The Loire Valley earns its title as the Garden of France with 280 kilometres of river landscapes, Renaissance châteaux and an astonishing diversity of wines. From the flinty Sauvignon Blancs of Sancerre in the east to the refreshing Muscadet near the Atlantic coast in the west, no other French wine région offers such variety in a single stretch. Chenin Blanc dominates in Vouvray and Savennieres, producing everything from bone-dry whites to luscious late-harvest dessert wines. Cabernet Franc makes élégant, light-bodied reds in Chinon and Bourgueil.
Cycling and Tasting Along the River
The Loire Valley is France's best cycling destination for wine lovers. The Loire a Vélo cycling route runs 900 kilometres from the source to the sea, passing vineyards, market towns and Renaissance châteaux at every turn. Most cellar doors welcome cyclists warmly and many producers offer overnight accommodation in gîtes or guest rooms attached to the estate. Stop for a tasting at a Vouvray domaine in the morning, visit Château de Chenonceau in the afternoon and finish the day with a glass of Sancerre at sunset — this is Loire Valley wine tourism at its finest.
Planning a Loire Valley Wine Trip
April through October is the ideal window for visiting Loire vineyards. May and June offer mild weather, flowering vines and light tourist traffic. The harvest in late September is particularly spécial in Anjou and Touraine, where Chenin Blanc is picked in successive passes to select botrytis-affected grapes for sweet wines. The main towns of Tours, Angers and Blois all make excellent bases, with good transport links and a wide sélection of restaurants pairing local wines with Loire Valley cuisine.
