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TOUR
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Wine & Food Tours of the LOIRE Region France |
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THE LOIRE – a VINEYARD from the ocean to the mountains
Named after the river that runs through it's heart , the Loire is one of the most famous
places in western France. The Loire Valley exemplifies the good things in life; a leisurely pace
of life, a mild climate, fine wines and a gentle people. The region is one of rolling countryside;
the rich river valley and its vineyards, the fertile arable land, the orchards and the forests.
Timeless villages hidden off the beaten track, or lively local towns. There are themed tours to
follow, marked walks, wine discovery and 'degustation' routes and national park areas.
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The region - The Loire - the story of a river
The Loire is more than just a wine region. This extensive region has many sub wine regions— Nantes, Anjou, Touraine, Chinon, Bourgueil, Vouvray, Valcay, Coteaux
to name a few. With its rivers and hills, castles
(chateaux) and immaculate gardens, it is arguably the most scenic of France’s wine regions.
The Loire is largely limestone and this is reflected in the building material of choice for
everything from the grandest chateaux to modest homes and down to primitive vineyard
shelters and barns—all are built from creamy white limestone
A river of History
At 1020km in length from it's source in the Massif Central to it's destination in the
Atlantic Ocean, the Loire is France's longest river.
The Loire drains 116,550 sq km of land, more than a fifth of France, and there are many châteaux
and vineyards along its banks. The Loire gives its name to the départements of Loire, Haute-Loire,
Loire-Atlantique, Indre-et-Loire, Maine-et-Loire, and Saône-et-Loire.
Its main tributaries include the Nièvre, Maine, and Erdre on the right bank, and the Allier,
Cher, Indre, Vienne, and Sèvre Nantaise on the left bank.
Formerly the playground of kings, princes and the nobility, the Pays du Loire is still
the wealthiest area of France. Entering it is like stepping back in time. Originally built
as fortress in the Middle Ages, it's castles, hunting lodges and manor houses were gradually
converted into lavish pleasure palaces
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What makes this a great area for wine and food lovers?
When it comes to food and cuisine in a region that goes from the mountains to the sea the
range of food and styles are incredible. In a land once populated by kings with castles
with some of the finest kitchens in France there has developed a long heritage of fine
dining that is reflected in today’s cuisine. Balance this with a ready supply of produce
from the sea and the land and you have the Loire style.
For more temptations Loire FOOD & CUISINE ..
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Attractions
Beyond the river, the world renown wines, the scenery the region boasts of
numerous attractions.
Chateaux – With over 1000 grand chateaux including household names
like Blois, Amborise, Azay-le-Rideau and our favourite, Chenonceaux.
Villages
- Special secret villages like Candes-St-Martin, the troglodyte dwellings of
underground and cave houses in Troo, the canal villages such as Combreux.
Historical places - The historical places such as the abbeys and cathedrals
that have their beginnings back before 1000 AD
Unique foods & Cuisine,
The unique foods like the cheeses of Sainte Maure de Touraine, and Tarte Tatin,
arguably the most famous dessert in France.
And to go with such cuisine, The wines of The Loire.- white, red, rose,
still and sparkling, dry and sweet.
Then the towns
- Angers
– Angers, the capital of the Anjou region, is situated on the river Maine,
a few kilometers before the Maine joins the Loire. It is a thriving university
town with wide boulevards, modern shops, beautiful public gardens and narrow
older streets evocative of its long history.
- Fontevraud
– The Abbey of Fontevraud is the ancient burial place of the Plantagenets
who were the Counts of Anjou, Ducs of Normandie and Aquitaine and then for
over three hundred years Kings of England
- Chinon
– Chinon is a lovely old fortified town with cobbled streets and alleys which wind
their way up and down and along the hillside. The town and region are famous for the 'Chinon'
vineyards where superb red wines are produced.
- Saumur
– an impressive town overlooked by the splendid 14th century chateau with its black slate
turrets and white tuffeau walls. Narrow streets wind their way down from the chateau to
the Place Saint Pierre where there are half-timbered houses and a medieval church.
- Tours
– this cathedral city has a mixture of the new and old. At the heart of the city is the
medieval town 'Le Vieux Tours' which shows evidence of Roman ancestors and Renaissance
architecture
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BON BOUQUET offers vineyard tours, private tours,
wine tastings and chateau tours and specialises in the Loire Valley areas of Central Touraine along with Vouvray, Chinon, St. Nicholas de Bourgeuil, Saumur
Sancerre, Menetou Salon and Pouilly
Steve Garry
Director/guide Bon Bouquet
Steve Garry of Bon Bouquet tours offers friendly wine and food tours that
are tailored to your interests and time. Let Steve share with you his favourite wineries and restaurants. Central Touraine is on his doorstep.
FOR INFORMATION & BOOKINGS: Loire@winetour-france.com
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A Queen loved by Kings
It has been said that, “The Loire is a Queen loved by Kings.”
From the grapes and wines so extensive in taste and style;
to the grand Chateaux , churches and cathedrals; to cuisine from the rustic to the finest ;
from the fertile river valleys to the rich ocean; from the gentle rain and warm, sunny climate;
from timeless villages to lively towns and bustling cities— this is indeed a blessed wine region!
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| TOUR PLANNING SERVICE
Need professional help in planning your wine and food tour of The Loire?
Anne and Kerry are available to assist you in getting the wine and food tour that you want.
All you need to do is send your request including details of your name, wine regions required,
and travel dates & time available and we will send you a FREE ADVISE on recommended tours.
CONTACT: loireplan@winetour-france.com
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