Explore the Loir Valley and discover its fruity white wines
The Loir Valley (without the ‘e’) lies between Château-du-Loir, Chartre-sur-le-Loir and Ruillé-sur-Loir. Let us introduce you to its delightful landscape, dotted with châteaux, gardens, windmills and wash houses. As you will discover, the little villages you will encounter along the way are perfect for a stroll at any time. And while its appellations may be less well known than those of its neighbours, you are bound to love its wines.
A day’s cycling in the Loir Valley
Starting from Chartre-sur-le-Loir, the ‘Jasnières vineyards by bike’ circuit is one of our favourite family cycle rides. At a good pace, and allowing for a few stops, it will take you as far as Lhomme in a day. You can also try out an electric bike, a practical way of exploring the vineyards without tiring yourself going up hills! Cycle hire outlets in Chartre offer day hire of electric bikes.
Before you hit the road, you might like to think about taking a picnic with you. There is no shortage of idyllic scenery, so you will find plenty of opportunities for a picnic stop.
Why not stick a fresh baguette and a jar of rillettes du Mans in your basket? They will go perfectly with a glass of Jasnières, purchased at a wine estate along the way.
Get out of the saddle for a browse around one of the second-hand shops, flea markets or potteries you will find along the way, beginning with Chartre-sur-le-Loir itself. You might have a job taking a piece of furniture away with you, but you can still hunt for little bargains.
Visit the stately homes of the Loir Valley
The Routes des Vins ‘Stately homes and vineyards of the Loir Valley’ trail promises a 35-mile tour to fire the imagination! This day trip by car will take you from the Prieuré de Vauboin to the Manoir de la Possonnière. The stately homes you will encounter along your route are real gems. You will want to move in and live in the lap of luxury!
Stop off at a local restaurant along the way, to enjoy some typical Loir food and drink. A nice piece of fish accompanied by a glass of Coteaux-du-Loir is the perfect recipe for a delectable lunch.
At Poncé-sur-le-Loir, the château awaits for a family tour. Its charming gardens in the Italian Renaissance style invite you to stroll down their avenues, sit on a bench and put the world to rights.
To round off your trip, stop off at a cellar for a tasting of Coteaux-du-Loir and, of course, take a bottle away with you!
Taste the delicious wines of the Loir Valley
The Loir Valley has two appellations d'origine contrôlée, or AOCs: The very fruity Jasnières and its lighter little brother, Coteaux-du-Loir. White-wine lovers, you’re in the right place.
Twenty-five winegrowers produce this fruity wine every day, and some of these wine estates are open to visitors. What better way to taste and get to grips with a wine?
And there is something for red and rosé drinkers too. Pineau d’Aunis will surprise you with its peppery flavours, and the rosé with its more delicate taste. You will discover wine estates set in a bucolic landscape with the River Loir below.
In the Loir Valley, there is something to suit all tastes!
