TRAVEL INVITE
By the end of this trip, the wine from the Loire Valley will no longer hold any secrets for you.
At the very least you will know the different “appellations” and where to find your favourite ones.
As the Loire Valley is usually divided into 4 areas (Central vineyards, Touraine, Anjou Saumur and The Nantais), we can’t just visit one or two, we have to visit them all ! The trip will therefore start from Sancerre, with its famous vineyards and wonderful cheeses. It will finish near the sea with Muscadet and seafood.
You will have the opportunity to experience the gradual progression from a continental climate towards an oceanic climate.
You will have lots of free time during this trip to discover the area and try other activities. You will be able to visit the Chateaux of the Loire and even have the chance to go on a boat trip. A special day has been organised where you will be able to cook with a local, using fresh, high quality products.
To finish, the seaside of the Atlantic Coast will be the perfect setting for a gastronomic experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant. You will also visit a bakery specialising in French patisseries, where you will be able to pair wonderful deserts with magnificent wines from the Loire Valley and their foreign equivalents.
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Duration : 12 days
Type of trip : wine and gastronomy, cooking, tourism, equine show
Ideal for anyone, from beginners to connoisseurs
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ITINERARY
DAY 1 : ARRIVAL IN SANCERRE
Arrival at the train station of Sancerre-Tracy.
Check in at the hotel.
Free time to wander around Sancerre.
Welcome reception and dinner.
DAY 2 : SANCERRE
You will go straight to the heart of the subject with a presentation at the Maison des Vins of Sancerre, about the different types of Sancerre whites and the different soils. With this first tasting, you will be able to decide on which aspects you prefer : mineral, fruity etc. But you might also fall for the rosés or the reds.
The town of Sancerre is magnificent. You will discover the area whilst visiting the vineyards and experience some beautiful views.
The day will finish with a dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
DAY 3 : THE CHER VALLEY
The Cher Valley is between the continental climate of Sancerre and the milder climate of the Touraine.
A day with several stops to see typical villages along the banks of the Cher River. You will learn to enjoy the peaceful and relaxing lifestyle of the region, visiting local markets, enjoying an aperitif at the terrace of a café, even going out on a local fishing boat.
To complete your collection of Sauvignon Blancs, you will visit a winemaker who produces AOC Touraine wine, where Sauvignon Blanc is at its best.
DAY 4 : FRENCH RENAISSANCE CASTLES AND GARDENS
The focus of the day will be the Chateaux of the Loire and their gardens, with visits to Chenonceau and Villandry.
DAY 5 : VOUVRAY
After a relaxing morning, take a trip around the vineyards and visit several wineries with their troglodyte cellars.
Tastings of the dry white, sweet and sparkling wines that Vouvray is famous for.
Vouvray wines are very pleasing and you will certainly fall for them, maybe even ordering several bottles or crates for you to enjoy at home.
Festive evening in a guinguette (open air bar) on the banks of the Loire.
DAY 6 : CHINON AND BOURGUEIL
Visit Bourgueil and the magnificent surrounding villages. Tastings of Bourgueil and Saint-Nicolas de Bourgueil. As with Chinon, the wines here are mostly reds (there is also some rosé) with a Cabernet Franc grape.
Lunch in Chinon at a winery, pairing the food with the wine. You will be able to taste light Chinon or more full-bodied wines, depending on your tastes.
After having admired the beautiful medieval town, stop off in Saumur-Champigny to taste some wonderful Cabernet Franc and Chenin Blanc wines.
Taking the road along the banks of the river you will then arrive in Saumur.
Check in at the hotel and enjoy some free time to relax and unwind.
Dinner at a troglodyte restaurant serving local specialties.
DAY 7 : SAUMUR
Saumur is a wonderfully majestic town. There is something exceptional about every aspect of this town.
You will find remarkable monuments, prestigious brands of wine and even a world-renowned bootmaker on the corner of a street.
A day dedicated to discovering Saumur, a highlight at the end of the day being the gala of the Cadre Noir, a top French equestrian centre.
DAY 8 : THE DOUCEUR ANGEVINE
The Anjou is a region with a mild climate (as it is closer to the sea) where life is good. The region lends its name to the French expression “douceur angevine” meaning “rural tranquillity”. You will find exceptional sweet wines like Bonnezeaux and Quarts-de-Chaumes, as well as refined dry white wines made with Chenin Blanc. There will be several stops throughout the day to give you the opportunity to taste these popular wines.
During this day you will experience the true douceur angevine with the peaceful scenery and authentic visits.
Your hotel has been chosen for its style and refinement. You will be able to relax at the end of the day in the beautiful flower garden and enjoy the many salons of the hotel, where you can have late night discussions with a glass of Cointreau (or perhaps you prefer hearing the elegant words of the famous French poet Ronsard).
DAY 9 : THE MUSCADET
Next, head to the coast for a change of scenery and some fresh sea air. Trip through the vineyards of the Nantais region. Follow the coastal road and stop off for oysters and a glass of Muscadet, a local tradition.
Visit the salt marshes.
Arrive at your seafront hotel at the end of the day.
Take the evening to enjoy the charm of a typical seaside town.
DAY 10 : THE SEASIDE
Meet in the place du marché, the market square, to buy the ingredients of your choice for a cooking workshop. You can then enjoy the dishes cooked with the market produce for lunch.
The afternoon will be free for you to enjoy some time by the sea.
In the evening, we will head to a seafront terrace for a tasting of desserts and wines, with a renowned patisserie chef. There will of course be wines from the Loire Valley during the tasting but there will also be wines from other countries, as we conclude the tastings for this trip.
The patisserie chef will be more than happy to make your favourite patisserie to order, so don’t hesitate to ask !
DAY 11 : THE SEASIDE
A day to relax by the sea with the possibility of taking a trip to the countryside to visit local artisans.
Cocktail reception with the results of the quiz.
Dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Evening at a music bar.
DAY 12
Breakfast and check out of the hotel.
Transfer to the train station of Nantes.
OTHER INFORMATION
The train station of Sancerre-Tracy is 1 ½ hours from Paris by train.
The train station of Nantes is 3 ½ hours from Paris by train.
