WINE TRIPS IN THE LOIRE VALLEY
Loire Valley wine holidays
Following the Loire River is a great way to grasp the nuances and diversity of the region’s vineyards that have so much to offer. Nature is at the forefront of many of the wineries now implementing innovative, organic practices, which the winemakers can explain on easy-to-follow tours. While wine tasting and food-wine pairing may be your main goal, why not take friends and family on a side trip to the troglodyte village in Rochemenier? Or go on a romantic tour of one of the many medieval or Renaissance castles.
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625 €
per pers.
Olivier Poussier, World Champion Sommelier in 2000, opens the doors of fabulous wine estate in Savennières and Saumur-Champigny, and invites you to taste his seasonal food and wine pairings.2 days | 1 night -
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150 €
per pers.
NewNear Nantes, discover the lands of Muscadet, a dry white wine, for a stay. Sleep at the property and discover the secrets of Burgundy melon, this fabulous grape variety!2 days | 1 night -
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145 €
per pers.
The perfect gift for exploring the Loire Valley appellations : Sancerre, Anjou, Touraine. Choose your destination and travel among vines close to the Loire.2 days | 1 night -
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195 €
per pers.
In Anjou, discover the grape varieties specific to the territory: the dry and mellow Chenin Blanc and the Cabernet Franc which shape authentic and lively terroir wines.2 days | 1 night -
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295 €
per pers.
Close to the famous Châteaux of the Loire and the vineyard of Vouvray, enjoy a getaway for two: private tasting, dinner and castle tour.2 days | 1 night -
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340 €
per pers.
Experience the Saumur way of life! This two-day getaway highlights the traditions, cuisine and wines of Saumur and its surroundings. You'll stay in an exceptional historic setting, visit a cave carved in tuffeau stone, enjoy a gastronomic dinner, explore a...2 days | 1 night -
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270 €
per pers.
Explore the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and immerse yourself in the world of wines from the Touraine vineyards through exclusive cellar tours and tastings.3 days | 2 nights -
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315 €
per pers.
NewLooking for a unique and unconventional experience? This trip takes you on an unprecedented journey along the Sancerre route with a Jeep tour of the vineyards, wine tastings, and a night in an unusual accommodation!2 days | 1 night -
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210 €
per pers.
At the crossroads of three provinces -Anjou, Poitou, and Touraine- explore the first red wine appellation of the Loire Valley, Chinon, and its neighbor, Bourgueil. Both are known for the single grape variety: Cabernet Franc.2 days | 1 night -
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110 €
per pers.
NewYour day of discovery of the Anjou appellations takes you to meet three wine estates. Tastings and lunch included1 day -
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295 €
per pers.
Drive through the roads of Anjou vineyard along the Loire river and discover the wine châteaux and domains. A surprising wine weekend break!3 days | 2 nights -
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215 €
per pers.
Discover Sancerre and Pouilly appellations and be surprised by wine and goat cheese tasting during your wine week-end at the heart of the Loire Valley.2 days | 1 night
A peek at Loire Valley appellations and wines
Stretching from the Atlantic coast near Nantes, eastward through the central part of France to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, the region is renowned for having two distinct climates (ocean and continental influences) and a variety of wine styles. There are five key sub-regions: Nantes (where the main grape variety is Melon de Bourgogne, producing light, crisp, dry whites), Anjou-Saumur (with Chenin Blanc the signature grape for whites, and Cabernet Franc for typically light, fresh, and aromatic reds), Touraine (known for its exceptional Chenin Blanc and Chinon wines), Central Loire (Sancerre, famous for its crisp, mineral Sauvignon Blancs, and Pouilly-Fumé, noted for the smoky character of its wines) and Côteaux du Layon and Bonnezeaux (rich, honeyed, and complex sweet wines with great ageing potential).
Experience a Loire Valley bill of fare
Loire Valley wines are extremely versatile when it comes to pairing. With oysters and shellfish, Muscadet is a perfect choice. Cabernet Franc wines are ideal with Mediterranean dishes, grilled meats and charcuterie – rillettes de Tours, for example. You can’t go wrong when you pair Sauvignon Blanc with fresh vegetables or a Crottin de Chavignol goat cheese. Chenin Blanc wines that range from dry to sweet go well with an assortment of foods such as poultry, cheese or spicy dishes. And for dessert, try the local nougat de Touraine with a glass of Anjou Côteaux.
Loire Valley tour highlights
The central part of the Loire Valley has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2000. That and the rest of the Loire Valley’s diversity including its historic towns, architecture, wines and terroir make it a fascinating region for wine enthusiasts to visit and explore.
Getting to the Loire Valley
By plane: You can of course fly into Paris Charles de Gaulle airport then take a train or drive. There are also three airports in the Loire Valley with connections to and from destinations in the rest of Europe. Tours Loire Valley Airport (flights from London Stansted and Dublin), Nantes Airport (the largest with flights to and from the UK and continental Europe) and the smaller Poitiers Airport with flights to and from London and Dublin.
By train: From the Charles de Gaulle airport, there are high-speed (TGV) trains to either Angers St Laud or Tours Saint Pierres-des-Corps stations, where you can take local trains or hire a car. You can also catch a train from stations in central Paris.
By car: You can drive yourself or hire a car and head for the region’s wine country and any of its charming towns and villages (Anjou, Nantes, Chinon, Angers, Sancerre, etc.) in the surrounding area.