Whether you live in the Pays de la Loire or are simply passing through, and you’re looking to visit charming châteaux and wine estates, today we’re taking you on a journey along the Loire Route to learn more about the region’s most remarkable sites.
The Saumur area also offers countless excursions: cellar visits, troglodyte sites, wine tastings, countryside walks… A wealth of cultural activities deeply rooted in the heritage of the Pays de la Loire.
Angers, the capital of Anjou and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a cultural destination where art and history meet. The city and its surroundings are filled with historical gems. To begin your tour of the Loire’s unique estates and châteaux, start with the Château d’Angers. This 13th‑century limestone and schist fortress was once the residence of the Dukes of Anjou. Climb to the ramparts and you’ll enjoy magnificent views over the gardens, rose beds, vineyards and suspended vegetable garden. But no visit to the Château d’Angers would be complete without admiring the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, a masterpiece of medieval art. Thematic tours are offered throughout the year.
One of Anjou’s most prestigious estates, Château La Varière, sits right next to the Château de Brissac, the “Giant of the Loire Valley.”
Just a few kilometres away, between Angers and Saumur, you can stop at Château La Varière, one of the most renowned estates in Anjou, located in Brissac‑Quincé. Its vast 150‑hectare vineyard produces a wide range of AOP wines, from reds to dry and sweet whites.
Along the road between Angers and Saumur, other wonders await, including the famous Château de Brissac. This “giant of the Loire Valley” is the tallest château in France. Beyond exploring its remarkable architecture, you can stroll through its park, which offers themed walks throughout the year. A little further on, the Manoir de Clairefontaine, an authentic medieval manor, features a full ecosystem within its 50‑hectare landscaped park, where plants and animals coexist in an idyllic setting.
Halfway between Angers and Tours, the town of Saumur, birthplace of Loire sparkling wines, is known for its expertise in effervescence, its troglodyte cellars and its endless vineyards. The Cadre Noir is also one of Saumur’s great prides.
Overlooking the town and the Loire, the imposing Château de Saumur, a former royal fortress, is an essential stop. Exploring it will take you back to the time of the Plantagenets, revealing its history and architecture from the 10th century to the Renaissance. Choose a guided tour to enjoy fascinating historical anecdotes.
Continue your visit in Saumur by discovering Maison Ackerman, where you can uncover the secrets of Loire sparkling wines. Its tuffeau‑stone cellars reveal the production and history of its famous cuvées made using the Traditional Method. Through various tour and tasting options, sommelier‑guides will share their passion for sparkling wines.
Before crossing the Loire to reach Touraine, along the road to Montsoreau, you’ll come across the Domaine de la Perruche. This beautiful estate along the Loire offers guided tours through its cellars and wine facilities. Don’t miss the chance to learn more about the region’s grape varieties and appellations—especially AOP Saumur‑Champigny. After discovering winemaking techniques and local specialities, you’ll end your visit with a unique tasting “in the heart of the cellars.”
As you leave the estate, take the opportunity to visit the Château de Montsoreau, made famous by Alexandre Dumas in La Dame de Montsoreau, or the Abbaye de Fontevraud, known for its contemporary art exhibitions.
Continue your journey and head into Touraine. If you still have time, visit the Château d’Ussé. Princess Aurora, Maleficent, the charming prince… sound familiar? You’ll be delighted to learn that this magnificent estate inspired Charles Perrault’s famous fairy tale Sleeping Beauty.
This enchanting château welcomes you for a visit retracing its history through sumptuous décor and a fascinating past. Over the centuries, the Château d’Ussé has undergone many transformations—from a medieval fortress to a splendid pleasure residence. Its architecture spans several eras, from the Middle Ages to the late 17th‑century classical style. With its rich history and varied décor, this extraordinary residence offers a perfect immersion into the world of kings and the bourgeoisie of old.
Continuing toward Tours, you’ll reach the Monmousseau Cellars in Montrichard. In a unique scenography, these still‑active cellars combine the history of Loire châteaux with oenological knowledge. Through artistic projections on the former extraction galleries, you’ll discover the most beautiful Loire châteaux, displayed on the very tuffeau stone that likely contributed to their construction. End your visit with a tasting on the terrace overlooking the Cher Valley.
Tourism and wine tourism thrive throughout the Loire Valley.
Whether you visit with family, friends, as a couple or on your own, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience blending culture, art and history.
Choose the season that suits you and come discover the exceptional places that make our region so renowned.
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