Local Area
Often called the “Garden of France” due to its temperate climate, the Loire Valley is an enchanted land of vineyards, flowers and rolling green hills, dotted with more than a thousand Chateaux. It is perhaps the charm of its gentle pace of life that has, for centuries, made it a sought after location for poets and writers. In 2000, UNESCO added the central part of the Loire Valley to its prestigious list of World Heritage sites.
Saumur
Home to the Cadre Noir, known for its annual horse shows. There is a tank museum, the Musée des Blindes, with more than 850 armoured vehicles. High above the town, the 14th century Chateau houses the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, an impressive collection of European china and the Musée du Cheval, progressing through the evolution of bridles and stirrups to an amazing and diverse saddlery collection. Also visit the troglodyte dwellings carved out of the cliffs, the Musée de Champignons, underground caves used to grow 70% of France’s mushrooms and enjoy a guided tour of the sparkling wine tuffeau caves, taste the local wines and buy direct.
Tours
During the middle ages, Tours was one of the great pilgrimage sites in Europe. Today it is a busy University town which boasts wonderful Renaissance and neo-classical mansions, which are clustered around the famous Plumereau Square, fine museums including a collection of Craftsmen’s masterpieces and the Cathèdral of St-Gatien. Famous wine region, especially Vouvray, Chinon, Bourgeil…. The most interesting sites in the surrounding area are the Chateaux of Azay-Le Rideau, which reflects on the river, Villandry, surrounded by Renaissance gardens, Ussé, said to be the original Sleeping Beauty’s castle, and the splendid medieval city of Chinon.
Le Mans
Famous for its 24 hour car race, held in the middle of June each year. The Musée de l’Automobile is on the edge of the Bugatti and 24 hour circuits. It documents the early history of car racing, automobile anatomy and automated assembly. The display includes a superb collection of 150 cars from as far back as 1885 to recent winners, with all the big names represented and in working order. Visit the impressive Cathèdral St-Julien with its Romanesque Nave awkwardly abutting the high gothic Choir.
Cycling
Long stretches of flat cycling through countryside and villages gives you time to enjoy some of the picturesque landscapes in France. See breathtaking Chateaux, fields of sunflowers and hidden troglodyte caves which will give you a true taste of this region. www.tourism-touraine.com
Golf
There are a number of excellent golf courses locally at Baugé, Fontevraud, Angers and Saumur.
Food & Wine
There are many restaurants and cafés suitable for all tastes and pockets. We would be happy to make recommendations. Alternatively, we can provide a four course evening meal with an aperitif and carafe of local wine, served in your Gites or “al fresco”, enjoying the warm balmy evenings!
For those wanting to cook for themselves, perhaps enjoy a BBQ, there are daily Markets in the surrounding towns and villages, selling superb fresh produce. Noyant hosts a Market on Friday mornings, has a boulangerie, post office, banks, chemists, a butcher and an Intermarché supermarket with petrol station.
Many shops are closed between 12 noon and 2pm, so enjoy a leisurely lunch – the car parking is free!
We can arrange wine tastings, or degustations as the French would say, either giving you directions or we can take you on a guided tour, enabling you to participate fully in the wine tastings and purchase the local wines!
Watersports
One of the most attractive lakes in the Loire Valley, the “Lac de Rillé” extends over 250 hectares, making a wonderful habitat for a diversity of wildlife. Also a Watersport centre with Windsurfing, Fishing and a clean sandy beach for swimming, with lifeguard surveillance.