Small town located in the heart of Anjou, Chalonnes-sur-Loire is worth a visit for its location in the Loire Valley and its wine activity. While it is also possible to go hiking and cycling on the "La Loire à vélo" circuit, an unusual way to explore the surroundings is to take the Chalonnes-sur-Loire little train for a ride through the vineyards.
If you are spending your summer vacation in the Maine-et-Loire department, do not miss one of the must-see tourist attractions in the area: the Chalonnes-sur-Loire little train!
For over 30 years now, this little train has been offering visitors a unique tourist experience starting from this small town in Anjou.
Specifically, the Tourist Office is the starting point for this original guided tour, narrated by the driver.
Starting from the Tourist Office, the little train of Chalonnes-sur-Loire takes you on a journey through the old quarters of the city and the vineyards of the Coteaux du Layon, along the banks of the Loire.
During this one hour and fifteen minute ride, you will discover the history of the town, its mills, its architectural heritage, and its wine landscapes through the anecdotes of the driver.
The uniqueness of this experience lies in the fact that the train winds its way through the vineyards to take you, at the end of the tour, to a tasting of local wines. After crossing the vineyard on the little train, visitors can taste the wines of the Coteaux du Layon or the Coteaux de l'Aubance, or even the Cabernet d'Anjou.
Did you know?
The Anjou and Saumur vineyard is the third largest wine region in France. With no less than 20,000 hectares of vineyards, the Maine-et-Loire department offers a great diversity of white, red, rosé, dry, semi-dry, and sweet wines, as well as sparkling wines. This department is home to the largest vineyard in the Loire Valley and produces the equivalent of 179 million bottles each year.
Passersby in Maine-et-Loire during the summer must hurry to enjoy this tourist attraction! Indeed, the little train of Chalonnes-sur-Loire only runs through the vineyard in the months of July and August, and then on Saturdays in September.
Meet at the Tourist Office on the Place de l'Hôtel de Ville at 3pm for the unique departure of the famous little vine train!
Here is the practical information to know in order to take the little train of Chalonnes-sur-Loire:
Departure location
Tourist Office
Place de l'Hôtel de Ville
49290 Chalonnes-sur-Loire
Tariffs (2023)
Adults: €7.50
Children from 5 to 12 years old: €4.50
Free for children under 5 years old
Timetable
Only departure at 3:00 PM
The little train operates from Monday to Saturday during the period from July 8th to August 31st, and then every Saturday in September.
Dogs are allowed if they are small and can sit on their owner's lap without disturbing other passengers.
You can purchase your tickets online on the Anjou Tourisme website (link below).
Author Audrey on 08 July 2021
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