Ideas for holidays in the Loire Valley
Cycling the Loire wine route with Jean-Baptiste Martinon
If you're looking for an idea for a holiday that mixes wine and adventure, the cycling journey of Jean-Baptiste Martinon, aka Baba au Run, is sure to inspire you!
Jean-Baptiste made a name for himself by combining delivery of pastries from top Parisian chefs and running, before presenting the J'apporte le dessert show on C8, in which he criss-crosses France to introduce local sweets to the locals he meets along the way.
Mai et vins retraces his four-day cycling trip along the Loire wine route, from Chinon to Angers. A enological journey that invites you to explore the richness and diversity of Loire wines, while experiencing a unique and authentic moment of escape!
The Loire by bike: four stages at the heart of the Loire soul
In Chinon, discovering terroirs and treasures of the past
Jean-Baptiste begins his adventure in Chinon, where he travels along the banks of the Vienne to the Domaine des Béguineries, the emblematic vineyard of the eponymous appellation. He continues on to the family-run Olga Raffault estate in Savigny-en-Véron, an opportunity to taste "Les Barnabés", a red Chinon that blends character and authenticity. This first day ends in the picturesque village of Candes-Saint-Martin, where Jean-Baptiste takes time to admire the superb medieval collegiate church.
Back to basics in Saumur
Jean-Baptiste continues his discovery of the Loire à vélo in Saumur, where he passes through the troglodyte village of Souzay before visiting the Domaine du Vieux Bourg in Varennes for a Saumur-Champigny tasting. He continues with a stop at the chai de dégustation Vadé, enjoying every sip to reconnect with his roots, in this region where he grew up.
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Enchanted Anjou: castles, wines and remarkable landscapes
The journey continues with a visit to the historic castle of Saumur and a ride along the banks of the Loire by bike. At the Domaine de Joreau, which specializes in wine stays, and then at the Château de la Pichonnière, Jean-Baptiste gets a glimpse of the breadth of Anjou's viticultural diversity.
Last stop in the gentle Anjou region
Jean-Baptiste ends his journey in Angers, where he visits Domaine Bablut, a pioneer in organic farming. He tastes a Petit Princé, a 100% Chenin, before closing his adventure with a final glass of fresh Cabernet d'Anjou rosé at Domaine de Rochambeau, perfect to celebrate these four days immersed in the flavors and landscapes of the Loire.
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Check out all our videos with Jean-Baptiste, aka "Baba_au_run"!
Thirst for adventure
and culture
The Loire wine route also means royal châteaux to admire, authentic estates to explore, and a unique heritage that will fill you with wonder as you visit... It's an adventure to be put together and experiences to be had as you please.
