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Discover Sainte-Maure de Touraine

Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, famous for its AOP goat cheese, invites you to discover its heritage through its monuments. You will travel through time and the history of France with its castle, its market halls and its magnificent crypt. So many places subject to discover Touraine from the 6th to the 19th century. François II, Marie Stuart, Louis XIII, Marie de Médicis, Louis XIV and D'Artagnan came there. Why not you.

Schedule 2022

Guided tour for individuals:

From July 9 to August 28, 2022 (except July 30 and 31):

On Saturdays at 4pm and on Sundays at 10am and 4pm (Meeting at the OT car park)

Heritage Days (free tours)

Price : Adult: €3.50, free for children under 12

Duration of the visit : 1h30

Ticket office : at the Sainte-Maure de Touraine reception desk, on Sundays: payment with the guide or online

Contact: [email protected] 02 47 65 66 20

Scenography of Passerelles

In this exhibition space, you will learn all the secrets of the AOP Sainte-Maure de Touraine goat cheese. Punctuated with videos started by yourself, panels that you can consult at your own pace, this interactive and playful space has everything to seduce. You will discover why a rye straw is found inside this fabulous cheese, by whom and how it is engraved. You will leave knowing that it is necessary to cut this AOP with this so specific form by its widest part. And children will learn that goats are very gourmet and how a milking takes place.

From January 1 to April 30

From Tuesday to Saturday except holidays from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2.30pm to 5pm

Closed on Saturdays from January 1 to mid-February

From May 1 to June 30

From Monday to Saturday except holidays from 10am to 12.30pm and from 2pm to 5.30pm

From July 1 to August 31

From Monday to Saturday except holidays from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 6pm

From September 1 to 31

From October 1 to December 31

Closed on Saturdays from mid-November to December 31

Visit and tasting at the farm

Discover the producers AOP Sainte-Maure de Touraine goat cheese.

Wednesday, July 20 at Angel’s Farm

Friday, August 5 at the farm of the Haute Piltière

Picnic is available onsite (picnic not provided)

Rates : Adult: 4 €/person - Free - 6 years

Ticket office : Reservation required at the Sainte-Maure de Touraine reception desk

Contact : 02 47 65 66 20 - [email protected]

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Gourmandise

Barque à fond plat

Spectacle de danse

Grand dehors

Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine

Tourism, holidays & weekends guide in the indre-et-loire.

"South Gate of Touraine ", Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine "City Stage - City of cheese" is located south of the Indre-et-Loire , 35 km from Tours, Chatelherault, Loches and Chinon . Served by the RD910, the A10 and the railway station Noyant-Sainte-Maure, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is a "city stage" between the castles of the Loire and Futuroscope.

The goat cheese AOC Sainte-Maure de Touraine is the "city of cheese", a gastronomic must-stop for discovering, directly from the producers, a largely rural area. Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine belongs to the network of European cities connected by the cheese.

Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is the starting point of many walks that lead to the discovery of the history of the city and a natural heritage composed of valleys of the Manse (the valleys and hillsides Courtineau) and a little further from the Vienna the intermunicipal territory.

Phase of intense development, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine has a dynamic business network.

With more than 4,000 inhabitants, has Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine public infrastructure (schools from kindergarten to college, stadiums, gymnasium, summer pool, rural hospital ...) necessary to accommodate all populations.

Geographical information

Nearest cities & towns, things to see and do.

Three circuits to discover the city of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine : National Memory of the 10 through the lives of residents, Discovery of historic downtown, breathing circuit Guignard Robert Park (near the camp and the lake).

Site of the chapel of Virgin overlooking the town.

Church of St. Blaise and the crypt of the 11th century, visited by appointment.

Dolmen de la Pierre Boumiers or fondue place called the Raudières (GPS Latitude: 47.+33 8276499999999, Longitude: 0.5968379999999343).

Places of interest

Events and festivities.

Weekly Market Place du Marechal Leclerc (Town Hall Square and Les Halles), on Friday morning.

Discoveries evenings in July and August.

Gourmet market night, every first Wednesday of August.

European Heritage Days.

Flea market every last Sunday of October.

For more information, contact the Tourist Office of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine Country: Address: The Gateway, 77 avenue du General de Gaulle - 37800 Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine - Tel. : +33 2 47 65 66 20 - Fax: +33 2 47 34 04 28 - Email: [email protected]. Or common Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine - Communication Department: Email: [email protected] - Tel. : +33 2 47 65 40 12.

Visits, leisure and activities nearby

Possibility to rent Canoeing Marcilly-sur-Vienne .

Trails, on the Vienne valley (hiking).

Circuit interpretation of the Slopes (family hike).

Circuit of the valley Courtineaux (by car), panoramic view of the troglodytes.

Educational farm in Sepmes : Goat cheese processing with certified organic.

Leisure activities

Restaurants

Bed & breakfasts

Vacation rentals

Related articles Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine

Things to Do in Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, France - Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine Attractions

Things to do in sainte-maure-de-touraine.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Fromagerie d'Angel. Et Chris. Marquet

2. Fromagerie Christine Dubois

3. Dolmen de Bommiers

4. Fromagerie La Haute Piltière

5. Fromagerie Du Cabri Au Lait

6. Les Halles Anne de Rohan de 1672

7. Eglise Sainte Maure - Sainte Britte

8. Sentier d'Interprétation Troglodytique de la Vallée des Coteaux

9. Château - Maison du Patrimoine

10. Fromagerie Du Bois Rond

11. Fromagerie J-A et Ludovic Roy

12. Fromagerie Les Capri'scieuses

13. la haute piltière.

14. La Chapelle des Vierges

15. arboretum du tuffeau.

16. Eglise Saints Gervais Saint Protais

17. Azay-Chinon Val de Loire Tourisme, Bureau d'accueil de Sainte-Maure de Touraine

18. earl les capri'scieuses.

• Eglise Sainte Maure - Sainte Britte
• Dolmen de Bommiers
• Les Halles Anne de Rohan de 1672
• Château - Maison du Patrimoine
• La Chapelle des Vierges

Cheese Origin

What is Sainte-Maure de Touraine? France’s Iconic Goat Cheese

A jewel among the gastronomic treasures of France, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is a testament to the country’s rich cheese-making heritage. This iconic goat cheese, hailing from the Touraine region in the Loire Valley, is steeped in tradition and recognized for its distinctive cylindrical shape and straw core.

Encased in an edible, ash-covered rind, this cheese unveils a creamy, full-flavored interior that is both tangy and slightly nutty – a delightful contradiction of flavors that has captivated palates for centuries. Often enjoyed with a glass of local wine, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is not just a cheese, but a celebration of French culinary artistry.

Table of Contents

Quick facts about sainte-maure-de-touraine, what is sainte-maure-de-touraine, what does sainte-maure-de-touraine taste like, sainte-maure-de-touraine tasting notes, how to eat sainte-maure-de-touraine, 7 best sainte-maure-de-touraine substitutes, food that goes well with sainte-maure-de-touraine:, beverage that goes well with sainte-maure-de-touraine:, 1. is the rind of sainte maurice de touraine edible, 2. how to pronounce sainte-maure-de-touraine.

Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is a celebrated cheese that hails from the Loire Valley in central France. Known for its distinctive log shape and the straw that runs through its center, this cheese is a symbol of French gastronomy and has a rich history dating back to the 9th century.

Made from full-fat goat’s milk, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is an unpasteurized cheese that boasts a soft pâte texture and a grey mold rind. It’s typically around 16-17 cm in length and carries a fat content of at least 45%. The straw in the middle not only gives it a unique look but also provides structural support to the cheese.

Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is the second most popular goat’s cheese in France, only surpassed by Crottin de Chavignol. Despite its high production, it did not receive protection until 1990 under the Appellation d’Origine Contrôlée (AOC) system. This certification ensures the quality and authenticity of the cheese, preserving its traditional production methods.

The taste of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is as remarkable as its history. It offers a fresh and tangy flavor with a hint of lemony zest. Paired with a glass of Chenin Blanc from the same region, it makes for a delightful culinary experience.

Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is more than just a cheese; it’s a testament to France’s rich dairy heritage and the skill of its cheesemakers. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or a curious foodie, tasting this cheese is like embarking on a gastronomic journey through the heart of France.

Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine has a slightly salty and nutty flavor, often compared to the taste of walnuts, coupled with a refreshing lemony finish.

The rind of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is thin and smooth, featuring a blue-to-gray mold that adds to its distinctive look and taste. The age of the cheese can impact its flavor, with younger cheeses offering a milder taste that may not be as goaty.

• Texture : The cheese has a soft and creamy texture that offers a pleasant sensation on the palate. It’s not too dense or heavy, which makes it perfect for spreading on bread or crackers.
• Flavor : Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is known for its mildly salty and subtly nutty flavor, reminiscent of walnuts. It also has a refreshing citrusy note, often compared to a lemony zest.
• Rind : The rind of this cheese is thin and smooth, covered in a blue-to-gray mold. This contributes to the cheese’s complex flavor profile and gives it a distinctive look.
• Aging : The flavor of the cheese can change with aging. Younger cheeses tend to have a milder taste that’s less goaty, while older ones develop a stronger, tangier flavor.
• Seasonality : The best season to consume Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is between March and September, when the goat’s milk is the richest. During this time, the cheese develops its most robust flavor profile.
• Room Temperature : To fully appreciate the flavors of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, it’s best to serve it at room temperature. Take it out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow it to warm up.
• Slice Carefully : Because of its log shape, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine should be sliced lengthwise rather than in rounds. This ensures that each slice includes a bit of the straw, which adds to the cheese’s unique flavor.
• Pairings : Pair Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine with crusty bread or crackers. Its creamy texture spreads well on these platforms and complements their crunchiness.
• Fruit Combinations : Fresh fruits like apples, pears, or figs can also pair beautifully with this cheese. The sweetness of the fruit contrasts nicely with the tangy, nutty flavor of the cheese.
• Wine Pairings : When it comes to drinks, light wines from the Loire Valley, such as Chinon, Bourgueil or white wines like Vouvray, Montlouis, complement this cheese perfectly.
• Salads and Cooking : Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine can also be crumbled over salads or melted into dishes for an added touch of gourmet flavor.

What Pairs Well With Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine?

Also read: 11 Best Crackers that Pair Well with Cheese

Also read: Best Wine and Cheese Pairings: The Ultimate Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, the rind of Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is edible. It’s usually covered in a fine gray mold, which is a natural part of the cheese-making process and is safe to eat. However, the texture and flavor may not be to everyone’s liking. Some people prefer to remove the rind before eating, while others enjoy the extra complexity it adds. As with any cheese, you should make sure it looks and smells fresh; if the rind is excessively moldy or has an off smell, it’s best not to eat it.

The French cheese Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is pronounced as “Sant-more-deh-Tour-en”. Please note that pronunciation can vary slightly based on regional accents.

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Home » Travel Guides » France » 15 Best Things to Do in Tours (France)

15 Best Things to Do in Tours (France)

It’s no mystery that Tours is a favourite base for people discovering the Loire Valley’s exalted châteaux.

Villandry, Chenonceau and Amboise are moments by car, and with the help of the Loire à Vélo network you can visit them on two wheels with ease.

But you may find that if you delve a little more into Tours’ history and attractions, it could be difficult to leave the city at all.

In the centre are timber houses and renaissance mansions on car-free streets, and museums that draw you into the city’s medieval past.

There are vineyards welcoming inquisitive oenophiles in the countryside and both the waters and banks of the Loire invite you to go wherever your sense of curiosity leads.

Lets explore the best things to do in Tours :

1. Tours Cathedral

Even by the glacial speed of construction in the middle ages, Tours Cathedral took a long time to be completed.

Building began in 1170 and wouldn’t be finished until 1547, but this means we’re met with a perfect summary of the evolution of gothic art.

The ensemble of original 13th-century stained glass windows in the ambulatory chapels and above the choir is one of the finest in France, and seems to generate its own light.

The cathedral has information panels giving you the meaning behind each image.

The marble renaissance tombs of King Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany’s children are also moving, as both died in infancy.

2. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours

The riches from Cardinal Richelieu’s 17th-century campaign against the Huguenots and the art seized from abbeys during the Revolution all ended up at Tours’ stellar museum of fine art.

Because of their religious source there’s a good body of Italian gothic primitives from the 14th and 15th centuries, while the two renaissance paintings by Andrea Mentegna are regarded as masterpieces.

You’ve got over a thousand artworks to get through, with sculpture by Rodin, Flemish and Dutch painting by Rembrandt and Rubens, and Impressionism by Monet and Degas.

3. Tours Botanical Garden

The city’s municipal garden has a bit of a troublesome setting, between the Loire and Cher, which made it susceptible to flooding in the past, with two devastating inundations in the mid-19th century that filled the greenhouses with two metres of water.

Even after being hit by bombs in the Second World War there isn’t the slightest hint of a troubled past at these serene gardens.

On your walk you may notice some trees you haven’t seen before, like the Chinese empress tree, ginkgo biloba and the endangered dawn redwood.

The animal park is from 1863 and has farm animals for kids to bond with, as well as more exotic species like wallabies.

4. Le Vieux Tours

Like all the best historic city centres the historic buildings on the pedestrian streets around Place Plumereau aren’t sterile museum pieces but vibrant cornerstones of local life, used as shops, restaurants and bars.

Place de Plumereau is at the nerve centre of one of the largest conservation areas in Europe, with renaissance mansions boasting sculpted reliefs or cantilevered timber houses, going strong for hundreds of years.

If you’re OK with everybody knowing you’re a tourist, jump aboard the little train that departs every hour from Place Plumereau in summer.

5. Musée du Compagnonnage

In the 16th-century Dormitory at the former Abbey of Saint-Julien is a museum devoted to a French workers’ movement that dates back to medieval times.

Roughly, the Compagnons du Tour de France is like a guild of journeymen that preserves historic trades and educates young people about them as part of an apprenticeship.

To complete the apprenticeship and become a “companion” a craftsman had to create a masterpiece for whatever discipline he worked in.

And these dumbfounding creations are presented at the museum, in all kinds of different disciplines, like metalwork, tailoring, shoemaking and woodcarving.

6. Hôtel Goüin

What may be the most beautiful of Tours’ many old building has just come through a long restoration and is open to the public once more.

Hôtel Goüin is an early-renaissance palace on Rue du Commerce, with a balustraded porch and the sort of loggia in which you might expect to see Juliet calling for Romeo.

During the restoration they unearthed fragments of an older building from the 1100s, with four arches and a well, which are on show.

You might just want to stop for a photo of that magnificent facade, but there’s an archaeological museum inside with artefacts from Roman times up to the 1800s.

7. Halles de Tours

Billed as the “Belly of Tours” (ventre de Tours), the city’s indoor market may not be France’s largest, but it’s a gastronome’s idea of heaven.

You may even want to bring your camera or have your phone at the ready, because the cheese, charcuterie, seafood and in-season fruit and vegetable counters are presented with real flair.

If you’re stuck for gift ideas then markets like this tick the box as they’re stocked with all the best from the region.

At Tours that entails wine from the Loire Valley and luxury chocolate.

The city is one of France’s chocolate capitals, and every years holds the Salon du Chocolat de Tours at the Centre de Congrès Vinci.

Come for lunch too: The oyster bar shucks your oyster as you go.

8. Jardin des Prébendes d’Oé

During the French Second Empire from the mid-1800s English-style parks like this one popped up in provincial cities across France.

This was a spot for urban families to take promenades, kids to play and for the city to put on outdoor concerts at the park’s gazebo.

There’s less of the formality of French parterres, as paths weave through tulip flowerbeds and  copses of lime, plane, cedar, chestnut and lofty redwood trees.

So if you could do with a moment of repose take a wander by the pond and pause for a tea or coffee at the kiosk.

On warmer days you could load up on cheese and charcuterie at the market and have the perfect French picnic.

9. Église Saint-Julien de Tours

The predecessors of this  12th-century abbey were wrecked by the Normans in the 9th century and then in a war between the feudal houses of Blois and Anjou in the 10th century.

But miraculously the building that followed has survived everything from the French Revolution to the Second World War.

It was part of a long-gone abbey, and the garden next to the church is where the cloister used to be, while the Musée de Compagnonnage occupies the old dormitory.

10. “Toue” River Cruises

Commercial craft floated along the Loire and Cher since antiquity, hauling people, wine, silk, lumber, salt and all sorts of other cargo up and down these rivers.

Because the waterways can get very shallow they used flat-bottomed sailboats called “toues”, and you can too! Toues can carry between 12 and 30 passengers for hour-long trips, or even romantic dinner cruises in the evening.

Their skippers know these waters and banks like the backs of their hands: And with the deck as your balcony, they’ll shed light on the Tours’ river trade, its many colourful characters and perils.

11. Loire à Vélo

If you had to picture some quintessentially French holiday activities, a bike ride next to the Loire with a backdrop of gentle vine-striped hills and châteaux must be one of the first that comes to mind.

About 150km of the of the Loire à Vélo cycle trail’s totalling 800km are in the Touraine region.

The route is clearly-marked, easy -going because it never leaves the riverside and convenient as there are dozens of hire stations along the way.

You could give yourself set destinations like Amboise or Villandry, which are both reachable in about an hour.

Or make more of an adventure of it by going further afield and spending the night at the inns on the route that are happy to accommodate cyclists.

12. Guinguette sur Loire

On the left bank of the Loire, just by Pont Wilson, is where Tours’ “Guinguette” takes place from May to September.

It isn’t officially summer in Tours until this outdoor café by the river is bustling every evening with locals and tourists at the bar terrace, taking part in dance lessons, enjoying concerts or watching movies at the outdoor cinema.

Tours is a student city so the atmosphere is always warm and energetic.

The location is wonderful, under willow trees and string lights, with the river rolling past.

And every year there Guinguette has something new on the schedule.

13. Wine and Gastronmic Visits

If you’re a wine-lover you’ve come to the right place.

There’s an absurd amount of AOCs nearby: A dozen within an hour, and five bordering the city.

The diversity will make your head spin more than the wine itself, with the reds of Touraine-Chenonceau, the whites of Touraine Sauvignon and rosés made in Touraine noble joué.

When it comes to precious foodstuffs there’s a saffron market in Preuilly-sur-Claise and a seasonal truffle market at Marigny-Marmande.

The local cheese, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine is known to all for its cylindrical shape and the straw that pierces it through the centre.

To know more, pay a visit to the dairy at Les Passerelles or the child-friendly goat farm, Cabri au Lait, which makes Sainte-Maure but also has a petting zoo for the little guys and girls.

14. Château de Villandry

It would be criminal to visit Tours and not call in at one of the abundant château in the region.

Tours is touted as a gateway for these sensational pieces of French royal or noble heritage.

You can reach Villandry in 20 minutes, and it’s one of the finest.

The gardens are the showstopper at this château.

They were restored at the turn of the century by the Spanish doctor Joachim Carvallo.

He conceived several terraces of renaissance gardens, all with precisely trimmed boxwood hedges in joyous geometric configurations.

There’s a water garden, labyrinth, sun garden, ornamental garden with high hedges, but the most astounding is the formal medieval kitchen garden, all in neat plots.

15. Château d’Amboise

The home of Francis I and most of the French royalty in the 16th century is a 20-minute car or train ride to the east.

The château had its heyday in the renaissance period after Charles VIII turned it from a fortress into the Loire valley’s first Italian-style palace in the late-1400s.

In 1516 Francis I invited Leonardo da Vinci to live and work in Amboise, and the polymath’s home at Clos Lucé was actually connected to the Château d’Amboise by underground passageways that you can discover today by prior arrangement.

Da Vinci died here in 1519 and is buried at the Chapel of Saint-Hubert at the Château.

The gardens are embellished with spherical topiaries and the views from this spur above the Loire are divine.

15 Best Things to Do in Tours (France):

• Tours Cathedral
• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours
• Tours Botanical Garden
• Le Vieux Tours
• Musée du Compagnonnage
• Hôtel Goüin
• Halles de Tours
• Jardin des Prébendes d'Oé
• Église Saint-Julien de Tours
• "Toue" River Cruises
• Loire à Vélo
• Guinguette sur Loire
• Wine and Gastronmic Visits
• Château de Villandry
• Château d'Amboise

• French Foodie Getaway in Tours

Our French food and wine tours in the Loire Valley include amazing foodie visits, delicious wines, and loads of fun. Escape to the gorgeous city of Tours, France, on this foodie getaway!

• Trip Details

Accommodation Information

• Pricing & Tour Dates
• Culinary Vacations
• Cooking Vacations

French Food and Wine Tours in the Loire Valley

Learn more about the city of Tours, France .

Highlights of our French Food and Wine Vacations in Tours

Our French food and wine tours in the Loire Valley are easily customized to include any of the amazing sites you want to see, or the wonderful wines you want to taste. The standard itinerary includes a hands-on cooking class as well as a wine and cheese master class.

• 2 Night Itinerary
• Arrival in Tours by train and transfer to your accommodation, a charming guest house in the center.
• Around 4 PM meet your guide in the city center for a 2-hour private walking tour of Tours.
• Time to rest before dinner.
• This evening, walk to your welcome dinner, a 3-course meal (drinks excluded, paid locally).
• Breakfast at the guest house.
• At 9:30 am meet the chef at the local market, “Les Halles,” where you will buys ingredients for your cooking class. You will then return to the cooking workshop where you will prepare a starter, main dish, and dessert. Lunch to follow, local wines included.
• Return to the guest house, afternoon at leisure to enjoy Tours, and dinner on your own.
• Breakfast, then check out.
• At 11 AM walk to your wine and cheese tasting in the city center. You will enjoy a private 2-hour tasting including 4 wines and 4 cheeses.
• After the tasting, you can transfer to the train station or spend additional time in Tours on your own.

Optional Extra Day in the Land of Chateaux

Interested in adding an additional day? If you are a first time visitor to the Loire Valley we highly recommend extending your stay! We can add on a night and one of several optional tours, including (but not limited to):

• a private full-day tour of the chateaux of Chambord and Chenonceau
• a self-guided e-biking tour through the vineyards of Vouvray to Amboise and its chateau
• a private winery tour including visits and tastings of Loire Valley wines

Please inquire for pricing. We are happy to help create a custom itinerary to suit your tastes!

French Food and Wine Tour Details

• 2 Night Details

Included in the 2-Night Food and Wine Tour

Accommodations.

2 nights accommodation in a luxury B&B in the center of Tours

Food & Beverages

• Daily breakfast
• One dinner (wine not included, paid locally)
• One lunch (wine included
• One wine and cheese class/tasting

Classes & Instructors

Your cooking class in Tours will be with a local chef who will lead you in the preparation of a full meal, including a delicious starter, hearty main dish, and delectable dessert. The cooking class will be preceded by a visit to the famous covered market in Tours, “Les Halles.”

• Guided walking tour of the historical center of Tours
• Visit of Les Halles market with the chef
• Wine and cheese master class, including tastings

Transfer Details

Transfer are included from/to the Tours train station to your B&B.

Average Rating

Tour Dates:

Available any dates you choose for a minimum of two people. Please review our complete pricing details .

Starting at

Your home for your French food and wine tour will be the charming guesthouse Masion Jules.   This highly rated, small luxury guest house is situated in the center of Tours in a beautiful nineteenth-century mansion. The five-room guest house was renovated in 2012 and has a living room with fireplace on the ground floor, as well as a dining room and library. Each of the five en suite guest rooms is individually decorated with fine materials. (If unavailable a similar accommodation will be proposed.)

French Food and Wine Tour in the Loire Valley: Pricing & Dates

Find pricing and dates for our French food and wine tours in the Loire Valley below, and contact us for availability or to customize your trip.

• 2 Night Pricing

Food and Wine Tour Pricing:

2-Night Food and Wine Tour Pricing

US$1290 per person based on double occupancy

30% deposit due to confirm booking.

Balance payment due 60 days prior to tour start date. Questions? Please contact us!

Single occupancy supplement: please inquire.

Interested in additional nights and tours? Please inquire!

French Food and Wine Tour Dates

Our French food and wine tours in the Tours, France, are available any dates you choose based on availability. The tour is easily customizable as well. Sample dates follow, but please inquire with specific dates for availability.

2023 Samples dates, other start dates also possible.  January 24-26 January 31-February 1 February 7-9 February 14-16 February 21-23 February 28-March 1 March 7-9 March 14-16 March 21-23 March 28-30 April 4-6 April 11-13 April 18-20 April 25-27 May 2-4 May 9-11 May 16-18 May 23-25 May 30-June 1 June 6-8 June 13-15 June 20-22 June 27-29 July 4-6 July 11-13 July 18-20 July 25-27 August 1-3 August 8-10 August 15-17 August 22-24 August 29-31 September 5-7 September 12-14 September 19-21 September 26-28 October 3-5 October 10-12 October 17-19 October 24-26 October 31-November 2 November 7-9 November 14-16 November 21-23 November 28-30 December 5-7 December 12-13 December 19-21

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Whether you need assistance with flights, additional nights, tours of the French chateaux, winery visits and tastings, or more, we are here to help you plan the perfect culinary vacation in the Loire.

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Cheese wire… Sainte-Maure de Touraine

Veteran cheesemonger Patrick Ambrosio lifts the lid on Sainte-Maure de Touraine…

Hailing from the lush Loire Valley, Sainte-Maure de Touraine is a classic in the chèvre hall of fame. Instantly recognisable by the thin ‘straw’ peeking out at both ends of its 16cm-or-so body, this beloved goat’s cheese is tart and citrusy in its youth, before developing a mellower palate reminiscent of cooked milk and nuts in a few weeks’ time. A telltale sign of peak ripeness is the slight yellowing of its puckered, ash-coated rind. Slices should reveal a paste that is beginning to yield at the exterior and a firm (but no longer chalky) centre. Simply slice from top to bottom into coins and enjoy with a chilled Sancerre or crisp Vouvray.

First printed in our sister publication France Today

Patrick Ambrosio is managing partner of the Village Cheese Merchant in Rockville Centre, New York. www.villagecheesemerchant.com

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Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine

Sainte-Maure de Touraine is a soft cheese made of full-fat goat's milk unusually shaped like a log, weighing about 250 grams. The cheese was made since the 19th century under the name Sainte-Maure in the Tours region in France. It is also easily recognizable by a long straw that is pricked throughout its body, to help in the production process and to make sure that the cheese does not fall apart. Sainte-Maure has a slightly salty and nutty taste that is reminiscent of walnuts, with a lemony finish. Its rind is thin and smooth, with a blue to gray mold covering it. The interior is creamy in texture and fully white. Pair it with dry white wines and light red wines for the best experience.

Sainte-Maure de Touraine is a soft cheese made of full-fat goat's milk unusually shaped like a log, weighing about 250 grams. The cheese was made since the 19th century under the name Sainte-Maure in the Tours region in France.

It is also easily recognizable by a long straw that is pricked throughout its body, to help in the production process and to make sure that the cheese does not fall apart. Sainte-Maure has a slightly salty and nutty taste that is reminiscent of walnuts, with a lemony finish.

Pairing tips

Savennières

Hailing from the Anjou region of the Loire Valley, this white French wine is produced from Chenin Blanc grape variety. Typically full-bodied and age-worthy Savennières wines have a unique character and usually display complex aromas of white fruits and flowers, citrus, or beeswax, all complemented by sharp acidity and lots of minerality. The whole region is divided into two smaller sub-regions, La Roche-aux-Moines and Coulée de Serrant, with the latter being a single estate owned by the father of biodynamic winemaking Nicolas Joly. Savennières is best paired with fish, crustaceans, poultry, pâté, and dishes with the creamy beurre blanc sauce.

This French wine region is located in the Loire Valley (Touraine district), and it is known for the production of varietal white wines that are predominantly produced from Chenin Blanc. Although the appellation also includes sparkling and dessert wines, Vouvray is mostly known for their crisp dry wines (sec). These wines are characterized by their straw yellow color, vibrant acidity, and complex aromas that typically include floral, citrus, and white fruit notes. Dry Vouvray wines have excellent aging potential. With age, they evolve, but remain fresh, aromatic, and lively, while their aromas may develop into ripe white fruit, almonds, and hazelnuts. Vouvray wines pair well with rich and creamy fish and seafood dishes, pork, chicken, rillettes, and pâtés. They are best served slightly chilled.

Jasnières is a French appellation located in the Loire valley that produces golden-colored white wines from Chenin Blanc grapes. These age-worthy wines typically display floral and fruity aromas of citrus fruit, apricots, or acacia, which may develop into more intense notes of honey or ripe and dried fruit. Because of their freshness and minerality, these well-structured wines are an excellent match to fish, shellfish, poultry, or veal. They can also pair well with goat cheese.

Cheverny blanc

White Cheverny wines are produced in Loir-et-Cher and belong to the Cheverny AOC. The wines are primarily based on Sauvignon grapes, usually a combination of Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris. They are usually blended with Chardonnay, while other permitted varieties include Chenin Blanc and Arbois (Orbois). The wines are pale yellow, usually streaked with green highlights. The aromas include a blend of citrus and white fruit, sometimes with a hint of spices. They are typically fresh, clean, well-balanced, and lively, and most are enjoyed young. White Cheverny wines pair well with appetizers, seafood, and goat cheese. 

Where to taste and buy  Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine

La cloche à fromage - the shop, la cloche à fromage, la cloche a fromage - la boutique, cert diffusion, more cheeses.

Chabichou du Poitou

Selles-sur-Cher

Rigotte de Condrieu

More from Indre-et-Loire & Centre-Loire Valley

Coeur de Touraine

Vouvray effervescent

Brebis du Lochois

Couronne Lochoise

Brossauthym

Tours / Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine La Scandibérique

43,89 km cycling route from Tours to Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine

Elevation of the stage, waytypes of the stage, surface of the stage.

On minor roads with little traffic. Signposted EV3.

Surfacing smooth : asphalt

Connection The Scandibérique cycle route and the Indre à Vélo route meet at the level of Veigné.

• Tours and Saint-Pierre-des-Corps train stations
• Veigné train station
• Sainte-Maure Noyant train station
• Tours: the historic medieval city; the Cathedral Quarter; timberframe houses scattered around the town, most spectacularly on Place Plumereau; the many museums; events staged year-round.
• Veigné: the old water mill; Saint-Maxent Church; the manor and its grounds
• Ste-Catherine de Fierbois: the church and its reliquary 
• Ste-Maure de Touraine: Boumiers neolithic dolmen; the château; the church; the remarkable covered market

Accommodation on the stage

Travellers’ reviews.

• Motorhome areas
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• Lodgings and furnished rentals
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• Holiday residences
• Holiday villages
• Bicycle rentals/ repairs
• Tourist offices
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• Points d'eau
• Toilettes publiques
• Canoe and kayak rental
• Cultural and touristic sites
• Leisure and activities
• Bathing places
• Villages with character

Touraine Val de Loire – ADT de la Touraine EN

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Goat’s cheese on a plate

Home › Discover › The Mag’: inspirational ideas and wonderful experiences › Goat’s cheese on a plate

A regional speciality

Goat’s cheese is one of the major specialities in France’s Centre region. In “crottin” style in Chavignol; an ash-coated, truncated pyramid in Valençay; a tall, elegant pyramid for Pouligny-Saint-Pierre; a long log shape in Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine and small and rounded in Selles-sur-Cher, goat’s cheese comes in all shapes and sizes. In a range of flavours, too, depending on how they’re matured. In this delicious Loire cheese plate, let’s take a closer look at Touraine cheeses.

Sainte-maure-de-touraine , the unbeatable goat’s cheese.

Cited by the novelist Honoré de Balzac  as early as 1841 in “La Rabouilleuse”, with the AOC label since 1990 and the AOP label since 2008, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine  is none other than  France’s number one goat’s cheese  in terms of production!

It is easy to spot it on the cheese plate with its ash coating (in fact a mixture of salt and vegetable carbon) and the shape like a small, long log. The cheese weighs in at 250 grams (the earliest moulds were made of  wicker ), and has a rye straw running through it . The straw is both a way to identify the cheese and a guarantee of its origins.

Rye straw for Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine AOC cheese

Les Passerelles, a space dedicated to

Originally, the 16-centimetre straw was used to keep the curd cheese in place in the first few days of the maturing process. It also made it easier to transport the cheese. Now it is mostly  a sign of identity , to the point that around 6 million straws are engraved by laser each year in an ESAT (centre providing work for disabled people), in Bridoré, in the south of Touraine! The straw also comes from the same region as  Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine . It features the name of the product, the AOC label, the food safety certification number and the producer’s name.

Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine  goat’s cheese is often eaten at the end of the meal. But served thinly sliced with a little jam and a dash of pepper, it can also be enjoyed with a pre-dinner drink. According to taste, you can choose a smooth and creamy or a dryer version. Obviously it can be served with a Loire wine : opt for a dry white wine , a Vouvray or a Montlouis-sur-Loire, for example. If you have a more mature Sainte-Maure, try a medium-dry wine.

A goat’s cheese to savour and enjoy

In Touraine, you are sure to find  Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine cheese on the  market stalls, as well as in the Tours  indoor market and at the Rodolphe Le Meunier shop. Rodolphe was given the “meilleur ouvrier de France” award and voted the best international cheesemaker in 2007 !

And you might like to know that the Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine cheese fair is held in early June each year . This is a great chance for food lovers to taste these delicious goat’s cheeses.

Educational farms such as Cabri au Lait ,   Le Vazereau  and  La Cabrett’ du Viornay are open to visitors who want to know more about the world of cheese.

There are other goat’s cheeses in Touraine. Among the most popular are the  Couronne Lochoise , a round cheese with a hole in the middle, and the  Cœur de Touraine  (“Heart of Touraine”), which as its name implies, is the ideal shape to make the heart melt! Unlike the Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine , these cheeses are to be enjoyed fresh, since their shape is not necessarily suited to a longer maturity. You can serve them with a local dry, white wine, too. And to find them, head for the big market in Loches , for example.

A sheep that’s not gone astray!

An exceptional flavour! This is a little gem you can find at master cheese refiners’ in Touraine, or directly on the farm near the medieval town of Loches. The  “Brebis du Lochois”  (Loche Sheep’s Cheese) was recently launched in the land of goat’s cheeses by a small group of enthusiastic farmers. The quantity produced is quite small due to ewes’ short lactation period. You can generally find it for 6 months, from March to August. This is a mild cheese with a buttery flavour, quite typical of the local region. It also comes in a thyme-flavoured version.

Other farmhouse cheeses to delight the taste buds in Touraine. They are atypical cheeses, filled with flavours specific to the region and showing the passion of the cheesemakers. They include the tasty  Carré de Charentilly  or the  farmhouse Tomme cheese  made by  Michel Galopin .

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Gaucelin II de Sainte-Maure, vicomte de Tours

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Hotels in Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine (Centre-Val de Loire, France)

• Hotel The Originals Tours Sud Pic Epeiche

Château Laroche Ploquin

Château De Brou

Chateau D Artigny 15 Kms From Tours

Hostellerie Les Hauts De Sainte Maure

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• Hotel Troglododo
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Points of Interest - Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine

• Château et Jardins de Villandry
• Château de Chenonceau
• Tour train station
• Mini Châteaux du Val de Loire
• Tours Val de Loire Airport
• Château du Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci
• Château Royal d'Amboise
• Château Royal de Tours
• Cathédrale Saint-Gatien
• Les Jardins du Château de la Chatonnière
• Place Plumereau
• L'île Simon
• Musée des Beaux-Arts
• Parc de Sainte Radegonde
• Château du Rivau
• Forteresse Royale de Chinon
• Le Jardin Botanique
• Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud
• Château d'Ussé
• Collégiale de St Jean Baptiste
• Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
• La Sainte-Chapelle Saint-Louis
• Cité Royale de Loches
• Hôtel de Ville
• Le prieuré Saint-Cosme

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