Are you planning on visiting the Loire Valley during your next trip to France but you don’t know what to do in the region? The Loire Valley wine route is essential to cross all the points of interest in the region from the best Loire Valley Castles to the best Loire Valley wineries. Partly listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the Loire Valley vineyards are the largest in France with a wine route of around 800 kilometers (around 500 miles).
Import our interactive map on your phone and embark on a captivating journey along the Loire Wine Route and explore some of France’s most illustrious wine estates and châteaux.
BEST wine routes itineraries in Loire Valley
The Loire Valley wine region is really huge and if you want to do it all, you’ll probably need to settle in one of its cities like : Amboise, Tours, Chinon, Saumur, Angers or at the far east of the region, Nantes. To help you, we’ve created small itineraries so you’ll be able to best visit the region departing from one of those cities. Consider renting a car to be free and wander at your pace along this route.
Blois to Chinon wine route
If you arriving from Paris, one of the closest city in Loire Valley is the town of Blois. Ideal for both its famous castle and for its surrounding vineyards, each more authentic than the last, it’s the best starting point.
Chambord Castle
Just before reaching the city, start by visiting the Chambord castle, one of the most famous one on the list. Experience the grandeur of French Renaissance architecture and marvel at the intricate details of Chambord castle’s iconic double helix staircase. Don’t miss the chance to explore the lush grounds and gardens surrounding the castle, offering a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll.
Château de Chenonceau
Continue your route towards the Château de Chenonceau, spanning the Cher. Take the opportunity to discover the wines of the Touraine appellation at Caves Monmousseau or at Domaine Sauvete if you are with family.
Amboise
Continue your journey to Amboise, a charming town where you can visit the Château d’Amboise and taste wines from the surrounding wine estates at Caves Ambacia, on a pleasant terrace on the banks of the Loire. As a family, you can also visit Clos Lucé, the historic estate of Leonardo da Vinci.
Vouvray wines
Then head to Vouvray, an appellation famous for its sparkling white wines. Visit renowned sparkling cellars such as the ones of Maison Brédif or Maison Lacheteau Grandes Caves Saint Roch.
Tours
A few kilometers away, drive towards the city of Tours and do not miss the Château de Villandry just before arriving. Experience the rich history and culture of France in the city of Tours, known for its charming architecture and picturesque landscapes. Discover our guide on the best things to do in Tours.
Azay-le-rideau Castle
Get back on the road and head towards the Château d’Azay-le-rideau, making a short stop if you wish in the historic village of Saint-Benoît-la-Forêt.
Chinon
End your first Loire Valley wine route, in Chinon, where you can taste the renowned Cabernet Franc wines and explore the charming medieval town with its rich history and stunning architecture.
Do not miss a visit to the Domaine de Noiré family wine estate, located 10 minutes from the city! The winegrowers invite you to take a guided tour of the history of the estate, as well as a visit to the cellar and the cellars. At the end of this activity, you will be offered a tasting of 7 different wines from the estate. Discover Winalist’s selection of the best Chinon wine tours and tastings and our guide to the best things to do in Chinon.
Chinon to Angers wine route
Continue to the Eastern part of France’s Loire Valley, the next trip will bring you to the great city of Saumur. During this getaway, extend the Nantes region to go to the Anjou-Saumur vineyard which is considered an incredible land of dry and sweet white wines, as well as authentic reds.
Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil
For even more discoveries, you can continue your wine route to Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, an appellation known for its red wines and visit the surrounding winegrowers such as Maison Jamet, Clos des Quarterons or Domaine Frédéric Malibeau.
Montsoreau
Head up toward the village of Montsoreau and visit the Perruche wine estate to discover the iconic Loire Valleay troglodytes chalky cellars.
Domaine de Nerleux
Continue to the well-known Domaine de Nerleux, a family property which will charm you with its 17th and 18th century buildings built in tuffe stone (and not truffle!)
Saumur
Hit the road again to Visit Saumur in France to explore its charming historic center filled with quaint shops and cafes, and to admire the stunning Château de Saumur overlooking the Loire River. Don’t miss the famous troglodyte cellars at Ackerman and our dedicated guide to the best things to do in Saumur. Continue your journey towards the troglodyte village of Rochemenier
Château De Fesles
Continue with a visit to the Château De Fesles estate, an emblematic vineyard of Anjou.
Located in the heart of the Bonnezeaux appellation and on the 4th highest point of the Loire Valley, the estate benefits from a magnificent view of the vines and produces a wide range of rare and exceptional wines.
You can follow our itinerary and take a one-hour detour to visit the Château de Brissac
Domaine Laureau
Damien and Florence Laureau have been living in Anjou since 1999. On 6 hectares of Chenin, the estate produces 4 cuvées in the Savennières appellation and 1 cuvée in the Roche aux Moines appellation. A few kilometers before our ultimate step to the city of Angers, indulge yourself in a visit of the cellars of Domaine Laureau or the vines followed by a tasting. For enthusiasts, vertical tastings honor your taste buds with Les Genêts or Le Bel Ouvrage cuvée.
Angers
End this wine route in Angers, a beautiful and historic city with a rich cultural heritage and explore the impressive Château d’Angers, the stunning Cathédrale Saint-Maurice, and the charming medieval streets lined with boutiques and cafes.
Sancerre wine route
Another possible wine route not far from Paris is the Sancerre one, accessible at 2:30h from the capital city. A must for all lovers of renowned white wines such as Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. By driving along this route, from Sancerre wineries to Bourges, you will have the opportunity to visit superb wine estates where you can taste exceptional wines, discovering the secrets of their production. Beyond tasting, the wine route will also introduce you to magnificent landscapes, punctuated by vineyards as far as the eye can see, charming wine villages and majestic castles.
- Start your journey with a visit to Domaine Langlois where you can discover the winegrower’s profession passed down from generation to generation
- Continue your exploration of the region by stopping at Château de Tracy, where you can enjoy a superb winemaker’s meal after a private tour of the cellars!
- A few kilometers away, head to Sancerre, a picturesque medieval village known for its renowned white wines.
- Still in Sancerre, walk to Domaine Joseph Mellot to taste Sancerre wines.
- Option: Take a short 10 kilometer loop to discover the Eric Louis estate, located in the heart of the vineyard where you can enjoy a cellar visit and tasting with the 4th generation of winegrowers!
- Continue your journey to Bourges, a city steeped in history with its magnificent Gothic cathedral and its Palais Jacques Cœur. Take the opportunity to taste the region’s wines at La Cave des Vignerons de Bourges.
End your journey towards Valençay, where you can visit the Château de Valençay, a magnificent Renaissance residence