EXPLORE THE LOIRE
Explore the local area.
Explore the Magnificence of the Loire Valley
Surrounding Location
Saumur:
Saumur is a stunning town built in the chalky white tuffeau stone that is characteristic of the Loire Valley. This lovely chateau town sits majestically overlooking the River Loire and is famous for its wine, mushroom caves, the Abbey and The Cadre Noir famous (Horse School). www.ifce.fr
The Tank Museum has an impressive collection of tanks and war memorabilia dating back to WW11.
Mushroom Museum - St Hilaire, St Floret - discover the secret of mushrooms. It has activities for children and tasting(25 minutes) and as well as some excellent shopping it offers a variety of lovely cafes and restaurants which are situated overlooking the Loire river and in it’s Medieval square.
Chinon:
Chinon is a town rich in both culture and history. The old town - ‘la vile ville' - is nestled in between the Château on top of the hill and the river Vienne. For many generations, it was the home of kings and the seat of the government.
The centre of Chinon is very charming. The rue Voltaire is cobbled and lined with houses, shops and restaurants in beautiful old buildings, many of which date back to the fifteenth century and the reign of Francis l. Most of these historic homes and 15th century buildings have been restored.
FromLoire Writers Retreat, it is about a 45 minute drive
Angers:
Angers is the Capital of Anjou and the gateway to the Loire Valley. Angers is distinguished for the richness of it’s heritage and it’s cultural dynamism.
It is the 16th largest town in France. The towers of the imposing castle fortress watch peacefully over the town. In the streets, museums, gardens, shops, gastronomic restaurants, art festivals and vibrant life give colour to the famous Angevin softness.
From Loire Writers Retreat, Angers is 1 hour drive.
Le Mans:
Le Mans is a beautifully preserved medieval city sitting on still-visible Roman walls. Cobbled streets, beautiful 15th century timbered houses, charming gardens and parks are dotted around the city. Le Mans is most famous for it’s 24 - heures du Man, the world’s oldest 24 hour sports car race which has been held annually since 1923. The race is held each year in June, the event begins at mid-afternoon finishing the next day. www.24h-lemans.com
A spectacular light show, ‘La Nuit des Chimeres' runs throughout the summer and at Christmas. Laser striate the walls of the old city to create, mythical Roman monsters and fairytale forests.
Tours:
Tours is a city Rich in history and a well preserved heritage, it is a city of captivating charm. This cathedral city has managed to guard it’s rich past while keeping an eye on the future. It is believed to be the original home of the French language and the ‘art de vivre’. Tours is a modern and dynamic centre with a thriving university. It’s heart is the Place Plumereau, a lively square surrounded by tall half timbered buildings dating from the 15th century.
Tours is approximately 53 minutes from Le Tremblay Loire Writers Retreat. It has regular TGV trains to Paris which take about 1 hour 15 minutes.
Loire Activities
Chateaux:
The Loire region is famed for its magnificent chateaux of which there are more than 300. Most date back to the early 1100’s and were homes to the Kings, Queens and nobility of France.
Loire Vineyards
Because of its climate the Loire Valley is adorned by vineyards that stretch from Sancerre to the Atlantic.
The regions of Anjou, Saumur and Nantes are the main grape growing areas. The tourist route around the vineyards of the Loire Valley leads wine lovers from cellars to vineyards and from visits to imposing castles and abbeys to cave dwellings.
Saumur, famous for its sparkling wines is also well worth a visit for a tour of its many traditional wine caves.
Many of the wine tours can be booked through the tourist information office in Saumur.
Activities
There are multiple activites to do for a day out in the Loire Valley. If you are looking for any recommended venues please contact us and we will provide further details.
