A great place to visit when you are in France this summer

All eyes will be on France this summer as Paris hosts the 2024 Olympic Games, but for visitors wanting a more traditional and laid-back French experience, with a sprinkling of sport, then the Loire is the perfect location.

Just a two-hour drive outside of Paris, the picturesque Loire Valley will play host to Olympic football, whilst shooting will take place at Châteauroux a near stone throw away. The torch relay will also shine a light on the UNESCO world heritage site as it blazes past medieval castles, churches, and characterful villages in the run up to the games.

Whether you’re heading to Paris for the Olympics and want to break away to experience a more rustic France; or if you’re looking for a wine-inspired short break – here are three cities, with lots to see, do and enjoy the wine of this summer.

Angers

The Olympic torch relay heads to the Maine et Loire between 27th and 28th May taking in some of the area’s most historic sites and ending the leg in the Antique city of Angers. Well-known for its medieval architecture and abundance for chateaux’s, Angers also belongs to the Anjou-Saumur wine region which lays claim to 18 official wine appellations. It is the ideal starting point to discover some of the Loire’s most reputed wines against the backdrop of the Loire.

For rosé lovers Anjou-Saumur also produces some of the most well-regarded rosés in France – making these vineyards a must visit.

Why not try:

Rosé d’Anjou ‘Feu!’ 2020/21 Les Caves de la Loire, £8.99 or £5.99 as part of a Mix Six
Majestic

A blend of Grolleau and Gamay, this rosé has refreshing acidity and a touch of sweetness, with notes of redcurrant, rosehip and strawberry.

Maison Castel Rosé d’Anjou, £9,
Tesco

Pale pink with coral hits, this rosé has punchy aromas of red and citrus fruits, with a balanced aromatic palate.

Nantes

Nantes will be hosting a number of football matches at the Stade de la Beaujoire during the Olympics – making it the perfect destination for a summer city break.

Also part of the Loire wine region, Nantes is a perfect place to discover Muscadet – which the region is particularly known for. Sharing many similarities with Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet is an often-overlooked jewel in the Loire’s crown. One of the most renowned appellations is Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, which is considered the heartland of Muscadet production and produces some of the finest examples of the wine.

Why not try:

Champteloup Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, £10.99
Waitrose Cellar

Crisp and fresh with lemony flavours and hint of salinity reflecting the maritime region.

Domaine de la Tourmaline ‘Sur Lie’ Muscadet de Sèvre et Maine 2021/22, £11.29
Majestic

Made with 30 year old vines, you can expect fresh apple, pear and citrus on the palate
with a mineral finish – perfect with seafood.

Tours

Just two and a half hours outside of Paris by train, Tours is the ideal first stop-off from the capital. This beautiful and vibrant city is the gateway to the Loire Chateaux. It is also the perfect place to explore the diverse appellations that make up the Touraine. From easy-drinking white, red and rosé wines – cellar-worthy reds, there is something for everyone.

Touraine is also home to some notable sparkling wines, particularly those made using the traditional method. These sparkling wines, often labelled as Crémant de Loire, have seen a surge in popularity in recent years and are a must-try as part of any wine route.

Why not try:

Château de l’Aulée Crémant De Loire NV, £18.99
Laithwaites

Made from 100% Chenin Blanc, this sparkler boasts fresh flavours of pears and apples, with a hint of toasted walnut and honey.

Gratien & Meyer Crémant De Loire Brut, £12.50
Tesco

A blend of chenin, cabernet franc and chardonnay, this crémant is complex and refreshing, perfect for summer sipping.

For more information and to discover the vineyards of the Loire – visit https://www.vinsdeloire.fr/en

About Loire Wines

Loire Wines is the third largest inter-professional association for AOC wines in France. It brings together the Nantais, Anjou, Saumur and Touraine areas, comprising 35 appellations and designated areas across 42,000 hectares. It includes 2,700 winegrowers, 410 négociants and 16 cooperatives, together selling an average of 2,00,000 hl per year. Loire Wines is at the heart of France’s third largest appellation wine region; their mission is to manage the industry from an economic perspective, to carry out research and experimentation and to promote the wines of the Loire Valley.