Discover the gems of Thouarce, Maine-et-Loire

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

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

12.5 km hike from the church square in St Martin de Sanzay, village located 12km north of Thouars and the border of Maine and Loire. Walk that will allow you to discover heritage sites and appreciate the agrarian landscape, fruit of the long work of man on his environment. Download card randoendeuxsevres.fr/index.php?id_product=1705&controller=product and on sale at the Tourist Office of Pays Thouarsais

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 Other panels (15) around the cemetery show the local life from old postcards unpublished.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.

From Nueil-Les-Aubiers, the Vélidéale, while awaiting the continuation of the voie verte to Maine-et-Loire, takes the characteristic green bocage path to Mauléon. At Saint Aubin de Baubigné, a short detour by bike takes you to Le Château de La Durbelière. Mauléon is a small town full of character, inviting you to take a rest, unless you feel like pedaling off to the Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS) La Corbelière de Moulins and discover the rural landscapes of this authentic site. - Nueil-Les-Aubiers: crossed by two rivers, the Scie (in the center) and the Argent (to the south) - Saint Aubin de Baubigné: Château de La Durbelière - La Corbelière de Moulins: Espace Naturel Sensible (ENS) and Terra Aventura - Mauléon: Petite Cité de Caractère, overlooking the Ouin valley, the château offers an exceptional panorama of the town and the bocage

Discover the small villages Thouarsais between plain and hills and stop your eyes on the town of Tourtenay, unique village of Deux-Sèvres showing a troglodyte habitat!

Discover the Argenton Valley through its picturesque landscapes. Come and stroll through the remarkable natural spaces and discover the historical built heritage along the small roads You will discover, in particular, along the Vélo-route : - The town of Argenton les Vallées, with its bridges and churches classified as historical monuments - the steep valley of the Argenton, classified as a Natura 2000 site - the site of Lake Hautibus (6) Departures : Voulmentin, station area or Argenton les Vallées, place Léopold Bergeon Duration : 1h30 to 2h00

Small, comfortable, refurbished flat ideally located in the market town of Thouarcé. Eco-friendly operation, promoting local art. All amenities within walking distance (bakery, butcher's and delicatessen, supermarket, bank, bar-tabac, pharmacy, health professionals, etc.).

Welcome to Clos des 3 Rois! Your guest house for discovering the Anjou region and its gastronomic and heritage treasures, for getting together with friends or family, or for business stays and seminars.

Camping de l'Ecluse offers country lovers a wide range of activities close to their pitch. River fishing enthusiasts will be delighted by the proximity of the Layon, renowned for its abundant fish. Walkers and cyclists will discover the rich landscapes offered by the slopes of our famous Bonnezeaux appellation, which produces a sweet white wine that is ranked among the most remarkable, via signposted footpaths and vineyard paths.

Jeux de Massacre is first and foremost a farce. A macabre, madcap farce that, in fifteen tableaux, depicts the variety of behaviour of a population suddenly struck by an epidemic. In a city that serves as his playground, Ionesco vividly depicts the contradictions, aberrations and malice of the human race when it is driven by the fear of disease, and by the very idea of disappearing. With its burlesque staging and black-and-white aesthetic, Les 2 Apaches has taken on this hallucinatory fiction written 55 years ago by Eugène Ionesco. It's a play of the absurd which, by virtue of its precociousness, its lack of bias and its fantasy, evokes all the complexities of our lives during the pandemic. An adaptation that's at times funny, at times scathing, brought to the stage by ten performers, looking at our recent history with enough distance to be able to smile, if not laugh. For all audiences, aged 12 and over B rate Running time: 1 hour 45 minutes Online box office opening: 01/09 reserved for subscribers Tickets available at Brissac- Quincé and Chalonnes/Loire tourist offices: 02/09

"Well, let's get on with it" is an autobiographical fiction for a performer born in 1987, two clarinets, twenty voice-over characters and an Atlantic blue lobster. On stage, a young man re-enacts his journey as a musician, from childhood to adulthood. There's talk of dusty conservatory teaching, family dinners, singing boats, recorders, job centre advisers, "Are you hot in Carcassonne?" and a possible reincarnation as a crustacean. But make no mistake, whether you're a musician or not, you may well find yourself more involved than you thought. A cross between theatre, live music and radio creation, "Bien, reprenons!" is a poetic epic, as rhythmic as a score, a funny and touching journey through life, a musical road-trip for a man in search of himself. Intimate and universal... For all ages, from 10 upwards Rate B Running time: 1 hour Online box office opening: 01/09 reserved for subscribers Tickets available at Brissac- Quincé and Chalonnes/Loire tourist offices: 02/09

After two highly acclaimed performances, Chansons primeurs is back at Villages en Scène! Eight artists, locked away for three days, will have one objective: to write 16 songs to be sung in public on the fourth day. Texts written within constraints, set to music as a duo... it will be up to the artists under pressure to get their neurons firing, the better to surprise us and explore new territory. All under the benevolent tutelage of an artist with experience of this type of exercise: the iconoclastic Ignatus. For the artists, Chansons primeurs is a rich and intense experience. For the audience, it's a chance to see a unique show and get up close and personal with the creative process. This year's line-up will be predominantly female, but will be as rich in talent and diversity as ever. As usual, we're delighted to welcome Clarika, a well-known figure in the world of song. We'll also have two artists who have had great success in pop duets (Sylvie Hoarau from Brigitte and Sébastien Rousselet from Rouquine) and who are now clearly looking for something different... Ben Herbert Larue and Barbara Zimmer will tell us about two acoustic facets of chanson, while Maïa Barouh, Adélys and Anaïs Rosso will be playing with the possibilities offered by electricity and electronics. Song, pop, groove, electro. Piano, guitars, synthesizers, flute, accordion. As ever, we'll be offering an eclectic line-up to delight and surprise your eyes and ears. All audiences A rate Duration: 1h30 Online box office opening: 01/09 reserved for subscribers Opening of Brissac- Quincé and Chalonnes/Loire tourist office ticket office: 02/09

Whether you're with family or friends, or on a business trip, come and stay in our charming gîte with indoor swimming pool! You'll find all the modern comforts and charm of yesteryear: fully-equipped kitchen, pool table, Tempur luxury bedding, air conditioning, 900 m2 of wooded grounds, etc.

Between the vineyards and Layon, in the heart of a family-run winegrowing estate, this detached 90 m2 house is located close to hiking and mountain bike trails. It has large living rooms: kitchen, dining room and lounge. Fully equipped: dishwasher, washing machine, microwave, TV, garden furniture, barbecue, etc. The colour of the wines has inspired the decoration of the 3 bedrooms: Layon (1 bed 140), Cabernet (2 beds 90) and Chardonnay (1 bed 140). The shower room has a walk-in shower. The garden, which is not enclosed, and the car park are private. A nearby pond should delight fishing enthusiasts. Tasting of the estate's wines in the cellar.

Maison Mima opens its doors to you in the heart of Anjou and the Layon hills, between Angers and Saumur. - Close to Angers, Saumur and Puy du Fou. - Visit our vineyard by prior arrangement - Top-of-the-range bedding - A quiet corner for teleworking - Outside, in the heart of the village, with garden, secure bike room and private car park (bakery 200m away, 1-star restaurant 800m away) Our two lovingly renovated family homes, nestling in the heart of Anjou, between vineyards and characterful villages. A place where you can slow down, find yourself and create new memories for the duration of your stay. Ideal for a weekend in Anjou, a green holiday, a business trip or a working holiday, it offers you the independence of a real home from home.

Come and stay in the gîte "L'Ancien Dortoir des vendangeurs", or "Le Logis" located in the heart of the Domaine de Pied Flond. These accommodations are perfect for family holidays, long weekends or even business seminars, thanks to their meeting and video-conferencing facilities and twin rooms. The splendid views over the vineyards and vineyards make it an ideal place to recharge your batteries in a warm, soothing atmosphere. The plus >> It is possible to rent the entire site, i.e. "Le Logis" + "L'Ancien Dortoir des vendangeurs" and "Le Réfectoire des vendanges" as well as the outside area. In this case, the total capacity of the accommodation is 12 adults.

A unique site where hundreds of sculptures were carved on tuffeau stone, between the 15th and the 17th century. Still today, the cave remains a historical enigma. La Cave aux sculptures is a Historical Monument, inscribed in the national heritage of France by André Malraux in 1969.

Le Mystère des Faluns, is an artistic walk in wonderful underground galleries at "Les Perrieres"...and a journey throught the geological and human history of this site. Light projections on the rock, sound productions, meeting with the jellyfishes, a shark or a rhinoceros... Each scenes inspired by science, will help you to explore an important stage in the history of the Perrieres.

Come and follow the steps of the archeologists who discovered this unique, fascinating site carved rightout of the sea of shell beds. You will be surprised to find out how, through the ages, men have managed to reuse this subterraneanspace. T Come and follow the steps of the archeologists who discovered this unique, fascinating site carved rightout of the sea of shell beds. You will be surprised to find out how, through the ages, men have managed to reuse this subterraneanspace for the last 1500 years : stone quarry, underground shelter, Middle Ages dwellings, storage silos,troglodytic chapel, wine-producing site…This unique site in Europe, one among listed heritage sites, brings to light the astonishing roles of cavedwellings.

Products: chicken, guinea fowl, duck, festive turkey, lamb, pork tray vacuum. Exploitation 75 ha (500 sheep, 4000 birds, 20 pigs a year) Food GMO, cereal produced on the farm. Points of sale: a farm, on Mondays from 15:30 to 19h, Saturdays from 9:30 am to 12 pm, the weekly markets in Thouars Friday morning and Nueil-les-Aubiers night. Red Label.

Full tasting white wines, rosés and reds.

In the 19th century, during the industrial revolution, bricks and mortar were replaced by concrete as the premier building material. Against this potentially bland construction form, the artist Isidore Odorico sought to bring a decorative style that on the ‘Maison Bleu’ included elaborate mosaics… characteristic of art deco!

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 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.

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

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.

Discover an inventive and tasty cuisine, where local and seasonal products are carefully selected. The restaurant offers a panoramic view of the Bonnezeaux vineyards, either from the interior dining room or from the pleasant terrace, which is popular in fine weather. A 3-course menu for €23 and a 2-course menu for €19.50 are available at lunchtime. At weekends, the restaurant offers a menu that changes every month. The restaurant is open : > weekday lunchtimes: Tuesday to Friday lunchtimes > weekends: Friday evenings, Saturday evenings and Sunday lunchtimes Book your table now on 02 53 20 66 62

Located 5 minutes from the Château de Brissac, the Auberge du Vigneron is a traditional restaurant specialising in wood-fired grills cooked over an open fire in the dining room: entrecôte, whole veal kidney, lamb, guinea fowl supreme, etc. Come and enjoy the shaded terrace and children's play area. Easy parking - Fresh local produce - Fine wine list.

You'll find organic or natural wines, craft beers and fruit juices, organic teas. Wood-fired oven, fresh local produce. Painting exhibitions and regular cultural events

This Michelin-starred restaurant offers gourmet cuisine in the heart of the Coteaux du Layon, in Champ-sur-Layon. La Table de la Bergerie is a restaurant near Angers. Its chef, David Guitton, offers gourmet cuisine paired with wines from the Anjou vineyards. The restaurant is recognised by the Collège Culinaire de France and is listed in the Bottin Gourmand, the Gault et Millau and the Michelin guide. All year round, the restaurant offers exceptional views over the vineyards. For further information, Domaine de la Bergerie offers a tour of the vineyards and a wine tasting session.

This 60-seater restaurant offers workers' meals during the week.

Popotte et Pompette, a restaurant in the heart of the wine-growing village of Saint-Lambert-du-Lattay, offers dishes based on local produce, a wine list of around 300 wines, and a wine shop and catering service.

Aux 2 terrasses is a restaurant serving traditional cuisine, with a direct view of the famous Château de Brissac. The cuisine is based on sustainable, local and/or national produce, or comes directly from specialist producers. A touch of fusion cuisine enlivens the restaurant's menu. The menu changes and adapts with the seasons. The dishes are freshly homemade, and the wines selected are from the region and from independent local winegrowers. A selection of international wines is also available. For opening times, visit the restaurant's Facebook page: www.facebook.com/aux2terrasses/?hc_ref=newsfeed

Since 14 July 2015, on the market square, L'Ardoise and its Kiwi have been opening their doors to you in a spirit of Sharing and Conviviality. All day long, come and enjoy our Café Restaurant, Delicatessen, Wine Cellar and Bar as well as the Tea Room. Our general philosophy is to offer sourced, organic and/or local products in both the shop and the restaurant. Our wine cellar and its 300 references are exclusively organic and/or biodynamic and/or natural. At the Café-Restaurant, everything is home-made. We offer hot dishes, raclette and tartiflette in winter, salads in summer, and home-made ice creams in fine weather. Charcuterie, cheese boards and desserts are available all day, all year round... Travellers and/or gourmets or just curious, come and visit us. You're welcome to eat in or take away!

Small, comfortable, refurbished flat ideally located in the market town of Thouarcé. Eco-friendly operation, promoting local art. All amenities within walking distance (bakery, butcher's and delicatessen, supermarket, bank, bar-tabac, pharmacy, health professionals, etc.).

Welcome to Clos des 3 Rois! Your guest house for discovering the Anjou region and its gastronomic and heritage treasures, for getting together with friends or family, or for business stays and seminars.

Camping de l'Ecluse offers country lovers a wide range of activities close to their pitch. River fishing enthusiasts will be delighted by the proximity of the Layon, renowned for its abundant fish. Walkers and cyclists will discover the rich landscapes offered by the slopes of our famous Bonnezeaux appellation, which produces a sweet white wine that is ranked among the most remarkable, via signposted footpaths and vineyard paths.

Guest rooms

Gite

Selected by France 2 journalist and Télématin columnist Marie Dominique PERRIN as one of the most beautiful guest houses in France, La Roulotte du Domaine des Gauliers is set in a secluded part of our estate. You'll wake up in the heart of the Layon vineyards, with only the vines as far as the eye can see and the village of Chavagnes and its church below. Luxuriously appointed and equipped with top-of-the-range comforts, our gypsy caravan will satisfy even the most demanding guests. As in a hotel, the beds are made up on arrival. The honey-coloured bathroom is furnished with soft towels and toiletries. A cleaning kit is available in the kitchen. Heating ensures a cosy atmosphere whatever the season, even during the winter months! Our caravan can accommodate up to two adults and two children.

Rent the Domaine des Gauliers ***** with family, friends or for a corporate seminar. We offer you a place to relax and socialise, in the heart of the Anjou wine region, with a capacity of 22 people (8 bedrooms) and a reception room for up to 49 guests... LE GITE "LA FERME" ***** Entirely renovated using the finest materials over 130 m2, this 5-star gîte sleeps 8 in 3 bedrooms. A pleasant lounge with two sofas adorns the ground floor of this gîte, suitable for the most demanding guests. THE GITE "LA GRANGE" ***** With a total surface area of 106 m2, this 5-star gîte sleeps 6 people. It has been completely restored to create a comfortable and spacious gîte with 3 bedrooms and their 3 private bathrooms with wc. The modern design features a pleasant sandstone paved terrace overlooking the property. THE DOMAINE DES GAULIERS GYPSY CARAVAN Set in the heart of the estate, facing the vineyards as far as the eye can see, our cosy, romantic gypsy caravan can sleep up to 4 people. It is very well insulated and equipped with heating for the winter months. A 140 x 190 alcove bed and two single beds make up the bedding in this cosy gîte. LE CHAI GITE ***** The former wine storehouse, where the estate's wine was matured, has been completely renovated and converted into a 90 m2 function room for gatherings of up to 30 or 40 guests. This gîte also has a 5-star rating. Adjoining the reception room is a quadruple bedroom with en suite shower room and wc.

Officially classified as a 5-star "meublé de tourisme", the property's former farmhouse, covering a total area of 135 m2, has been completely restored in the traditional style to create a comfortable and spacious gîte with 3 bedrooms and their 3 private bathrooms with wc (one on the ground floor with a double bed 160 x 200 and two air-conditioned triple bedrooms with a double bed and a single bed upstairs), for a maximum capacity of 8 people. This gîte is ideal for the most discerning guests, thanks to its comfort and rustic decor: fully-equipped slate kitchen (with fridge and freezer compartment, "piano" cooker with two fan-assisted ovens and a grill, dishwasher, microwave oven, gas hob, washing machine, etc.), flat-screen TVs in the living room and in each of the 3 bedrooms, top-quality bedding (beds made on arrival), bathroom with private wc (towels provided). Baby cot, high chair and bed rail available free of charge (on request). Free wifi internet connection...

Situated in the heart of the village of Terranjou, close to the Coteaux du Layon AOC and Bonnezeaux AOC, our charming, fully-equipped, refurbished rural gîte is ideal for holidays with your partner, family or friends. As botanists and breeders, we'd be delighted to share our passion with you. Pets welcome at no extra charge. Gîte features : Capacity: up to 6 people Surface area: 100 m2 detached house with private garden (1500 m2) Bedrooms: 2 bedrooms with double beds (140 x 190), 1 bedroom with bunk beds (90 x 190). Bathroom: bath, walk-in shower, double washbasin + 1 separate toilet. Extension adjoining the house accessible via the terrace, including a utility room with washing machine and an additional WC. Other facilities : Fully equipped kitchen, filter coffee maker and dolce gusto coffee maker, dishwasher, games room (table football, board games, etc.), wifi and ethernet, garden with barbecue, garden furniture, ping pong table, etc. We look forward to welcoming you! Lucie and Benoit

45 m² living room with fitted kitchen. Dining area - Lounge area - Dishwasher, washing machine, TV, DVD - wood-burning stove - WIFI. 2 bedrooms - mezzanine - bathroom - toilet - linen room - electric radiators - terrace and private garden overlooking swimming pool.