Domaine Filliatreau, in the charming artists' village of Turquant in the Loire, was one of our finest discoveries in the Saumur region. A multi-faceted green setting, we visited a unique troglodytic site beneath the vines and tasted exceptional wines. As the icing on the cake, you can enjoy a beautiful sound and light show of the Grande Vignolle in a cave, so get ready to awaken your 5 senses?
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Domaine Filliatreau near Saumur.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to Domaine Filliatreau worthwhile?
Yes, in our eyes, Domaine Filliatreau near Saumur is well worth a visit. This winery is nestled in a troglodytic setting in the artists' village of Turquant. After our bespoke wine tasting, we were given a tour of the estate and its vineyards, much to our delight. And don't forget the Logis seigneurial, where troglodyte dwellings carved out of tufa stone will amaze you!
In our eyes, it's one of the finest estates near Saumur. We've also listed it among the best wine cellars in the Loire.
What you can see
Domaine Filliatreau wines
We were pleasantly surprised to discover that Domaune Filliatreau's cuvées are produced using sustainable viticulture methods. This estate specializes in the production of Saumur and Saumur Champigny appellation wines.
We had the pleasure of tasting it. Light, fruity with aromas of red fruits and well-balanced, this wine seduced us and we left with a few bottles bought on the spot.
The immensity of the estate
Like us, you'll surely be amazed by the immensity of Domaine Filliatreau, which covers almost 45 hectares. We loved this place where know-how, family heritage, history and terroir come together. The estate includes the Grande Vignolle troglodytic site, which alone covers 6 hectares.
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.
The vineyards
Did you know that it is a pioneer in the transition to organic farming in the region? All Domaine Filliatreau vines are now processed to meet organic production criteria. We understood that this was a strong desire on the part of the winegrowers. The vineyards and the know-how required to maintain and cultivate them have been handed down from generation to generation.
The Logis seigneurial or troglodyte dwellings
As our tour progressed, we came across La Grande Vignolle, now part of Domaine Filliatreau. On 150m of hillside, we visited the Logis seigneurial, which houses ancient troglodytic dwellings carved out of tufa stone quarries. This stone was used to build the Châteaux de la Loire. Built under the vines in the 15th century, this dwelling was inhabited until 1950. Fascinating, isn't it?
The living room
Explanatory signs helped us find our way along the route. Let's start with the living room, where the furniture has been preserved. It was in this room that the lord and his family enjoyed their meals. Cooking was also prepared there. We liked the brightness of the room, enhanced by the 2 large glass doors.
The chapel
This stone-cut dwelling even includes a 16th-century chapel! In the past, owning a chapel on the grounds of one's home was an outward sign of wealth for great families. We learned from the educational explanations on display that this place of worship and prayer was reserved for family use.
The library
Let's move on to the library, where the brightness and serenity of the place made us want to pull out a book and relax. On the right, you'll notice that the room was heated by a chimney. The presence of a library in a Renaissance dwelling is another indicator of the wealth and erudition of the seigneurial family. At the time, only 5% of the population could read.
The children's room
The next room in this stately home is the nursery. We appreciated the color and material of the original 16th-century parquet flooring. This is a so-called "Versailles" parquet floor. What you'll see on site is only a remnant of the original parquet flooring that was maintained when the site was bought by the Filliatreau family in 1990.
Sound and light show
At Domaine Filliatreau, we also enjoyed a sensory experience that awakened all 5 of our senses! In the caves of this troglodytic site, we were treated to an amazing light and sound show.
The program features magic and color on the walls of these rocky caves. You'll also be treated to a beautifully staged historical tale. A fun and surprising moment for us!
Map of parcels
To help you find your way around and visualize the extent and configuration of the estate, a plot plan is available. For our part, this enabled us to position Domaine Filliatreau geographically in relation to other nearby wineries near Château de Montsoreau and Château de Saumur. It's a must-see on the Loire wine route (see our article here).
The dovecote
Our tour of the troglodyte site ended with a visit to the pigeon loft, a small building where pigeons were raised. We were charmed by this listed building, which became a garden salon in the 18th century. You can picnic there, and a bottle of Domaine Filliatreau wine will be offered to you (see details below).
WHERE TO STAY IN Saumur
Downtown
Enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
- Hotel Saint Pierre - a historic stay! - see prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Château La Marquise - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Anne d'Anjou - prices, pictures and availability
In the countryside around
Looking for a bit of peace and quiet, without straying too far from the city of Angers? Here's our suggestion:
- Hotel Demeure de la Vignole - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel Joly Foudres - unusual in barrels - prices, pictures and availability
- Hotel de l'abbaye de Fontevraud - prices, pictures and availability
Domaine Filliatreau in Turquant: access
Where is Domaine Filliatreau located?
- In the village of Turquant
- Near Saumur = 15 minutes by car and 25 minutes by bike
- Take rue de la Croix de Chaintre
- The address is La Grande Vignolle, Route de Montsoreau, Turquant.
Access by car and parking
We strongly recommend that you get there by car, as it's the easiest and most convenient way. Parking is available at the entrance to the estate.
Public transport access
Access is still very limited by public transport other than by car or bicycle.
Visiting difficulties
A few steps lead up to the building where the tour begins. We have not identified any particular difficulties. If you're claustrophobic, the Logis seigneurial is located in the troglodytic site beneath the vines, but windows let in light (so you won't be completely underground the whole time). Be aware, however, that the Grande Vignolle sound and light show takes place in the underground caves. Temperatures can be lower than outdoors, so bring appropriate clothing.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
Tips for visiting Domaine Filliatreau
Schedules and prices
Schedules:
- Estate open daily from April to October, 10 am to 6 pm
- The site is open out of season, but opening times may vary.
Rates:
- Free wine tasting for up to 10 people
- Wine tasting for more than 10 people: €1.50 per person
- Self-guided tour of the Logis seigneurial (troglodytic site)
- Sound and light show: full price 7€ per person/4 to 18 years old 5€/ free under 4 years old
- Wine tasting with local charcuterie and cheese: €7 per person for groups of 10 or more
- Picnic possible in the pigeon loft with 1 bottle offered (max. 8 people): 60€.
See the latest news on the official website here.
How long
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.
Best moment
Opt for a visit between April and October for greater availability and longer opening hours. The estate remains open out of season, with variable opening hours. However, note that the summer period is synonymous with large crowds in the Loire region, so if you prefer to avoid the crowds, visit in spring, autumn or winter.
Direction of visit
There's no set direction for the tour, as itineraries are tailor-made on site, depending on whether you choose the show too. You can start with the tasting, then head to the Logis seigneurial on the troglodyte site, before finishing with the show and the pigeon loft.
Visiting with children
The tour is accessible to children. We're sure the troglodytic caves will delight the whole family! It can be quite fun and educational to show what life is like on a winery, and to understand the place of this unique know-how in the region. Last but not least, the sound and light show is sure to leave young and old speechless, with its colorful, extravagant characters and historical narrative in an unusual setting.
Eating out
There is no on-site restaurant, but the estate does offer wine tasting with local charcuterie and cheeses, in partnership with local artisans. You can also bring your own picnic to enjoy in the pigeon loft, with a complimentary bottle of wine (also by reservation for up to 8 people).
Also, you're only a 10-minute drive from Saumur, so check out our selection of the town's best restaurants.
Hotels
You're close to Saumur, which is a great place to stay. Here is our selection of the best hotels in Saumur. If you'd like to extend the experience in troglodytic caves:
- opt for a troglodyte hotel at Logis Demeure de la Vignolle - see prices, photos and availability
- or sleep in a château and spend an unforgettable night at Château de Brézé - see details here.
DISCOVER Saumur
- Best things to do in Saumur
- Where to sleep in Saumur: best hotels
- Where to eat in Saumur: best restaurants
- Visit the Château de Saumur
- Visit Fontevraud Abbey
- The most beautiful castles around Saumur
- Saumur's troglodytes
- itineraries: weekend
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
