Step into a moment that feels uniquely special. 10 minutes from Chinon, discover Château du Petit Thouars, a family-run estate where history, wine, and beauty meet. Begin with a guided walk through our vineyard (Cabernet Franc & Chenin Blanc), followed by a visit to our 15th-century troglodyte cellar and a wine tasting with explanations in the château courtyard. Then, the moment you’ve been waiting for… Your private picnic: the table beautifully set and prepared just for you - an invitation to slow down and savour. Enjoy a generous, carefully prepared lunch with fresh salads, deli meats, cheeses, and a local Chinon dessert (dietary requirements and allergies happily accommodated with a small supplement), paired with a bottle of our wine. In cooler months, settle into a candlelit vaulted indoor space with sheepskins and blankets. Hosted by the Count and Countess, whose family have owned and cared for the estate since 1636. Tour/tasting may be shared; the picnic is always private.

Let us take you to some of the best vineyards in the area - Chinon, Saumur, Bourgueil - and discover the amazing wines - whites, rosés, reds, and sparkling. Walk the vineyards, tour the caves, and taste wines (10+ wines) with the winemakers. Full-day tours include 3 wineries and a homemade picnic lunch served at a vineyard. The lunch or snacks can be added to a half-day tour (for an additional fee) to make a truly French experience. You'll have the opportunity to buy wines at each vineyard and we can arrange shipping services for the wine to be delivered to your home! NOTE: Pickup originating from a 10km radius of Chinon. If it's a one-person, private tour, there is a 60 euro surcharge. For pickup locations in Saumur, an additional fee will be added.

Step into a moment that feels uniquely Loire Valley. Just 10 minutes from Chinon, discover Château du Petit Thouars, a family-run estate where history, wine, and beauty meet. Begin with a guided walk through our AOC Chinon vineyards (Cabernet Franc & Chenin Blanc), followed by a visit to our 15th-century troglodyte cellar, finishing with a wine tasting paired with delicious local specialties in the château courtyard. Hosted by the Count and Countess, whose family have owned and cared for this estate since 1636. This is a unique experience, being welcomed by a friendly member of this historic family and sharing in their passion for the French way of life and wine! Tours are conducted in English, French and Spanish.

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.

The Château du Petit Thouars has been in the same family since 1636. Enjoy an interesting and informative vineyard and cellar tour followed by a view of the ground floor of the château and then a full wine tasting paired with artisanal local products, which takes place in the dining room of the château.

Embark on a side-rant experience! You will enjoy strolling the cobbled streets of Chinon, crossing the most renowned estates of the Chinon appellation and visiting Crissay-sur-Manse, one of the most beautiful villages in France. You can also admire the magnificent castle of Azay-le-Rideau, the most confidential castle of Islette, or the castle of Ussé, the castle of Sleeping Beauty The most beautiful walk in Touraine will offer you an explosion of colors to the rhythm of the seasons. The sidecar is undoubtedly the most suitable and original way to appreciate the magnificent landscapes. Very comfortable and accessible to everyone, it will be suitable for families, friends, looking for adventure or gentle transport.

Embark on a side-rant experience to discover beautifully preserved heritage treasures, such as the Fortress of Chinon, the castles of Villandry, Langeais, Ussé, or even Azay-le-Rideau, which you will visit. The most beautiful walk in Touraine will take you to see Crissay-sur-Manse, one of the most beautiful villages in France, or even little-known buildings, such as the Prieuré Saint-Léonard and the Eiffel bridge at Ile-Bouchard. The sidecar is undoubtedly the most suitable and original way to appreciate the magnificent landscapes. Very comfortable and accessible to everyone, it will be suitable for families, friends, looking for adventure or gentle transport.

Savor a delightful afternoon tea experience at the Château du Petit Thouars, a family estate built in 1423 and in the same family since 1636. Explore the picturesque grounds featuring an ancient dovecote and lush vines before indulging in an exquisite tea service in the beautifully adorned dining room, complete with stunning historic artwork. This exquisite gathering offers a taste of aristocratic life with high-quality tea from importers Georges Cannon or fresh-brewed coffee, accompanied by cucumber sandwiches and sweet treats such as local fruit tarts or macaroons (according to the season). An unforgettable moment awaits in this enchanting French château setting. - Enjoy afternoon tea/coffee hosted by the Countess du Petit Thouars - Explore the scenic château grounds with highlights like the ancient dovecote - Indulge in high-quality tea, cucumber sandwiches, and seasonal sweets - Experience a taste of aristocratic life in a historic dining room adorned with exquisite paintings