Attractions in the Area

Saumur
Saumur

A stay in the Loir valley is always an intense experience. It is home to many charming castles and chateaux recounting the history of the area. Over a thousand years ago vineyards were established in the area taking advantage of the favourable climate. Many superb wines are now produced here and several of the local vineyards offer tours and tasting to the public.
Wine fairs, musical evenings, gourmet days and gardening weekends are amongst the many and varied festivals which take place throughout the year in the valley.
For families the Loir is an ideal leisure location offering many water activities such as sailing, jet skiing, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats. All of which satisfy beginners and enthusiasts alike. The region also attracts anglers offering many freshwater lakes as well as public fishing areas along the Loire itself.
By abandoning the car you can discover fully the charms of the surrounding countryside. There are many paths to be traveled by foot, by cycle or on horseback.
Other attractions in the area include tennis, climbing, motor-sports, shooting, archery, theme parks, zoos, shopping and of course countless restaurants offering superb local dishes and wine.

In and Around the Valley - 2010

5th - 6th June - Le Lude Garden Show

End April to Mid October - International Garden Festival at Chaumont

July & August - Various Son et Lumiere

  • Le Mans - Approx 35km (25mins). For many the name Le Mans is inextricably linked with the epic 24 hours motor race and is dismissed as having no form of cultural identity. This is a mistake; the riverside town known as Vieux Mans has a fine medieval heart and is surrounded by one of the greatest Gallo-Roman walls in France. Renaissance mansions, half-timbered houses, arcaded alleys and tiny courtyards lead to the gothic cathedral of St Julien, an area that has been used when filming such epics as Cyrano de Bergerac.
    Star ratings: Architecture, sport, history, restaurants, Museums and shopping,
    www.ville-lemans.fr

Racing At Le Mans-2010

27th & 28th March - Coupes de France Promosport

17th & 18th April - 24 Hour Motorcycle Race

22nd-23rd May - French Motorcycle Grand Prix

24 Hour Test Day

12th & 13th June - Le Mans 24 Hour Race

10th & 11th July - Classic Le Mans

28th & 29th August - 24 Hour Karting Race

19th & 20th September - 24 Hour Truck Race

  • Tours - Approx 50km (45mins). Said to be the most appealing of the Loire cities, Tours is steeped in religious and political history, made the French capital in 1461 by Louis XI, it's bourgeois properties have been sensitively restored having suffered extensive damage by the Prussians in 1870 and during World War II. Place Plumereau is the atmospheric and medieval centre of Tours, half-timbered facades and hidden courtyards host numerous cafes, boutiques and galleries. The fine gothic cathedral of St Gatien with it's medieval stained glass windows was started in the 13th century, finished in the 16th century and is set in the eastern quarter. This University City has a commercial centre suitable for all shoppers.
    Star ratings: Architecture, history, restaurants, street life, entertainment, museums and shopping.
    www.ligeris.com | www.ville-tours.fr
  • Angers - Is the imposing and historic capital of Anjou, home of the Plantagenets who, in the Middle Ages, became the royal line of England. Gateway to the Loire Valley, Angers makes sharp contrast to the rest of the valley. Built mainly of dark slate the old heart or ‘Black Angers’ has a formidable 13th Century medieval fortress style Chateau. Inside is one of France's finest medieval tapestries; woven between 1375 and 1378 the Apocalypse Tapestry depicts the battles between Hydras and the Angels.
    Star ratings: Architecture, history, restaurants, wine tasting and museums.
    www.ville-angers.fr | www.angers-tourisme.com
  • Orleans - Is the nearest Loire valley town to Paris and is synonymous with Joan of Arc, the ‘Maid of Orleans’. Martyred in Rouen in 1431 and beatified in 1905, Joan remains a major presence in Orleans. The Maison Jeanne d'Arc was rebuilt from period dwellings in 1965 on the site where Joan lodged in 1429, the year she saved France from the English. Every 19th April and 7th and 8th May her liberation of the city is re-enacted in a pageant and a blessing in the Cathedral Sainte-Croix. The Cathedral begun in the 13th century was destroyed by the Huguenots (Protestants) in 1568 and finally rebuilt in Gothic style between the 17th and 19th centuries.
    Star ratings: Architecture, history, entertainment, restaurants and museums.
    www.ville-orleans.fr | www.tourismloiret.com
  • Saumur - Is the ‘White City’ of Anjou, built in the creamy local tuffeau stone from the limestone plain south of the Loire. Situated beside a broad stretch of the river Saumur is large enough to have an interesting selection of shops, restaurants and leisure facilities, yet also feels very laid-back. Towering above the town and river is the turreted Chateau Saumur, started in the 14th century by Louis I of Anjou and remodeled a century later by his grandson King Rene. Collections include outstanding medieval sculpture, ceramics and equestrian exhibits. Saumur is also famous for its sparkling wines.
    Star ratings: Castles, wine tasting and restaurants.
    www.saumur-tourisme.com