30th Birthday Celebration

Château de la Vigne
49700, Concourson-sur-Layon, France

Provisional Itinerary (Version 1)

Tuesday 15 June
Arrivals at Château de la Vigne from mid-afternoon

Travelling to Concourson-sur-Layon via Angers, a morning departure from London will allow time to
enjoy a glass of Rose d'Anjou in the old town of Angers after visiting the imposing chateau. The former
capital of Anjou has much to offer beyond wine; the chateau, with its seventeen towers of black slate
and white granite, and ornamental gardens, are well worth a visit. If towers and gardens aren't
enough, the fabulous 14th Century Apocalypse Tapestry housed within is close to breath-taking.

Wednesday 16 June
Saumur & the Method Champenoise

Lying on the banks of the Loire, beneath its imposing fortress, the medieval town of Saumur is
particularly famous for its sparkling wines; perfectly suited for celebrations. We’ll take a trip into
Saumur to sample a few sparkling wines selecting a couple of appropriate bottles for the evening
celebrations!

Birthday Dinner in Château de la Vigne

Thursday 17 June
Château de la Vigne

Day to enjoy the facilities on site at Château de la Vigne. Possible cycle tour of selected Anjou &
Saumur vineyards. Evening trip to Doué-la-Fontaine.

Friday 18 June
Touraine & Chateaux of the Loire

Visit to the regional capital of Tours, via the wine regions of Vouvray & Chinon and the magnificent
Château de Chenonceau (www.chenonceau.com) stretching across the River Cher.

Evening light show at Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau or Chateau Chambord (the largest by far of the Loire
châteaux)

Saturday 19 June
The Loire & its Tributaries

A day to explore the River Loire or some of its many tributaries. I’m looking into the options for a day
out on the river by canoe/kayak, sailing dingy/yacht, motor boat hire or River cruise (or even a
combination of the above!).

Version 1 - 08 January 2010

Sunday 20 June
St Nazaire & the Atlantique coast

A leisurely Sunday taking in St Nazaire and the mouth of the Loire. Potential for sailing or other water
sports on the Atlantique cost or time to relax on one of the fabulous beaches.

Monday 21 June
Nantes & the Muscadet appellations

Centred around the city of Nantes, the vineyards of the Muscadet appellations are the most north-
western point of all France's vineyards. This is the westernmost stretch of Loire vineyards,
accompanying the river along its last fifty or so miles before it spills into the Atlantic.

Tuesday 22 June
Departures from Château de la Vigne

Return to London via TGV and Eurostar

Version 1 - 08 January 2010