Enjoy private guided tour of stunning gardens, boat cruise on the Loire river and vineyards in Villandry and Chinon
Embark on a bespoke adventure designed to unveil the heart and soul of the Loire Valley. This private and luxurious experience, will immerse you in the region’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and delectable gastronomy around Villandry and Chinon. Your journey begins with your expert driver-guide, a local who breathes the very essence of the Loire Valley. This is not just chauffeur, but storyteller, weaving tales of kings and queens, vineyards and châteaux, while ensuring your comfort and exceeding your expectations.
©ADT Touraine – JC Coutand
Villandry gardens
Step into a living masterpiece at the Villandry Gardens. Imagine the meticulous planning and artistry that went into creating these geometric wonders, each flower bed, hedge, and tree meticulously arranged to form breathtaking patterns. Stroll through the vibrant colors and intoxicating scents, a testament to both human ingenuity and nature’s beauty.
Loire river cruise with a winemaker
Glide gently down the Loire aboard a traditional boat, the water reflecting the timeless charm of the surrounding countryside. Picturesque villages, majestic châteaux and rolling vineyards unfold before you. The boat is piloted by a local winemaker who offers you a private tasting during this Loire river cruise, sharing his passion and expertise for an unforgettable experience.
©OT Saumur
© Elodie Peyrussie – Domaine de la Noblaie
Chinon winery
The Chinon appellation is known for its red wines made from the Cabernet Franc grape. You will learn about the winemaking process and see the vineyards. You will also taste several of the wines produced by the winery. The tour is a great way to learn about the Chinon appellation and its wines. It is also a great way to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Loire Valley.
This full day guided tour is not just a tour; it’s an immersion into the soul of the region, designed to leave you with a profound sense of wonder and a heart full of treasured memories around Villandry and Chinon.
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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
Who pilots the boat on the Loire cruise with a winemaker?
A local winemaker steers the traditional boat and serves you a private tasting of his wines on board. As you glide down the Loire, you pass villages, châteaux and vineyards while he talks about his work and his wines. It is a rare chance to meet a producer on the river instead of in a cellar.
What wines is Chinon known for?
Chinon is best known for its red wines made from Cabernet Franc. At the Chinon winery on this tour, you see the vineyards, learn how the wine is made and taste several of the estate's wines. With the tasting on the boat earlier in the day, it makes this one of our most wine-focused garden tours.
Do we have to drive after the wine tastings?
No. Your expert driver-guide drives you all day in a private vehicle, so you can enjoy the tastings on the boat and at the winery without thinking about the road. Between stops, the guide shares stories about the kings and queens, vineyards and châteaux of the region.
Is this tour similar to the Saumur sparkling wine and Villandry tour?
Both combine the Villandry gardens with a cruise on a traditional Loire boat and wine. The difference lies in the wine and the setting: here, the boat is piloted by a winemaker who pours his own wines, and the day ends at a Chinon estate focused on red Cabernet Franc. The Saumur tour centers on a sparkling wine house and its troglodyte cellars.
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
