MAINE ET LOIRE HOLIDAY TRAVEL GUIDE

The Rivers Maine and Loire are central to this department which bears their names.

A holiday in Maine et Loire would not be complete without visiting the magnificent chateaux built by medieval kings and nobles around the River Loire in this glorious green countryside with its gentle climate.

One of the most romantic is ‘Chateau de Montsoreau’. ‘Chateau d’Amour’ at Saumur has museums dedicated to the arts and horses.

In the cliffs around Saumur, long tunnels hewn along the limestone – known as ‘tufa’ – form caves used as wine cellars, mushroom farms and restaurants. An outing to the fascinating troglodyte village of Rochemenier makes a unique experience.

The vineyards in Maine et Loire are amongst the first you will see travelling south through western France. The red, white and rose vintages of Saumur and Anjou perfectly compliment the superb choice of local cuisine and cheeses.

Angers, the ancient capital of Anjou, holds an amazing tapestry collection and also the secrets of how the world’s most popular liqueur, Cointreau, is produced.

If culture and cuisine have left you in need of some healthy exercise, why not hire a canoe or kayak in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Park or explore the natural beauty by foot or by bicycle.