Caves Monmousseau

Perched quietly beneath the ruins of an imposing 11th-century donjon (tower) built by Foulques Nerra, the town of Montrichard, 9km east of Chenonceau, is a perfect spot for a fizzy break. Just outside town, Monmousseau's extensive wine cellars, carved into the tufa stone, create the perfect 12°C environment for ageing crémant (sparkling wine). One-hour tours (€8), starting at 10am and 2pm from April to October, explain the méthode traditionelle (the traditional way to make bubbly, adopted from Champagne) and end with a tasting.