Wine and friends, what could be better?
Touraine is blessed with several navigable waterways and a large number of wine appellations on its slopes. So it’s easy to see how these two aspects can be combined to offer serious hedonists a pleasant boat trip with glass in hand!
You can, of course, opt for Vergers de la Manse fruit juice instead of Loire wine. 100% delicious, 100% local produce!
Savour the Loire landscape
At aperitif time, many locals and holidaymakers like to enjoy a drink in the convivial atmosphere of the Guinguette de Tours sur Loire, while others prefer the charm of the traditional boats operated by the Boutavant Association. Lured by the Loire Sirens, or more probably by the prospect of having a good time, they sail up to Marmoutier Abbey.
Boat trip on the Loire with Boutavant
La Rabouilleuse, in nearby Rochecorbon, also offers similar boat trips. And Clément Sirgue and his team also have another string to their bow – environmental education. So, as you enjoy a bite to eat and a drink, you’ll also learn a lot about the nature all around you. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy an aperitif at the heart of a World Heritage Site!
Boat trip with La Rabouilleuse - Aperitif - Loire Valley, France.
Ready for an aperitif
The Loire at dusk
Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine goat’s cheese, Rillettes de Tours and other delights also feature on the programme of aperitif cruises organised to the west of Tours by boat trip operators such as Endremage (Villandry), Les Bateliers des Vents d’Galerne (La Chapelle-sur-Loire), La Martinienne (Chouzé-sur-Loire) and Amarante, near to Candes-Saint-Martin, which is listed as one of the “Most beautiful villages in France”.
Wine tasting with La Martinienne
You don’t have to untie the mooring rope to enjoy the Loire Valley breeze. If you decide to spent a whole night on the Loire on board the Toue Reine, you obviously won’t be going to bed on an empty stomach, will you? Yes? No!
Aperitif on “la Toue Reine”
Wine tasting cruise on the Cher
On the Cher, you’re sure to want to admire the majestic silhouette of the Château de Chenonceau, so simply call on the different services offered by La Bélandre. Electric boats and picnic boats, pleasure cruises, dinner cruises and even occasional wine tasting cruises, whatever kind of convivial experience you’re looking for, special memories are guaranteed.
Aperitif on the Cher, with La Bélandre
Sailing to the Château de Chenonceau
So many reasons to raise a glass...
Les bateliers du Cher also organise aperitif cruises on their traditional boats, which are based in the pretty town of Savonnières, a popular stop for cyclotourists on the Loire à Vélo cycle route!
Aperitif on the Vienne
We couldn’t possibly omit to mention Chinon with its royal fortress. Situated just opposite, the Compagnie de Navigation Vienne Loire invites you to hop on board for one of its “Apéroboat” trips: a hugely enjoyable experience combining a commentary on local heritage and food and wine pairings. Your ticket includes a chance to sample the famous tarte vigneronne. Mmm, delicious!
The Royal Fortress of Chinon
Aperitif: tasting Chinon wines on the Vienne.