48 hours in the Loire Valley
48 hours in the Loire Valley
48 hours in the Loire Valley
48 hours in the Loire Valley
A trip to the Loire Valley with a surprising first day in the Saumur region. Cycling in the cellars, a troglodyte restaurant, vintage camper van and sunset over the Loire river. Let’s go!
10 a.m. – Maison Bouvet-Ladubay, Saint-Hilaire-Saint-Florent
Pedalling and tasting are the watchwords for this highly original first stop. Let your legs do the work as you pass through an enchanting labyrinth of troglodyte caves capped with a tasting of méthode traditionnelle – traditional method – Saumur Brut.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BOUDET-LADUBAY12 p.m. – Lunch at La Table des Fouées, Saumur
The troglodyte theme continues at a restaurant cut from the rock and pierced with a skylight, a dining spot that has made small oven-baked and garnished rolls its speciality. Medieval heritage meets modern Saumur burger.
MORE INFO ABOUT LA TABLE DES FOUÉES
2 p.m. – Explore Saumur's vines in a vintage camper van
What’s on offer? Discover Saumur-Champigny's vineyards in a VW camper van and meet local producers. There’s no fixed programme: the guide tailors the trip to suit your needs and will dig deep into their extensive knowledge of the best the region has to offer. Fun and relaxation guaranteed.
BOOK YOUR TOUR IN A VINTAGE CAMPER VAN6 p.m. – Evening meal on board a Toue Cabanée, a river boat
Climb aboard the Étoile qui Rit, a traditional fishing boat that offers a perfect vantage point to enjoy the sunset over the Loire. The captain is a boat master/winemaker with an extensive knowledge of the region’s flora and fauna. This relaxing trip ends with a meal of local produce.
MORE INFO ABOUT THE ÉTOILE QUI RIT
8 p.m. – Overnight at La Demeure de la Vignolle, Turquant
Spend the night at this peaceful and extremely comfortable hotel. 11 spacious and stylish rooms, either in a troglodyte setting or in the 17th century building. Excellent heated pool and fitness centre. A safe bet.
BOOK A ROOM AT LA DEMEURE DE LA VIGNOLLEToday you’ll be heading to Touraine for a dip into this exceptional terroir with encounters with winemakers, a view of the various AOCs, a quick tour of Chinon and – of course – the unmissable Château de Chenonceau.
10 a.m. – La Cave Drussé, Saint Nicolas de Bourgeuil
A warm welcome is guaranteed from these independent winemakers who operate using organic methods. Taste their award-winning Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil wines 20 metres beneath the vines in a 10th century troglodyte cellar. Magical.
MORE INFO ABOUT LA CAVE DRUSSÉ11 a.m. – Château de la Grille, Chinon
One of the few Loire Valley châteaux to be surrounded by its own vineyard. Explore the vines and grounds before a top-flight tasting in the cellar of the estate’s red, rosé and sparkling wines.
PREPARE YOUR VISIT TO CHÂTEAU DE LA GRILLE
1 p.m. – Lunch at Chapeau Rouge, Chinon
In the town centre, this restaurant showcases the very best of Touraine’s cuisine with an emphasis on local produce: Foie gras à la Poire Tapée (dried pear) preserved in Vouvray Moelleux, wild-caught Loire fish in Touraine Saffron... An excellent terrace for outdoor dining in fine weather.
BOOK A TABLE AT THE CHAPEAU ROUGE3 p.m. – Visit to Château de Chenonceau
One of the finest, if not the finest, of the Loire’s châteaux. Explore every corner of this magnificent site, not forgetting the superb gardens and floral workshop, a unique concept that allows you to learn the art of flower arranging with a top florist awarded Meilleur Ouvrier de France status.
PREPARE YOUR VISIT TO CHÂTEAU DE CHENONCEAU
7 p.m. – Evening meal at the Auberge du Cheval Rouge, Chisseaux
Five minutes from the Château de Chenonceau you’ll find this restaurant housed in a former village café that adds a sophisticated modern touch to traditional local cuisine. And of course the wine menu contains the finest that Touraine has to offer. Excellent gourmet restaurant.
BOOK A TABLE AT THE AUBERGE DU CHEVAL ROUGE9 p.m. – Domaine Les Pierres d’Aurèle bed and breakfast
A warm welcome awaits, along with five spacious bedrooms with views of the vineyard: the perfect spot to rest and reflect on an eventful trip. Optional wine tasting of the estate's wines in their cellar.
SELECT YOUR ROOM AT DOMAINE LES PIERRES D’AURÈLE
