Loire Valley Guide

Loire Valley Gastronomic Tours: Taste the Region

Explore the Loire Valley's rich culinary heritage through immersive gastronomic tours, tasting wines, cheeses, and local delicacies.

18+ tours
From $$40
3-5 hours

The Loire Valley, renowned for its magnificent châteaux and verdant landscapes, also boasts a culinary scene as rich and varied as its history. Gastronomic tours in this region are designed to introduce visitors to the authentic flavors that define French countryside cuisine, taking you beyond the postcard-perfect scenery to the heart of local food and wine production. These tours are not just about sampling; they're an invitation to understand the terroir, the traditions, and the passion that goes into creating the region's celebrated produce. Imagine strolling through sun-drenched vineyards, learning about the delicate process of winemaking from experienced vintners, and then savoring a glass of crisp Sancerre or full-bodied Chinon paired with local goat cheese. Or perhaps you’d prefer to explore bustling farmers' markets, discovering seasonal produce and artisanal products, guided by a local who knows exactly where to find the finest rillettes or the most fragrant Pâté de Chartres. These experiences offer a direct connection to the land and the people who cultivate it, providing a deeper appreciation for the gastronomic treasures of the Loire.

Featured Gastronomic Tours of the Loire Tours

Discover our top picks for gastronomic tours of the loire in Loire Valley

Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting in Amboise, Loire Valley
From $33.21
Free Cancellation

Caves Ambacia, 500 years of Loire Valley wine making history! Come and discover our 15th century troglodyte caves. The wine tour includes: - Cellars tour - Sensorial track - wine tasting of 6 wines - Cheese and charcuterie pairings Available - Epicerie: France delicatessen and cheeses. - Bistrot with Loire river view. - Wine shipping throughout the World All the taste of the Loire Valley !

4.7(224)
1h 30m
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Loire Valley Castles Walking Tour with Audioguide
From $11.85
Free CancellationNew

Our audio guide is a mobile companion designed to assist you in planning a self-guided journey through the castles of the Loire Valley. It includes brief walking tours of the major towns in the valley, along with audio commentary on renowned castles and the historical events linked to them. Admire the exteriors of the majestic castles and make an informed decision about whether to venture inside. The audio guide provides narration about the following castles (please note that actual visits to the castles are not included): Meung-sur-Loire, Beaugency, Chambord, Blois, Cheverny, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Chenonceau, Amboise, Clos Lucé, Montrichard, Tours, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Usse, Chinon, Abbey of Fontevraud, Breze, Saumur, Brissac, Angers, and other ancient sights. A convenient map in the mobile app, powered by GPS, will guide you to your destination. The tour includes 50 audio recordings, all written by a professional historian.

5.0(1)
48h
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Tour of a Vineyard, Winery & Cellar with Wine Tasting in Vouvray, Loire Valley
From $64.04
Free Cancellation

Discover the whole wine-making process, from grape to wine, with Myriam, the granddaughter and wife of winegrowers from the Vouvray vineyard in the Loire Valley. 3-hour tour including a guided walk in the vines, a tour of the winery and rock-hewn cellar, and a tasting of 6 Loire wines with local finger food. Discover the Vouvray wines and deepen your knowledge of Loire vineyard while enjoying a personalized attention from your local guide on this small-group tour limited to 12 people.

5.0(77)
3h
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Afternoon Loire Valley Wine Tour from Tours or Amboise
From $171.96
Free Cancellation

Join us on a wonderful afternoon wine tour starting from Tours or Amboise, and discover the local wines of the Touraine region. As a small group of up to 8 people, you'll visit two wine estates in the Touraine "appellation" area with your local expert guide. We will take you through the vineyards and the wineries, providing insights into the 'terroir' and the art of winemaking. You'll have the chance to taste a large variety of sparkling, white, rosé and red wines from the region, made with many grape varieties (Chenin, Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet, Gamay,…), accompanied by cheeses and charcuterie specialties from the region (rillettes, rillons, …) Throughout the transfers between locations, you'll have the opportunity to admire the beautiful Loire landscapes through the windows of our comfortable chauffeured Mercedes minivan.

4.8(52)
4h
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Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise
From $907.26
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Take away the hassle out of planning your day trip to the Loire Valley, the birthplace of French Renaissance with more 120 châteaux (estates), on this private luxury tour with roundtrip transportation from Paris. Highlights include visits to Leonardo da Vinci's home and tomb, outstanding Gothic architecture, and plenty of time to enjoy three of the Loire Valley's most impressive and famous châteaux.

4.8(37)
13h
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Morning - Loire Valley Wine Tour & Food Pairing, Vouvray
From $148.25
Free Cancellation

An excellent introduction tour to discover the diversity of Loire Valley wines with a passionate professional wine guide As a small group (maximum 8) enjoy a true and complete experience: > Visit a vineyard to understand "Terroir" and what goes into making wine > Two different cellar visits in a family own business and an other company > Two extensive tastings (minimum of ten wines in total) > Paired with local cheeses and other delicacies. > Transport in a comfy Mercedes minivan Adapted to every level of knowledge from beginners to expert : your professional guide will adapt to everyone

5.0(182)
3h 30m
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Loire Valley Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Tours or Amboise
From $231.26
Free Cancellation

Jump into the heart of French history by visiting the 2 most prestigious châteaux of the Loire Valley during the greet the warm ambiance of Christmas. Let yourself be guided by your local expert and learn about the intimate little secrets of the French Kings who once lived there. Enjoy off-the-crowd panoramic views and benefit from wealth of thrilling genuine details and funny anecdotes... an exciting day!

4.9(87)
8h
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Loire Valley Castles Tour with Chambord and Chenonceau from Paris
From $219.4
Free Cancellation

Step into the French Renaissance on a full-day escape from Paris to the Loire Valley, home to some of the country’s most breathtaking châteaux. Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle and enjoy an experience designed to fit the essentials into one smooth day: Chenonceau, Chambord, and Cheverny. Your guide sets the scene and shares the stories outside each château, then you’ll explore inside at your own pace with entry tickets included for the 3 castles and their gardens—so you get both context and freedom. From the elegant arches of Chenonceau over the Cher River to the epic silhouette of Chambord and the refined charm of Cheverny (famous for inspiring Tintin’s Moulinsart), this day is made for travelers who want the Loire’s “wow” moments without planning any logistics. Discover 3 iconic Loire Valley châteaux in one day: Chenonceau, Chambord, Cheverny Enjoy included entry tickets to the 3 castles + gardens and visit at your own pace

4.0(30)
13h
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Wine tasting tour in Loire Valley with castle visits and lunch
From $330.88
Free Cancellation🔥Likely to Sell Out

Discover the magic of the Loire Valley on this unforgettable day trip from Paris with your friends or family. Explore two of the region’s most stunning castles—Château de Chenonceau, with its romantic arches over the Cher River, and the grand Château de Chambord, famous for its spiral staircase and royal history. Enjoy a delicious multi-course lunch and sample some of the Loire’s finest wines at a local estate, making for a perfect blend of culture, cuisine, and countryside charm. • Enjoy 2 of most beautiful castles in the Loire valley Chennonceau, Chambord • Have a wonderful lunch in a small cozy restaurant (This is optional) Includes a multi-course gourmet lunch of regional specialties which includes starter, main and desert! • Visit one of local wineries in unique locations and explore the caves and taste up to 5 different glasses of wine! • Enjoy the atmosphere of a small group tour and get pick-up and a drop-off to your hotel.

4.8(15)
11h
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Loire Valley Wine Half Day Tour in Vouvray
From $106.74
Free Cancellation

On this immersive tour, you will discover the heart of the Vouvray appellation, celebrated for its exquisite Chenin Blanc wines. Throughout your excursion, you'll be guided by a knowledgeable and English-speaking local guide, expert in Loire Valley wines. The Vouvray vineyards are strategically situated along the northern banks of the Loire River, just east of the charming town of Tours. The region's unique terroir boasts a mosaic of soils, resulting in a dynamic range of flavors and styles in its wines. Chenin Blanc reigns supreme in Vouvray, contributing to the region's reputation for producing some of the world's most versatile white wines. On this half-day tour you will visit 2 carefully selected local wineries, where you'll have the unique opportunity to step behind the scenes of winemaking. At each winery, you'll be treated to a selection of their finest offerings. Let your taste buds dance with the flavors of fresh fruit, floral notes, and the unique terroir of the region.

5.0(1)
4h
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Loire Valley Wine Tour in Chinon & Bourgueil
From $183.82
Free Cancellation

Experience a full-day wine tour in the famous Loire Valley, accompanied by a local and expert guide. Your day will include two visits of local wineries followed by tastings of local white & red wines (fees included). At lunch time, stop in Chinon, a picturesque town dominated by its castle. There, you will have time to visit the town, and your guide will indicate the best places to try some local specialties (at your own expense). The full-day trip will also include the transportation from and to Tours city center.

5.0(11)
8h
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Vineyard cycle tours in and around Chinon, in the Loire Valley
From $154.18
Free Cancellation

I'm formerly of Devon in the United Kingdom but now live in Chinon. I've always cycled and loved my bike, and for the best part of my adult life, always loved wine... this is me! With my family, I now find ourselves living amongst vineyards, with wine producers creating something very special on our doorstep. Chinon wine is recognised as being very special across France, yet throughout the rest of the world it's lesser known and we're keen to spread the word about the local wine through vineyard tours! We spent years and years holidaying in France before moving here, never quite summoning up the courage to head in through the big barn doors of a wine producer, but now we've started we can't stop! This type of visit is so important to many independent producers, and we're now keen to share this experience with you. First and foremost our vineyard tours by bike are designed to be a fun experience, for you, family and friends to make the most of your time in the Chinon area.

5.0(17)
5h
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Loire Valley Ebike Tour to Chambord FROM TOURS
From $224.15
Free Cancellation

Visit the most renowned castle in Loire Valley on a day trip from Tours. Château de Chambord is known for its Renaissance architecture. With a knowledgeable guide, enjoy views from little-known panoramic spots, and hear historical details and amusing anecdotes about the French kings and other nobles who have lived here. As a bonus, enjoy a snack and a glass of local juice away from the crowds at a private, family-owned château.

4.7(12)
9h
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Loire Valley Ebike Tour to Chambord from Amboise
From $224.15
Free Cancellation

Visit the most renowned castle in Loire Valley on a day trip from Tours. Château de Chambord is known for its Renaissance architecture. With a knowledgeable guide, enjoy views from little-known panoramic spots, and hear historical details and amusing anecdotes about the French kings and other nobles who have lived here. As a bonus, enjoy a snack and a glass of local juice away from the crowds at a private, family-owned château.

4.5(6)
8h
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Loire Valley Castles Guided Tour with Transportation
From $212.29
Free Cancellation

Leave the hustle of Paris behind and journey into the Loire Valley, a land of rolling hills, sparkling rivers, and legendary castles. Explore grand halls, wander lush gardens, and admire stunning Renaissance architecture. Hear fascinating stories of kings, queens, and remarkable women who shaped these châteaux. From the towering Château de Chambord to the graceful Château de Chenonceau and elegant Château de Cheverny, this tour brings history, beauty, and intrigue to life. ✔ Explore Château de Chambord, the Loire Valley’s largest Renaissance masterpiece. ✔ Visit Château de Chenonceau, the fairy-tale castle spanning the Cher River. ✔ Discover Château de Cheverny with elegant interiors and beautiful gardens. ✔ Enjoy free time for lunch at a château of your choice. ✔ Return to Paris in the evening, inspired by history and beauty.

12h
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Why Choose Gastronomic Tours of the Loire in Loire Valley?

Authentic Local Flavors

Experience the true taste of the Loire Valley with tastings of regional specialties like goat cheese, rillettes, and traditional pastries.

World-Class Wines

Explore renowned vineyards and sample exceptional wines from appellations like Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Chinon, and Vouvray.

Cultural Immersion

Gain insights into the history and traditions behind Loire Valley's cuisine and winemaking from local experts.

Charming Settings

Enjoy tastings and culinary experiences in picturesque villages, local farms, and historic estates.

Expert Guidance

Benefit from the knowledge of passionate guides and producers who share their expertise on food and wine pairings.

Variety of Experiences

Choose from a range of tours including wine cellar visits, market explorations, and sometimes even hands-on cooking demonstrations.

Types of Gastronomic Tours of the Loire in Loire Valley

Wine Tasting Tours

These tours focus on the Loire Valley's diverse wine regions. You'll typically visit one or more wineries (domaines) to learn about the production process and sample a variety of wines, from crisp whites to elegant reds and sparkling options. Often include discussions on terroir and grape varietals.

Vineyard visitsCellar toursGuided tastingsInformation on appellationsPairing suggestions

Gastronomic & Market Tours

Ideal for food lovers, these excursions delve into local delicacies. Many tours include visits to vibrant regional markets, where you can discover artisanal products, seasonal produce, and regional specialties. Some may also incorporate tastings of cheese, charcuterie, or local sweets.

Market visitsTasting local produceDiscovering artisanal productsLearning about regional specialtiesInteraction with vendors

Château & Culinary Pairings

Combine the iconic châteaux of the Loire with its culinary offerings. These tours often include a visit to a historic château followed by a tasting session that highlights local wines and food pairings, offering a comprehensive experience of the region's heritage and flavors.

Château visitsWine and food pairingsElegant settingsHistorical contextExclusive tasting opportunities

Cooking Classes & Farm Visits

For those who want a more hands-on experience, these tours offer opportunities to learn local cooking techniques, often using ingredients sourced directly from a farm. You might prepare a traditional Loire Valley dish and then enjoy the meal you helped create.

Hands-on cookingFresh ingredient focusFarm-to-table experienceLearning regional recipesEnjoying a prepared meal

What to Expect on Gastronomic Tours of the Loire

Duration

Most gastronomic and wine tours in the Loire Valley typically last between 3 to 5 hours, allowing ample time for exploration, tasting, and interaction.

Weather

The Loire Valley enjoys a temperate climate. Summers can be warm, while spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions for outdoor activities like vineyard walks. It's advisable to check the forecast and dress in layers.

Group Size

Tours often range from intimate small groups (4-8 people) to slightly larger parties (up to 15-20). Smaller groups tend to offer a more personalized and interactive experience.

What's Included

Typically includes guided tastings of wine and/or local food products, visits to wineries or markets, and commentary from a knowledgeable guide. Some may include transportation from a central meeting point.

Meeting Point

Tours usually convene at a designated spot in a central town or city, such as in front of a tourist office or a well-known landmark. Specific meeting instructions are provided upon booking.

Costs

Prices can vary based on the duration, inclusions, and exclusivity of the tour. Expect to find options starting from around $40 per person for shorter tastings, up to $150 or more for full-day immersive experiences.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Book in advance, especially during peak season (summer and early autumn), as popular tours can fill up quickly.

2

Consider visiting during the spring or fall harvest seasons for a more vibrant market atmosphere and the chance to witness winemaking in action.

3

Wear comfortable shoes. Many tours involve walking through vineyards, markets, or historic town centers.

4

Don't hesitate to ask your guide questions. They are a wealth of knowledge about local food, wine, and culture.

5

If you have specific dietary restrictions or preferences (e.g., vegetarian, allergies), inform the tour operator at the time of booking.

6

Pace yourself during wine tastings to fully appreciate the nuances of each wine without overindulging.

7

Be open to trying new things! The Loire Valley is full of unique flavors and specialties you might not find elsewhere.

8

Many tours don't include full meals, so consider having a light breakfast and planning for a later meal, or inquire if any substantial food is part of the tasting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What are the must-try foods and wines in the Loire Valley?

A: You absolutely must try the region's famous goat cheeses, like Selles-sur-Cher and Crottin de Chavignol, often paired with a crisp Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé white wine. Don't miss the rillettes (a rich pork pâté) and for red wine lovers, Chinon and Bourgueil are excellent choices. Sparkling wines from Vouvray are also a delightful regional specialty.

Q:Are these tours suitable for people who don't drink alcohol?

A: Many gastronomic tours offer non-alcoholic tasting options or can tailor the experience. While wine is central to many tours, the focus on food, markets, and local produce can still be very enjoyable. It's best to check with the specific tour operator beforehand.

Q:Do I need to arrange transportation to the meeting point?

A: Generally, yes, you are responsible for getting to the designated meeting point unless the tour explicitly states it includes transportation. Some tours offer pick-up from major towns, but this is usually an add-on. Check the tour details carefully.

Q:Can I buy the products I taste on the tour?

A: Absolutely! Many tours provide opportunities to purchase wines directly from the producers or artisanal food products from market vendors. It's a great way to take a taste of the Loire Valley home with you.

Q:What is the best time of year to take a gastronomic tour in the Loire?

A: Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are often ideal. The weather is pleasant for exploring, the markets are full of seasonal produce, and you can often witness harvest activities. Summer is also popular but can be hotter and busier.

Q:How much food is typically included in a tasting tour?

A: Tasting tours are designed for sampling, not for a full meal. You'll typically receive small portions of cheeses, charcuterie, pastries, or other local delicacies to complement the wine or highlight specific flavors. It's wise to plan for a meal before or after your tour.

Q:Are there tours that focus on specific châteaux and their associated food/wine?

A: Yes, some tours combine visits to famous châteaux with tastings at nearby vineyards or local producers. These tours often highlight how the history and local produce are intertwined with the region's grand estates.

Q:Is it possible to arrange a private gastronomic tour?

A: Many tour operators offer private tour options for individuals, couples, or groups. This allows for a more customized itinerary, a more intimate experience, and the flexibility to focus on specific interests, whether that's a particular type of wine or a specific local delicacy.

Don't Miss the Perfect Loire Valley Experience

Book your gastronomic tours of the loire today - 18+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Loire Valley?

Explore magnificent châteaux, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing French Renaissance splendor.

Wander through charming villages like Chinon, steeped in centuries of history and legends.

Savor world-class wines directly from vineyards, experiencing the true taste of the Loire Valley.

Immerse yourself in a landscape dotted with incredible castles and rich royal heritage.

Cycle scenic routes connecting picturesque towns, enjoying the gentle pace of French life.

Discover the 'Garden of France,' a breathtaking region of natural beauty and grand estates.

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Check local weather forecasts for the best time to visit.

Best Months

Spring and fall offer the best weather for most destinations.

Peak Season

Summer months are typically the peak season with higher prices and crowds.

Off Season

Winter months offer lower prices and fewer crowds, though weather may be less ideal.

Plan Your Loire Valley Trip

Transportation Tips

Exploring the Loire Valley is best done with a car for maximum flexibility to visit châteaux and villages at your own pace. Public transport is limited between attractions. Alternatively, cycling is a fantastic way to experience the region, with many dedicated bike paths along the river and through vineyards. Train services connect larger towns like Tours and Angers, useful for longer distances. Renting a bike in a town like Blois or Saumur is highly recommended for a more intimate experience, truly capturing the essence of getting around Loire Valley.

Car Rental Deals in Loire Valley

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Loire Valley adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Loire Valley

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.

Ready to Explore Loire Valley?

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