Discover the summer activities offered by the tourist office of this charming municipality in southern Sarthe

Summer 2025 holds wonderful surprises for visitors seeking discoveries in the heart of southern Sarthe. The house of the tourist office of La Chartre-sur-le-Loir offers a range of summer activities that highlight the richness of the local terroir, conviviality, and local heritage. Between tastings, walks in the vines, meetings with winemakers, and bike tours, the summer season promises incomparable moments of escape to the rhythm of the rolling landscapes of the Loir Valley.

Guided walks to explore the vineyard

Starting from the tourist office, one of the major new features of the season is the guided walk through the vineyard. On a specially designed route, a passionate guide details the history of the vine, the gestures of the winemaker, and the secrets of the region’s famous appellations. For 1h30, participants immerse themselves in the work of the vine, observe the grape varieties, and enjoy privileged moments with those who bring the Sarthe terroir to life. This unique activity, available for 20 € per person, appeals to lovers of nature and wine heritage.

Apéros in the vines, a sensory experience

Every Thursday at 11:30 AM, the tourist office offers the must-try apéros in the vines. Surprising and convivial, these exchange moments take place in a location kept secret until the day before, creating a sense of ongoing surprise. During half an hour, for 10 € per person, everyone can savor the best of the local AOCs, Jasnières and Coteau du Loir, accompanied by delicious artisanal rillettes. This appointment transports visitors to the heart of the terroir, for a taste and olfactory discovery, ideal to complement a stay in the region.

Gourmet tastings workshop: food and wine pairings

For food enthusiasts and wine lovers, the tourist office organizes every Friday morning a “gourmet tastings” workshop. Under the guidance of an oenologist, participants are introduced to the art of pairing four specially selected dishes with four wines from the territory. This immersive experience, lasting 1h30, is aimed at those who wish to deepen their knowledge of local products. Priced at 30 € per person, the workshop begins at the tourist office, with the precise location communicated 48 hours before the session, adding a touch of mystery to this sensory initiation.

Sunday meetings with winemakers

Every Sunday morning, from 10 AM to 1 PM, the tourist office transforms into a special meeting place with a local winemaker. Through discussions and sharing of experiences, visitors learn about the challenges of the profession, the diversity of grape varieties, and the complexity of local AOCs. This enriching morning concludes with a convivial aperitif, during which a tasting pass is offered between 5 and 8 €, allowing to finish this moment on an authentically Sarthe note.

Sporty escape: bike rides in the vineyard

Nature and adventure lovers will also find their joy thanks to the possibility of embarking on a free bike ride to discover the vineyard landscapes. Marked routes are accessible from the tourist office, and bicycle rentals are available on site to simplify the organization of the excursion. This independent mode of discovery allows exploring the Loir Valley at one’s own pace, admiring the changing colors of the vines, and enjoying the fresh air of the Sarthe countryside.

Extend your stay with other getaway ideas

To prolong the joy of summer or organize other refreshing breaks, the region is full of activity suggestions and getaways to discover. Adventures alongside four-legged companions recounted in Chartres (learn more), unusual getaways in Catalonia (here), vacations in the mountains in the Alps (experiences to discover), summer opportunities in Arcachon (more info) or even a discovery of the dynamics of Spanish tourism in 2025 (read here).

A summer marked by conviviality and terroir

Thanks to the diverse programming offered by the tourist office of this charming municipality in southern Sarthe, every stay transforms into a unique experience. Between authentic meetings with local producers, refined gastronomic discoveries, and breathtaking landscapes, the spirit of the Loir Valley reveals itself in its finest light during the summer season of 2025.