France à la Carte - Loire Valley

Villandry Jardins

General information about the Loire Valley

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its landscapes and chateaux, the Loire Valley (External link) has a unique lifestyle and world-famous vineyards.
Loire Valley vineyards (External link) cover the local landscape with vines all along the Loire from Sancerre to the Atlantic Ocean, in the Western part of France. Famous wines such as Saumur, Chinon, Muscadet, Layon and Vouvray are produced in abundance here.

When you visit the region, you will discover local grape varieties, vineyards, appellations and wines with the vine growers themselves who offer a variety of different visits to vineyards, tourist cellars, museums or the Maison des Vins.
Most of these locations boast the "Vignobles & Découvertes" (Vineyards and Discoveries) label, guaranteeing a quality oenological journey to top Loire Valley destinations!

Last but not least, there is no wine without heritage! Here, Loire châteaux and cities and villages full of local character are never far from the vineyards, and in the summer period they also play host to a variety of wine-based celebrations. Not to be missed!

Experiences and visits in the Loire Valley

While in Loire Valley, expect the unexpected ! From tasting wine under the stars in Chenonceaux (External link) , to visiting art installations in vast troglodyte underground cellars in Saumur, you will have a unique experience.

To introduce you to a sensory journey, the Maisons des Vins will be your guides. Come and taste the wines of Chinon or Touraine. Then go and meet the wine-makers in their vineyards or cellars for stories about making wine and tastings in a friendly setting. You can be sure to continue your voyage of discovery in one of the guinguettes, open-air bars, along the Loire or at table in a gourmet restaurant, which will make the perfect match between wine and food for you.

Loire Valley wines & Gastronomy

There is a sort of magic created when Loire Valley wines are paired with excellent regional produce. Besides their colour (white, rosé, red), form (still or sparkling) and flavour (dry, soft, semi-dry, sweet, smooth and syrupy) Loire Valley wines also promise moments of conviviality. They will work wonders with a variety of dishes, be it meat or fish, and will perfectly accompany a platter of cheese or a dessert...

Which Loire wines with fish and meat?
White Loire Valley wines go well with fish and white meat. Pair a dish of pike or fillet of perch with a glass of Sancerre.
To wash down a dish of red meat, grilled meat, steak or game served with a sauce, there is nothing like a glass of fine red wine, such as a Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil.

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Pairing wines, cheeses and desserts

The Loire Valley (External link) is not only famous for its great wines but also for its excellent goat cheese, and they go extremely well together!
Types of locally-produced goat cheese include the famous Sainte-Maure de Touraine, which can be washed down with a glass of dry Sancerre, white Touraine or light red Chinon.

For dessert, there is a wide choice of Loire Valley whites, but a glass of sweet (or sparkling) Vouvray stand out as being particularly pleasant.
Crémant de Loire is ideal as an aperitif or for festive occasions, as well as being perfect with desserts of brioche, biscuits, ice creams and sorbets.

Discover on the Loire Valley website (External link) and follow Loire Valley on Instagram (External link)