Cultural & Courses
Adventure (ballooning, cycling, horse riding)
Festivals
In and Around Fontevraud
In and Around Angers
Gateway to the Loire Valley
Angers is a wonderful visit, a little larger than Tours, its hold many surprises and is great for shopping with a number of designer and boutiques shops not found in other cities. The city if one of France's cultural treasures. The fortress chateau has magnificent views of the Maine from all of it's 17 towers. Parts of the chateau date back to the roman times. Don't miss the 'Apocalypse Tapestry' one of the city's most precious treasures.
In and Around Angers
Musée de l'Art et d'Histoire de Cholet
— There's lots on offer in Cholet. Visit the Museum, home to local 18th Century artist, Pierre-Charles Trémolières, and other local artists. There's a fine recount of the Vendée wars although in French. The town is known for its production of textiles and still produces fine hankies and other french labels such as Catimini, a lovely childrens' clothing line.
www.ville-cholet.fr
Cholet
Chateau de Bauge
— The chateau is approximately 40km east of Angers. One unusual highlight is the 'Apothicairerie' with over 600 different treatments for various illnesses. There was also a famous 'Battle of Bauge' fought on the bridge in 1421. Re-enactments are played out each summer.
Tariff: Adults €7 Children €5
www.chateau-bauge.com
Musée d'art et d'histoire, Place de l'Europe, 49150 Bauge
Chateau Serrant
— Close by to the beautiful Chambre d’hotes, Chateau L’Epinay, lies this beautiful historic chateau open to the public. You can take a short one hour tour when all the history of the chateau is explained. In summer months, night tours are available.
Open from March to June 9.45am to 12 then 2pm – 5.15pm. July and August all day.
www.chateau-serrant.net
Route national 49174 St. Georges sur Loire t: 33 (0)2 41 39 13 01
For the Kids L'Etang Parc de Loisirs
— Lots of hot air balloons, pony rides, bikes and feeding the animals. You get the picture. No restaurant so you may want to consider picnic. Closer to Saumur than Angers.
www.parc-etang.com
Le Chateau deu Plessis-Mace
— Lots of different activities in the summer months for kids, particularly theatre-learning skills and various workshops. While in French still entertaining.
Open early April until early September and during the school holidays in November and March. Closed Mondays (except in the months of July & August).
Adults €5.50 Child 7-12 €2.
Ask for your 'Piste de l'enfant Roy'
www.chateau-plessis-mace.fr
Chateau D’Angers
— Dating back to the Plantagenet dynasty, this was once one of the most formidable military fortresses in France. You will see the chateau as you approach the town one of the major attraction in this castle is the ‘Tapestry of the Apocolyse’ woven around 1375.
angers.monuments-nationaux.fr
Promenade du Bout du Monde
Domaine Saint Pierre
— Visit this owner/grower vineyard, most of the wines are at very reasonable prices, less than €5 at cellar-door. At that price you’ll need some room in the boot for a carton or two!
www.domaine-saint-pierre.com
49290 Chaudefonds-sur-Layon t: 33 (0)2 41 78 04 21
Domaine du Closel Chateau des Vaults
— Visit this vineyard to experience the wines of the Anjou-Saumur district. You can visit for public tasting from Monday through to Saturday and by appointment.
www.savennieres-closel.com
1, place du Mail?49170 Savennieres