Château de Valmer, terraced gardens and a Vouvray tasting.

The Château de Valmer, in Chançay, brings together two things the valley usually separates: a historic garden and a winery. Its terraced gardens, in Renaissance style, hold the official Jardin remarquable label; around them, the estate cultivates some 35 hectares of vines in the heart of the Vouvray appellation, on the right bank of the Loire, east of Tours.

The visit

It is self-guided. You are given a free leaflet in nine languages and walk the terraces and the paths between hedges at your own pace. Afterwards, in the estate shop, a tasting of the house wines is included in the ticket: sparkling, dry, off-dry and sweet Vouvray, and Touraine rosés. If you like one, you buy it right there.

It is the simplest way to understand Vouvray: the same grape, chenin, gives wines that range from sparkling to sweet, and in a tasting you try them one after another.

Opening hours in 2026

• From 29 April to 27 September: Wednesday to Sunday and public holidays, from 14:00 to 18:30, last admission at 18:00. Mornings, from 10:00 to 12:00, by appointment.
• From 28 September to 22 December: by appointment only, Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 16:00. Closed at weekends and on 1 and 11 November.
• Open days on 28 and 29 November 2026: free entry from 10:00 to 17:00 and guided tours of the cellars at 11:00 and 15:00. It is the only chance in the year to see them with a guide.
• From 23 December to 4 January: closed.

To make an appointment, call +33 2 47 52 93 12.

Prices

• Adult: €12, with gardens and tasting.
• Reduced: €10 (students, unemployed, large families).
• Ages 11 to 18: €8.
• Up to age 10: free.

Getting there

You need a car or taxi. From the A10 motorway, exit 18, and then the D31, D55, D5 and D46 following the signs. Chançay is north of Vouvray, a stone's throw from Amboise and Tours. If you are going to taste, have someone who does not drink do the driving.