Montlouis Photo Club Exhibition
The Le Carroi des Arts exhibition hall in Montlouis-sur-Loire hosts a collection of photographs from the Montlouis Photo Club.
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Montlouis-sur-Loire
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ℹ️Practical info — Montlouis-sur-Loire
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Many wine cellars are carved directly into the tufa rock; book a wine tasting in one of these troglodyte caves.
- Rent a bike to explore the vineyards; the 'La Loire à Vélo' cycle route passes right through the town.
- Visit the Château de la Bourdaisière in the afternoon when the lighting is best for viewing its famous tomato conservatory.
- Local vintners often welcome visitors at their estates; it's considered polite to buy a bottle or two after a free tasting.
🍽 Food
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Montlouis AOC White Wine
A crisp Chenin Blanc available at any local winery or specialized wine bar.
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Rillettes de Tours
A shredded pork spread first-rate for a picnic, easily bought at local charcuteries.
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Sainte-Maure de Touraine
An ash-coated goat cheese that pairs beautifully with local white wines, found at local markets.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
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Local Wineries (Caves)
The absolute best place to purchase Montlouis-sur-Loire wines directly from the producers.
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Heirloom tomato seeds and products
The Château de la Bourdaisière shop gives unique items from its National Tomato Conservatory.
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Château de la Bourdaisière gardens
Stroll through the quiet grounds and admire the remarkable collection of tomato varieties.
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Loire riverbanks
Enjoy a peaceful walk or a scenic picnic by the gentle waters of the Loire river.
Water temperature…
Highlights of 2026
9
Creators' Fair "A la croisée des fils"
9th embroidery creators' exhibition organized by the ABCD'AIR association. Held on June 19-21, 2026, at the Val de Loire hall in Noizay.
True/False Guided Tour of Montlouis-sur-Loire
The Pays d’art et d’histoire Loire Touraine offers unique heritage discovery activities throughout the year in this Land of Art and History!
Family Visit "Plane, Grape, Lotus"
A fun heritage discovery activity for the whole family in Montlouis-sur-Loire, presented by the Land of Art and History.
Jour de Cher 2026 - Lightning Visit to Nitray Lock
Discover the banks of the Cher and the Nitray lock site at Athée-sur-Cher with these quick heritage tours available year-round.
Greetings from Montlouis - Holidays for 6-12 year olds
Special holiday activities for children aged 6-12, offering a fun way to discover the heritage of the Loire Touraine region.
Heritage to Savor in the Noizay Castle Park
Discover local heritage in a delightful setting within the park of the Noizay Castle, organized by the Land of Art and History.
Night Visit of Chançay
Explore Chançay under the moonlight and discover its heritage in a magical atmosphere with our night tours.
Travel and Tasting in the UNESCO Loire Valley
A journey through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Loire Valley, combined with authentic local tastings.
Montlouis-sur-Loire is a prestigious wine-growing town located in the heart of the Touraine region, gracefully positioned on a limestone ridge between the Loire and Cher rivers. The town gives its name to the Montlouis-sur-Loire AOC, an appellation exclusively dedicated to the Chenin Blanc grape, producing some of the finest dry, sweet, and sparkling white wines in France. A hallmark of the town is its subterranean architecture; many wine cellars and even some dwellings are carved into the soft 'tuffeau' stone cliffs. Cultural life in Montlouis is lively, most notably during the 'Jazz en Touraine' festival held each September. Another major point of interest is the Château de la Bourdaisière, which houses a world-renowned tomato conservatory featuring hundreds of varieties. As part of the Loire Valley UNESCO World Heritage site, the town is a key stop for cyclists on the 'Loire à Vélo' route, offering a first-rate blend of oenology, history, and pretty river landscapes.
- Location: Centre-Val de Loire, France
- Top sights: Château de la Bourdaisière · Maison de la Loire · Cave des Producteurs
- Nearby: La Ville-aux-Dames (5 km)
- Population: ~11.335
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 4 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 21 | 20 | 17 | 13 | 8 | 4 |
| Rain mm | 59 | 48 | 54 | 47 | 69 | 59 | 54 | 50 | 40 | 67 | 64 | 67 |
Geography
Facts
- Montlouis AOC vineyard area: approx. 450 hectares
- Jazz festival founded: 1987
- Highest elevation: 108 m
- Distance to Tours: 12 km
- Current population: 11,335
- Tomato varieties at the Château: over 650
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Montlouis-sur-Loire (4)
Frequently asked questions
What is Montlouis-sur-Loire famous for?
The town is world-famous for its white wine (AOC Montlouis) made from the Chenin Blanc grape variety.
Can you visit the wineries?
Yes, many winemakers offer tastings and cellar tours, often located in typical troglodyte caves.
What is the Château de la Bourdaisière?
A magnificent Renaissance castle known for its national tomato collection featuring over 700 varieties.
Is Montlouis on the Loire à Vélo cycling route?
Yes, the 'Loire à Vélo' cycle route passes directly through the vineyards and along the river in town.
When is the jazz festival held?
The 'Jazz en Touraine' festival takes place every September, attracting international artists.
Montlouis-sur-Loire: where is it located?
Montlouis-sur-Loire is located in Centre-Val de Loire, France.
Montlouis-sur-Loire: what is there to see?
Highlights include Château de la Bourdaisière, Maison de la Loire, Cave des Producteurs.
Montlouis-sur-Loire: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Montlouis-sur-Loire: why is it worth visiting?
Montlouis-sur-Loire is a prestigious wine-growing town located in the heart of the Touraine region, gracefully positioned on a limestone ridge between the Loire and Cher rivers.
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