Some of the sites and areas near our Farmhouse
The Loire has something for everyone and is brimming with days out for all the family. With it's amazing Architecture, Stunning Castles, Mueseums, Zoo, Lovely Lakes & the River Loire & Thouet, Gardens, Amusement Parks, some of the most beautiful villages in France, Vineyards. The coastal areas of the Loire Atlantic can be reached in 1hr 45 minutes from the us and you could be in Paris in less than 2hrs by Train.
HERE ARE SOME OF THE ATTRACTIONS THAT ARE UNDER AN HOUR FROM US:-
ABBAYE DE FONTEVRAUD - at the heart of Richard Lionheart's empire, this was a monastery directed by women.
ANGERS - Historic lively city with its medival castle situated right in the heart of Angers. There are two parts to Angers the "Old historic quarters" steeped in achricultural heritage and the fashionable part with trendy restuarants, bars & shops.
BAUGE - home to a 15th century castle with it's stunning rooms. The Chateau used to be the home of the famous Apocalypse tapestry, which has now been moved to the Chateau d'Angers. Another main attraction in Bauge is the ancient apothecary of the Hotel Dieu, this is considered to be one of the most attractive is France. Around Bauge are 8 very strange churches with twisted steeples. For a good family day out, Holly Park is just 4km from Bauge here you will find lots of rides, roller coasters, bumber boats, a traiin and lots more.
CHATEAU D'AZAY LE RIDEAU - which reflects on the river and it's charming picturesque village
CHATEAU BREZE - a castle within a castle with it's 1km of underground tunnels and passages to explore.
CHATEAU BRISSAC - with it's seven floors it has been aptly nicknamed "The Giant of the Loire Valley".
CHATEAU USSE - The 15th century castle of sleeping beauty stands impressively over the Loire Valley. It inspired Perrault to write his famous stories and remains a symbol of the medival fairytale castle.
CHATEAU VILLANDRY - an elegant Renaissance Chateau with views from the turret top out to the confluence of the Loire and Cher. The beautiful gardens which extend over an area of 12.500 m2 which change month by month are a feast to the eyes.
CHINON - with it's chateau overlooking the bed of the Vienne and lots of interesting lanes to explore.
CYCLING - La Loire a Velo 800 kilometres of signposted routes to discovery. The "Loire a Velo" trail passes through the pays de la Loire and Loire valley regions as well as the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park.
DOUE-LA-FONTAINE - famous for it's annual rose festival, les Chemins de la Roses - a rose parc with some 10,000 roses and the Bioparc Zoo de Doue one of Europe's best zoo's.
FUTUROSCOPE AT POITERS - an amusement parc with thrilling rides, 3D & 4D cinema, hands on aquatic attractions. A fun packed day out for all the family.
GOLF COURSES less than 60 mins away - Golf de Saumur; Loudon Golf club ; Golf de Cholet ; Golf club d'Angers Golf de Bauge-Poitigne
Golf courses less than 90 mins drive from our Loire farmhouse, Anjou Golf & Country Club - Champigne ; Golf du haut Poitou at Saint-George-les-Baillargeaux; Golf de L'iLe d'or at Varenne
KARTING CIRCUITS - There are two international Karting circuits within 20 minutes drive from the farmhouse these are the Karrting Circuit at Loudun and the Karting circuit at Val d'Argenton
LE PAYS DE BOURGUEIL - a region rich in history and tradition with more than 2000 hectares, the appelation controlled wines of Bourguiel and Saint Nicolas de Bourgueil have acquired a national reputation.
LE PUY NOTRE DAME - the magnificent 12th century collegial church towers over this charming wine growing village.
MAULEVRIER JAPANESE GARDENS - the biggest of it's kind in Europe. The park is centered around a large lake with bridges, pagoda's and a feast of trees shaped in typical Japanese style giving a spectacular colour.
MONTREUIL BELLAY - one of the most beautiful architectural and historic areas in the Loire Valley, covering the period from the beginning of the medieval era to the Renaissance.
MONTSOREAU / CANDE ST MARTIN - classified in the category of "Plus Beaux villages de France". Both of these picturesque villages are situated at the confluence of the Loire & Vienne rivers.
PARCE DE LA VALLEE AT MASSAIS - an "old fashioned" water and amusement park with 30 attractions & activites to suit the whole family
ROCHEMENIER - is a troglodyte village with 20 rooms over one hectare.
SAUMUR - The chateau rises high above the town. Saumur is a pretty vibrant town also known for it's fine sparkling wines, the elite French National riding school The Cadre Loire , the vast stretch of the loire, some of the best troglodytes in France, musuems such as the Tank museum, the interesting mushroom 9museum and rows upon rows of vines to walk through.
THOUARS - A medieval city which stands on a rocky hill above the river Thouars. The town is best known for its Chateau de la Tremoille but this town has lots more to offer, ancient ramparts; lovely churches; ancient towers and floral parks.
ATTRACTIONS UNDER TWO HOURS FROM US:-
AMBOISE/ CHATEAU CHENONCEAU - Amboise is a pretty town with white stone houses dating from the 15th century. A few miles away is the impressive 13th century Chateau of Chenonceau. Located between Tours & Amboise is the Aquarium du Val de Loire where there are 40 pools to discover the giants that populate the Loire and many other species from the oceans throughtout the world, an interesting family day out.
CHAMBORD - The largest of all the Loire Valley castles built by Francois 1st is surrounded by an immense park and hunting reserve.
LE GRAND PARC AT PUY DE FOU - an unforgettable action packed day out with amazing shows from the Gladiators, an unbelievable display of birds, the fantastic villages and the wonderful musketeers show to round of your day.
LE MANS - famous for the 24 hour annual car race. The old town of Le Mans is worth a visit with it's ancient roman wall, old buildings and the river "Sarthe".
LA ROCHELLE - an unspoilt seaside town. In the heart of the town is the "Old port" which is very picturesque and a great place to take a stroll along the promenade and try one of the many restaurants.
LES SABLE D'OLLONE - a lively seaside resort with plenty of things to do and lovely golden sands stretching along the atlantic coastline.
LOCHES - with it's impressive fortress and attractive medieval town to explore.
NANTES - A lively University city, the sixth largest city in France. There are plenty of museums, cobbled streets, parks, the chateau de Ducs de Bretagne, a thriving art scene and a lot more, a day at Nantes is a full day of sightseeing. Just a short distance from Nantes are the beautiful charming seaside resorts of La Baule and Pornic.
TOURS - is a busy university town at the junction of the Loire and Cher rivers. The city boasts wonderful Renaissance and neo-classical mansions.
ZOO LA FLECHE - the oldest zoo in France. Located in natural woodland with landscaped gardens, a marine world and over 1200 animals.