Enjoy a typical day in the Loire Valley, with a wine tasting, a cruise on the Loire and a visit to the magnificent gardens of a Loire castle in Saumur and Villandry.
Unravel the secrets of sparkling wine house, glide through the Loire’s timeless beauty on a traditional wooden boat, and lose yourself in the geometric perfection of Villandry Gardens. This is more than sightseeing; it’s an immersion into the very soul of the Loire Valley, leaving you with memories that sparkle as brightly as the region’s renowned wines. Your adventure will be guided by an expert and passionate driver-guide. With in-depth knowledge of the region, they will share anecdotes and enthusiasm for the Loire Valley, enriching your journey in Saumur and Villandry.
©Sophie Boursier
Sparkling wine troglodyte house visit in Saumur
Your journey begins with a visit to famous cellars, a renowned sparkling wine house known for its exceptional cuvées. Explore the troglodyte cellars carved into the chalk and discover the secrets of their renowned sparkling wine production. Then, taste some of the best cuvées of the house, many of which are exported all over the world!
Loire river cruise in Saumur
Then embark on a peaceful cruise on the Loire aboard a traditional wooden boat. Your guide will tell you all about the history of Europe’s last wild river, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let yourself be seduced by the breathtaking view of the Château de Saumur, which dominates the town.
©Loire Evasion
©ADT Touraine – David Darrault
Villandry gardens
Continue your exploration with a visit to the Villandry Gardens, a true gem. Be captivated by the perfection of the flower beds, the symmetry of the groves, and the variety of colors that compose these Renaissance gardens. Stroll through the different thematic areas, from the vegetable garden to the ornamental garden, and admire the beauty and harmony of these landscape compositions.
Throughout your excursion, enjoy attentive and personalized service. Your driver-guide will ensure your comfort and answer all your questions. Let yourself be transported by the magic of the Loire Valley and live an unforgettable experience in Saumur and Villandry.
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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’s special about the sparkling wine cellars in Saumur?
Saumur's sparkling wine houses age their bottles in troglodyte cellars carved into the chalky local stone, which stays cool all year. You visit the cellars of a renowned house known for its cuvées, many of them exported around the world, learn how its sparkling wines are produced, then taste some of the house's best. It is the first stop of the day.
What kind of boat is used for the Loire cruise in Saumur?
You sail on a traditional wooden boat, the kind long used on the Loire. During the cruise your guide tells the history of what is often called Europe's last wild river, part of the Loire Valley UNESCO World Heritage Site, and you get a clear view of Château de Saumur rising above the town.
Do we go inside a château on the Saumur and Villandry tour?
This day is about wine, the river and gardens rather than château interiors. You see Château de Saumur from the water and spend time in the Villandry gardens, from the vegetable garden to the ornamental beds. If you would like to add a château visit, ask your trip designer, who can adjust the program.
Is the Saumur tour fine for someone who doesn’t drink alcohol?
Yes, the tasting is only one part of the day. Non-drinkers still enjoy the troglodyte cellars and the explanations on how sparkling wine is made, then the cruise and the Villandry gardens. Let your trip designer know in advance so they can ask the wine house about a non-alcoholic option during the tasting.
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
