The Loire Valley vineyards
Description
On the section between Montsoreau and Saumur, the route passes through one of the most emblematic vineyards of the Loire Valley, deeply rooted in the landscape and the region’s history.
Here, the tuffeau hillsides—well exposed and naturally well-drained—are mainly planted with Cabernet Franc, the signature grape variety of the Saumur-Champigny appellation. It produces supple, elegant, and fruity red wines that reflect the finesse of these limestone terroirs. This vineyard, a defining feature of the region, covers around 1,600 hectares and has shaped the landscapes you are traveling through for centuries.
Vines have been cultivated here since the Middle Ages, developed in particular by monasteries and supported by the Loire, a key route for transport and trade. Over time, this activity has created a living landscape where agriculture, villages, and heritage intertwine.
Around Saumur, the vineyard becomes more diverse with the Saumur appellation, renowned for its white wines made from Chenin, capable of expressing a wide range of styles—from dry to sweet. The region is also known for its fine sparkling wines, aged in galleries carved into the tuffeau, offering ideal natural conditions for maturation.
This close relationship between stone, vine, and habitation creates unique landscapes: vineyard-covered hillsides, troglodyte caves, and villages built into the rock. Here, the vine does more than produce wine—it tells a story, shapes the land, and accompanies each stage of your journey along the Loire.