If you are a cheese and wine lover, then you need to put the Loire Valley on your bucket list! My recent trip to the Loire Valley was nothing short of magical, and it’s an experience I can’t stop thinking about. The wines, the scenery, the food, the people—everything about this trip was exceptional. Whether you love wine like me or simply someone who appreciates a beautiful place, this trip is one you can easily replicate. Here’s how:
The Essence of Loire Wines
The Loire Valley is renowned for its incredible wines, especially Cabernet Francs and Chenin Blancs. It’s no exaggeration to say the French keep some of their best wines for themselves. The Cabernet Francs, in particular, left a lasting impression on me. The depth of flavour and the elegance of these wines are unmatched. It’s no wonder I crammed 11 bottles into my suitcase for the journey home, and sadly my stash is dwindling. Whenever I’m in a restaurant or bar now, I seek out a Cabernet Franc and am always on the lookout for one to add to the Mouse & Grape wine selection. For the time being, I’m going to tell you all about it, and you’ll have to trust me and book a trip. It’s worth it!
What is Cabernet Franc?
Cabernet Franc is a red wine grape variety, often overshadowed by its offspring Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Yet, it stands out with its unique flavour profile and versatility, particularly in regions like the Loire Valley in France.
Characteristics of Cabernet Franc:
- Flavour Profile: Aromatic and nuanced flavours including raspberry, strawberry, cherry, blackcurrant, green bell pepper, mint, fresh herbs, black pepper, liquorice, tobacco, earthy notes, violets, and hints of graphite.
- Structure: Generally lighter in body and tannin than Cabernet Sauvignon, yet with bright acidity, which makes it refreshing and approachable. Additionally, it can also be enjoyed chilled or even made into a rosé.
- Aroma: Vibrant, complex aroma with floral notes mingling with red fruit and herbal scents.
Foods that Pair Well with Cabernet Franc:
- Poultry: Roast chicken, duck, or turkey
- Pork: Dishes like pork loin or sausages
- Vegetarian: Grilled vegetables, lentil stews, and mushroom dishes
- Cheeses: Goat cheese (chèvre), Brie, and aged gouda
- Tomato-based: Pasta and pizza with tomato sauces
This photo shows us halfway through the Solex bike tour—a fun and memorable experience that I highly recommend!
We rode through the beautiful vineyard on iconic machines, visiting the cellar, and enjoying a wine tasting with nibbles.
Perfect for companies, curious visitors, family celebrations, hen parties, and stag parties.
You can book your slot online (4 to 15 people) by clicking the this link
For questions, see our FAQ or email: oenotourisme@piedflond.fr
Price: €49/person Available February to November, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. or 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Itinerary and Highlights
Day 1: Arrival in Tours We arrived at Gare de Tours and checked into the Hilton Garden Inn Tours. After a brief rest, we headed to Les Canailles for dinner—a perfect introduction to the region’s cuisine.
Day 2: Exploring Touraine Amboise Our day began with a free city tour of Tours, where we soaked in the beautiful architecture and vibrant atmosphere. This was followed by a visit to Domaine Pierre d’Aurèle for a wine and food pairing lunch, showcasing the region’s Sauvignon and Chenin Blancs. In the afternoon, we visited Plou et Fils for a tasting with Emile Codens, a local winemaker and influencer. The day ended with a visit to Pagode de Chanteloup and a delightful dinner at Restaurant des Belles Caves.
Day 3: Chinon and Saumur. This day was all about oenotourism. We visited Pierre et Bertrand Couly, where we experienced an escape game themed around wine discovery. After a lunch at Au Local in Chinon, we explored Cave Edonis, famous for its troglodyte (limestone cave) setup, it is hard to explain in words how incredible this experince was, you’ll have to go and experience this yourself but trust me, these are no ordinary caves! The highlight was a sunset dinner and sparkling wine tasting on a traditional flat boat on the Loire River with two female winemakers from Domaine Louis de Grenelle and Clos des Cordeliers.
Day 4: Angers and Sweet Wines We started with a Solex-bike ride through the vineyards of Domaine Pied Flond, followed by lunch and a relaxing afternoon at Domaine Montgilet. The evening was spent exploring Angers by night, a city rich in history and beauty.
Day 5: Departure After a leisurely breakfast and a peaceful morning at Hotel d’Anjou, we departed from Gare d’Angers with our minds filled with cherished memories and our suitcases bulging with wine and a newfound appreciation for the Loire.
This is a photo of me in the barrel aging area at “Les Pierres d’Aurèle,” a family-run estate in the Loire Valley. Spanning 40 hectares, with 25 in organic conversion, they have been dedicated to crafting high-quality wines since 2010.
Their vines, some as old as 105 years, thrive on Chenonceaux’s clay-siliceous soils, producing exceptional grapes and a diverse range of wines—from fruity Sauvignon to the unique Pineau d’Aunis rosé.
We were fortunate to have lunch here and taste their entire range of wines. I loved their commitment to sustainable, low-intervention winemaking, paired with a creative approach. I even brought home a bottle of their Sauvignon Blanc, which was accidentally part-oxidized and turned into a unique orange wine—totally unusual and delicious! I’m saving it for a special occasion.
I highly recommend staying here to experience their delicious wines, warm hospitality, and beautiful off-grid accommodations. You can order their wines, book a stay, gift a wine box, or even enjoy a wellness treatment. [Here is a link to book.]
Enhancing the Experience
If I were to organise this trip again, I would recommend an overnight stay in Paris both on the way there and back. This would break up the journey and give you a chance to enjoy the City of Lights. Also, squeezing in visits to cheese shops along the way would be a must.
The Best Time to Visit
We visited in April, which was lovely, but I would recommend going in the summer or September. The vines will have bloomed, offering stunning scenery, and the weather will be warmer. The landscapes, from rolling vineyards to historic towns, are breathtaking and best enjoyed in the height of summer.
I Can’t Get Enough French Food!
French food is incredible, and the Loire Valley is no exception. From pork delicacies like rillette and rillons to the freshest goat cheeses, every meal is a delight. The regional pairings of wines and cheeses enhance the experience, making each tasting session a journey of its own. Special mention also to the pork dishes, especially pork rillette which was a perfect pairing partner with the wines.
I Can’t Get Enough French Food!
French food is incredible, and the Loire Valley is no exception. From pork delicacies like rillette and rillons to the freshest goat cheeses, every meal is a delight. The regional pairings of wines and cheeses enhance the experience, making each tasting session a journey of its own. Special mention also to the pork dishes, especially pork rillette which was a perfect pairing partner with the wines.
Now, This Would Not Be a Mouse & Grape Article Without Some Mention of Cheese!
We have focused on Cabernet Franc in this article, but Loire Sauvignon like Touraine or the famous Sancerre also pairs beautifully with goat cheese. The combination of aged goat cheeses with Cabernet Franc is simply delicious. Here are my favourite famous goat cheeses from the region you need to look out for:
Famous Cheeses from the Loire Valley and Why They Stand Out
The Loire Valley is renowned not only for its wines but also for its exceptional cheeses, particularly those made from goat’s milk. Here are some of the most famous cheeses from the region and what makes them special:
- Sainte-Maure de Touraine
- Description: Cylindrical cheese with a straw through the centre, often coated in ash.
- Why Special: Creamy texture, tangy and nutty flavour. AOC status ensures quality and traditional methods.
- Crottin de Chavignol
- Description: Small, round goat cheese, enjoyed fresh or aged.
- Why Special: Versatile flavour from mild and creamy to robust and goaty. Holds AOC status.
- Selles-sur-Cher
- Description: Small, round, flat cheese with a blue-grey ash rind.
- Why Special: Tangy, salty, slightly sweet flavours with a creamy texture. Protected by AOC status.
This is a photo of a perfectly ripe and delicious Selles Sur Cher
What are you waiting for?!
The Loire Valley offers a rich tapestry of experiences for any wine lover. The region’s commitment to organic and environmental farming practices is impressive, and the sheer variety of wines—sparkling, red, white, rosé, sweet, and natural—means there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re planning a girls’ trip or a romantic getaway, the Loire Valley should be at the top of your list. The Loire Valley’s cheeses, such as Sainte-Maure de Touraine and Valençay, are celebrated for their unique flavours and traditional craftsmanship. Pair these exquisite cheeses with the region’s wines for a true taste of the Loire’s culinary excellence. So, get on the Eurostar and head to Tours for an unforgettable adventure.
