Romantic weekend in the heart of the Loire Valley vineyards

Day 1: Tasty walks in the vineyards of Savennières

To get your weekend in the heart of the vineyards off to a good start, slip on your hiking boots for a guided stroll through the vineyards according to Val. With your nose to the wind, under a morning mist, you’ll be able to get close to the vineyards and their intoxicating perfume, and admire the vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see! Along marked trails winding through the hillsides of Savennières, Valérie takes you on a passionate and educational tour of viticulture and the history of the vineyards of Anjou, a wine-growing region of excellence. Punctuated by stops and wine tastings*, this 7.5 km loop is a great appetizer for the rest of your epicurean weekend!

Have you already worked up an appetite? Take a trip to the Saveurs cooperative grocery store in the village of Savennières. You’ll find quality organic and local produce for a gourmet picnic!

Now we invite you to take a look at some of our wineries! In Anjou, more and more winegrowers are revealing the secrets of their production. Domaine d’Epiré is one of the oldest and most famous vineyards in the Savennières appellation. From April to the end of August, you can visit the winery and vineyards, followed by a wine tasting*. Let yourself be carried away by the history of this family estate! At the top of the Roche aux Moines hillside, discover the Domaine aux Moines. By appointment, the Domaine’s owner welcomes you for a tour, followed by a feminine wine tasting! Another emblematic Anjou estate is Domaine du Closel – Château des Vaults. Discover the château, its grounds and vineyards all year round. And of course, before you leave, your taste buds can enjoy a tasting* of a delicious Loire white wine produced by the estate, with aromas of citrus fruit, white flowers and honey.

Are you an Angers City Pass holder? If you do, you’ll have free access to the Domaine du Closel (as well as to a whole selection of must-see Angevine sites).

Next, head for the Petite Cité de Caractère® of Béhuard, which is also one of the only inhabited islands on the Loire! Take time out for a romantic stroll through the streets of this charming little village.

End your first day in style with a delicious dinner at the L’ Audacieuse restaurant, featuring refined cuisine and seasonal produce.

Day 2: Take a trip for two, both of you, on the paths…between Loire, Layon and Aubance!

After a peaceful night’s sleep, what could be more original and authentic than waking up in an old renovated mill? How about breakfast on a terrace in the heart of nature, with a sea of vines on the horizon in the brilliant colors of the sunrise? Chambre du Moulinoffers an idyllic, relaxing setting for a romantic weekend in the heart of the vineyards.

Roll on youth! Here’s today’s program: get on your bike for a ride through the heart of the Coteaux-du-Layon and Aubance vineyards. From Savennières or Chalonnes-sur-Loire, join the signposted “Loire Layon Aubance” cycling loop. You’ll follow an old railroad line and discover a variety of landscapes. Between vineyards, mills, picturesque villages and charming residences, this cycling loop is a real delight! Don’t miss the Château de Brissac along the way! Do you have your Angers City Pass 48h or 72h? Perfect, you’ve already got the key! Situated in the heart of the Aubance vineyards, France’s highest château opens its doors to you for a guided or self-guided tour. Don’t leave without tasting the wines* Anjou-Villages Brissacor rosé d’Anjou. Before getting back on your bike, enjoy the incredible 70-hectare English-style park, with its incomparable view of the château’s facades!

Heading for the banks of the Loire, plan a break in the small village of Bouchemaine. A few more pedal strokes and you’ll be able to discover La Pointe, a former village of Loire bargemen, located at the confluence of the Maine and Loire rivers. Take the time to stroll along hand in hand, this last stop of the day is well worth a visit!

Day 3: Enjoy the gentle rhythms of Anjou

For this final day, you’ll have to leave your romantic accommodation at first light, but I promise you won’t regret it. Get ready to take to the skies, aboard…a hot-air balloon! From Brissac with Montgolfière d’Anjou, or from the Domaine de Gagnebert, you’ll be able to admire the beauty of the vineyards and the Loire River at sunrise – a magical, grandiose moment for lovers!

On to Angers, just a few kilometers away. It would be unthinkable to end this romantic weekend without a visit to the capital of Anjou! Hand in hand, stroll through the historic center, discovering its magnificent cobbled streets and half-timbered houses! To make sure you don’t miss out on any of the city’s must-see spots, follow the blue thread. You’ll be able to admire some of Anjou’s finest landmarks, including the Château d’Angers, Saint-Maurice Cathedral, the Grand Théâtre and Place du Ralliement, the garden of the Musée des Beaux-Arts. ..

Gourmet moment: stop off at the Benoit Chocolats boutique on rue des Lices, to sample deliciousAngevine specialities called Les Caramandes. These crunchy triangles of salted butter caramelized almonds covered in dark chocolate are sure to melt your heart!

This tasting has whetted your appetite, hasn’t it? For that last lunch of the romantic weekend, treat yourself to a quality meal in a romantic setting! For gourmet cuisine, you can opt for the restaurant Les Petits Prés. Or would you prefer bistronomic cuisine? Visit Le Mail or 10N9. Angers is packed with top-quality restaurants, so you’ll be spoilt for choice!

After taking to the skies this morning, get ready this afternoon to take to the water! Come aboard a traditional Loire boat with Vogue en Maine. You’ll discover the rich heritage of Anjou and the beauty of its flora and fauna. Prefer something more fun? Opt for the mirage paddle and glide across the water for a ride for two on the Maine!

After a weekend rich in emotions and flavors, it’s already time to leave. Each landscape, each sip of wine*, each stroke of the pedal will serve as memories and moments of complicity! A romantic interlude in a destination of unrivalled charm!

Our tips :

Tip n°1
Every summer, Destination Angers organizes wine-tasting evenings* featuring Anjou-Saumur winemakers. A treat for the taste buds! All year round, numerous wine barsoffer you the chance to discover quality wines, in a warm and friendly atmosphere!

Tip n°2
How about becoming a winemaker for a day? In September and October, several Anjou-Saumur wineries are offering immersion into the heart of the grape harvest. It’s a unique experience that allows you to better understand and admire the know-how of our winemakers!

Tip n°3
For lovers of gravel bikes, itineraries and vineyards, we’ve got just the tour for you! 107 km of exceptional landscapes await you between the Loire and the vineyards of Savennières, Aubance and Layon(a 2 to 3-day itinerary).

*ALCOHOL ABUSE IS DANGEROUS FOR YOUR HEALTH. CONSUME IN MODERATION.