<— BACK TO FRANCE TOURS
THE LOIRE VALLEY
Stretching from the rolling hills of Sancerre to the Atlantic coast near Nantes, the Loire Valley feels like stepping into the heart of French elegance. It’s often called the Garden of France — a landscape of storybook villages, Renaissance châteaux rising from the mist, and vineyards that follow the rhythm of the river itself.
KEY FACTS
🏰
VISIT IF
You like history, castles, small villages, and want to taste a wide range of wine styles.
🍷
TOP APPELLATIONS
Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Vouvray, Chinon, Saumur, Muscadet.
🍇
MAIN GRAPES
Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Chenin Blanc, Melon de Bourgogne.
🧀
WHAT YOU’LL EAT
Goat cheeses, river fish, rillettes, tartatin, tarte vigneron.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Day 1 – Arrival in the Loire
Arrive in the heart of France’s most romantic wine region, where Renaissance architecture meets endless vineyards. After a private transfer from Paris or your train arrival, check into your elegant château hotel, a haven of history and refinement surrounded by ancient oaks and mirrored ponds.
Spend your first afternoon settling in: wander the manicured gardens, indulge in a welcome glass of local sparkling wine, or enjoy a stroll through the nearby village. As the sun sets, dine at your hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant or a charming country auberge nearby, the perfect start to your Loire escape.
Day 2 – The Wines of Chinon & Bourgueil
Today is devoted to red wine country, the realm of Cabernet Franc. Travel through rolling hills and medieval villages to visit a selection of family-owned estates and organic vineyards, each offering its own take on this noble grape. Expect intimate tastings in tufa cellars, conversations with passionate winemakers, and views that stretch endlessly over the vineyards. Lunch may be enjoyed at a local bistro or a vineyard terrace.
Day 3 – The Majesty of Chambord & Chenonceau
After breakfast, step into the grandeur of the Loire’s most iconic château, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture set within a vast forested estate. After lunch, you’ll discover the elegance of Château de Chenonceau, famously known as the "Ladies’ Castle" due to its strong female influence. Wander through the lavishly decorated rooms and admire the stunning gallery that spans the River Cher.
Day 4 – Hot Air Balloon & Vouvray Whites
Greet the dawn with a once-in-a-lifetime hot air balloon flight over the Loire’s patchwork of vineyards, rivers, and castle turrets. Upon landing, continue your morning with a visit to the Vouvray and Montlouis regions, home to some of France’s most expressive Chenin Blanc. Taste your way through boutique domaines known for precision and depth, from crisp sparkling cuvées to honeyed moelleux wines that age gracefully for decades.
Return to your château for a final evening of relaxed elegance, perhaps a wine-paired dinner crafted from local market produce, enjoyed al fresco under the stars.
Day 5 – Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, your private driver will escort you back to Paris or the train station for your onward journey, heart full, palate delighted, and a deeper appreciation for the Loire’s effortless blend of culture, nature, and refinement.
