La Douceur Angevine

‘’Take time to slow down and explore your surroundings’

The Loire Valley is not just about beautiful ancient castles, although they are all wonderful!

Other sightseeing highlights in this historic region include famous abbeys and cathedrals, troglodyte dwellings, internationally renowned gardens, Anjou gastronomy, hiking and cycling along the banks of the majestic Loire river and above all, the rolling vineyards that produce world acclaimed wines and sparkling wines.

Le Logis Du Pressoir

Unesco World Heritage Site

The UNESCO world heritage label was bestowed on the Loire Valley as a whole, so rich is its heritage and we are situated in the heart of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine National Park.

Anjou itself is an area of outstanding natural beauty not just for its exceptional river landscape but also for its rich political and cultural history; the formidable Plantaganet dynasty (Fontevraud L’Abbaye), the Renaissance Kings of Anjou and writers such as Francois Rabelais and Pierre de Ronsard.

Read more about the beautiful Anjou region here to discover all there is is on offer:

SIGHTSEEING AND ACTIVITIES AT A GLANCE:

Culture and Heritage

The rich cultural and political history of the Valley of the Kings is reflected in the myriad chateaux towns surrounding us.

Saumur, Angers and Chinon are all worth a day trip to explore their medieval streets, mighty fortress castles, cathedrals and museums.

Or why not travel back in time to the Dukes of the Renaissance at Azay le Rideau, Chenonceau and Chambord or explore Leonardo da Vinci’s fascinating home at Amboise?

If you are seeking more urban cultural experience, then look no further than Tours and Angers for chic fashion, art galleries and a thriving arts scene, where there’s a restaurant or patisserie to tempt you on every street corner.

Gardens

The Loire Valley is also known as the ‘Garden of France’ and garden lovers are spoilt for choice with everything from an intoxicating rose park, Chemin de la Rose, Doué la Fontaine, hosting an international flower show each Summer, the world famous formal Renaissance gardens at Villandry Château and the largest Japanese garden in Europe, Parc-Oriental, Maulevrier.

Vineyards and Gastronomy

The fifth largest wine region in France, the Loire’s vineyards produce a wide variety of wines from world famous white wines (Sancerre, Chenin, Muscadet and the honeyed Côteaux de Layon) as well as the rosé d’Anjou, fruity reds of Chinon and Bourgeuil and wonderful sparkling wines of Saumur.

There are many Summer wine and music festivals to enjoy here and wine tasting visits.

Many regions of France are gastronomically renowned and Anjou is no exception; try a night out at a local riverside restaurant to taste delicious local speciality’s watching the sunset over the Loire , or a traditional Summertime ‘Guinguette’ with music and dancing!

Museums / Places of interest

If motor racing is your passion, why not visit Le Mans’ and its world famous 24 hour racing circuit, which also has its own museum (great for kids too)

Musse-Des-Blindes (‎ houses the largest collection of historic armoured vehicles and personnel carriers in the world and the Aviation Museum at Angers contains over 100 historic aircraft, many of which have been restored on site.

There are myriad other interesting places, including Troglodyte villages, underground mushroom museum, stone sculpture caves as well as frequent festivals celebrating local traditions and culture (try out the giant croissant fayre!).

Antiques & Brocantes

Alternatively, there is always a bargain or two to be had at the local antique and brocante flea markets. Even if you’re not in the market for antiques, the markets are lively, atmospheric and full of character, including the people buying and selling!

Our tip: Montsoreau, Saumur and Chinon host monthly brocante markets along the banks of the picturesque Loire river; get there early for bargains before leisurely people watching from the terrace of a local café!