Fontevraud L'Hôtel: Discover Fontevraud-l'Abbaye's Treasures

On the borders of Poitou and Anjou, Saix offers visitors its Poitevin hamlet, marked by the memory of Sainte-Radegonde. This path allows views on castles or wine estates, with beautiful panoramas on the North of Poitou where the vine and the tuffeau are married.

At the exit of the village of Saix, the path introduces you little by little in a forest environment. Come and live a pleasant moment in contact with these majestic trees. The views follow one another: dovecotes, vineyards or the chapel in memory of Sainte-Radegonde. Beautiful discoveries in perspective.

Beuxes, a small village with a thousand discoveries: ponds, streams and castles offer you beautiful panoramas and stories of the Nord-Poitou and Touraine regions... a trip to the country where the cultivation of truffles was invented!

This circuit will make you see several dolmens, a "mound" where large slabs were collected by our ancestors of the Neolithic, a hike that alternates between fields and undergrowth that crosses pretty villages.

A short, signposted route through the Poitou vineyards at the gateway to Anjou. Within a small area, the historic and built heritage is incomparably rich: picturesque villages, troglodytic sites, mills, dolmens, wash-houses and dovecotes form an uninterrupted string of secret nuggets.

This path will allow you to appreciate the remarkable troglodytic heritage of the picturesque villages where the troglos were dug in the local blacnhe stone, the tuffeau. It will lead you to the heart of the vineyards, where famous grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc or Pinot Blanc de Loire are grown.

The Thouet Valley is discovered at the rate of cycling thanks to a marked route on small roads and farm tracks or bike paths. Affluent of the Loire, the Thouet is a discreet river which hides many treasures. Along its 150 km, it meanders through varied landscapes and authentic villages. This bike route is accompanied by loops that complete the discovery of Thouarsais, vineyards to the plains. More information on www.valleeduthouet.fr Le Thouet by bike is one of the sections of the Vélo Francette, a route linking Normandy to the Charente coast, via the Thouarsais. www.lavelofrancette.com So do not hesitate to ride your bike for unexpected and preserved discoveries! New: order online your picnic prepared by local restaurateurs with local products !!! All information on www.lebonpicnic.com

This path will make you discover the limestone hills around Loudun. Privileged witnesses of the geological and historical evolution of our regions, they tell the formidable story of the Neolithic men who were sanctuaries there, relayed later by the Celts and the Gallo-Romans.

The Chemin d'Aliénor is a 90 km cycling route. It links the Loire à Vélo to the Scandiberique via the Ligne Verte, an old railroad line between Châtellerault and Loudun.

This itinerary passes by the "Reine Blanche" bridge, named in homage to the passage of Queen Blanche of Castille in the 12th century. Cross the narrow streets dug in the tufa stone, the vineyards, discover the troglodyte dwellings, castles and chapels and finally come to admire the unique canal of the Dive in Poitou.

When night falls, the 4-star hotel, which has been awarded a Michelin star, opens the doors of the thousand-year-old abbey for an intimate, timeless visit.

Nestling in the heart of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fontevraud opens the doors to one of Europe's largest monastic cities, inherited from the Middle Ages. Let yourself be carried away by the magic of this thousand-year-old site as you explore the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, a jewel of architecture and history that fascinates young and old alike. Thanks to immersive exhibitions, fascinating guided tours and a rich cultural programme, immerse yourself in the unique world of this abbey founded in the 11th century, once the necropolis of the Plantagenets. Every stone, every vault, every nook and cranny tells a story... And what about the children? Fontevraud has thought of them! From the Time Passages map, which turns the youngest visitors into intrepid explorers, to the creative family workshops organised at weekends and during the school holidays, everything has been done to ensure that young and old alike have a fun, educational and unforgettable experience. One thing's for sure: no one will want to leave! But Fontevraud is much more than just a historic site... Extend your discovery with a visit to the Fontevraud Museum of Modern Art, with over 800 works donated by Martine and Léon Cligman. A prestigious collection combining ancient and modern art, for an artistic immersion through the centuries. And to make your stay an exceptional one, treat yourself to a night at Fontevraud L'Ermitage, a 4-star hotel with a refined design nestling in the very heart of the abbey. In the evening, let yourself be seduced by the cuisine of Fontevraud L'Ermitage's Michelin-starred restaurant, orchestrated by chef Thibaut Ruggeri, winner of the Bocuse d'Or, Michelin star, three Gault & Millau toques and a green star for his sustainable gastronomy. All this with privileged access to the site in the evening, when the visitors have left and the Abbey reveals all its majesty in the new-found calm.

Visitors who discover or appreciate modern and ancient art will be seduced by the works in its collection, which includes such great names in the history of art as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Edgar Degas, Maurice de Vlaminck, Albert Marquet, Kees van Dongen, Robert Delaunay, Juan Gris and André Derain. At the museum, they will also be taken on a sensory voyage of discovery of works of various kinds that interact with each other, mixing eras and geographical locations. From 8 June to 5 October 2025, the museum invites visitors to contemplate the works of a major artistic figure through an exceptional exhibition.

Hotel La Croix Blanche is a coaching inn dating back to 1696 that has been transformed into a charming hotel. Modern comfort, old-world charm and conviviality are our key words. Bike hire, electric bikes, heated outdoor swimming pool, secure car park. The bistro serves meals at lunchtime and in the evening on the flower-filled terrace or by the fireplace. Home cooking, regional specialities and a 100% Loire wine list. The jazzy lounge-bar serves cocktails, a wide selection of Loire wines and local craft beers, and hot drinks in a warm, colourful atmosphere.

This holiday rental, situated in a quiet residential area on 800 m² of shady land at the entrance to the village, is available from the Easter to the All Saints' holidays. Easy access and parking (2 cars and 5 bikes). On the ground floor, the gîte comprises a lounge area, a dining area, a fully-equipped kitchenette, a bedroom with bunk beds and a toilet area, a shower room and separate WC. Upstairs, there is a bedroom with 1 double bed (140cm) and a mezzanine bedroom also with a double bed (140cm). Awarded the "Accueil Vélo" label, the gîte is located on the La Loire à Vélo cycle route (Montsoreau - Center Parcs), linked to the "D'Abbaye en châteaux" cycle route. Just 300 m from the gîte: heritage trail, 8 km hiking loop around the village, GR3 and GR de Pays Saumur Val de Loire. Also nearby: food shops, post office, chemist, wine bars and fine restaurants. And nearby, the Martin-de-Candre soap factory, the charming villages of Montsoreau, Candes-Saint-Martin, Turquant... the vineyards, châteaux, boat trips on the Loire, troglodyte sites... Enjoy your stay in the Loire Valley!

This historic residence is the former farmhouse of Fontevraud Abbey (13th-18th centuries). It combines the comfort of a family hotel with the charm of a guest house. Owned by the same family since 1791, several generations of the family have lived here, creating an astonishing tourist offer for a peaceful, relaxing stay in this unique setting. The estate is surrounded by countryside and uses organic farming methods. The rooms open out onto a large garden or a shady, flower-filled patio. When you open the gate to the estate, you are on the Loire cycle route. The on-site restaurant, La Table de Mestré, serves home-cooked meals using fresh produce from the estate's kitchen garden.

Let yourself be seduced by this magnificent natural site, which has preserved the charm of its surroundings. The wide greens of the 18-hole course, bordered by century-old trees, offer an exceptional setting for a relaxing moment in the heart of nature. As a seminar and event organizer, the estate offers a catering service, meeting rooms, various types of accommodation, an equestrian center, a spa and a microbrewery.

Let yourself be seduced by this magnificent natural site which has preserved the charm of its environment. The wide greens of the 18-hole course, bordered by century-old trees, offer you an exceptional setting for a moment of relaxation in the middle of nature. As an organizer of seminars and events, the domain has a catering service, meeting rooms and different types of accommodation, an equestrian center and a spa.

Comfortably equipped, this elegantly decorated house was completely renovated in 2022, offering light-filled rooms that are a pleasure to live in. On the ground floor are the living room, WC, shower room and a first bedroom. Upstairs are the 2 other bedrooms. From inside this holiday rental, as well as from the pleasant garden, you can enjoy the peaceful surroundings and the breathtaking view over the vineyards or the adjoining semi-troglodytic mill dating from the 16th century. The owners, who live nearby, will be delighted to tell you all about the history of the place and the region. From the gîte, it's easy to set off on foot, by bike or by car to discover the region's rich heritage and natural beauty: the charming, characterful villages of Turquant, Montsoreau, Candes-Saint-Martin and Fontevraud, the vineyards, the Loire, the châteaux, the troglodyte caves, the cycling and walking routes... Enjoy your stay in the Loire Valley!

Installed in a Chateau of the Loire, a museum of contemporary art with an exceptional collection. The 30 meter high terraces of the castle offer exceptional views of the Loire, the confluence of the Vienne and the Loire and the village of Montsoreau. Since 2016, the Château de Montsoreau has been home to Philippe Méaille’s collection of contemporary art. Displayed over three floors (2500m2 of exhibition area), this collection is the world's largest art fund of works by the Art & Language movement, a collective of artists who created Conceptual Art. Throughout the year, concerts, conferences, performances and temporary exhibitions put the spotlight on important international artists.

15th-century château, redesigned in the 17th and 19th centuries, situated on a rocky promontory overlooking the Loudun plain in the commune of Roiffé. Still preserved today are the main building with its wooden courtyard, a medieval gatehouse between two towers, and the ruins of the castral chapel near the old fortifications.

Are you more of a jungle, a bamboo grove or a palm grove? Swim from one tropical atmosphere to another and dive into water at 29°C all year round. Lagoons, secret caves, slides, wild rivers or a wave pool... this aquatic paradise is full of activities. With the Deep Nature SPA, relax in the heart of 1,300m² of wellness with tropical nature as a backdrop (relaxation sessions, baths, treatments and soothing massages).

Château de la Mothe-Chandeniers is a singular, mysterious and romantic work of art. Throughout its history, it has known sumptuous glory, neglect, bold reconstruction, dramatic fire and astonishing survival. In 2017, the crazy project of enabling as many people as possible to contribute to its rescue was launched by the Dartagnans company and the "Adopt a Castle" network. Today, it belongs to 25,000 people involved in a major project to save it and bring it to life. Don't miss Easter, Les Rendez-Vous aux Jardins, Summer evenings at La Mothe Chandeniers, Nuit des châteaux, Halloween, Les féerique.

Center Parcs Domaine du Bois aux Daims offers various activities that will delight the whole family.

Shanti Farm is a family permaculture farm It offers visits throughout the year, by appointment; Direct sale of eggs, free-range hens, organic non-labeled, seasonal vegetables and plants.

Beautiful built heritage, admire the monumental cellars dug in the tufa stone and the architectural diversity of this classified Historical Monument Visits can be organized upon registration, followed by wine tasting of the fortress.

René I of Anjou’s "Château of Love " on its "emerald rock", the Château de Saumur played host to kings and prisoners and is one of the greatest and last untouched remnants of princely architecture from the Valois dynasty in the Middle Ages. The château appeared in all its glory in the Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry illumination and has had a turbulent past, narrowly avoiding demolition. The 11th century Romanesque tower was surrounded by four round towers before it was levelled off. Louis I of Anjou decided to transform the château into a palace. In the 15 century, his son, Louis II, made it look how you see it now. King René’s spirit may linger but, for a century after his death, it was left empty until the protestant Duplessis-Mornay moved in in 1589. Dark times came after the governor was forced into exile following Henri IV’s assassination. The château was pillaged by Louis XIII’s soldiers and saved from demolition by Napoleon I who turned it into a state prison. Saumur Council bought it in 1906 to restore it to house the municipal museum, approved by Musée de France, displaying notably Count Charles Lair’s collection. The first floor of the castle houses an exceptional collection of decorative arts including furniture, tapestries and ceramics from the 14th to the 18th century. As an international horse riding capital, Saumur collects harness equipment from Antiquity to the early 20th century. A selection from the Horse collection (saddles, bits, stirrups) is on display in the former abbey.

Family winery located in Vaon. Produces AOP Saumur, Saumur Puy Notre Dame, Crémant de Loire wines, as well as grape juice sold directly. Exploits 19ha of vines in conversion to organic farming. Very close to the Center Parcs.

Fontevraud L'Ermitage, which opens onto the cloister and follows the architecture of a former priory, combines heritage and haute cuisine. Chef Thibaut Ruggeri, Bocuse d'or, one Michelin star, 3 Gault&Millau toques and winner of the green star for sustainable gastronomy, focuses on cooking the essentials, embodying the values of French excellence and sustainable gastronomy. Closed Monday, Tuesday. Closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday lunchtimes.

Stop off for a refreshing drink at this Restaurant Bistro Wine Bar Le comptoir des Vins in Fontevraud l'Abbaye. In an atmosphere of vinyl records, come and enjoy the menu featuring duck parmentier, salads, lamb souri with gratin dauphinois and other French specialities.

By the fireplace in winter or on one of Anjou's most beautiful flower-filled terraces in summer, the menu combines local produce with regional specialities such as Gouline or Crémet d'Anjou. For meals with family or friends, take advantage of our reception and seminar rooms. Special menus for Valentine's Day, Easter and New Year's Eve. Theme evenings.

The owners will be delighted to tell you all about the history of "Chez Mimie" and share with you the pleasure of regional French cuisine.

Emmanuelle and Fabien, winegrowers based in Chacé in the heart of the Saumur-Champigny region, have opened Le Garage, a restaurant and wine bar where you can discover their production as well as a selection of organic Loire wines. In a vintage atmosphere, as well as the wines, you can enjoy dishes concocted on the premises using organic and local produce. Their aim is to work exclusively with small local producers. Follow the news on their Facebook page and Instagram. From 18/04 to 31/08. Open every day.

French cuisine using only the freshest seasonal produce processed in the restaurant by Chef Fabrice Bretel. A warm welcome and attentive service. All year round, enjoy this gastronomic address, as well as its catering service and chef at home for all your receptions... or cookery lessons for all those passionate about culinary recipes using quality local produce. S: open every day. HS: open 6 days a week.

At the heart of the Domaine de Roiffé, discover the Garden! A new restaurant with a warm and friendly decor, the Garden welcomes you 7 days a week, for lunch and dinner. With friends, family or for a business lunch, the Garden is a charming place with a soothing, relaxed atmosphere. The chef offers a delicious menu featuring local produce, in keeping with the codes of brasserie cuisine. At the heart of the Garden is an imposing bar, where you can enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day, a coffee break or a quick lunch.

This historic residence, a former Abbey farm (12th to 18th centuries), offers tasty family-style dining. Everything is homemade using seasonal produce, including that from the estate's vegetable garden. An excellent wine and drinks list. Enjoy the beautiful historic setting of the dining rooms and the terrace in the garden with its century-old trees at your own pace, in a warm and friendly atmosphere... Groups welcome for lunch... all year round by reservation. Rent the Demeure to organise your family celebrations, christenings, first communions... Take advantage of the professional kitchen, the 2 dining rooms and the garden. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.

When night falls, the 4-star hotel, which has been awarded a Michelin star, opens the doors of the thousand-year-old abbey for an intimate, timeless visit.

Hotel La Croix Blanche is a coaching inn dating back to 1696 that has been transformed into a charming hotel. Modern comfort, old-world charm and conviviality are our key words. Bike hire, electric bikes, heated outdoor swimming pool, secure car park. The bistro serves meals at lunchtime and in the evening on the flower-filled terrace or by the fireplace. Home cooking, regional specialities and a 100% Loire wine list. The jazzy lounge-bar serves cocktails, a wide selection of Loire wines and local craft beers, and hot drinks in a warm, colourful atmosphere.

Welcome to Gîte Les Masques. This holiday rental, located on Rue des Masques, a picturesque pedestrianised street in the village of Fontevraud-L'Abbaye, has 3 large bedrooms and spacious, elegantly decorated living areas.

This town house is ideally situated in the heart of the village of Fontevraud, just a stone's throw from the Royal Abbey. It has a patio and a vaulted cellar that you can use for aperitifs with family or friends. A public park with trees and activities for children is located opposite the gîte. Next to the gîte, Emmanuelle and Fabien (winemaker) have opened a winemaker's bistro. Here you can discover a selection of organic Loire wines and a menu featuring organic and local produce. All the shops are within walking distance: bakery, mini-market, chemist, restaurants, etc. You can explore the village and the surrounding area directly from the gîte on the Heritage Trail, signposted walks and the Loire à Vélo cycle route. Enjoy your stay at the "Garage - Gîte 1900" and the Loire Valley!

Ideally located in the heart of the village of Fontevraud-L'abbaye, classified as one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France and a "Petite Cité de Caractère", the Hostellerie de la Licorne offers 3 cosy rooms for a rejuvenating stay. The tufa stone walls and exposed beams add charm to this historic house. Each room has a king-size bed (180cm), a shower room and separate toilet, TV, air conditioning and free Wi-Fi access. For family holidays, the "Isabelle d'Angoulême" and "Elise" rooms interconnect. A breakfast menu is available, using only fresh, home-made produce. Bread, yoghurts, Viennese pastries, fruit salad, etc. are served in the dining room under the glass roof overlooking the garden. A courtesy tray containing coffee machine, still water, sparkling water and fruit juice is available in each room.