Fancy a day out in the Loire Valley’s vineyards? Then take a road trip and explore the chateaux and wines of this iconic region.

No need to plan your itinerary, we’ve got it covered! A private minibus with driver and guided visits and tastings are all included in your “The Greatest Loire Valley” package: everything you need for the perfect trip around the finest locations in the Loire Valley wine region.

No trip to the chateaux of the Loire would be complete without a visit to the Renaissance jewel that is Chambord, and this package is no exception. A royal residence built on the orders of François I, this stone giant soars out of a forest the size of Paris! This historic monument will impress you both with the majestic complexity of its architecture and its mind-boggling proportions: behind the 156 metres of its façade are 400 rooms plus the famous double helix staircase, said to have been designed by Léonard da Vinci.

Floor by floor, throughout the galleries, large halls and small rooms, discover the secrets from over 500 years of French history... And let’s not forget the splendid formal French gardens that adorn this stunning site with their magnificent flowerbeds and borders.

Next it’s time for a visit to Les Caves Duhard, a wine merchant and cellar, where you can enjoy a thematic tour of vintage wines and an original sensory journey through Loire Valley wines.

Vouvray, Montlouis, Chinon, Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil… A sommelier will share the secrets of these fine wines during a tasting, followed by a chance to sample cheeses, charcuterie and other French delicacies during a wine and food pairing session.

Your next stop on this tour of the Loire: the Château de Chenonceau. Many women, from Catherine de' Medici to Diane de Poitiers, have made their mark on this chateau.

An influence that has lent Chenonceau, famed for its distinctive bridge-like silhouette, the name “Château des Dames”. Their impact can be spotted throughout the property, particularly as you stroll through the sumptuous gardens.

From its rocky peak, Sancerre offers an uninterrupted view of the Loire and its wine region. This small village is two hours from Paris and the perfect destination for those looking to explore Sancerre's charm!

Close your eyes and imagine rippling slopes that stretch as far as the eyes can see. Visualise these hills dotted with tiny wine villages and, as a backdrop and amid the never ending vines, the snaking line of the gently flowing Loire river. Get the picture? This is the view from Sancerre, a small medieval village perched on a rocky outcrop, in the heart of the Centre Loire wine district. And you won’t be short of places from which to enjoy this view: from the Porte César esplanade to the Hôtel Panoramic’s vast terrace, the hilltop has the perfect spots from which to sample this splendid panorama.

While Sancerre’s charm lies in the valley's magnificent landscape, its identity can be found in its rich terroir. You can uncover the different aspects of this terroir at a wide range of sites, including La Maison des Sancerre. This centre for wine tourism offers a fun and educational introduction to the appellation’s wines. This includes: 4D cinema, animated terroir map, a scented garden to explore the world of aromas, and activities for children.

To continue this unique journey into the world of wine, visit Domaine de la Garenne and enjoy a guided tasting in its cellars. Just a stone’s throw away you’ll find a selection of venues where you can discover other local produce: from the fine dining offered by the Le Laurier restaurant in Saint Satur, to the Au P’tit Goûter restaurant in Chavignol, a hamlet famed for its goats cheeses, and the Ferme des Chapotons in Menetou-Râtel, where you’ll have a chance to taste the region’s specialities. Prepare your taste buds for some nonnettes (small iced gingerbread cakes), honey, croquets (almond biscuits), and more!

And if you’re looking for a spot of relaxation, then climb aboard the Raboliot, a typical local boat, for a trip down the Loire river. To the sound of the boat gliding through the water, Sylvain, its captain, will share the river’s many tales and secrets.

If you’re looking for somewhere that offers a taste of the good life, then Sancerre is the place for you.

Éric Louis is a passionate winemaker with a keen passion to share his profession, wine, vineyard and his family’s rich history.

Pauline Louis founded the estate in 1860 and travelled across France selling her wine at markets. She was succeeded by her son Julien, then it was her grandson Léon’s turn to take the reins and continue the family tradition. Léon’s marriage to Ginette resulted in two estates being combined to create Les Celliers de Pauline, named in honour of his grandmother.

The popularity of Sancerre wines grew in the 1970s, both in France and beyond its borders. At the same time the work of Éric’s father, Léon Louis, began to bear fruit and Domaine des Celliers de la Pauline developed widespread renown.

Éric Louis uses both modern vinification techniques and know-how passed on by his ancestors to produce a wide range of wines, from Sancerre to Pouilly-Fumé, Menetou-Salon, Quincy and Crémant de Loire. His cellar also contains “Cuvée Pauline”, a white and red Sancerre produced in honour of his great-grandmother.

Éric Louis is the fourth generation to work the vines and is a passionate winemaker keen to share his profession, terroir and family history. He has therefore opened his wine estate to the public, offering comprehensive visits to the wine cellars. The estate has also been awarded Tourisme & Handicap, France Passion and Vignobles & Découvertes status.

Visitors can also enjoy a guided tasting of seven wines served with typical products from the local terroir, including the famous Crottin de Chavignol goats cheese.

And children can have fun too, with their very own blind tasting of “mystery” syrups.

Enjoy the rich and diverse experiences to be found between the Loire and Cher rivers in the Loire Valley: a rich heritage of chateaux, gardens, vineyards and picturesque villages just waiting to be discovered.

Of all the chateaux in the Loire Valley, some say that Château de Chenonceau if the finest of them all. It’s certainly the most original. This beautiful Renaissance building, standing between sky and water, juts its five arches across the Cher river and shelters a set of stunning French formal gardens behind its unique architecture. Visitors can take a gentle stroll beneath the shade and along the floral paths. Or opt for a night walk and enjoy the beauty of the illuminated gardens on select summer nights, enjoy a special tasting of Touraine-Chenonceaux appellation wines in the Chateau’s historic Cellar during the season or meet the winemakers during a special evening held in July.

The Loire Valley is not just a land of chateaux: it’s a land of vineyards too. Many wine estates in the Chenonceaux area of Touraine are open to the public, enabling you to discover the area’s rich heritage and appreciate its winemakers’ know-how.

One such estate is Domaine Sauvète, which organises “flâneries”, or picturesque walks through the vines, treasures hunts or segway rides. Or try the Domaine du Clos Roussely, where you can explore its unusual troglodyte cellars and collection of vintage vehicles. These visits, along with wine tastings, will enable you to discover authentic organically grown wines.

A few kilometres away, Domaine de la Chapinière offers a range of events that combine the art of wine, equestrianism and fine arts. A warm welcome awaits in the restored nineteenth century vault as the hosts share their passion for the terroir during a special visit with a tasting of wines produced using rational and sustainable winemaking methods.

Amidst the chateaux and vines, another site awaits: ZooParc de Beauval. Ranked as one of the world’s 10 most beautiful zoos, it has over 8,000 animals and hosts breathtaking events.

The Loire Valley wine region still has some surprises in store!