Winemaking, gastronomy & cultural treasures await you: explore Bourgueil winery and historic monument
Indulge in a curated journey through the heart of the Loire Valley. Your adventure begins at a renowned Bourgueil winery, where you’ll uncover the secrets of winemaking and taste exceptional wines. Next, savor a delectable lunch at a local restaurant committed to farm-to-table cuisine. Finally, choose your own path: explore the majestic Azay-le-Rideau castle, immerse yourself in the history of Fontevraud Abbey, or wander through the stunning Villandry Gardens. Enjoy this private tour with a driver-guide and discover Bourgueil winery and historic monument.
©Château de Miniere
Bourgueil winery
Step back in time at the Chateau wine estate, a unique and historical setting steeped in tradition. Admire the grand Chateau, boasting two centuries of history, and wander through its picturesque park nestled within the vineyard. This estate has been proudly managed by women since the 18th century, dedicated to crafting only organic wines with a deep connection to the land.
Lunch at a local restaurant
Your journey continues with a gourmet lunch experience at a charming local restaurant, nestled amidst the rolling vines. Here, Chef Vincent warmly welcomes you. Imagine savoring local specialties, each showcasing the freshest ingredients and paired perfectly with the estate’s wines. In this restaurant, you’ll enjoy a “0 kilometer” meal. Every product comes directly from the restaurant’s own farm!
©ADT Touraine – Leonard de Serres
©Christophe MARTIN – Anjou Tourisme
Gardens, Château, or Abbey: Your Loire Valley Dilemma
Villandry Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a masterpiece of French Renaissance design. Explore the three levels of ornamental gardens, each with its own unique beauty. Marvel at the intricate patterns of the vegetable garden, the colorful borders of the flower garden, and the peaceful tranquility of the water garden.
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is a stunning Renaissance castle surrounded by the waters of the Indre River. Uncover the secrets of this architectural gem, from its elegant turrets and intricate carvings to its lavishly decorated interior and explore the castle’s fascinating history.
At Fontevraud Royal Abbey, explore the magnificent abbey church and the impressive cloisters. Fontevraud was founded in 1101 by Robert d’Arbrissel and became one of the most important monasteries in medieval Europe. Fontevraud is also the final resting place of several Plantagenet kings, including Richard I (the Lionheart) and Henry II.
No matter your path, the Loire Valley’s magic will leave an indelible mark. So, choose your adventure, embrace the moment, and let this unforgettable experience in Bourgueil winery and historic monument linger long after you return home.
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Testimonials
A superb collaboration during an event with Loire Secrets. The team is really friendly and available. A top organization. We recommend with your eyes closed!
The Calliope Travel team
Very good experience.. A wonderful stay. Very well organized..I recommend..It was perfect..To do again without hesitation…Thank you France Trip Secrets…
Great attention paid to the customer’s wishes. Good humor and unfailing professionalism. It’s a real pleasure to work with France Trip Secrets!
Whether for our professional event or for our reunion event with friends, the Loire Secret team did double duty.
A successful evening and weekend
Bravo for these 2 exceptional organizations.
We will do it again for sure!!!
© Léonard de Serres
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of wine will we taste at the Bourgueil winery?
Bourgueil is mainly a red wine area of Touraine, known for its Cabernet Franc. The estate you visit is a château with two centuries of history and a park set among its vines. It makes only organic wines and has been run by women since the 18th century. You learn how the wines are made, then taste them on site.
What is the farm-to-table lunch on the Bourgueil tour like?
Lunch is at a local restaurant among the vines, where Chef Vincent welcomes you. It is a '0 kilometer' meal: every product comes from the restaurant's own farm, and the local specialties are paired with the estate's wines. If you have allergies or follow a particular diet, tell your trip designer in advance so the restaurant can plan for it.
Should I pick Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau or Fontevraud Abbey for the afternoon?
It depends on what you enjoy. Villandry is for garden lovers, with its three levels of Renaissance gardens. Azay-le-Rideau is the classic château pick, a Renaissance castle surrounded by the waters of the Indre with decorated interiors. Fontevraud suits history buffs: founded in 1101 by Robert d'Arbrissel, it became one of medieval Europe's major monasteries. Your trip designer can help you choose.
Is the Bourgueil tour a good choice if I’m interested in English royal history?
Yes, if you choose Fontevraud Royal Abbey for the afternoon. Henry II, the first Plantagenet king of England, his son Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine are buried there, and you explore the abbey church and the cloisters. For travelers with British roots, it is a striking place to see. The morning winery and the farm lunch stay the same whatever you choose.
image sources:
- Detail of part of the gardens of the Chambord Castle in France: Saturnino Perez Garrido
- France Trip Secrets – VIP experiences in Brittany – ©BERTHIER Emmanuel: ©BERTHIER Emmanuel
- France Trip Secrets – Fontevraud Royal Abbey ©Christophe MARTIN – Anjou Tourisme: ©Christophe MARTIN - Anjou Tourisme
- France Trip Secrets – Wellness stay in Brittany – ©Castelbrac: J-L T
- France Trip Secrets – VIP experiences hot air balloon ride Loire Valley – © Léonard de Serres: © Léonard de Serres
