From sun-drenched vineyards to cellars steeped in history, the Loire offers an incomparable sensory journey! Whether you're a wine lover, a connoisseur or just curious, each winery promises an immersion in the world of Loire viticulture.
In this article, we invite you to take your taste buds on a journey through the best Loire Valley wine tastings, accompanied by vineyard visits. Between refined wines and breathtaking panoramas, come and discover the history of the terroir that blends with the art of tasting. A wine experience you won't forget!
Use our practical tips and our many photos to plan your ideal getaway. See our selection of the best tastings 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 3 favorite Loire Valley wine tastings
Before discovering our detailed opinions on each of the selected tastings, here are our 3 favorites:
- Touraine wine tour - See prices, photos and availability
- Tour of Chinon, lunch and wine tasting at the winery - See program
- Visit and wine tasting in the cellars of the Château de Chenonceau - Find out more
1. Discover wine cellars and vineyards in Amboise
Why do we recommend this tasting?
We set off to discover the emblematic vineyards of Touraine, the cradle of Loire wines from Chinon to Orléans. This more protected terroir reveals a geological diversity that gives its wines a unique richness, the legacy of a long winegrowing tradition. After your departure from Tours or Amboise, you'll first be immersed in the art of winemaking during a guided tour. Geography and terroir of the estate, a visit to a modern winery and the wine-making process: you'll learn a lot from this 1st stop.
The wine tasting will reveal typical Touraine whites, reds and rosés, accompanied by delicious local cheeses. Will you opt for a Chenin, Sauvignon or Chardonnay white? If you prefer red or rosé wines, Gamay, Cabernet Franc, Cot and Pinot Noir are the most popular. We liked the possibility of visiting a 2nd winery. Take a stroll through the vineyards and broaden your knowledge of wine. A new tasting experience awaits you, accompanied by regional charcuterie specialities such as rillettes and rillons. Enjoy your meal!
What you will see
In our opinion, this tasting is well worth the effort:
- vineyard visits
- explanations, by a local guide, adapted to your level of wine knowledge
- English- and French-speaking guides
- in-cellar wine tastings
- wine and food pairings by a sommelier with local delicatessen and cheese dishes
How much time should I allow?
If you're exploring the Caves Ambacia in Amboise, allow 1h30 for a sensory visit with wine tasting and discovery of the terroir (food and wine pairings of your choice).
For the Touraine wine tour, with visits to 2 estates, allow an afternoon (half-day).
Our selection for you:
- Touraine wine tour with tasting - See prices, photos and availability
- Visit to the Ambacia cellars and wine tasting - See program
- Wine tasting with a visit to Chambord and Chenonceau - Find out more
2. Walking near Vouvray and its vineyards
Why do we recommend this tasting?
Come with us to the splendid vineyards of the Loire Valley in Vouvray, a region renowned for its elegant wines. Soak up the local know-how on a cellar tour. Learn the art of tasting wines from this famous appellation. You'll notice that Vouvray wines, mainly made from the Chenin grape, offer a range of white flavors: sparkling, still, dry, soft or mellow. Their golden gowns and sparkle set them apart visually, which intrigued us greatly.
Located between Tours and Amboise, the AOP Vouvray vineyards offered us a peaceful, picturesque stroll, with rows of vines as far as the eye could see. Meeting local winemakers, you'll travel between vineyards, traditional vats and cellars. An enriching immersion in the region's winegrowing history!
What you will see
On this tour of the Vouvray region, you'll discover..:
- verdant vineyards as far as the eye can see
- wine cellars for tasting wines from the Vouvray appellation
- picturesque communes of Vouvray and Montlouis
- tastings of local cheeses paired with wines
- English- and French-speaking guides
How much time should I allow?
Your choice depends entirely on what you're looking for! We offer a selection of 1 half-day or 1 full-day guided tours, depending on your length of stay and preferences.
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
3. Tour Domaine Filliatreau in Saumur
Why do we recommend this tasting?
Another great discovery during our Loire tour: Domaine Filliatreau near Saumur! This winery is nestled in a troglodytic setting in the artists' village of Turquant. After our wine tasting, we had the opportunity to visit the estate and its vineyards, much to our delight. The troglodyte dwellings will surprise you! Marvel at a fascinating sensory light and sound show entitled "La Grande Vignolle". Our visit to Domaine Filliatreau, a harmonious blend of vineyard, troglodytic cellars and historical heritage, won us over.
This showcase for Domaine Filliatreau wines will charm and amaze you, as it does us, with its many facets. This estate is one of our must-sees in the Loire Valley!
What you will see
We see several advantages to this wine-tasting excursion:
- Domaine Filliatreau wine tasting
- visit to the cellars and vineyards
- cave dwellings
- la Grande Vignolle" sound and light show
- More information on the official website here.
How much time should I allow?
Allow at least 1 hour for tasting the full range of the estate's products. If you'd like to explore the vineyards, visit the cellars and troglodyte dwellings and then enjoy the show in part of the caves, allow 2 to 2.5 hours.
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.
4. Take a wine tour of Chinon and Bourgueil
Why do we recommend this tasting?
Next stop, the medieval town of Chinon! Its emblematic wines and historic fortress won us over. The vast and diverse Chinon AOC revealed surprising terroirs from one winemaker to the next. In conversation with these wine artisans, we learned about the impact of history and climate on these grands crus. Next, discovering the Bourgueil AOC, we were enchanted by the Bourgueil of winemaker Xavier Courant, in Saint Patrice, with its natural, organic and biodynamic principles. All the more reason to organize a wine tour of this Unesco World Heritage destination with a local guide.
The vineyards and troglodytic cellars will leave you speechless, before you embark on a meal in the heart of the vineyards, combining tradition and gastronomy. From vineyard tours to tastings of local red and white wines, we've got you covered!
What you will see
In our opinion, this tasting tour is well worth the effort:
- tasting of prestigious local wines
- guided tours of several wineries and cellars
- stroll through the vineyards
- local meal among the vines (depending on option chosen)
- English- and French-speaking guides
How much time should I allow?
Whichever option you choose, we recommend that you allow 1 full day for this visit.
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
5. Explore the vineyards of Nantes
Why do we recommend this tasting?
Let's continue our journey along the Loire wine route. This time, let's head west together to discover the unique terroir of the Pays nantais. Situated between the mouth of the Loire River and the Ancenis region, this vineyard is characterized by its flat landscapes, often swept by Atlantic winds. Here, we enjoyed tasting 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, rediscovered and re-planted by passionate winemakers, had already flourished here in the 15th century? A historical and tasty discovery worth exploring.
What you will see
This tour can be interesting for us because..:
- visit to the Nantes vineyards
- wine tasting of several different appellations
- unusual places along the river or on the slopes overlooking the Loire
- meet the winemaker at the winery
- visit to the medieval town of Clisson around its castle
- English- and French-speaking guides
How much time should I allow?
Allow half a day for this excursion, including tasting and tour.
Discover the Pays nantais vineyards with an excursion to a winery and reserve your place now!
6. Bike tour of the Loire with wine tasting
Why do we recommend this tasting?
Combine long bike rides along the Loire with wine tasting and cellar visits, a must for enjoying the region! Did you know that the Loire River cycle route covers 900km? It's the perfect way to plan a superb trip along the riverbanks, with views of the surrounding châteaux and vineyards! This 2-wheeled escapade really relaxed us. Ahead of us, the scenery was breathtaking as we crossed the vineyards. You'll even have the opportunity to picnic in these exotic surroundings.
What you will see
We feel that this tasting excursion has a number of advantages:
- cycling along the Loire and its tributaries
- secure bicycle paths
- moments of relaxation and well-being outdoors
- immersion in the unspoilt nature of the Loire banks
- vineyards as far as the eye can see, including the hills of the Saumur Champigny appellation and the AOC Chinon wine-growing area
- tasting with local wine and food pairings
- meetings with artisan winemakers
- Mountain bikes with helmets included
How much time should I allow?
We have selected 1 or 2-day options to suit your needs. Discover all our advice on the Loire by bike here.
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
7. Enjoy gastronomy with wine tasting at Chenonceau
Why do we recommend this tasting?
Have you heard of the Château de Chenonceau, a UNESCO World Heritage site? We no longer need to introduce you to this famous Loire château, considered to be one of the most beautiful in the world! Did you know that wine tastings are held in the Caves des Dômes in the stone basement of this majestic Renaissance building? Enjoy one or more Touraine-Chenonceaux AOC wines in this unique setting. Linked to the world-renowned château of the same name, this appellation reflects a perfect harmony between nature and architecture. The wines of Touraine-Chenonceaux, in a semi-continental climate, offer luminous whites and intense reds, testifying to passionate know-how.
The château's double-storey gallery, overlooking the Cher river, is also emblematic of its elegance. We were charmed by the play of light and reflections on the river, offering magnificent views from every room. A unique experience, combining wine quality and architectural majesty, a promise of beautiful memories!
What you will see
We enjoyed this wine-tasting excursion:
- visit one of the Loire Valley's most emblematic châteaux
- e-bike ride along the river and its tributaries, depending on the option chosen
- electric bikes and helmets
- picnic with local flavours
- AOC Touraine-Chenonceaux wine tasting in the Cave des Dômes
How much time should I allow?
For an electric bike tour of Chenonceau with wine tasting, allow a good half-day.
If you don't opt for the guided e-bike tour, you have 2 options:
- choose a 2-hour guided tour of the château with an accredited guide,
- visit by your own means and allow a minimum of 4 hours to visit the château and the entire estate.
The estate park is not too large. A 5km walk will take you all the way around (excluding the forest).
Is the tour family-friendly?
For your visit with little ones, strollers are available at the entrance to the estate. This will give you access to the entire park and to the first floor of the château. Baby bottle warmers are available in the estate's restaurants, as are changing tables in the toilets.
There is no special tour for children. However, they will have a lot of fun with the labyrinth or the donkey park.
The guided bike tour is open to children aged 14 and over, who will be served non-alcoholic drinks during the wine tasting.
We have selected several options for visiting the Château de Chenonceau:
- Guided electric bike tour with picnic and wine - Find out more
- Guided tour (tasting not included) - Reserve your place
- Admission to Château de Chenonceau (on-site tasting not included) - Find out more
- Chambord and Chenonceau with wine tasting - Reserve your place
8. Immerse yourself in the Ackerman troglodyte cellars in Saumur
Why do we recommend this tasting?
We were keen to visit Caves Ackerman, the Val-de-Loire's 1st and oldest house of fine bubbles. 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
What we liked about this original tasting:
- guided tour of troglodyte cellars (in French, upon reservation)
- guided tour for a complete and immersive oenological exploration
- discover the secrets of making great vintages
- contemporary art exhibitions
- wine tasting with commentary in French and English
- Food and wine pairings to appreciate the Loire terroir
How much time should I allow?
Expect to spend between 45min and 1h30 on site, depending on the visit option chosen (simple wine tasting with commentary or accompanied by a guided tour of the cellars). Consult the latest timetables here.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely! You can plan a family outing here, as it's a fun and surprising place for young and old alike. A tasting of sparkling grape juice (without alcohol) will be offered to the children. Please note: this is a PMR-accessible venue if you're travelling with a baby carriage.
A visit to the Caves troglodytes Ackerman in Saumur is part of our selection of must-sees in the town to browse here.
9. Taste the wines of Sancerre in the vineyards of Centre
Why do we recommend this tasting?
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 Sancerre and Pouilly wine-growing areas 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
How much time should I allow?
Allow 1 full day to try one of the wine-tasting excursions 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.
In 1 day:
- Wine tasting of the Sancerre and Pouilly appellations with gourmet lunch and cellar tours - See the program and make a reservation
- Discover the wines of Sancerre and Pouilly-fumé with local goat's cheese and visit medieval villages - See the program and make a reservation
From Paris:
- Sancerre and Pouilly-fumé wine tasting in the Loire (from Paris) - View program and book
10. Explore the vineyards of Château de Brissac near Angers
Why do we recommend this tasting?
On the Anjou wine route, 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 boasts a 26.5-hectare vineyard, 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
In our view, this tasting offers several advantages:
- magnificent 26.5-hectare vineyard at Château de Brissac
- sublime 7-storey Loire château (highest in Europe)
- château wine tasting under the stone vaults of the cellar
- 70-hectare landscaped park on the château grounds
How much time should I allow?
Allow between 2h and 2h30 to visit Château de Brissac and tour the vineyards, stables and park.
Is the tour family-friendly?
Château de Brissac does not offer specific activities for children. However, as the interior is limited (9 rooms) and the exterior is vast, it can be a good introduction to visiting castles. Reduced rates will be offered according to their age.
Read our article on Château de Brissac near Angers.
11. Stop off at the Maison des Vins de Cheverny
Why do we recommend this tour?
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. Will you be tempted by AOP Crémant de Loire, the region's fine bubbles?
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!
On our way, of course, we stopped off 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.
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 lands as far as the eye can see and château vineyards
- 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!
12. Visit the Maison des Vins du Château de Chambord
Why do we recommend this tasting?
As the jewel of the Châteaux de la Loire, we were delighted to discover that the Domaine de Chambord also has its own Maison des Vins. You'll have the opportunity to enjoy a remarkable sensory and visual experience, with wines from AOC Cheverny and Cour Cheverny. Walking on glass slabs above the bottles, immerse yourself in a sleek, pleasant space. The tasting showcases some fifty AOC Cheverny white, red and rosé wines, as well as AOC Cour-Cheverny. The choice is yours! Whether you opt for a guided or self-service tasting, information about the wineries will be shared with you via a connected system, using modern technology. Two tasting options are available: 3 wines of the day for free, or 3 wines of your choice for €4 with a glass and a magnetic card.
The Château de Chambord, famous for its revolutionary architecture, double staircase and decorative fireplaces, is the largest of the Loire Valley Châteaux. Built in the largest enclosed forest in France, it symbolizes the power of François I in the 16th century, and has welcomed the likes of Louis XIV. Our visit combined oenological discovery and exceptional heritage, and we have excellent memories of it.
What you will see
In our opinion, this wine-tasting excursion is well worth the detour:
- visit to one of the region's most beautiful castles, Château de Chambord
- regional wine tasting at the Maison des Vins de Chambord
- guided tour and high-tech wine cellar experience
- the sublime French gardens of the Domaine de Chambord
- Hôtel Relais Chambord for an unforgettable night on the estate
How much time should I allow?
To visit the château and gardens, we recommend you allow at least 3 hours. Allow a full day if you'd like to take part in an activity (boat trip, etc.) or stroll through the estate's forest!
Is the tour family-friendly?
Château de Chambord is child-friendly! They even have a dedicated area on the 2nd floor of the dungeon, called "Le logis des enfants", with 16 activities for discovery and experimentation (sound experiments, manipulable installations...). The content is available in French and English, and is accessible from the age of 3. The hall is open from 9am to 5:30pm with free access.
To visit the rest of the château and its formal gardens, enigma books for 7-12 year-olds are on sale at the reception desk and estate ticket office.
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
To visit Château de Chambord on your own, with tasting included, book your ticket now.
13. Explore the Maison Louis de Grenelle underground cellars
Why do we recommend this tasting?
We enjoyed our visit to Maison Louis de Grenelle in Saumur. It produces exceptional sparkling wines and is just a few yards from the Church of Notre-Dame-de-Nantilly, which is also well worth a visit. Combining tastings and historical accounts, this tour is a great way to learn more about wine. The company is renowned for its high-quality sparkling wines, made using traditional methods. Its varied range of sparkling wines, including crémants de Loire, fine bubbles and special cuvées, won us over. In fact, why not take home a bottle to extend your trip?
We loved exploring these ancient tufa quarries. Did you know that they were once used to build the Châteaux of the Loire Valley?
What you will see
For us, this guided tour is worth the detour for several reasons:
- Troglodytic site and caves, circulation through underground galleries plunged into darkness
- Wine tasting
- English- and French-speaking guides
- Explanations and tours to improve your knowledge of wine-making and its history
Please note: bring a sweater for the visit to this eternally 12°C location. We do not recommend this activity if you suffer from claustrophobia.
How much time should I allow?
Allow 30 minutes for the tour, followed by a 30-minute tasting session. Book your visit here.
Maison Louis de Grenelle is one of our must-see ideas for Saumur!
14. Pushing open the doors of Distillerie Combier
Why do we recommend this tasting?
For us, the Distillerie Combier in Saumur is a must. Our visit was both instructive and dynamic, revealing the history of Maison Combier and the secrets of distillation. Old and innovative, this distillery is one of the oldest in the Pays de la Loire region. The 10 stills room, designed by Gustave Eiffel's engineers, is a treasure trove of ingenuity! The icing on the cake: a final tasting of the emblematic products brought our experience to a delightful close. With and without alcohol, we discovered liqueurs and syrups, revealing original flavors. Our immersive tour ended in the boutique, where we tasted elixirs of excellence such as Original Combier, sweet and bitter, and Giffard syrups with their floral and fruity fragrances. A sensory exploration that leaves us with a memorable taste experience!
What you will see
This guided tour ends with a tasting and is well worth the detour:
- discover distillation techniques and alcohol production
- tasting of the distillery's signature products
- exceptional recipes from Maison Combier (syrups, digestifs, liqueurs)
- innovation and exceptional know-how
- astonishing still room (distillation apparatus)
How much time should I allow?
It will take you between 30min and 1h to discover the distillery, its history, stills and elixirs.
Read our full article on Distillerie Combier in Saumur
Frequently asked questions
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. Find out more here, or in our article on wine tours 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.
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.
Is there such a thing as Loire "champagne"?
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. If you're looking for a magical experience that combines true champagne and Loire wines, opt for this excursion from Paris to tour these unique wine regions - See prices, availability and bookings
What are the best wine tours in the Loire Valley?
With its picturesque landscapes, renowned vineyards and rich architectural heritage, the Loire is one of the world's most emblematic wine-growing regions. Would you like to combine a visit to one of the Loire Valley's most beautiful châteaux with a wine tasting session? It's a great idea, and we've listed the best tours on the Loire wine route to make it easy for you!
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
HE MADE THE TRIP Manu
