At the heart ofFrench culture andhistory, embark on a sensory journey along the Loire Wine Route. With its picturesque landscapes, renowned vineyards and rich architectural heritage, the Loire is one of the world's most emblematic wine-growing regions. Wine lovers and wine tourism enthusiasts will discover the secrets of Loire wines. There we met passionate winemakers and tasted some of the region's finest wines. Plan an unforgettable journey through the prestigious vineyards, sublime châteaux and charming villages of this wine-growing region.
In this article, we've selected the 12 best Loire Valley Wine Route tours for you, along with our advice and opinions to help you make your choice.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Our 4 favourite Loire wine route tours
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected excursions, here are our 4 favorites:
- Marvel at the iconic Chateaux of the Loire Valley and taste wine - See prices, photos and availability
- Taste the wines of Touraine after a stopover in the sublime gardens of Château de Villandry - See prices, photos and availability
- Discover Chinon and the wines of the Loire Valley - See prices, photos and availability
- Cycle through the vineyards from Blois to Château de Chambord with wine tasting - See prices, photos and availability
1. Marvel at the Châteaux of the Loire with wine tasting departing from Paris
Why do we recommend this tour?
A wealth of history and architecture, the beauty of the surrounding countryside, culture and the French art of living are just some of the reasons to get excited about the Loire wine route! Its wines are renowned for their freshness and diversity. These nectars, symbols of pleasure, will offer you a palette of colors, textures and tastes: from fruity rosés to dry, sweet or syrupy whites, not forgetting cellar-aged reds. To match these wines, we also sampled local dishes and explored some sublime places! Whether it's your 1st time or a rediscovery, the Loire Valley won't disappoint.
Its castles are jewels that illustrate the fascinating history of the region over the centuries. These places, which have stood the test of time, give us a unique insight into life from the Middle Ages to the present day, in the heart of picturesque landscapes. We also loved learning more about the rich artistic, cultural and culinary traditions of this famous wine region.
What you will see
By opting for one of the organized tours we've selected in this section from Paris, you'll be able to take advantage of the following:
- English- and French-speaking guides
- tastings of exceptional wines from the region
- lunches based on local produce
- visits to the most beautiful Châteaux of the Loire Valley, such as Chenonceau, Chambord or Clos Lucé
- excursions to the region's must-see towns, such as Tours or Amboise, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci
- a tour of the vineyards and picturesque landscapes around the Loire River and its tributaries
How much time should I allow?
Plan to spend a full day on site, with a return trip from Paris, to take advantage of the various excursion options.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Some guided tours are accessible to families with children and strollers. Minors will be offered juice and soft drinks instead of wine during the tasting. High chairs for children are available.
Beyond the historical immersion, these visits are a real educational asset, and can awaken the imagination and curiosity of youngsters about castles and the region!
Our selection of guided tours from Paris:
- Tour of the Châteaux de la Loire with wine tasting and lunch - See more details
- A day in the Loire Valley between castles and vineyards - Reserve your place
- Chambord, Chenonceau, Clos Lucé with wine and lunch at Amboise - Find out more
- Mythical Château d'Amboise with lunch and wine tasting - See program
2. Wine tasting near the Châteaux of Chenonceau and Chambord
Why do we recommend this tour?
Nestled among the vineyards of the Loire wine route, the Châteaux of Chenonceau and Chambord are our 2 real favorites, and also the region's most famous. If you don't have time to visit several of these majestic buildings on the day of your wine tasting, these are the 2 main ones we recommend. Did you know that Domaine de Chambord boasts a historic vineyard adjacent to the château? Archives confirm that vineyards were present in Chambord as far back as the Middle Ages, before the present monument was built.
In 1518, François I, King of France, launched the construction of Chambord. At the same time, he ordered the import of 80,000 vines from Beaune in Burgundy of the grape variety reputed to be the origin of the Romorantin variety. Which makes it one of the best places to appreciate the region's winegrowing history and heritage!
What you will see
This will depend on whether you choose one of the organized excursions we've selected, or a visit on your own. Depending on your needs, you can benefit from:
- English- and French-speaking guides
- visits to vineyards around the castles of Chambord and Cheverny
- bike trip to Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire (former port of embarkation for French wines and local produce)
- tasting of local wines (such as Chambord's oak-aged red wine)
- a stroll in the grounds of Château de Chambord
- discover the Château de Cheverny and its gardens
- immersion at Château de Chenonceau, our favorite in the Loire Valley
- art and history at the Château Royal de Blois (and Musée des Beaux-Arts)
- lunches at the château featuring local specialities
- change of perspective with a hot-air balloon flight over Chenonceau
How much time should I allow?
If you choose to visit on your own, allow 1 half-day for each of the castles mentioned.
For the excursions we've chosen for you, allow between 1 half and 1 day! If you only have time to visit one of the 2 Châteaux of Chambord or Chenonceau, read our comparative article to make your choice here.
Is the tour family-friendly?
The places we recommend, and the excursions we offer, are not unsuitable for children. If you'd like to try out these guided tours with the whole family, it's perfectly possible! During wine tastings, minors will be offered non-alcoholic beverages. During the meal, children's chairs can be provided for greater comfort at the table.
The castles listed in this section all boast sublime parks and estates that will delight young and old alike. An ideal time to reconnect with nature as a family! Some castles, such as Blois, Chambord and Cheverny, even have activities and areas dedicated to children.
To visit the Château de Chambord on a combined tour with..:
- Wine tasting and visit to Château de Cheverny - See program
- Bike tour from Blois through the vineyards with wine tasting - Find out more
Also discover the Château de Chenonceau on a combined tour:
- 1 day visit to 3 châteaux (Chambord, Chenonceau and Villesavin) with meals and Loire Valley wines - Reserve my place
- 1 half-day hot-air balloon flight over the Château de Chenonceau with wine and cheese tasting on landing - See prices, photos and availability.
3. Be surprised by the Châteaux and wines of Touraine
Why do we recommend this tour?
We were amazed by the treasures of the Touraine vineyards, stretching from Chinon to Orléans. It is considered the cradle of Loire wines and its main production zone. The vineyards follow the Loire River up its tributaries the Cher, Indre and Vienne. Its climate is more protected than that of its neighboring vineyards to the west, and it is beginning to experience continental influences. You'll find that the geological diversity of the soils gives its wines an unrivalled richness, a legacy of its winegrowing past.
To accompany our wine tourism experience in Touraine, we were surprised by the vineyards of Azay-le-Rideau, the Gallo-Roman cradle of viticulture. Today, it's the setting for a château whose romantic atmosphere and grandiose architecture have left a lasting impression on us. In Touraine, the Château de Villandry is one of our favorites. We were particularly enchanted by the interweaving of formal gardens, including the love garden with its breathtaking colors and shapes! Finally, push open the gates of the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, famous for its International Garden Festival. The unique combination of contemporary art, history and exceptional scenery really fascinated us!
What you will see
Whether you opt for a guided wine tour or a visit on your own, you'll discover many of Touraine's jewels:
- tasting of red, white and rosé wines from the Touraine vineyards
- English- or French-speaking guides, depending on tour
- visit to wine cellars
- admission to Château de Villandry and its gardens
- visit to the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and its grounds
- discover the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and its surrounding vineyards
How much time should I allow?
If you choose to visit us on your own, please plan ahead:
- 1 half-day visit to each of the above castles
- between 30min and 3h of wine tasting in the cellar, depending on the chosen location
If you prefer the tranquility and convenience of a guided wine tour, allow 1 full day!
From Tours in 1 day:
- Explore the Château de Villandry and its gardens with a meal and wine tasting - See prices, photos and availability
- Marvel at the fairytale castles of Cheverny and Chambord with Loire Valley wine tasting - See prices, photos and availability
- Discover Châteaux d'Azay-Le-Rideau and Villandry with local wines - See prices, photos and availability
From Blois in 1 day:
- Stroll around the famous Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and enjoy a bottle of one of Touraine's finest wines - See prices, photos and availability
4. Explore Chinon through its historic wines and fortress
Why do we recommend this tour?
During our stay in the Loire region, we set off to discover Chinon through its historic wines and emblematic fortress. The vast wine-growing area of the Chinon AOC offered us a fascinating diversity of terroirs and a few climatic curiosities, with wines that can sometimes be very different from one winemaker to another. Talk to local winemakers and learn as we do about the importance of history and climate in the production of these unique wines. A UNESCO World Heritage site on the borders of Anjou, Touraine and Poitou, Chinon welcomed us with its medieval charms.
Take time to visit the Royal Fortress of Chinon, perched on the banks of the Vienne River. This medieval fortified castle transported us through the centuries on a captivating journey.
Chinon is also an ideal destination to take a wine tour with the help of an experienced local guide, while developing your wine knowledge. The vineyards and cellars carved out of the local stone will hold no secrets for you! Enjoying a delicious meal among the vines, we fully appreciated the magic of Chinon, combining tradition, history and gastronomy. Ready to plunge into the heart of winegrowing history and tradition?
What you will see
Whether you opt for a guided tour from our selection below, or a visit on your own, you'll discover whatever you choose:
- the charming medieval town of Chinon and its surrounding vineyards
- explanations, by a local guide, adapted to your level of wine knowledge
- a lunch based on local produce "from farm to fork".
- the Royal Fortress of Chinon and its 3 fortified castles
- breathtaking panoramic views of the banks of the Vienne and the surrounding vineyards
How much time should I allow?
If you opt for a guided wine tour, allow 1 full day.
Similarly, if you want to visit the town of Chinon, its fortress and the surrounding area, a full day will allow you to explore these places and enjoy a wine tasting.
Is the tour family-friendly?
The wine-tasting excursions in this selection are not open to minors under 18. However, if you choose to visit Chinon and its cellars on your own, its fortress is one of the best Loire castles to visit with children (see our article here).
In 1 day:
- Chinon and Bourgueil wine tours - See prices, photos and availability
- Tour of Chinon and surrounding area with lunch and wine tasting in the cellar - See prices, photos and availability
- Explore 2 wineries in Chinon and Bourgueil - See the program
- Discovery of 3 local wineries with tasting and "farm-to-table lunch" - See program
Private excursion:
- Departure from Tours or Amboise, 1 day vineyard tour and tasting of the best Loire Valley wines - See prices, photos and availability
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
5. Cycling the Loire wine route with wine tasting
Why do we recommend this tour?
Why not continue your journey along the Loire Wine Route by bike? The Loire River cycle route covers 900km. This superb route winds along its banks and around its castles. It's one of the most beautiful cycling routes in France and the world. Are you tempted to ride along rivers, picnic in lush vineyards and pass through picturesque villages on 2 wheels, then sample local food and wine?
Some tours also include stops to admire majestic castles such as Chambord, Sully-sur-Loire or Montsoreau! The Loire cycle route is made up of 18 stages. Our favorites at the moment are the section from Blois to Amboise, with Chaumont-sur-Loire and the Chenonceaux detour, the hills of Sancerre, and finally the stage from Saumur to Tours with the confluence of the Vienne at Candes-Saint-Martin. All places we've loved and where you're sure to enjoy excellent wines!
What you will see
Whether you cycle the Loire wine route on your own or with a guided tour, don't miss out:
- vineyards as far as the eye can see, including the hills of the Saumur Champigny appellation and the AOC Chinon wine-growing area
- breathtaking panoramas along the river and its tributaries
- architectural gems such as the Châteaux of Saumur, Chenonceau, Chambord, Villandry, Le Rivau, Montsoreau and Chaumont-sur-Loire, among others
- secure bicycle paths
- moments of relaxation and well-being outdoors
- immersion in the unspoilt nature of the Loire banks
How much time should I allow?
There are several truly magnificent stretches along the Loire River, so it's easy to get away for just a few days or several weeks. To really enjoy the trip, we recommend a minimum of 5 days. But as the region abounds in architectural, cultural, gastronomic and wine nuggets, there are also 1 or 2-day tours like the guided tours we've selected for you below in this section!
Is the tour family-friendly?
Of course, the Loire by bike can also be explored with children, depending on their level on 2 wheels. However, guided bike tours with wine tasting are not open to minors under 18.
In 1 day:
- Escapade from Blois to Château de Chambord with wine tasting - Reserve your place
- Crossing the Saumur vineyards from Chinon - See prices, photos and availability
- Guided tour and picnic in the vineyards - Find out more
In 2 days:
- Private wine tour departing from Saumur - See program
6. Savour the wines of the Vouvray region and admire its vineyards
Why do we recommend this tour?
Do you know Vouvray? The wines of this appellation, made from the Chenin grape, offer a diversity of flavors in white, from sparkling (fine bubbles) to still, dry, soft or mellow. One of the distinctive features of these wines is their golden color and brilliance, visually distinguishing them from other wines produced in the Loire Valley. Nestled between Tours and Amboise, discover the vineyards of the Vouvray PDO. As we strolled along, the vineyards stretched as far as the eye could see and surrounded us with a peaceful, picturesque atmosphere.
Tasting these exceptional wines while admiring the vineyards, we were transported on a beautiful sensory journey through the Vouvray region. In case you're wondering, did you know that there's no such thing as "Champagne de Loire"? And yes, only sparkling wines produced in the "Champagne" appellation area (northeastern France) are entitled to this designation.
In the Vouvray region, we also discovered the Château de Jallanges. Steeped in history and culture, this 15th-century building offers not only top-notch service for overnight stays, but also original experiences such as its "escape game" in the Tour Louis XI.
What you will see
Ready to discover the Vouvray region? Take a stroll along this part of the Loire and you'll see:
- verdant vineyards as far as the eye can see
- numerous wine cellars for tasting Vouvray appellation wines
- charming communes of Vouvray and Montlouis
- tastings of local cheeses paired with wines
How much time should I allow?
It really depends on what you want! We've selected 1 half-day or 1 full-day guided tours to suit your time and tastes. If you'd like to discover more of the region's cultural attractions, such as the chateaux, villages and medieval towns of the Loire Valley, plan a few extra days (see our 3-day, 4-day, 5-day and 7-day tour ideas).
In 1 day:
- Lunch with cellar tour and tasting - See program
- Private tour with Vouvray, Chinon and Bourgueil wine tasting - See the program
In 1 half-day:
- Morning tour of Loire Valley wines in Montlouis and Vouvray - Find out more
- Wine and cheese tasting in the vineyards of Vouvray - Find out more
- From Tours, an afternoon in the Loire Valley - See the program
7. Tasting Loire wines in the footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci and his château
Why do we recommend this tour?
Tasting Loire wines on a sensory journey also means savoring its rich and fascinating history! Did you know that the Château du Clos-Lucé in Amboise was Leonardo da Vinci's last home? This Italian Renaissance genius left his mark on history with his Mona Lisa and his many inventions. On the way, admire the green vineyards stretching to the horizon near the Royal City of Amboise.
If you'd like to follow in the footsteps of this great 15th-century Italian painter, architect, scientist and engineer, you've come to the right place. Before it became the home of Italian painter and inventor Leonardo da Vinci for 3 years, Le Clos Lucé was a summer residence for the kings of France. Thanks to the many paintings, furniture and period objects inside, we were able to immerse ourselves in the place and imagine life during the Renaissance! A visit to this magical place is often combined with several guided tours and tastings at local wine producers.
What you will see
Depending on the options you choose for your tour, you'll discover..:
- tasting of at least 7 different Loire wines
- vineyards around Amboise
- wonderful Château du Clos Lucé, former home of Leonardo da Vinci
- his room in the château and the reconstruction of his master studio
- a magnificent collection of sketches, paintings, measuring instruments, models and inventions from Leonardo da Vinci's private life
- botanical gardens of Le Clos Lucé and the
- the majestic Châteaux of Chenonceau and Chambord
How much time should I allow?
We strongly recommend that you opt for a guided tour, in which case plan a full day!
If you prefer to visit the Château du Clos Lucé and do a wine tasting in Amboise on your own, allow a minimum of 2 hours for the château and its grounds. Cellar tastings can last from 30 minutes to 3 hours, depending on location and options.
Is the tour family-friendly?
The guided tours with tasting below are not accessible to children under 6. Minors will be provided with non-alcoholic drinks instead of wine. The Château du Clos Lucé's grounds and interiors are perfectly suited to younger visitors (fun trail, booklet for 7-12 year-olds, birthday party facilities).
In 1 day departing from Tours:
- Visit 3 châteaux with wine tasting - see program and availability
1 day from Paris:
- Discover the Châteaux of Chambord, Chenonceau, Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci) from Paris - See prices, photos and availability
- Private tour of 3 Châteaux de la Loire and tasting of 7 wines - See prices, photos and availability
8. Stroll along the Anjou wine route
Why do we recommend this tour?
Explore Anjou's oenological treasures with us as you continue your journey along the Loire wine route. The Anjou vineyards stretch from west of Angers to Saumur, and are well represented on both banks of the Loire, which winds its way through wide plains. In fact, the damp ocean breeze is still being felt.
Emblematic of the region, rosé d'Anjou will undoubtedly seduce you with its bright colors and fruity, gourmet flavors reminiscent of sun-ripened fruit. Today, the revitalization of the vineyards bears witness to a veritable renaissance, with fine whites and reds regaining their lustre, arousing the interest of winegrowers. On the Anjou wine route, we were captivated by their richness and diversity.
Will you be tempted by a Cabernet d'Anjou, a soft, seductive rosé rich in sugar? Or do you prefer a fresh, light rosé like Cabernet-de-Saumur, a real discovery for connoisseurs? Our favorite: Anjou blanc made from 100% Chenin grapes. This great wine revealed a golden color and bewitching aromas of citrus and flowers.
Along the way, we marveled at the Château de Brissac, nicknamed the "Giant of the Loire". Did you know that, at 7 storeys, it is the tallest castle in Europe? The estate has 26.5 hectares of vineyards, cultivating several AOCs, the most local of which is Anjou Village Brissac. The wines, made from the "five centuries of vines", are vinified directly at the château. Taste them during your visit to the vaulted stone cellar for a complete, immersive experience!
What you will see
On the Anjou wine route, you can see..:
- the immense Château de Brissac and its vineyards, with tastings available on site
- charming Loire villages (some of which are Unesco World Heritage Sites) such as Savennières, Béhuard and Candes-Saint-Martin
- vineyards as far as the eye can see
- cycle paths along the Loire and its tributaries
- visits to wine cellars
- numerous castles around Angers
- variety of activities in Angers, capital of Anjou and a green city
How much time should I allow?
Allow between 2h and 2h30 to visit Château de Brissac and tour the vineyards, stables and park. The guided tour options in our selection are available over 1 half-day and 1 day.
If you'd like to see more of the region, we recommend planning at least 3 to 5 full days outside the guided tours below.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely, the tours we've selected are accessible to families with children, depending on their cycling ability for the cycling tour. During wine tastings, minors will be served non-alcoholic beverages.
Admission to Château de Brissac is free for children under 8.
- 1-day cycling tour with wine tasting - See prices, photos and availability
- 1 day or 1 half-day in the vineyards of Anjou - See program
9. A tour of Sancerre wines in the vineyards of Central France
Why do we recommend this tour?
Are you interested in tasting white wines from the region's Centre vineyards? Join us on a wine tour of the Sancerre and Pouilly-fumé appellations. The Centre vineyards stretch from the town of Gien, south-east of Orléans, to Sancerre, north of Nevers. You'll notice that the landscape starts to deepen, the vines begin to grow on terraces and the climate changes according to the relief. Facing the AOC Sancerre wine-growing area, let's cross the Loire together to discover the Pouilly vineyards. Here, flint and limestone soils warm the Sauvignon grapes. Discover some of the world's finest Sauvignon Blanc wines when you visit the Loire Valley appellations of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. Whether accompanied by a gourmet meal or tasted on their own, you'll feel that these white wines are unique.
What you will see
We see this activity as having a number of advantages:
- visits to the wine-growing areas of the Sancerre and Pouilly appellations on the 2 banks of the Loire River
- tastings of exquisite white wines and visits to family wineries
- English- and French-speaking guides
- information kit with maps of the region and tasting notes to perfect your knowledge of oenology
- tastings of local cheeses
- lunch in a traditional local restaurant
- proximity to the Château de Sully-sur-Loire, its impressive moat and 42-hectare park
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1 day for each of the guided tours we've selected for you.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Families with children can opt for the wine-tourism excursions suggested below. Highchairs are available on request.
The Château de Sully-sur-Loire is also one of the best Loire châteaux to visit with children, offering games and creative workshops (see here).
In 1 day:
- Wine tour of the Sancerre and Pouilly appellations with gourmet lunch and cellar visits - See the program and make a reservation
- Tasting of Sancerre and Pouilly-fumé wines with local goat's cheese and visits to medieval villages - See the program and make a reservation
From Paris:
- Sancerre and Pouilly-fumé wine-tasting tour (from Paris) - See the program and make a reservation
10. Visit Château de Cheverny and its Maison des Vins
Why do we recommend this tour?
We're now heading for the Sologne region, which stretches from south of Orléans to north of Vierzon. Between Blois and Orléans, let yourself be carried away by AOC Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny. On the border with the Touraine vineyards, you'll notice that the AOC Cheverny wine-growing area is criss-crossed by 3 rivers, giving it an undulating appearance. Here you can also enjoy AOP Crémant de Loire, the region's finest bubbles. On our way, we made a stop at Château de Cheverny, the direct inspiration for the famous Château de Moulinsart, home of the tempestuous Captain Haddock in Hergé's Tintin comic strip. In fact, it's one of the most beautiful Châteaux in the Loire Valley. In addition to the exhibition devoted to the famous comic strip, the park is truly remarkable and inspiring.
Renowned for its château, Cheverny is also famous for its Maison des Vins. Strategically placed at the entrance to the estate, push open the doors of this unique venue and discover the Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny appellations. Its high-tech tasting system, original and unique in Europe, allows you to taste up to 100 references of red, white and rosé AOC Cheverny wines, as well as white AOC Cour-Cheverny wines!
What you will see
In our opinion, this excursion is worth the detour for:
- the magnificent Château de Cheverny and its park
- Maison des vins de Cheverny offers a high-tech tasting experience unique in Europe
- vineyards on the Sologne wine-growing lands as far as the eye can see
- Hôtel Les Sources de Cheverny (5 stars) for a luxurious night on the estate
How much time should I allow?
Allow at least 3 hours to visit the Château de Cheverny and its park, as well as the Tintin cartoon exhibition. Then allow 30min for a tasting of 3 or 7 wines at the Maison des Vins de Cheverny (see details on the official website here).
Is the tour family-friendly?
The park at Château de Cheverny will delight young and old alike, as will the exhibition dedicated to Tintin!
During your tasting at the Maison des Vins de Cheverny, children can enjoy a glass of grape juice while discovering the secrets of the Chenyver donkey thanks to a game booklet.
Find out more about Château de Cheverny soon!
11. Discover the Pays nantais terroir through its wines
Why do we recommend this tour?
Ready for the next leg of your journey along the Loire wine trail? We sail a little further west in the region to discover the terroir of the Pays nantais. The Pays nantais vineyards stretch from the mouth of the river towards the ocean after Nantes, to the area around Ancenis, between Nantes and Angers. The vineyards are fairly flat, and regularly swept by Atlantic storms. We tasted lively, aromatic wines such as AOC Coteaux-d'Ancenis, Muscadet and Gros Plant du Pays nantais (or Folle Blanche). Did you know that the Berligou grape variety, cultivated in the 15th century, has been re-introduced here by passionate winemakers?
What you will see
This tour can be interesting for:
- visit the vineyards of the Pays Nantais region west of the Loire, from the shores of the Atlantic to Ancenis
- discover the many wineries around Nantes (see here)
- taste wines from 7 different appellations
- walking in Nantes
- explore the castles around Nantes, such as Clisson
How much time should I allow?
If you're visiting wineries in the Pays nantais, allow between 1 half-day and 1 full day. You'll definitely need to add a few days if you opt to visit the city of Nantes and the surrounding area!
Is the tour family-friendly?
The following wine tour is suitable for families with children. Nantes is also a very pleasant city for young people! The Machines de l'Ile de Nantes and the city's museums will enchant young and old alike (see our articles here and here).
Discover the Pays nantais vineyards with an excursion to a winery and reserve your place now!
12. Enjoy Saumur wines in cave dwellings and villages
Why do we recommend this tour?
Finally, we end this tour of the Loire wine route with the vineyards of Saumur. South of the Loire, these vineyards stretch from Gennes to Montsoreau and from Saumur to Montreuil-Bellay, benefiting from a favorable climate and white tuffeau soil. Did you know that underground galleries first used as living quarters were later used to make and preserve wine? These troglodyte caves, carved out of the rock, offered us an unusual experience at 12°C (all year round)! With 7 different AOCs (white, red, rosé, effervescent, mellow), Saumur wines seduced us with their diversity. Many troglodytic cellars exist in Saumur, such as those of Ackerman in town or Domaine Filliatreau.
We were keen to visit Caves Ackerman, the 1st and oldest fine bubbles house in the Val-de-Loire. Founded in 1811 and dug into ancient tufa quarries, they provide the perfect setting for aging wines. The staging and lighting effects captivated us, and we discovered the secrets of the great vintages and the history of Saumur winegrowing. For lovers of contemporary art, these cellars also house exhibitions.
What you will see
In our opinion, this excursion is worth the detour for several reasons:
- tastings of local wines
- wine cellars carved out of local stone (known as troglodyte or troglodytic)
- underground contemporary art exhibitions
- troglodytes in Saumur (cellars, villages, hotels, châteaux, restaurants...)
- vineyards surrounding Saumur
- castles around Saumur
- activities in the medieval city of Saumur
- Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud near Saumur
How much time should I allow?
You can count on 1 or 2 days depending on the tours selected for you!
In 2 days:
- Private wine tour departing from Saumur - See program
In 1 day:
- Crossing the Saumur vineyards from Chinon - See prices, photos and availability
- Visit the troglodyte cellars in Amboise - See prices, photos and availability
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Frequently asked questions
Is a visit to the Loire Valley worthwhile?
Yes, the Loire Valley is well worth a visit! First and foremost, it's a jewel of France, famous for its magnificent châteaux that bear witness to its rich historical heritage. We fell under the spell of the valley's picturesque landscapes, punctuated by verdant vineyards, caves, gardens and beautiful, charming villages. Wine lovers will be delighted by the renown of the region's vineyards, producing quality wines such as Sancerre and Chinon. Last but not least, you can join us in enjoying local gastronomy, showcasing the delights of the terroir and French savoir-faire.
Discover our article where we share with you the must-see places in the Loire Valley and the best activities not to be missed. And a little geographical clarification: we're referring to the tourist region along the Loire between Nantes and Sancerre, where most of the châteaux are located.
How do I get to the Loire Valley?
To get to the Loire Valley, you have several options:
- By car: we think this is the most practical way to enjoy the châteaux of this magnificent wine region, visit the cellars and vineyards, and visit the picturesque villages. Several freeways link the towns of the Loire: A10, A28, A83, A85 and A87. Discover our tips for renting a car in France or from Paris-Roissy-CDG, Paris-Orly or Nantes Atlantique airports.
- By train: the Loire Valley's major cities all have train stations, so you can get to the heart of the city and explore its monuments and must-see spots without a car.
See the available schedules and book your train tickets now.
- Organized tours: from Paris, you can join a guided tour of the Loire wine route. If you opt for an organized tour, you'll make the most of your time on site and be able to rest during the journey. You can find the options in the next section, in the "from Paris" section at the very beginning of this article, or find out more here.
- By plane: if you're arriving by plane, Nantes Atlantique airport is one of the most convenient places outside Paris to take the Loire wine route by car.
What organized Loire wine tasting tours are available from Paris?
If your journey starts in Paris, you'll have several options for tasting exquisite wines on the Loire wine route. You can combine these wine tastings with visits to vineyards, châteaux, lunches, picnics, bike rides...
We've selected a few guided tours for you:
- Discover the Châteaux of Chambord, Chenonceau, Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci) from Paris - See prices, photos and availability
- Private tour of 3 Châteaux de la Loire and tasting of 7 wines - See prices, photos and availability
- Tour of the Châteaux de la Loire with wine tasting and lunch - See more details
- A day in the Loire Valley between castles and vineyards - Reserve your place
- Sublime Châteaux of Chambord, Chenonceau and Clos Lucé with wine and lunch at Amboise - Find out more
- Visit the legendary Château d'Amboise, with lunch and wine tasting - See program
What are the best Loire wines?
In the Loire region, you'll find many different wines, from Nantes to the Ardèche. Did you know that there are almost 70,000 hectares of vineyards with 80 types of wine and over 30,000 winemakers? It's not for nothing that the Loire is considered one of the world's richest wine-growing regions! Red, white, rosé and sparkling wines are produced from a variety of grape varieties. Choosing from so many options can be difficult, so we've put together our tips in this article to help you decide what to taste and which are the best Loire wines.
Which are the most famous Châteaux de la Loire?
The Châteaux de la Loire brings together all the French châteaux located around the Loire River, mainly between Nantes and Orléans.
We haven't found an exhaustive list of the châteaux of the Loire, but it wouldn't do you any good as there are probably around 3,000 of them, and most are private and not accessible. How do you choose among so many magical places to visit, and what criteria do you use? Architectural interest, garden, location, our favorites... Here's our selection of 103 castles to discover during your trip. You can also consult:
- Our article on the most beautiful Châteaux in the Loire Valley
- Our 3-day, 4-day, 5-day and 7-day Loire Châteaux tours
Can we celebrate Christmas in the Châteaux de la Loire?
Of course, you can also choose to discover some of the Loire Valley Châteaux during the Christmas holidays. Experience the magic of chateau life and the enchantment of Christmas in December at the Châteaux de Chambord and Chenonceau - see the program and book here.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
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