Discover Varennes-sur-loire, a gem in Maine-et-Loire

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

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.

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.

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

Welcome to the Isle Verte campsite ****, ideally situated on the banks of the Loire, just a stone's throw from the charming village of Montsoreau. Come and enjoy the peace and quiet to recharge your batteries, the many cultural attractions nearby, savour the local specialities, relax by the heated swimming pool... You'll be sure to find what you're looking for among the 114 pitches on offer, including 13 mobile homes and 9 more unusual types of accommodation (ecolodges, Coco Sweet, bivouac tents). We offer a special rate from €10 for hikers. We look forward to welcoming you to our campsite and ensuring you have the most enjoyable holiday possible in the Loire Valley!

Discover our traditional mushroom cellar and its museum trail! You can buy fresh mushrooms from the cellar and preserves from Le Saut aux Loups in the shop, located in former troglodyte dwellings. You'll also find a range of local products.

Individuals can take a free tour of the cellars and taste a wide range of Loire Valley wines from Sancerre to Nantes. For groups, self-guided or guided tour of the cellars and tasting of different Loire Valley wines, depending on the service chosen. Tasting evenings: themed evenings are regularly organised by the Marché des Vins de Loire. You will taste 8 to 10 selected wines, accompanied by local produce. Registration required 8 days before the evening and subject to availability. The site can be made private. If you'd like to organise a family or business meal in an unusual setting, the Marché des Vins de Loire offers you the chance to meet in its troglodyte cellar, which can be privatised just for your group. After a tour of the cellar and a tasting of Loire Valley wines, we'll serve you an aperitif with Loire bubbles, followed by a "fouées" meal cooked in the Marché des Vins de Loire bread oven. We can tailor the welcome and the site to suit your requirements.

Discover Demeure de la Vignole, your haven of peace in the heart of the magnificent Loire countryside! Nestling among the vineyards, come and discover this troglodyte dwelling. Your hotel combines comfort with traditional charm. Start your day with a delicious breakfast made with local produce, before exploring a swimming pool dug into the rock and heated to 28°c. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family break or a trip with friends, Demeure de la Vignole is the ideal place to create unforgettable memories.

The hotel has 11 rooms and 4 flats nestling in a veritable green setting. A 300m2 spa with the Cinq Mondes label welcomes you every day for a moment of relaxation: whirlpool bath, sauna, hammam and massages by prior arrangement. You can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, heated from April to October, the terrace and the hotel garden. The tea room is open every day and also serves light meals. Don't worry about parking! The hotel has free private parking and a bicycle storage area.

After passing through the leafy interior patio, you are warmly welcomed by Didier Le Rouzic, your host. His 19th-century house, with its exposed tufa stone, latticed windows and climbing ivy, is an enchanting place to relax. From here, you can access the various bedrooms, each with a refined interior design that enhances the authenticity of this old building. In a surprisingly bright room, an attraction in itself, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast in the ballroom in the morning. The kindness and perfect knowledge of the region shown by the owners will make you want to discover Turquant, with its craftsmen, its "Boutique Métiers d'Art", the "Pommes Tapées" site, its two troglodyte restaurants, its 12th-century church and its winegrowers. As well as the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, the Château of Montsoreau, Candes-Saint-Martin and its collegiate church, the châteaux of Ussé, Azay Le Rideau, Saumur and Brézé...

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.

Created in April 2016 on the initiative of French contemporary art collector Philippe Méaille, the Château de Montsoreau-Musée d'art contemporain is a radical, committed, lively place, located two hours from Paris, in the Unesco World Heritage Loire Valley. Housed in a château on the banks of the Loire, the museum's architecture, collection and exhibition spaces are outstanding, making it one of the leading international institutions dedicated to contemporary art. Its permanent collection, presented on three levels (2,500m2 of exhibition space) is the world's largest collection of works by Art & Language, the artists' collective behind Conceptual Art. The programme of the Château de Montsoreau-Musée d'art contemporain reflects the creative wealth of today's artists. It is organised around temporary exhibitions, events, meetings, concerts and performances.

This anniversary begins with an off-season concert (in May) with the 70 young musicians of the OLDA Symphony Orchestra from the Lycée David d'Angers. The 30th Musicales de Montsoreau have chosen to invite renowned artists who have contributed to their success, accompanied by one of their (former) students, whom they have trained, advised and followed right up to the dawn of his or her new career. Seasoned musicians mentoring the new generation! We'll have the pleasure of seeing Staffan Mårtensson, Virginie and Bruno Robillard, Nicolas Stavy, the Rosamonde Quartet, the Magnifica Brass Quintet... and, of course, Mario Raskin, the festival's founder! Off-season concerts : Sunday 25 May : OLDA Symphony Orchestra, featuring 70 young musicians from the Lycée David d'Angers (Eglise Saint-Pierre-de-Rest). Friday 18 July (30th anniversary of the Château de Montsoreau - MAC) at 6pm: Recital by Mario Raskin (Founder of the Musicales de Montsoreau), harpsichord. Cocktail 8.30pm Opening concert by Trio Europa (Staffan Mårtensson, clarinet, Nicolas Bourdoncle, piano - Aleksander Simić, cello (young talent). Friday 25 July - 8.30pm (Château de Montsoreau - MAC) Nicolas Stavy, piano - Marc Gentet, piano (young talent). Friday 1st August - 8.30pm (Château de Montsoreau - MAC) Bruno Robilliard, piano - Virginie Robilliard, violin - Thomas Garrigues, flute (young talent). Friday 8 August - 8.30pm (Château de Montsoreau - MAC) Quatuor Rosamonde (2nd violin, young talent). Saturday 16 August - 8.30pm (Eglise Saint-Pierre-de-Rest) Magnifica Brass Quintet (accompanied by Laurent Remilien, a young talent on trumpet). TIME DETAILS : From 18/07 to 16/08/2025 at 8.30pm. 18 and 25 July, 1, 8 and 16 August 2025.

In the last century, this superb cellar was a major centre for the production of "tapées" apples in the region. A veritable industry in the 19th century, it disappeared completely after the First World War. Today, Jackie and Robin invite you to discover this mysterious delicacy, which has been the subject of numerous television reports. The one-hour guided tour takes you back in time to the hardworking lives of our ancestors, in a late 19th century atmosphere. The reconstruction of the troglodytic dwelling, the apple ovens and the tools of yesteryear immerse visitors in the atmosphere of the time. The historical context and production process are also explained in a film. Finally, the tour ends with the inevitable tasting of rehydrated or dried tap apples.

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.

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.

An original collection devoted to combustion engines of all types, you will observe real works of industrial art, restored by enthusiasts. This museum traces the evolution of the engine since its creation. The exhibits allow a historical, technical and educational approach to the development of mechanical energy. Automotive, airplane and even rocket engines will no longer hold any secrets for you! Be sure to observe the Baltard-style architecture of the building.

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.

Heir of a prestigious military history, the Cadre noir has a mission of training and outreaching equitation in the French tradition. Visits through the great indoor arena, the stables and the tack room will take you on a voyage of discovery of the history of the Cadre Noir since its creation in 1815. You will discover a place where the relationship between man and horse becomes magical. The public performances allow you to watch the ecuyers of the Cadre Noir at work in the Grand Manège. The commentary provided by an ecuyer will give you an appreciation of the work involved in training the horse, jumping, in long reins, the airs above the ground, and classical riding.

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.

You can also take advantage of our catering service.

Varennes sur Loire is a small village built around a rectangular postcard square with tall trees, a church, a war memorial, a bakery, a butcher's shop and a grocer's... The square is also home to the "Jardin de Varennes", a restaurant with all the hallmarks of a working-class restaurant. Every day, there's a different, unique dish. Before it, pâtés, cold meats, raw vegetables, various salads, etc.... are the starters from which you can choose as much as you like. The wine on the table, the desserts and the cheeses are also as varied as you like. The cheeses are laid out on a platter and moved from one table to another as and when required, under the watchful eye of the hostess, who is quick to replenish the platter. The restaurant is also on the "Entre Loire et Forêt" cycle route, which is connected to La Loire à Vélo.

On the Lion d'Or's shady terrace, enjoy a light lunch overlooking the Loire and close to the château, or simply a drink or ice cream.

You'll be warmly welcomed for a drink or a traditional dish. Groups are welcome by prior arrangement. Also worth noting is the broadcasting of major sporting events.

Warm atmosphere in the dining room, with a few tables on the terrace. Continuous service on Saturdays and Sundays. A welcome gourmet break in the heart of the village and on the Loire cycle route.

The P'tit bar de Mestré is the perfect place to meet up at different times of the day. Breakfast, bar service, lunch, tea room, dinner, games evenings, themed evenings on Fridays from September to June... With its roots firmly planted in the village, come and discover this warm and inviting place! Don't forget to book. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. Closed Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday evenings. S: closed Monday, Tuesday

The menu changes every week, depending on the season and the inspiration of Chef Romain Butet. As for the wines, Hélène Guibrunet will give you her expert advice. You'll have a very pleasant bistronomic break here, warmly welcomed in a modern, elegant setting, in the air-conditioned dining room or on the pleasant courtyard terrace. Our cuisine has won awards and accolades from various guides, including the Guide 109 ("the new blood of French cuisine") 2021 Gault & Millau, "the guide to today's talents" and the Michelin guide in 2021! A must-see! Closed Tuesday, Wednesday and Sunday evenings.

Bertrand Dézé offers creative, regional gourmet cuisine using fresh, quality produce. A private room is available for receptions or business meetings for up to 36 people. Find out more!

This family gîte is ideal for a stay with children. It is also suitable for disabled guests. The ground floor (fully accessible for people with reduced mobility) comprises: a fully-equipped kitchen opening onto the living room, a pretty living room, a bedroom with 1 double bed and a shower room with WC. Upstairs, you'll find a small mezzanine, a bedroom with 2 single beds (90 x 200cm) and 1 WC. Outside, you'll find a lawned area and a terrace overlooking the fields and countryside. There is also garden furniture, sun loungers, a barbecue and games for the children. Bed linen and towels are included in the price. Baby equipment available on request. The gîte de la Licorne is located close to the owners' home. In Varennes-sur-Loire: weekly market and shops: bakery, butcher's, mini-market, newsagent's, doctor's surgery and chemist's. Things to see and do during your stay: lovely bike rides and numerous visits to châteaux, troglodyte sites, the Cadre Noir de Saumur, Fontevraud Abbey, mushroom beds and picturesque villages such as Turquant and Monsoreau.

Welcome to the Isle Verte campsite ****, ideally situated on the banks of the Loire, just a stone's throw from the charming village of Montsoreau. Come and enjoy the peace and quiet to recharge your batteries, the many cultural attractions nearby, savour the local specialities, relax by the heated swimming pool... You'll be sure to find what you're looking for among the 114 pitches on offer, including 13 mobile homes and 9 more unusual types of accommodation (ecolodges, Coco Sweet, bivouac tents). We offer a special rate from €10 for hikers. We look forward to welcoming you to our campsite and ensuring you have the most enjoyable holiday possible in the Loire Valley!

Discover Demeure de la Vignole, your haven of peace in the heart of the magnificent Loire countryside! Nestling among the vineyards, come and discover this troglodyte dwelling. Your hotel combines comfort with traditional charm. Start your day with a delicious breakfast made with local produce, before exploring a swimming pool dug into the rock and heated to 28°c. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family break or a trip with friends, Demeure de la Vignole is the ideal place to create unforgettable memories.

The hotel has 11 rooms and 4 flats nestling in a veritable green setting. A 300m2 spa with the Cinq Mondes label welcomes you every day for a moment of relaxation: whirlpool bath, sauna, hammam and massages by prior arrangement. You can also enjoy the outdoor swimming pool, heated from April to October, the terrace and the hotel garden. The tea room is open every day and also serves light meals. Don't worry about parking! The hotel has free private parking and a bicycle storage area.