Angers is a true food and wine lovers’ destination. Discover some of the Loire Valley’s most highly reputed wines, explore traditional villages nestled deep within the vineyards and meet the region’s devoted wine producers.
Along the ‘royal’ Loire River and its tributaries – the Thouet, the Aubance and the Layon – the Loire Valley’s two emblematic grape varieties, Chenin and Cabernet Franc, flourish on soils of schist and tufa limestone.
Venture into the Anjou-Saumur wine region, a unique and historical terroir with no less than 27 official wine appellations producing richly aromatic wines of all styles (red, rosé, white and sparkling wines are all made). Travel the wine routes and enjoy a moment of serenity and authenticity amid the natural surroundings that local winegrowers treasure so much.
Wine tasting
Vines in the heart of the Angevin vineyards
Wine tastingThree circuits start from Angers packed with the very best of what the region has to offer: riverside scenery, vineyards, Loire Valley châteaux and heritage sites.
The ‘Château de Brissac and Aubance Vineyards’ circuit : A 57 km route taking in Angers Castle, the Maison des Vins, the Aubance valley, the majestic Château de Brissac, the small character village of Blaison-Gohier, and the River Loire at sunset.
The ‘Vineyards & Panoramas of the Layon’ circuit : A 121 km route passing through pretty riverside villages (Savennières, La Possonnière), before winding around the Corniche Angevine for stunning views of vineyards and winegrowing châteaux. There are plenty of opportunities to meet winemakers as you then drive through some 17 different wine appellation areas.
The ‘Wild Loire & Corniche Angevine’ circuit: A 58 km route travelling south-west of Angers along the Loire. Several activities are possible along the way for an even closer experience with nature, like a boat outing on a traditional vessel in Montjean-sur-Loire or jelet mushing (a ride in a dog-pulled kart) in Chaudefonds-sur-Layon.
Along the wine routes, you will have the opportunity to taste the wines which have built the Loire Valley’s fame and also to discover other lesser known gems. And with plenty more that we’ve not mentioned, Angers has some wonderful surprises in store.
Illustrations Grappes 6 Sabrina Chess
CityPass 72hAnd don’t miss any of Angers’ exceptional heritage sites along the way!
With the Angers City pass 24h, 48h or 72h, make the most of Angers and the surrounding area. Discover our destination’s must-see sites in complete freedom, and save money in the process!
Tasting with a winemakerTravelling the Loire wine routes is of course the opportunity to experience interesting encounters with winemakers who love to share their passion with visitors. The wineries of the Vignobles & Découvertes network are noted for being especially tourist-friendly.
Why not plan your visit around one of the events in the vineyards? Tempo Vignes, the ‘Soirées Dégustation’ in the Place du Ralliement in Angers, Vignes Vins Rando, the Instants Coteaux du Layon event or Vignes & Folk for a tasting to music of the Clos Saint-Nicolas wine, grown from vines right in the centre of Angers.
Don’t have a car? Not to worry, our partner Allo Angers Taxi will take you into the heart of the vineyards and villages of Anjou. Sitting comfortably in one of their tourist taxis, the Savennières vineyards or even those of the Aubance and Layon wine areas will be easy to explore.
Prefer a quirkier form of travel? Get a taste of the retro life aboard a vintage Volkswagen Combi van with Loire Vintage Discovery. And explore the secrets of Anjou’s vineyards the original way!
Lastly, sporty visitors can pedal between tastings with a guided bike tour from Sensation VTT or enjoy a walking tasting tour with Les Vignes selon Val. Combine fun with learning, and theory with practice, to better your knowledge of one of France’s fields of excellence: wine.
Wine route mapFor a complete break between the Loire and the vineyards, what could be better than a romantic or cosy turnkey weekend? Spend the night in a B&B, enjoy a wine-tasting session, hike through the vineyards and dine on a sumptuous wine and food pairing.
Two days to soak up the gentle atmosphere of Anjou and discover the diversity and beauty of the Loire Valley landscape.
Wandering in the vineyardHere are a few ideas to help you discover the Anjou-Saumur vineyards in a different way! Whether you’re more interested in exploring the vineyards on foot with your family, visiting a cellar with your partner or enjoying a meal of local wines with your friends, you’re sure to find something to suit you in the heart of the Anjou-Saumur vineyards.
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