A suggested route to take and attractions to visit when travelling through the Loire Valley starts from Orleans and travels to the main towns of Blois, Tours and Angers. There are a multitude of villages, towns, vineyards and historic sites along the way; we have included just a few that you might like to try.
Orleans
The University town that Joan of Arc liberated from the English in 1429 has since been badly damaged by tragedies such as WWII, and consequently rebuilt. The highlight of Orleans is the old district of Vieux Orleans. Here you will find the more preserved sites of historical interest including the Place du Martoi and its statue of Joan of Arc.
The Museum of Fine Art
This art museum is housed in the old Town Hall not far from Place Ste Croix. The saints are subjects of reverence and there are also exhibits from Monet, Renoir, Gaugin, Rouault, Picasso and Duffy.
House of Joan of Arc
La Maison de Jeanne d’Arc holds a museum to celebrate and remember the local heroine. The building, although with original features, has been restored using pieces of neighbouring properties.
The Cathedral of Ste-Croix
This large Gothic building, of Notre Dame de Paris, has proportions that are quirky, rather than beautiful. With an array of later additions to the 13th century original, the cathedral boasts some fantastic wooden carvings in the choir stalls and a colourful stained glass tribute to Ste Jeanne d'Arc.
Surrounding districts of Orléans
The district around Orléans is called Loiret, and here you may come across the Malesherbe castle, and the Meung-sur-Loire Castle. South of Orléans on the route that leads to Nevers, is Germigny-des-Prés, where you will find a small and quaint chapel of ornate and exquisite décor and mosaics. This is approximately 30 kilometres from Orleans. Following this route along the Loire river is the town of St-Benoit-sur-Loire and its beautiful Romanesque abbey. Passing on through to Sully you will come across the breathtaking Chateau de Sully-sur-Loire.
Chateau de Sully
Sully is situated further east of Orléans and is rather sadly often missed on the Chateau trail. A moated chateau, Sully is surrounded on all sides by the river Sange. A fortress has been here since the 9th century, however the present day building was constructed in the 14th century and later updated in the 15th and 17th centuries. A classic chateau and one of a kind, it boasts medieval architecture with gorgeous Renaissance additions. Commissioned by the royal servant Sully (or Maximilien de Béthune) the later additions included the Renaissance wing with wooden ceilings and fantastic tapestries, but more fascinating is the medieval ‘Great Hall’ that still has its impressive open roof timbers.
The Chateau of Saint Brisson, heading further southwards towards Gien, has an exhibition and display of medieval weapons and artillery. The town of Gien itself is dominated by a large Chateau housing a hunting museum and church. Sancerre, boasts an 11th-12th century, Basilica of Notre Dame and further south are the vineyards of Pouilly. The provincial town of Nevers (really on the border of Burgundy and the Loire) is home to the lovely Renaissance Palais Ducal, an ancient cathedral and the Municipal Museum, in addition to the 11th century Church of St-Etienne. About an hour east of Nevers is the small town of Bourges, where you can visit a superb Natural History Museum and the Cathedral of St-Etienne.
Running south from Orleans on the alternative N20 route you find the enchanting town of La Source and the gorgeous region of Sologne. Continuing south along this route is the town of Vierzon and medieval Bourges, in the marshlands of the Berry. In the beautiful town of Bourges you can visit, amongst other places, the Saint Etienne Cathedral, which is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the lovely Jacques Coeur Palace.
To the southwest along the Loire, towards Blois, you will find the quaint town of Clery-St-Andre, whose church houses the tombs of Louis XI and his wife Charlotte of Savoy. In addition to this, there is the Renaissance Chapel of James, which boasts a lavish interior adorned with exquisite carvings. The small town of Beaugency has medieval castle ruins, the fascinating 'Museum of Art and Traditions of Orleans' and the Abbey Church of Notre Dame.
Blois
Blois is a pretty town situated further west along the Loire River, the next major town from Orléans. It is a thriving medieval town, once thought of as the capital of France, and is dominated by its grand chateau. It offers a range of interesting sites, shopping and activities in the picturesque river district.
Sites of particular interest in Blois include;
Chateau de Blois
A common retreat of the Royals in the 16th century, Blois was originally a medieval fortress, which was partly demolished and rebuilt by Charles Dorland in the mid 1400s. Louis XII and Anne of Brittany resided here for many years but, as with most of the Chateaus in the Loire Valley, Francois I had very strong ties with Blois Chateau. He travelled continuously between the Royal residences of Blois, Amboise and Chambord. Later, Blois became the centre of much controversy when the Duke of Guise was murdered here, under the instruction of Henri III, and in later years, the Loire became a lot less popular as Royalty stayed in Paris. Consequently the Chateau at Blois was left rather neglected. It was not until the early 19th century that Louis XIII exiled his brother here for safety and provided him with funds for its modification. This was a blessing for the chateau. Gaston became fascinated with the natural sciences and created the most wonderful collection of gardens, full of rare plants and features. Much of the château can be visited, and parts of particular interest include the oldest part, the 13th century assembly hall, the Chapel of St Calais, which was restored after its terrible damage in the Second World War, the stunning 16th century Italianate Francois I Wing and the classical 17th century Gaston d’Orleans Wing. The chateau also houses a Religious Art and Fine Arts Museum. The Chateau usually has the 'son et lumiére' held in the courtyard on summer evenings and provides a fantastic musical lightshow, (presented in English on Wednesdays).
Cathedral of St-Louis
This church was destroyed in the 17th century by a hurricane but was restored and rebuilt in the Gothic style.
Church of St-Nicolas
This beautiful church of Gothic and Romanesque design dates back to the 12th and 13th century.
Museums in Blois
In addition to the Religious Art and Fine Arts Museum situated within the Chateau de Blois, there is also a very interesting Natural History Museum (Musée d’Histoire Naturelle) on the Rue Anne de Bretagne. The Musée de l’Objet, on Rue Franciade, has an exhibition of bizarre modern art and sculptures made from discarded objects.
Surrounding areas of Blois
An area overflowing with aristocratic residences and retreats, you can afford to spend a few days in this beautiful region. To the west, on the road back towards Orléans, you will find the gorgeous Chateau of Chambord, Chateau of Cheverny and between the two, the holiday resort of Bracieux and the nearby Chateau of Villesavin. In close proximity to these sites, on the road returning to Blois you will also pass the Chateau de Beauregard.
Chateau de Chambord
Commissioned by Francois I in 1519 as a "hunting lodge", Chambord is the largest of the Loire châteaux and one of the most famous and extravagant. With 440 rooms, it was built to outshine Emperor Charles V and for Francois to demonstrate his fame and power. Adorned with superbly detailed structures, the chateau still lacks that something special. Funded by accumulating debt and later neglected during the imprisonment of Francois I, (by Emperor Charles V in Madrid), the castle remained unfinished. His son Henri II attempted its completion but, designed on such a grand and extravagant scale, the chateau was still not complete under the reign of Louis XIV. However, it was used to house and entertain the Royal entourage from time to time and the opulent decoration and detail will fascinate all who visit.
Features of particular interest include the tower, a fine example of Renaissance architecture; the incredible Italian staircase and the miniature fairytale town that sits on the roof terrace.
The old ‘hunting grounds’ in which the chateau stands are wild and beautiful. The woods and parkland are adorned with lakes, streams and meadows and provide a haven of tranquillity and peace. The largest part of the woodland is conserved as a state-reserved hunting ground for deer and wild boar, and boasts a huge 32 kilometre wall. Standing on the course of the Cosson, this chateau is one not to be missed.
Chateau de Cheverny
An opulent and extravagant renaissance styled chateau from the period of Louis XIII. Its lavishly decorated interior of tapestries, furnishings, portraits and grisaille paintings provides you with a clear picture of life for the aristocracy at that time. The exterior is stylish and striking but somehow less romantic than some of the other fairytale designs. It is set in fantastic parkland, previously used as hunting grounds for deer and the chateau boasts a small hunting museum.
House of Magic
Le Maison de la Magie is situated opposite the chateau and holds afternoon magic shows.
Chateau de Beauregard
Built by Henri II’s secretary of state, Jean du Tier, this chateau is set in beautiful grounds and overlooks the village of Cellette, and the stunning surrounding countryside. Today although beautiful, the chateau resembles a country estate more than the fairy tale structures of its peers, as only the central wing remains. Areas of interest include the 16th century kitchen; the amazing Picture Gallery containing 363 portraits of Royal family members and aristocracy, and the Cabinet de Grelots, a small oak panelled room.
If you choose to take the northern route from Blois, 8km upstream, on the other side of the river, is Menars, and its elegant Baroque Chateau, which is famous for its lovely tiered gardens and opulent interior.
Further north on the D957 lies the beautiful Vendôme in the Valley of the Loire (a tributary of the Loire). The town itself straddles the arms of the river and boasts fantastic 13th-15th century ruins, a beautifully preserved ancient quarter and the Abbey Church of the Holy Trinity, with the most wonderful and colourful façade. The surrounding countryside is quite remarkable, interspersed with old-fashioned villages, trickling streams, colourful flowers and further ruins.
Heading west, from the town, is the forest of Blois, a lovely cool retreat, scattered with enchanting ruins, stunning gardens and perfect for walks and picnics. Further along this route, towards Tours, is Chaumont-sur-Loire and the breathtaking Chateau de Chaumont.
Chateau de Chaumont
This chateau is really quite exciting. Set on a cliff above the Loire, it stands on the foundations of two previous fortresses dating from the 10th and 12th centuries. In the 15th century Pierre d’Amboise had this chateau built following his pardon from King Louis the XI. Approaching the chateau via a path through the parkland, its fortified structures appear to be quite overwhelming, with a drawbridge and its huge towers. The chateau displays some fantastic relics of the past, such as the Italian tiled floor in the Salle du Conseil, furniture from the 16th and 18th centuries and the impressive stables built by the Prince de Broglie.
Tours
The region in and around Tours is divided by the rivers Indre, Cher and Loire. The stretch between Blois and Tours has some of the Loire's more famous towns and villages, both for chateaux and vineyards.
Tours itself is the largest chateaux city in the valley and probably the most important. A multitude of activities, festivals, ancient buildings and museums attract many visitors. Sites of particular interest in Tours include the St Gatien Cathedral, The Royal Palace, the Church of St-Julien and in the beautiful old quarter of Vieux Tours; the Basilica of St-Martin, the Place Jean-Jaures, the Chateau de Plessis-lès-Tours and the St-Cosme Priory.
Museums of Tours
Tours boasts a huge variety of museums. The Musée des Beau-Arts (Museum of Fine Art), situated in the former archbishops palace exhibits works such as Rembrandts ‘Flight into Egypt’ and Mantegna’s Agony in the Garden (1457-9) and it also boasts the most fantastic Louis XIII room. The Musée de Gemmail is dedicated to local abstract and modern art; the Musée des Vins provides you with the superb history on wine production dating back beyond the Romans; and finally, the Musée de Compagnonnage is dedicated to the artisan cult and has superb displays of the works and techniques used in order to be accepted as a master craftsman.
Tip: A museum pass can be purchased from the tourist office in Tours (carte multi-visites). It allows you into the five city museums, including the Musée des Beaux Arts and the Musée du Gemmail.
St Gatien Cathedral
Situated on the Place de Gatien, this 13th century cathedral is a superb landmark of Gothic splendour. The Renaissance styled belfries and detailed interior, with high ceilings and stunning stained glass windows make this building definitely worth a visit.
Basilica of St-Martin
St Martin was one of the most important religious figures in French history. He was an ex soldier that, in the fourth century, became the Bishop of Tours and went onto play a major role in the spread of Christianity throughout France. The original basilica was a large and beautiful structure and its remains can be traced in the Rue des Halles and the Rue des Trois-Pavées-Ronds. The new Basilica of Saint Martin, situated on the Rue Descartes, was built in the 19th century and houses the relics of St Martin in the crypt below.
Chateau de Plessis-lès-Tours
Situated to the west of Vieux Tours, is the lovely 15th century chateau that became the favourite residence of Louis XI. Inside you can view the opulent fittings and furnishings.
Surrounding areas of Tours
There is an array of sites to visit around Tours including vineyards, chateaux, ruins and churches. Most places are really not that far away from the town. Nearby sites include the towns of Amboise, Vouvray, Chenonceaux, Montrichard, St-Aignan-sur-Cher, Valençay, Montresor, Loches, Montbazon, Azay-le-Rideau and Villandry. Vouvray is one of the famous wine growing areas within the region, please refer to the wine section for further information.
Chateau d’Amboise
This wonderful chateau was once home to French King Louis XI and his wife Charlotte of Savoy. Through the centuries, due to much turmoil and devastation, the structure has been almost demolished but can be seen today in its entirety thanks to loving repair and restoration. Within the chateau’s walls you can see: the Gothic styled Chapel of St Hubert, where the remains of Leonardo de Vinci are supposed to be buried in the north transept; the lavish Kings quarters (Logis de Roi); the Great Hall and the Tour des Minimes, a great tower on which horses and carriages can access the chateau. This fascinating building also houses festivals and events throughout the year.
Chateau de Chenonceau
This chateau is situated 20 kilometres southeast of Tours. Described as the most beautiful chateau in the region, it is not the largest or the most historically significant but it has touched the hearts of many across the centuries. The spectacular architecture is of grand Renaissance style and it stretches across the River Cher on piers. The interior is adorned with an exquisite Italian staircase, and the magnificent formal gardens with its sweet smelling roses are just breathtaking.
The castle has passed through generations of royalty and holds many memories and stories. The Royal Treasurer Thomas Bohier and his wife Catherine Briconnet built the Chateau at the beginning of the 16th century, on the site of the old castle. It was Catherine who was in charge of the beautiful design and construction, whilst her husband journeyed to Italy. The castle was next placed into the hands of King Francois I and later King Henri II’s mistress, Diane de Poitier. The tales and mystery surrounding this fascinating woman are endless. She captured the Kings heart completely. A wild and beautiful ‘hunting goddess’, she was said to regulary swim naked at sunrise in the River Cher, before jumping up on her grey Stallion. Diane was devoted to her King and the beloved Chateau and commissioned the arched bridge gallery and the formal gardens. Unfortunately, following the Kings death, Diane was moved to Chambord under the order of his widow Catherine de' Medici, who then took over. Catherine used the chateau for formal gatherings and added a two-storied gallery over the bridge wing in addition to other domestic wings and the development of her own Park. Louise of Lorraine, Catherine’s daughter in law and the widow of the murdered King Henri III later mourned this loss within the chateau walls.
Thankfully the chateau was saved during the French Revolution by George Sand's grandmother. In World War II, the River Cher marked the boundary between free and occupied France, so the château and its drawbridge became an important escape route. The chateau now belongs to the Menier family, who are manufacturers of the well known cooking chocolate. The chateau is open daily mid-April to mid-October and is one of the few Chateaus that you can view without a guide.
Chateau de Valençay
This chateau is a 16th century building that was commissioned by the aristocrat Jacques d’Estampes. It has a distinctly elegant feel with picturesque views over the parkland full of peacocks, herons and storks. A lavishly designed structure, this chateau’s interior boasts fine ‘empire style’ furnishings and Italian paintings. Once used by Napoleon to house the exiled Spanish King, Ferdinand VII, the chateau boasts some interesting history. A vintage car museum can also be found in the chateau grounds.
Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau
Described as one of the loveliest and most charming exteriors in the Loire, this chateau is of pure turreted Renaissance. With the exquisite design, also observed in Chenonceau, this chateau was financed by an affluent man and supervised and designed by his wife. For this very reason, the chateau has a continuous flow and a more homely feel. The fairytale architecture is beautifully reflected in the sparkling River Indre, and the surroundings are serene and tranquil. Quite a contrast to the history of the medieval fortress that once stood here. Originally known as the Azay-le-Brulén (the burnt Azay) the medieval fortress was the site of a huge massacre of 350 men under the rule of Lord Dauphin, later to become Charles VII.
Built between 1518 and 1529 by a fine example of the nouveau riche, Gilles Berthelot, the chateau was built on oak piles in the riverbed. The chateau exhibits many gothic styled features but with an air of Renaissance. The imposing central stairway is home to an array of Royal profiles and the rooms of the chateau are perfect examples of 15th and 16th century décor, adorned with luxurious fabrics, furnishings, paintings and tapestries. However, the piece de resistance is the scenery and fantastic grounds, alongside beautifully manicured gardens, from which you can view the chateau in full glory.
Chateau de Villandry
The ancient medieval fortress of Villandry has a lot to offer the visitor. Not only is it architecturally beautiful, but it has one of the best examples of formal gardens in the Loire Valley. The extensive gardens incorporate styles and designs from all over the globe. Built on various levels to accommodate the sloping landscape, you will find English, French and Italian styled gardens, alongside vegetable, ornamental and water gardens. They are all breathtaking. The sweet smelling roses, immaculate box hedges, and ‘love’ themed Renaissance design and planting will amaze you all. The chateau itself was rebuilt in the 16th century and has fantastic views of the village of Villandry below. There are three wings arranged around a central courtyard and the medieval moats and keep have been preserved.
Angers
Angers was the former capital of Anjou and sits on the banks of the River Maine. This town of superb character is quite lively and cosmopolitan. There are numerous sites to see within the city and its surrounding areas, here are a few examples:
Chateau d’Angers
A delightful chateau set in a pentagon shape; this was the formal home and ancestral seat of the counts of Anjou. A magnificent structure built in the 13th century on the site of a Roman fortress; an imposing castle with a perfect position over the valley of Maine. With a great historical background of war and turmoil, this chateau is, today, surprisingly peaceful in its beautiful surroundings of the river and countryside. With seventeen round towers of magnificent scale and a superb exterior of white stone and slate, the chateau is striking in appearance. The walled exterior shields the courtyards of gardens and buildings, such as the Logis Royal, Chapelle and Logis du Governer. The chateau houses famous treasures such as the Apocalypse Tapestry Cycle, commissioned in the 14th century. There were, in total, seven tapestries of 6 metres by 24 metres, depicting 98 scenes from the Apocalypse, (the vision of the end of the world by the apostle, John). Although now the tapestries are in a slightly weathered state and some of the scenes are missing, they are still one of the oldest and largest surviving in Europe.
Maison du Vin d’Anjou
Situated on the Place Kennedy opposite the chateau, this is a place for the perfect ‘tipple’. The House of the Wine of Anjou provides information on the vineyards and growers in the region and offers you ‘tasting’ of samples from the area.
Cathedral of St Maurice
This cathedral stands high and can be seen across the town. Situated along the quayside this cathedral contains some very special individual features, such as the exceptionally wide nave walls adorned with many tapestries, and a selection of large stained glass windows, depicting scenes from the local history of the Plantagenets. The Rose windows are also very beautiful and the stone carvings or keystones on the supports are particularly striking.
The Church of St Serge
Situated just off the Rue Boreau, this slightly dreary church from the outside is an architectural wonder within.
Centre Régional d’Art Textile
Situated on the Boulevard Daviers, Angers is the leading centre for textiles. This is reflected in its history, its present-day exhibits, and this wonderful establishment of contemporary works. The centre also provides information on local artists and exhibitions.
Museums of Angers
Museum in Angers cover a wide range of subject matter and is really very interesting. The Musée Pincé exhibits a mixture of art and antiquities and the Galerie David d’Angers is devoted to the stoneworks and sculptures of this 18th century artist. This is a museum that does not only hold some magnificent examples of his work but is also set in a ruined 13th century church, the Eglise Toussaint. Another superb museum, The Museum of Fine Arts (Musée des Beaux-Arts) is situated next door, and the Musée Jean Lurcat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine is of great importance as it houses the other famous tapestry ‘Le Chant de Monde’. This tapestry is from the 20th century and was designed by Jean Lurcat in response to the tapestry of the Apocalypse.
Surrounding areas of Angers
On the south side of the Loire, lying between Tours and Angers are Ussé, Chinon, Montsoreau and Saumur. Ussé is home to a beautiful fairy tale chateau, and Chinon is not only known for its wine but also boasts great historic buildings. The chateau of Chinon is worth visiting, alongside the Maison des Etats Généraux, on rue Voltaire, which is now a museum of relics from the past. Chinon also has a fascinating network of underground passages, caves and tunnels. The famous Fontevraud Abbey is located between Chinon and the lovely medieval town of Saumur.
Chateau d’Ussé
Set on the River Indre, this is a stunning chateau and is one of the most elegant and magical around. Set against a backdrop of dark woodland, the chateau’s light exterior boasts a multitude of towers, turrets and dormers. Its fairytale appearance gave Charles Perrault his model for the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Although today the chateau, once close up, looks a little tired, it is still a fine example of combined architectural styles across the centuries. In the chateau’s park there is also a 16th century chapel to explore in the peaceful surroundings.
Chateau de Chinon
Chinon was built in the 10th century as a fortress by the counts of Blois and had later additions and modifications by subsequent rulers and kings. Originally the place of a Gallo-Roman castrum, the raised rocky terrain looks over the Vienne and provides great views and is a perfect place for a lookout. The fortress has housed some of the greats throughout history, from our own Plantagenets, King Henry II and Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century to Jean of Arc, Charles (Dauphin) VII in the 15th century, and Louis XII in the 16th century. The Fortress is 400 metres long and is divided into three parts that are separated by water and moats. The Chateau de Milieu, containing the royal apartments, the Chateau de Coudray and the St Georges Fort are all connected to the main fortress. Each of these connecting buildings houses some examples either of amazing architecture, history or art. The Chateau de Coudray has three distinctive towers, one of which, the Donjon de Coudray, dates back to the 13th century and was the site of incarceration where members of the Order of the Knights of Templar were held before trial and execution in 14th century Paris. A real mixture of architectural designs and styles from across the centuries unites the building of Chinon and makes it a fascinating and enchanting place to visit.
Abbey of Fontevraud
This fantastic 12th century abbey is located in the centre of Fontevraud between Saumur and Chinon. The abbey not only houses the remains of Richard the Lion-Heart, Henri II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, but also carries an amazing history and boasts examples of stunning architecture. Founded over 900 years ago in 1101, it has been used as one of France's main Abbeys and for a short time as a prison. A major restoration programme has taken place over the past 40 years and has enabled visitors to see the abbey as it once was and view the abbey Church, the cloisters, kitchens and refectory. The abbey also hosts some fantastic open-air music concerts.
Chateau de Saumur
Constructed in the 14th century on the foundations of an older castle, the Chateau of Saumur displays pretty towers, turrets and pinnacles. The chateau has often been at the centre of many important historic battles, i.e. the Hundred Years War, and the religious struggle between the Catholic League and the Huguenots. Apart from learning about the chateaus superb and fascinating history there are also two museums present within the building, the Museum of Decorative Art and the Museum of the Horse. The Museum of Decorative Art has exhibits of medieval and Renaissance art, furniture and wall hangings. The Museum of the horse is a fascinating insight into the history of the evolution of the animal.
On the north side of Loire, between Tours and Angers are the towns of Luynes, Langeais, Bourgueil, Foret de Chandelasi and Baugé.
Chateau de Langeais
Situated on the banks of the River Loire, not far from Tours is the chateau at Langeais. It stands on the site of an old Gallo-Roman settlement and was commissioned by Louis XI in 1465 to keep out the rebellious Dukes of Brittany. High walls protect the fortified castle alongside defence ditches. The chateau remains as it was in the 15th century and its contents have been restored to their original style. Of particular interest is the spectacular wedding hall; full of tapestries and wall hangings, in which Charles VIII married Anne of Brittany in 1491. The wedding chest and distinguished four-poster bed for the wedding couple, and the grand two-storey hall on the upper floor are all must sees.
Wines & Wine Regions
The geographical position and location of the Loire region has made it a much-favoured area for vineyards over the centuries. The Loire River stretches over 100 kilometres from the Mon Gerbier de Joncin in the southeast of St Nazaire where it reaches the Atlantic Ocean. This varied and extensive fertile landscape has been the key to the variety of wines produced across the region. Famous for its dry white wines, the Loire also produces fine ranges of sweet whites, Rosés and reds. The region is scattered with an array of vineyards where you can taste and purchase the wines that take your fancy.
In summary, the Loire is divided into four main wine growing regions. On the most western side, near the Atlantic coast is the Muscadet region. The muscadet grape produces a dry white wine and vineyards can be found in the area around Nantes. Anjou and Saumur are further inland. The Rosé d'Anjou is a dry or semi-dry wine and Saumur produces dry bubbly whites and rosés. Further inland still is the region of Touraine. The full red wines produced in Bourgueil and the Chinon are very good, and perfect alongside a beautiful platter of Loire cheese. Vouvray’s wine is both dry and sweet and the Pouilly Fumé area, near Sancerre produces a dry white Sauvignon. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé are a little separated from the other regions and are situated further inland and east, in the area north east of Bourges. Sancerre is one of the most famous wine names. They are dry and suitable for ageing in the bottle.
Muscadet
Although Muscadets in general do not have the best reputation, there are a few Muscadets that are definitely worth trying; Muscadet Côte de Grand Lieu, Muscadet Coteaux de la Loire and Muscadet de Sèvre-et-Main. When selecting these muscadet wines it is advisable to look out for ‘sur lie’ written on the label. This means that the wine has been allowed to rest on its lee (dead yeast cells) following the process of fermentation. It gives the wine more depth and flavour.
Touraine
Touraine’s vineyards cover over 6,000 hectares of growing area and lie between the rivers Loire and the Cher, the Indre and the Cher and area between Fontevraud and Chambord. The main varieties of wine produced are Sauvignon, Chenin Blanc, (white wines), Gamay, Cabernet and Côt (red wines).
Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
Touraine reds and the superb red, St Nicolas de Bourgeuil, which is virtually unknown outside of France, are both made from the same grape type, the cabernet franc. The vineyards lie in an area of over 1600 hectares and the Bourgueil vintage includes the communes of Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, Bourgueil, Restigné, Ingrandes-de-Touraine, Saint Patrice, Benais, La Chapelle-sur-Loire and Chouzé-sur-Loire.
Vineyards to visit include:
St Nicholas Vineyard - Clos de Vigneau, is situated on the main D35 road in St Nicholas de Borgueil. A friendly family who have been resident here for many generations run the vineyard. They will show you around and then encourage the tasting of their produce.
La Chanteleuserie – Benais
Ear Mureau Régis – La Gaucherie, Ingrandes.
Chinon
The wine in Chinon also comes from the cabernet franc grape, which is more commonly known as Breton in this region. The area around Chinon is responsible for the Anjou rosé , which is a medium dry wine, pleasant and light to drink. They have distinctive tear drop shaped bottles and are grown on both sides of the river in Anché, Chinon, L’Ile-Bouchard, Riviére, La Roche-Clermault, Sazilly, Ligré, Tavant, Thenauil, Avoine, Avon-les-Roches, Beaumont, Cravant, Crouzilles, Huismes, Panzoult, Saint-Benoit-la-Fôret and Savigny.
Vineyards to visit include:
Cave de Monplaisir – Quai Pasteur, Chinon.
Chateau de Coulaine – Beaumont-en-Veron
Chateau de Ligré – Ligré
Montlouis-sur-Loire
This region is situated between the river Loire and the Cher, it includes Montlouis-sur-Loire, Saint-Martin-le-Beau and Lussault. The area produces an array of high quality wines using the chenin grape (Pineau de Loire or Chenin Blanc). It is well known for producing still wines (dry, medium-dry and sweet), as well as sparkling and semi- sparkling wines (brut or demi sec).
Vineyards to visit include:
Cave Touristique des Vignerons – 2 Place Coutemanche, Montlouis-sur-Loire.
Le Cellier des Dames – Domain de I’Ouche Gaillard, 94 Avenue George Sand, La Ville-aux-Dames. Here you will also find troglodytic dwellings (ancient cave dwellings).
Berger Freres – 33 &70 Rue Chenonceaux- Les Liards, Saint-Martin-le Beau.
Touraine-Azay-le-Rideau
This wine region lies between the valleys of the Indre and the Loire. The wines produced are generally fruity in flavour, the whites being made from the Chenin grape and rosés from the grolleau grape.
Vineyards to visit include:
Earl Pibaleau - 68 route de Langeais, Luré, Azay-le-Rideau
Chateau de la Roche – La Roche, Cheille
Chateau de L’aulee - Azay-le-Rideau
Touraine-Noble-Joué
This fertile wine growing area covers more than 30 hectares and spreads between the rivers Cher and Indre. The region has been favoured for its wine by many throughout history and records have been found as far back as the reign of Louis XI. The area has been rediscovered and the wine growers have re-established the famed vineyards and rosé wine made using the pinot meunier, pinot gris and pinot noir grape varieties.
Vineyards to visit include:
Rousseau Freres – Le Vau, Esvres-sur-Indre
Sard Jean-Jacques – Le Chambrière, Esvres-sur-Indre
Touraine-Amboise
The Touraine-Amboise vintage is known for its excellent quality that has been aged beautifully. The area straddles the River Loire and is an extension of both the Montlouis-sur-Loire and Vouvray vineyards. Known for production of white wine from the pineau blanc (chenin) grape, and red and rosé from the gamay, cabernet and côt grapes, it is a region well worth visiting.
Vineyards to visit include:
Domaine de la Gabilliere – 46, Avenue Emile Gounin, Amboise
Earl Plou Roland & Fils – 26 Rue du Général de Gaulle, Charge (this vineyard also has wheelchair access).
Domain Dutertre – Place de Terte, Limeray (this vineyard also has wheelchair access).
Vouvray
The wines of Vouvray are all made from the chenin grape, otherwise known as the pineau blanc in the Loire. Vouvray is extremely well known for its superb dessert wines. The vineyards cover over 2,000 hectares on the north banks of the Loire and are situated to the east of Tours. Areas include Noizay, Saint-Radegonde, Rochcorbon, Vernou, Parçay-Meslay, Vouvray, Chançay, and Reugny.
Vineyards to visit include:
Cathelineau Jean-Charles – 24 Rue des Voilettes, Vallée du Vau, Chançay.
Chateau de Valmer – Saint Venant Aymer. Chançay
Cave des Prodecteurs de Vouvray – 38 la Vallée Coquette, Vouvray
Chateau Moncontour – Vouvray (also boasts a vine and wine museum)
Vintages
Good vintages from the Loire Valley include 2003, 1997, 1993, 1990, 1989, 1988, 1986, 1985, 1983, 1982, 1979 and 1976. Vintages of Vouvray from the earlier half of the 20th century are also extremely good.
Please contact the tourist information to check opening times and to gather further information, including maps, on a variety off additional vineyards in each area. There are over seventy in the Loire Valley, and some have additional attractions to visit. www.tourism-touraine.com
