STAGE 1 - Champigné
The Loire Valley is France’s longest and grandest river and has long-inspired visitors with its soft green beauty, magnificent chateaux and fascinating history. In the 15th - 17th century it was a summer retreat for the French aristocracy. Their legacy can be seen today in the iconic fairytale chateaux that follow the valley.
Often referred to as ‘The Garden of France’, the region is graced with vivid markets offering superb produce, including beautiful speciality cheeses. The region is home to over 4000 wineries that produce all kinds of wine, but it is the dry whites and rose that the area is renowned for. The unmissable whites are Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, but the pink and lively Rosé D'Anjou produced in the heart of the valley. This wine bursts with flavour and is a great rose to drink at any time of the year paired with prosciutto and melon, fish or spicy dishes.
Book up for a night in Chateau des Briottieres to savour a glass in the luxury of a private 18th century chateau. The 4* hotel’s restaurant offers a candlelit restaurant, elegant period bedrooms, and 50 hectares of English park to lose yourself in the serenity of the setting.
STAGE 2 - Saint-Georges-sur-Loire
Sample one of Loire Valley’s lesser-produced red wines in Saint-Georges-sur-Loire, just a half hour drive from stunning Champigné. If you love French culture and architecture a must-see is the Chateau de Serrant, one of France’s finest furnished castles and home to a wonderful collection of furniture and a superb place to soak up the sense of history.
The village is also not far from the famous vineyards of the Coulée de Serrant and the Roche aux Moines, where some of Anjou's finest white wines are produced. Both are worth a visit.
Stay at the extraordinary Chateau de l’Epinay, a 4* hotel that started its fascinating life in the 13th century. Order a Cabernet Franc and enjoy to the comforting soundtrack of a crackling fire in the hotel’s elegant rooms, or relax in the pristine gardens to the sound of trickling waters.
STAGE 3 - Saumur
Your next stop takes you to the heart of the Loire wine business, Saumur. It’s limestone, turreted chateaux overlooks the river and it’s medieval streets seem like they were made for meandering. During your time in Saumur, do order a glass of Chenin Blanc - a fine white wine that can range from sweet to dry.
The Loire Valley is the second most important place for sparkling wine outside Champagne, and it is known locally as Cremant or Mousseux. The bigger wine houses of Langlois Chateau and Veuve Amiot are located in St Hilaire St Florent and all offer guided visits and English-speaking staff.
Stay at the Hotel Saint Pierre Saumur, a beautifully preserved building dating back to the 15th century. The hotel has long been frequented by politicians, artists, athletes and writers , which is testament to the hotel’s serene and inspiring ambience.
The Loire Valley is the second most important place for sparkling wine outside Champagne, and it is known locally as Cremant or Mousseux. The bigger wine houses of Langlois Chateau and Veuve Amiot are located in St Hilaire St Florent and all offer guided visits and English-speaking staff.
Stay at the Hotel Saint Pierre Saumur, a beautifully preserved building dating back to the 15th century. The hotel has long been frequented by politicians, artists, athletes and writers , which is testament to the hotel’s serene and inspiring ambience.
STAGE 4 - Saint-Loubès
Laid-back but vibrant Tours is often described by locals as a mini-Paris. Home to 30 street markets and the annual Fore a l’ail et au basilic (garlic and basil fair), this is a place for both high gastronomy and simple local cuisine. This is a city of good living! The Touraine Wine Museum on rue Nationale is a must to absorb information on the region’s wine history as well as samples and tasting sessions. Afterwards, sit in the Place Plum and sip on a local sparkling Couvray wine and watch the world go by.
There’s no better place to round-off your wine journey than the charming Saint-Loubès, at Chateau de Reignac, to be precise. The 4* hotel sits in Loire Valley among 11 hectares of enchanting green scenery. Beyond the beauty of the setting, the 18th century chateau itself plays a significant role in the region’s history: it was once the estate of French aristocrat and hero of the American Revolution, Marquis de Lafayette. Today, guests are invited into the luxurious dining lounge to sample some of the finest wines in western France. Try the award-winning Chateau de Reignac 2012, a delicate and fruity Bordeaux that receives multiple gold medals every year.