mysterious.
There's another secret in these caves: a
giant sculpture of a medieval village carved
in the stone by former mushroom pickers
during their breaks. It's closed to the public
as the stone discolours if touched, and they
want to keep the sculpture safe for future
generations.
Take a one hour tour, and don’t miss the
chance to buy the freshest mushrooms.
Take them home and fry them in butter with
a little seasoning and some grated fresh
garlic - absolutely delicious, a taste of the
Loire. www.le-champignon.com
Practical information:
Discover loads more things to to in the Loire at www.valdeloire-france.com; www.
anjou-tourisme.com; angersloiretourism.com; www.ot-saumer.fr; www.tourainevalley.
com and www.coeur-val-de-loire.com