Discover the Eastern Loire Valley
The eastern Loire Valley, stretching east of Tours, offers a captivating blend of world-class wines, historic châteaux, and picturesque landscapes. This region, known for its crisp Sauvignon Blancs and elegant Pinot Noirs, invites wine enthusiasts and travelers alike to explore its charming towns and prestigious vineyards.
Towns and Villages
Sancerre
Perched on a hilltop, Sancerre boasts stunning views and renowned white wines. Explore its medieval streets and visit the Tour des Fiefs for panoramic vistas of the surrounding vineyards.
Pouilly-sur-Loire
Home to the famous Pouilly-Fumé, this riverside town offers charming wine cellars and tasting rooms. Don’t miss the Pavillon du Milieu de Loire, an interactive museum dedicated to the Loire ecosystem.
Cosne-Cours-sur-Loire
This market town serves as an excellent base for exploring the region. Visit on Wednesdays or Sundays for the vibrant local market, showcasing regional products and wines.
Wine Producers
Domaine Vacheron (Sancerre)
A family-run biodynamic estate producing exceptional Sancerre wines. Book a tasting to sample their single-vineyard offerings and learn about their sustainable practices.
Domaine Didier Dagueneau (Pouilly-Fumé)
Although the legendary winemaker has passed, his children continue his legacy of producing some of the finest Pouilly-Fumé wines. Arrange a visit to taste their distinctive, mineral-driven whites.
Henri Bourgeois (Chavignol)
With a history dating back to 1950, this family estate offers a range of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines. Their modern visitor center provides informative tastings and vineyard tours.
Accommodations
La Côte des Monts Damnés (Sancerre)
This charming hotel offers comfortable rooms with vineyard views. Its on-site restaurant serves local specialties paired with an extensive list of Sancerre wines.
Château de Beaujeu (Sens-Beaujeu)
For a luxurious stay, this restored 15th-century château provides elegant rooms and a peaceful setting amidst its own vineyards. Enjoy wine tastings and gourmet meals on the estate.
Hôtel Le Panoramic (Sancerre)
True to its name, this hotel offers panoramic views of the Loire Valley. Its central location in Sancerre makes it ideal for exploring the town and nearby wineries.
Dining
La Tour (Sancerre)
This Michelin-starred restaurant showcases modern French cuisine using local ingredients. The extensive wine list features the best of Sancerre and neighboring appellations.
Au P’tit Goûter (Pouilly-sur-Loire)
A cozy bistro offering traditional French dishes and an excellent selection of local wines. Try their cheese platter paired with a crisp Pouilly-Fumé.
L’Auberge de l’Ecole (Chavignol)
Famous for its goat cheese dishes, this rustic restaurant is perfect for sampling the region’s renowned Crottin de Chavignol alongside local wines.
Wine Shops & Bars
La Vinée (Sancerre)
This wine shop offers an extensive selection of local wines. Book a tasting session to sample various Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wines.
Le Chai de la Mairie (Pouilly-sur-Loire)
A charming wine bar featuring a rotating selection of local wines. Try their wine flight to compare different producers and vintages.
La Cave des Vins de Sancerre
Located in the heart of Sancerre, this shop stocks wines from over 50 local producers. Ask for recommendations based on your preferences.
Other Shops
Fromagerie Dubois-Boulay (Chavignol)
Specializing in the famous Crottin de Chavignol cheese. Buy some to pair with your newly acquired Sancerre wines.
Les Macarons de Sancerre
A must-visit for sweet treats. Their wine-flavored macarons make unique souvenirs.
Marché de Sancerre
Held every Saturday morning, this market is perfect for local produce and artisanal products.
Attractions
Maison des Sancerre
An interactive museum dedicated to Sancerre wines. Take the virtual tour through the vineyards and learn about winemaking techniques.
Tour de Pouilly-Fumé
This modern wine center offers an immersive experience into Pouilly-Fumé wines. Don’t miss the sensory garden, showcasing the typical aromas found in the wines.
Loire River Cruises
Enjoy a different perspective of the wine region. Book a sunset cruise for stunning views of the vineyards along the riverbanks.
Events
Sancerre Wine Festival
Held annually in August, this festival celebrates local wines and cuisine. Participate in tastings and enjoy live music performances.
Pouilly-Fumé en Fête
A two-day event in July showcasing Pouilly-Fumé wines. Join guided tours of participating wineries and attend masterclasses.
Vendanges en Sancerre
Experience the grape harvest in September. Some wineries offer opportunities to participate in the picking process.
Appellations
Sancerre AOC
Known for crisp white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc. Also produces red and rosé wines from Pinot Noir.
Pouilly-Fumé AOC
Exclusively white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc. Characterized by flinty, smoky notes (hence “Fumé”).
Menetou-Salon AOC
A lesser-known appellation producing white, red, and rosé wines. Offers great value compared to its more famous neighbors.
Grape Varieties
The eastern Loire Valley showcases a diverse range of grape varieties. Sauvignon Blanc reigns supreme in Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, producing crisp, aromatic whites.
Chenin Blanc thrives in Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire, crafting versatile wines from bone-dry to lusciously sweet. Pinot Noir flourishes in cooler areas, yielding elegant reds and rosés.
Main Wine Styles
Eastern Loire Valley wines are known for their freshness and minerality. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé produce zesty, herbaceous whites with citrus notes.
Vouvray offers a spectrum of Chenin Blanc styles, from sparkling to still, dry to sweet. Light, fruity reds from Pinot Noir complement the region’s white wine portfolio.
Food Specialties
- Crottin de Chavignol: A tangy goat cheese, perfect with Sancerre
- Poularde en Vessie: Poached chicken, traditionally served with Vouvray
- Rillettes de Tours: Pork pâté, pairs well with local reds
- Tarte Tatin: Caramelized apple tart, delightful with sweet Chenin Blanc
Drives & Walks
Explore the Route Touristique du Vignoble de Sancerre, a scenic drive through picturesque vineyards and charming villages. Don’t miss the panoramic views from the Sancerre tower.
Take a leisurely stroll along the Loire à Vélo cycling route, offering stunning river views and access to numerous wineries. The Vouvray wine trail provides an excellent walking tour of local cellars.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Enthusiast Tour
- Day 1: Sancerre wine tasting and village exploration
- Day 2: Pouilly-Fumé winery visits and Loire River cruise
- Day 3: Vouvray cellar tours and food pairing experience
5-Day Gourmet Adventure
- Day 1-2: Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wine tours
- Day 3: Cooking class featuring local specialties
- Day 4: Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire wine tasting
- Day 5: Cheese farm visit and picnic in the vineyards
Getting There & Around
The eastern Loire Valley is easily accessible by car or train from Paris. Bourges and Tours serve as major transport hubs for the region.
Renting a car offers the most flexibility for exploring vineyards. Local buses connect major towns, but services can be limited in rural areas.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) offer ideal weather for wine tasting and outdoor activities. These seasons also coincide with key wine events.
Summer (July-August) brings warmer temperatures and larger crowds. Winter (November-March) is quieter but some wineries may have limited hours.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Loire Valley wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic practices. Look for certifications like AB (Agriculture Biologique) or Demeter on wine labels.
The Loire à Vélo cycling route promotes eco-friendly tourism. Some wineries offer electric vehicle charging stations for environmentally conscious visitors.
Language Tips
Basic French phrases are appreciated by locals. Key wine terms include:
- Dégustation: Wine tasting
- Millésime: Vintage
- Sec: Dry
- Doux: Sweet
- Cave: Wine cellar
Further Resources
Official tourism websites provide up-to-date information:
Download wine apps like Vivino or CellarTracker to track and rate your tastings during your trip.