Unveil Angers' Gems with HOTEL DE FRANCE SARL

Our discovery of Juvardeil starts with the river, previously a factor of economic prosperity, today a relaxing environment developed for leisure activities. Our walk takes us through the picturesque wooded countryside of Haut Anjou to the banks of the Sarthe river.

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

Follow the purple arrows and discover the vineyards and villages between the Thouet and Argenton rivers!

Walk around the Deux-Sèvres Tramway A 1.6 km walk allows everyone, tourists and inhabitants alike, to relive the Tramway des Deux-Sèvres (TDS) in its preserved space through an exhibition of 16 large paintings in the open air. This research work of the 3A thus exposed makes relive this industrial parenthesis which functioned from 1898 to 1939. The line linked Bressuire to Montreuil-Bellay, 62 km apart, passing through many towns including the Argenton station. Other panels (15) around the cemetery show the local life from old postcards unpublished. Tramway line built between 1892 and 1898. 62 km long, it linked Bressuire to Montreuil Bellay with its station in Argenton-Château ... The TDS went through Argentonnay, passing through La Coudre, Le Breuil-sous-Argenton and Ulcot.

Dominated by the ruins of the medieval castle, Argenton les Vallees has the quiet charm of rural villages. Its rich heritage is discovered during a trip that also allows to admire the landscapes.

Discover the Argenton Valley through its picturesque landscapes. Come and stroll through remarkable natural spaces and discover the historical built heritage at the bend of the road. Departures : Argenton Les Vallées, place Léopold Bergeon or Massais, place de l'église

Discover Argenton, in the footsteps of Uncle George... A land of daring and adventure, the Argenton Valley abounds in magical places that bear witness to a rich and complex history. By following step by step the clues scattered throughout the town, discover the life of Uncle Georges, an emblematic character of the commune of Argenton les Vallées and let yourself be told the story of a man and a town of character... Discovery booklet available at the Tourist Office of Bressuire et Mauléon, and at the Maison des services in Argenton les Vallées.

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.

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.

ArrayYour Experience Located in the heart of the town of Angers lies a medieval fortress called Château d’Angers. The structure oozes romance and history - it was founded in the 9th century by the Counts of Anjou and expanded in the 13th century by the young Saint-Louis, son of King Louis VIII, because of its strategic position next to the Maine River. Featuring 17 towers, the massive medieval fortifications have an almost fairy-tale like charm to them! Inside, enjoy priority access and discover an actual treasure: the famed Apocalypse tapestry. At 140m in length, it is the largest woven work of medieval art, and depicts the historical, social and political context of the 14th century in France – the time of the Hundred Years War, plague and famine. It took seven years to complete and its six-meter-high panels, which depict 90 scenes, are beautifully lit in a well-lit gallery. Stroll through the rest of the fortress and admire the residential buildings and carefully tended gardens that grow in the now dried up moats. While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to walk along the ramparts of the château to get a panoramic view of Angers.

In 2002, owner Mathias Levron carried-out substantial work on his vineyard increasing its overall cultivation area and more importantly overhauling its reputation. Now this 30 acres vineyard, aided by the contrasting geology of the valley, produces some fine Chenin-based dry and sweet wines and from the clay slopes some stronger, aromatic and fruity flavours using a Cabernet Franc.

The family owned property of Domaine de Haute Perche is situated 10km from Angers. The motto of the House of Papin is "don't make too much, just produce excellence".

Spacious dormitory of 6 single beds, shower and sanitary facilities. View over the mills. Horse riders, cyclists, hikers welcome.

The Chambres du Meunier are located in the Deux Moulins vineyards in Juigné-sur-Loire. Once the family wine storehouse and stables, the renovated buildings now include a gîte, a reception room and a bed & breakfast. Our rooms are all equipped with showers and toilets, with one room accessible to people with reduced mobility. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of the garden and the terrace. A large number of services are provided by the owners: free wifi, private bicycle shed, parking; pets accepted. For wine-lovers, tastings of Loire wines produced in the domain are available at the Domaine des Deux Moulins. The calm and comfort of the site will leave you with some wonderful memories. 10 minutes away, you can visit museums, châteaux (Château de Brissac) and the plant gardens (Terra Botanica). To explore our vineyard landscapes and the banks of the Loire, a large number of paths are available whether you are on foot, on a bike or on horseback.

The garden of the Museum of Fine Arts and the St-Eloi Place are accessed via the entrance to the museum on Rue Toussaint.

Since 1984, the restored 'L’abbatiale Toussaint' (the abbey-church of All Saints - 13th Century) has housed the works of the sculptor David d’Angers (1788-1856). Included are monuments, commissioned work (such as the façade of the Pantheon), and a gallery of contemporary busts and medallions.

Built in the 15th century by Olivier Barrault, the king’s secretary and treasurer of Britain, this magnificent site now houses the Museum of Fine Arts with collections displaying the history and heritage of Angers. There is more than 3,000m² of permanent exhibition space with further space put aside for temporary exhibits that alternate between the historical and the contemporary. Among the masterpieces on show are works from Lippi, Jordaens, Champaigne, Fragonard, Chardin, Watteau, Ingres, or Morellet.

The old bell tower of the abbey dates back to the 12th century. Built from sandstone, it stands 54 metres high and rises from the site now occupied by the Préfecture. It houses a number of exhibitions throughout the year.

This Carolingian monument is one of the best-preserved medieval Renaissance buildings in France. Today, it houses a year-round programme of exhibitions, guided tours and kid’s workshops all linked to history, heritage and contemporary art.

The castle with its 17 duo tone towers is one of the best preserved medieval fortresses in France! Inside, you will find the 14th century ‘Apocalypse Tapestry’. Measuring 103 metres in length, it the largest of all medieval woven tapestries.

A listed building dating from the 16th century. Distinctive wooden carvings decorate its frontage…the best known is ‘Le Tricouillard’, who displays no modesty by revealing himself for all to see!

The first recorded example of Plantagenet gothic architecture. The cathedral is full of stunning features including its elaborate facade and stone carvings (grimacing faces, monsters and acrobats), and the stained glass window - the oldest of which dates back to 1165 AD.

Following a visit to the castle, take a walk along the ‘Bout du Monde’ with its impressive views of the river Maine and the château.

Modern gourmet cuisine based on seafood and local produce - that in itself should be persuasive enough to spend a gastronomic few hours at this popular restaurant, part of a larger hotel complex. The setting is beautiful, nestling in amongst 7 acres of a verdant green landscape where you can enjoy the scenery beforehand with a drink on the terrace. Eating in the restaurant is like eating under the stars, thanks to its unusual glass roof. The team at La Table Loire & Sens know how important service is and also recognise the joy of eating. The menu is inventive and changes regularly in-sync with the seasons (locally grown seasonal vegetable are a speciality). La Table Loire & Sens open from Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.

This tavern on the Loire in Saint-Saturnin-sur-Loire offers regional and home-made specialities with live music on weekends.

Famous for its traditional cuisine, this small boutique restaurant is a big favourite with the locals. A gourmet experience in the middle of the tiny village of Saint-Melaine-sur Aubance, well known for the wines crafted in the surrounding vineyards that dominate the local landscape. Delicious food, a great setting and good service - what more could you ask for ?

Bistrot by the water

The Domaine de l'Etang Snack Bar offers a convivial atmosphere in the middle of the campground!

Restaurant and tea room near the Château de Brissac

Located in the charming village of Juigné sur Loire, the house with its 18th century timber beams and mantelpiece has been completely restored according to the local style.

You are guaranteed a warm welcome to this B&B in the pretty village of Juigné-sur-Loire. The house is typical of the region; a longère (long house) with a spacious guest suite that will take 4 people (2 on a sofa bed). This first floor apartment has its own separate access; it includes an office area equipped with WiFi. There's a pretty garden and breakfast is served in the conservatory overlooking the flower beds. All around the village are vineyards, so there is plenty of opportunity to do some local sampling (if you know what we mean!) or impress the locals with a cycle ride along the banks of the Loire.

Renovated, well-equipped family house on two storeys. Three bedrooms, 2 living rooms, 1 dining room, 1 kitchen, 1 large garden and a parking area. Services: washing machine, dishwasher, refrigerator and freezer, microwave oven, wifi, television (French and international channels). Maximum 6 people. Housekeeping and bed linen rental included in the price. Utilities: electricity, gas, internet, telephone. In the village there is a supermarket, a post office, a school, a doctor's and dental surgery and a chemist's. A Unesco World Heritage site near the Châteaux of Angers, of Brissac-Quincé, of Plessis-Macé and many others...

At the gîte des Goganes, come and recharge your batteries between the Loire and the Louet, in the very heart of the Loire Valley.

Spacious dormitory of 6 single beds, shower and sanitary facilities. View over the mills. Horse riders, cyclists, hikers welcome.

The Chambres du Meunier are located in the Deux Moulins vineyards in Juigné-sur-Loire. Once the family wine storehouse and stables, the renovated buildings now include a gîte, a reception room and a bed & breakfast. Our rooms are all equipped with showers and toilets, with one room accessible to people with reduced mobility. You can enjoy the peace and quiet of the garden and the terrace. A large number of services are provided by the owners: free wifi, private bicycle shed, parking; pets accepted. For wine-lovers, tastings of Loire wines produced in the domain are available at the Domaine des Deux Moulins. The calm and comfort of the site will leave you with some wonderful memories. 10 minutes away, you can visit museums, châteaux (Château de Brissac) and the plant gardens (Terra Botanica). To explore our vineyard landscapes and the banks of the Loire, a large number of paths are available whether you are on foot, on a bike or on horseback.

A relaxing place, a wide range of wines to discover, make a stop in the Domaine des Deux Moulins.

A mix of modern with heritage makes this former hunting lodge an attractive place to stay while exploring the region. Located just 15kms from historic Angers, this 4* hotel has 23 bedrooms and 12 suites. The cloister-like buildings highlight the materials of the region: ardoise slate (known as blue gold), tuffeau creamy limestone and wood. The ambiance exudes calm while offering a high quality stay. Situated in 7 acres of landscaped grounds, the hotel also boasts a first class gourmet restaurant, a number of lounges and a bar. Relaxing is easy as there is an indoor pool and wellness area (hamman, whirlpool, massage and a gym). Clients range from traditional tourists through to business professionals and that's a good validation as to why this should be on your list of places to stay in Angers Loire Valley.

Gite in the middle of the vineyards