The main reason to visit VOUVRAY, 10km east of Tours (bus #61 from the gare SNCF) on the north bank, is for its wines, though it has its own charm in the villagey centre clustered around its thirteenth-century church. Vouvray's wonderful Foire aux Vins (Wine Fair) takes place around the 15th August, with smaller-scale festivities for the tasting of the new vintage in early March, and for the vin nouveau in early November. The tourist office beside the main road (Mon–Sat: July & Aug 9am–1pm & 2–6.30pm; Sept–June 9am–1pm; tel 02.47.52.68.73, www.vouvray.org) can provide details of exact dates, addresses of vignerons, and information on guided tours, but all the roads leading up the steep valleys are lined with caves. The view of the vines combing across the chalky plateau above town is almost intoxicating in itself.If you decide to stay in Vouvray, try the pleasant Grand Veatel, at 8 av Brulé (tel 02.47.52.70.32, fax 02.47.52.74.52; €30–40; closed March 1–15). There's also a campsite between the Loire and the Cisse (tel 02.47.52.68.81).
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