Eating Out

'Auberge du Lac'
"Take a walk through the wood to build up an appetite or drive just out of Parcay, to this fabulous country restaurant set on the bank of a lake in the forest. Typically, 4 course lunch is 12 Euros and the house wine is superb. An added attraction is the wealth of leisure facilities surrounding the restaurant and cafe. Canoeing on the lake, play area with swings and slide, basket ball, tennis courts and a steam railway to name a few."

'Chez Jules'
"Open every day for all day fry up breakfast as well as French specialities, this haven on the village square in Parcay has a tremendous selection of beers as well as local wines - including the famous red sparkling Cardinal - by the glass and bottle. A meeting place for locals and tourists."

'Lion d'Or'
"Friday is market day in Noyant, a 10 minute drive from Parcay. And, when you have resisted the temptation to buy live poultry but succumbed to the delicious cheeses and craftware for souvenirs, stop off for a 12 Euro lunch - including wine -at this superb restaurant which has more expensive (but ridiculously cheap by British standards) menus as well as a la carte specialities."

Local Area and Activities

'All That Jazz'
"From April 1 to May 11 the whole area is alive with music from the Europa Jazz festival. Visit www.europajazz.fr for full listings of the 100 concerts. "

'Chateau de Sache'
"When this medieval castle, which has been extensively remodelled in the Renaissance, was converted into a luxurious home in the 19th century, one of its most distinguished visitors was Balzac who took inspiration for his Human Comedies here. The lavish furnishings of that time remain and there are 3 hectares of beautifully laid out gardens to stroll through. It is 25 minutes south of Tours and open all year with free parking. "

'Chateau Usse'
"The original Sleeping Beauty's Castle, see where Perault got his inspiration for Puss in Boots and other classic fairytales on a tour of the house with attics full of antique children's toys. Beautiful garden, super cafe and gift shop complete this family day out."

'Family Adventure'
"Holly Park on the road to Angers, has a big wheel, bumper cars, white knuckle and aquatic rides as well as roundabouts and trains for the younger members of the family. Meals on-site start at 6.50 Euros including drinks. As with all recommended activities there is no problem with parking."

'Golfers' Paradise'
"On the glorious estate of Sable-Solesmes, you will fine 3 x 9 holes set in 150 hectares on a riverbank setting where you can pit your tactics on one of the most challenging courses in Western France, then reward yourself with dinner at the gastronomic restaurant. Just one of many top courses in the area."

'Hot Shots'
"A huge favourite with teenagers is the clay pigeon and target shooting held at La Fosse. This farm is half an hour's drive from Parcay, but is worth the journey even if you don't want to handle a gun, as a 4 course lunch with wine for 12 Euros is offered in the 5 hectares of garden nestling at the edge of a beautiful forest. Le Lude makes a good stop off for shopping and a look around the Renaissance château with its famous gardens."

'La Fleche Zoo'
"One of the 5 largest zoos in France and famous for its sea lion displays, this is the place to see 1200 animals from every continent in a lushly planted setting. Drive 40 minutes to the beautiful city of La Fleche and don't miss the polar bears perhaps the most popular of the 120 species living here, you can watch them swim through the glass walls of the underwater viewing area. The cubs really do have the aaahh.. factor!"

'Le Lude Equestrian Centre'
"Mounts available for all ages, sizes and levels of horsemanship."

'Le Mans 24hours'
"The most exciting 24 hours of the motor racing year begins on 14 June but the build up begins with an advance test on June 1. The festival atmosphere makes this race a unique experience. For full details and ticket sales contact www.lemans.org. It is an hour's drive from Parcay, but not to be missed. The museum of classic, vintage and veteran cars is world class even if you aren't in town for one of the race meetings. Chambre d'hote accommodation is available in a farmhouse on the road running south out of Le Mans, tel (00 33) 243 466 556."

'On the Ball'
"Fancy a day's paintballing? Tepacap, south of Le Mans is the place for you. Details on www.tepacap.fr with prices."

'Papea City'
"The theme of this park is the Wild West, but the aquatic area has an 85m shute for those who want to cool off. Fairground rides for younger children and a family restaurant serving burger and chips for 7.50 Euros."

'Saumur'
"Take a 20 minute drive to the banks of the majestic River Loire to see the spectacular white tuffeau stone city of Saumur with its impressive château looking down from the hillside on to a bustling cobbled square with cafes, restaurants and antique shops. Take the winding medieval path up to the château and see the house which inspired Balzac. On the way home, call into the producer of Cremant Wines and sample this regional speciality from the luxury of their bar overlooking the Loire, after taking in the complementary tour."

Markets and Shopping

'Angers'
"The cathedral with its famous Apocalypse Tapestry, is in the centre of town and surrounded by speciality shops selling tapestry, pottery, chocolates and brandy. Stroll down to the huge market square which is surrounded by major fashion stores. Parking excellent."

'Potter in Malicorne'
"This picturesque village is dedicated to the art of ceramics. since the 18th century, Malicorne has streets lined with potters' shops showing a vast and imaginative array of styles and wares. Don't miss lunch at the restaurant in the central square before a look around the recently opened Espace Faience where an entertaining display of techniques and styles waits."

'Rose Lovers'
"If your heart is in the garden, you will love Doue-la-Fountaine, a town dedicated to rose growing! The Walk of the Rose takes you through a garden dedicated to showing the roses grown in the area to their best, giving advice and suggestions on planting. The cafe even serves rose ice cream! Buy plants to take home at the surrounding nurseries."

'The Vignoble Art'
"Turn right out of the front gates of this holiday villa and withing minutes you are on the Route du Vignoble. As you meander along the pretty roads with vineyards on either side inviting you to stop, taste, learn and buy straight from the grower. Buy local rillettes to spread on crusty bread to taste Loir wine at its best. To complement your wine, buy the freshly picked produce from the farm shop in the orchards that line the road leading into Parcay from Noyant. Come for Christmas and they will have a goose ready for you and as a change from wine, their own cider and apple juice is unbeatable. Ready prepared meals can also be provided by them using local produce, if ordered in advance."

'Tours'
"Visit the capital of the area on Saturday or Wednesday morning to browse amongst the vast stretch of brocante stalls ranged down the centre of the main street. The maze of backstreets is filled with designer shops and in the centre of town you will find Galleries, Lafayette and Printemps for fashions, perfume and household goods. Lots of cheap parking in the centre of town. It is also the nearest TGV station to Parcay if you want to whizz up to Paris for the day - journey time an hour."