Discovering vineyards in night and day versions

hen it launched a new event combining the discovery of the Anjou wine region with sporting activities, the Loire Layon Aubance tourist information office’s intention was to have several irons in the fire. Its aims included extending the tourist season through to the autumn and securing national visibility. All of them have proved a success.

For the first Anjou’R et Nuit – which in French is pronounced ‘day and night’ – some 3,000 people were welcomed, including 30% from regions outside the Loire Valley.

This year, for the second event due to take place on 5 and 6 October, the organisers are aiming for 4,000 participants. A large share of them will come wearing trainers or walking shoes to take part in one of the two trails (11 or 22 km) or hikes. There’s also the kayak-trek-mountain bike experience by day. Around twenty other events feature in the line-up which revolves around discovering the region’s heritage, wineries, food and wine pairings and landscape, all of which takes place by day and by night.

“In mid-September, the events were almost fully subscribed”, stresses Pierre Cesbron, chairman of the tourist information office. Word of mouth and social media have worked well, not to mention the very favourable articles in the specialist trail run media. Trail running is extremely popular and participants are constantly looking for new experiences. “We promise something different. Some only come for the run, but most enjoy the opportunity to discover the wines and local food”.