An idea from Wine tasting weekend near Nantes

Nestling in a former wine storehouse in the middle of the Muscadet vineyards, theAuberge de la Gaillotière welcomes you in an atmosphere that is both elegant and relaxed.

The cuisine is subtle and sincere, with seasonal recipes, vegetarian dishes and gluten-free dishes, all homemade.

The cellar, meanwhile, celebrates the appellations of the Vignoble Nantais region with a carefully-crafted wine list designed to accompany every mouthful. A gourmet break to savour all year round, in the dining room or under the pergola overlooking the vineyards.

A few kilometres away, still in Château-Thébaud, the Vignoble Drouard welcomes you to explore Gros-Plant, vintages on lees and vintages in chestnut barrels. This winery is close to the “Voyage dans le Vignoble” wine trail, and has been named Cave d’Excellence 2025, where traditional bubbles and sparkling juices complete the range.

At the end of the day, climb up to “Porte-Vue” in Château-Thébaud: a belvedere suspended 45 m above the Maine, granite cliffs set ablaze by the setting sun.

Make your way back down to La Huchette guinguette, where you can sample local specialities, Muscadet sur lie served by the glass, and enjoy live music twice a month. A sunset over the Maine valley and a gourmet twilight in the heart of the vineyards.

After riding between golden rows and groves of pines, leave your bikes in the car park and push open the door of the old mill of the RestaurantDon Quichotte: large bay windows open onto a shady park, a singing fountain, a terrace under a marquee. Here, the brigade sublimates local produce – rillauds, vegetables from nearby market gardeners, fresh goat’s cheese – in a sincere home cooking. A natural pairing: fish fillet of the day with beurre blanc & white wine Muscadet served at the perfect temperature. Are your thoughts full? Saddle up and head due north!

Château Briacé is just a short drive away. Between vaulted cellars and Terra Vitis-certified organic rows, the winegrowers of tomorrow guide you on a walk through the vines, through the educational winery and to a guided tasting of Muscadet Sèvre-et-Maine, Gros-Plant and IGP Val de Loire. 90 minutes to feel the veins of gneiss under your feet, recognise a wine matured on lees and share the passion that drives this school of life.

Get back on your horse and pack yourself a picnic. Ride along hillsides, market gardens and canals to the Port de la Pierre Percée in Divatte-sur-Loire. Talbicyclette will collect your bikes, and you’ll be on board with Louise de Loire. As the light fades, the Loire comes alive with copper-coloured waves, grey herons and silhouettes of bell towers. Take out your picnic and glide along the water, glass of Muscadet* in hand. Silence, the only sound left is the lapping of the water and a last ray of orange over the Loire landscape.

_{*Alcohol abuse is dangerous to your health, consume in moderation.}