Wines of the Loire

Day 1 – Arrive at Camping Isle Verte

Upon arrival at the campsite, settle into your pitch and then take the opportunity to meet your fellow members with a welcome meeting, drinks and welcome meal at the campsite restaurant.

Day 2 – Montsoreau Market

Spend today taking it easy after your journey down, at the Montsoreau market and the antiques market along the banks of the River Loire.

Day 3 - Château de Brissac 

Known as the ‘Giant of the Val de Loire’ due to its seven storeys and 204 rooms, this château has been the residence of the Dukes of Brissac since 1502! During this guided visit, take in the fabulous views, the gold leaf ceilings, the Belle Epoque Theatre as well as many other historic rooms. Then enjoy a wine-tasting of Anjou Villages Brissac and Rosé d’Anjou in the château’s wine cellar as well as lunch in the château’s medieval kitchens!

Day 4 - Domaine de Rocheville

Today you will visit the Domaine de Rocheville – a certified organic and independent winegrower set in the heart of the Saumur-Champigny region. Here, they specialise in the production of Saumur Blanc and Crémant de Loire (sparkling wine), as well as Saumur Champigny and Saumur Rosé, with astrong emphasis on eco-responsibility.

The estate buildings themselves are also a point of interestwhere modern cellars have been built overhanging the ancientTroglodyte ones.

Day 5 - A free day at your leisure

Day 6 - A day of grape-picking

Get first-hand experience of the harvesting process today with a bit of grape-picking at a local vineyard! Known as the ‘vendanges’, harvest time is undoubtedly one of the busiest ‘events’ in the oenological calendar. After all the hard-work, indulge in a well-earned buffet lunch.

Day 7 – Domaine Nerleux and Domaine Arnaud Lambert

Today, visit 2 local wine producers and vineyards. Enjoy a guided tour of these domaines and an explanation into the processes used for these particular wines.Between them these domaines produce wines such as Saumur Blanc and Rosé, Crémant de Loire and Cabernet Franc to name a few.

Day 8 – Cadre Noir Gala

Enjoy a free day at your own leisure.

Then, in the evening be treated to a truly spectacular display of impressive horsemanship at the Cadre Noir elite equestrian academy, with one of their famous galas. The Cadre Noir is where horses and riders are trained by ‘master’ instructors  for top level competition and to the highest standards of excellence. 

Day 9 – Le Marché des Vins de Loire

Today’s excursion will take you on a mid-morning walk to Le Marché des Vins de Loire. Located within walking distance from your campsite, take a leisurely walk and experience a local wine and cheese sampling. Enjoy the rest of your day at your own leisure.

Day 10 – Clos de la Richardière

Your Loire wine adventure continues over in Amboise today at the charming Clos de la Richardière. This former wine estate now offers beautiful walks and trails amongst the vineyards, where the growing and cultivation of the vines is explained along the way. Enjoy a guided walk followed by lunch here as well as some more wine-tasting.

Day 11 - A free day at your leisure

Day 12 – Chinon and the ‘Forteresse Royale’

Today your wine tour takes you to the Pierre & Bertrand Couly wine domaine. You will have a guided tour of the estate and an explanation of the vinification processes and a ‘tutored’ wine-tasting.

In the afternoon, visit the Royal Fortress of Chinon with free-time to explore it at your own pace.

Day 13 – Vineyard tour and Troglodyte caves and Pommes Tapées

The Troglodyte caves of the Loire are intrinsically linked to the oenology of the region. Many of the caves are now used as wine cellars, offering the perfect temperatures and levels of humidity for storing and ageing the wines. Take a tour around some of these caves and sample some of the wines kept here. Within the caves another culinary delight is produced - the ‘pommes tapées’ or dried apple slices. This is the last remaining place that makes these in the traditional way.

Day 14 - Boule de fort and Les Clos d’entre les Murs

Discover the game of ‘boule de fort’, a sport unique to this region. A cross between pétanque and bowles, this game uses weighted, ‘flat’ sided boules, played on a concave surface and is played wearing slippers!

Then in the evening, experience something truly exceptional - a château vineyard where vines grow through walls that have been constructed to help them flourish. The foot of the vines keep cool and moist on the North side of the wall, and the rest of the vines enjoy the sunlight on the South side!! Enjoy a torchlit walk and a 'dégustation' with appetisers here!

Day 15 - A free day at your leisure

Day 16 - A boat trip on the Loire and farewell meal 

Enjoy a relaxing trip along the Loire. End the tour with a farewell dinner at the campsite restaurant to say goodbye to your host and fellow tourers.

Day 17 – Depart from campsite