Discover the Loire Valley’s Hidden Gems
Explore the lesser-known western region of the Loire Valley, nestled between Tours and Saumur. This area offers a blend of rich history, picturesque landscapes, and exceptional wines.
Towns and Villages
The region boasts charming towns and villages, each with its own unique character:
- Chinon: Known for its medieval fortress and red wines
- Bourgueil: Home to excellent Cabernet Franc wines
- Azay-le-Rideau: Features a stunning Renaissance château
- Langeais: Offers a well-preserved medieval castle
Wine Producers
Visit these notable wineries for tastings and tours:
- Domaine Charles Joguet in Chinon: Renowned for elegant Cabernet Francs
- Domaine de la Chevalerie in Bourgueil: Organic wines with character
- Château de Coulaine in Chinon: Historic estate producing biodynamic wines
- Domaine Yannick Amirault in Bourgueil: Artisanal winemaking techniques
Accommodations
Stay at these wine-themed accommodations for a unique experience:
- Hôtel Au Charme Rabelaisien in Chinon: Boutique hotel with wine cellar
- Château de Marcay near Chinon: Luxury castle hotel with vineyard views
- La Chancellerie in Huismes: Charming B&B in a historic mansion
- Domaine de la Tortinière in Veigné: Elegant château hotel with wine tastings
Dining
Savor local cuisine and wines at these restaurants:
- Les Années 30 in Chinon: Michelin-starred restaurant with extensive wine list
- L’Hélianthe in Bourgueil: Traditional Loire Valley cuisine paired with local wines
- Au Chapeau Rouge in Chinon: Cozy bistro featuring regional specialties
- La Table de l’Abbaye in Fontevraud: Gourmet dining in a historic abbey setting
Wine Shops & Bars
Explore these local wine shops and bars to taste and purchase regional wines:
- La Cave Voltaire in Chinon: Extensive selection of Loire Valley wines
- Maison des Vins de Bourgueil: Tasting room featuring local producers
- Le Wine Bar in Tours: Cozy spot with a wide range of Loire Valley wines
- La Cave de la Lanterne in Saumur: Well-curated wine shop with expert advice
Other Shops
Don’t miss these local specialty shops:
- La Maison Bleue in Chinon: Artisanal jams and local products
- Fromages et Vins in Saumur: Cheese shop perfect for wine pairings
- Le Safran de Val de Loire in Preuilly-sur-Claise: Saffron and saffron-infused products
- La Chocolaterie Bellanger in Tours: Handmade chocolates and confections
Attractions
Visit these must-see attractions between wine tastings:
- Forteresse Royale de Chinon: Explore the medieval fortress with panoramic views
- Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud: UNESCO World Heritage site with rich history
- Troglodyte caves in Saumur: Unique underground dwellings and wine cellars
- Musée des Beaux-Arts in Tours: Impressive art collection in a historic building
Events
Plan your visit around these wine-related events:
- Chinon Wine Fair (April): Tastings and meetings with local producers
- Bourgueil Wine Marathon (June): Run through vineyards with wine tastings
- Saumur Wine Festival (September): Celebrates the region’s sparkling wines
- Tours Loire Valley Wine Fair (October): Large wine exhibition featuring Loire Valley wines
Appellations
Familiarize yourself with these key wine appellations:
- Chinon AOC: Known for red wines made from Cabernet Franc
- Bourgueil AOC: Produces red and rosé wines from Cabernet Franc
- Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil AOC: Specializes in light, fruity reds
- Vouvray AOC: Famous for white wines made from Chenin Blanc
Grape Varieties
The west of Tours and Saumur region boasts a diverse range of grape varieties. Cabernet Franc reigns supreme for red wines, while Chenin Blanc dominates the white wine production.
- Red: Cabernet Franc, Gamay, Pinot Noir
- White: Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay
Main Wine Styles
This Loire Valley area produces a wide array of wine styles. Dry and sweet white wines from Chenin Blanc are particularly noteworthy.
- Crisp, dry whites (Vouvray, Saumur)
- Full-bodied reds (Chinon, Bourgueil)
- Sparkling wines (Crémant de Loire)
- Sweet wines (Coteaux du Layon)
Food Specialties
The region’s cuisine perfectly complements its wines. Local goat cheeses pair exceptionally well with the area’s white wines.
- Rillettes de Tours (pork spread)
- Fouace (traditional bread)
- Poire Tapée (dried pears)
- Loire River fish dishes
Drives & Walks
Explore the picturesque Loire Valley landscapes through scenic drives and walks. The Route des Vignobles offers a fantastic way to discover local wineries.
- Loire à Vélo cycling route
- Vineyard hikes in Chinon
- Scenic drive from Saumur to Montsoreau
Itineraries
Plan your wine adventure with these suggested itineraries. A 3-day tour allows for a good overview of the region’s wine offerings.
3-Day Wine Tour
- Day 1: Saumur wineries and castle visit
- Day 2: Chinon vineyards and medieval town exploration
- Day 3: Vouvray tastings and Tours city tour
Week-long Exploration
- Days 1-2: Saumur and surroundings
- Days 3-4: Chinon and Bourgueil
- Days 5-6: Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire
- Day 7: Tours and final tastings
Getting There & Around
The Loire Valley is easily accessible from Paris. Tours serves as the main hub for exploring the wine region.
- By train: TGV from Paris Montparnasse to Tours (1 hour)
- By car: A10 motorway from Paris (2.5 hours)
- Local transportation: Rent a car or use the efficient bus network
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit is late spring to early fall. September offers perfect weather and the excitement of harvest season.
- May-June: Mild weather, fewer crowds
- July-August: Warmest months, busy with tourists
- September-October: Harvest season, wine festivals
Sustainability Efforts
Many Loire Valley wineries are embracing sustainable practices. Look for organic and biodynamic certifications on wine labels.
- Domaine de la Chevalerie: Organic viticulture since 2008
- Domaine des Roches Neuves: Biodynamic practices
- Château de Villeneuve: Sustainable farming methods
Language Tips
Basic French phrases enhance your wine tasting experience. Learn these wine-related terms to impress locals:
- “Santé!” – Cheers!
- “Je voudrais goûter ce vin” – I’d like to taste this wine
- “C’est délicieux” – It’s delicious
- “Sec” – Dry “Doux” – Sweet
Further Resources
Enhance your Loire Valley wine knowledge with these resources:
- Loire Valley Wines Official Website
- Loire Valley Tourism Board
- Book: “The Wines of the Loire Valley” by Jacqueline Friedrich
- App: Vivino for quick wine label scanning and ratings
