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 http://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.

Visits are free for individuals and can be followed by a guided tasting of Domaine Filliatreau wines. Wine may be purchased on site. Enter the secrets of La Grande Vignolle, an unusual place where history meets history, in the heart of the tufa rock, underground. A unique experience awaits you, one that will move you and make you smile, as it tells you the truth, the whole truth ... and a few lies! Because you're going to meet some characters who are, to say the least, astonishing, not to say fascinating ... and who, it has to be said, have a bit of a way with the truth! A troglodyte moment! AOP Saumur Blanc: Fresh, suave & delicate - For spring or laying down, it's the star of every pretty table! AOP Saumur Rouge: Fine and delicious: the original. AOP Saumur Rosé : Dry, tender & fruity - Cabernet de Saumur changes its name with the 2016 harvest and becomes Saumur rosé! AOP Saumur Fines Bulles: Brilliant, charming & sparkling - Les Fines Bulles de Loire. AOP Coteaux de Saumur: Rich, rare & exotic - A mellow, confidential wine... AOP Saumur-Champigny: Supple, frank & spirited - The famous...

La Grande Vignolle is an authentic historic site with cellars and a seigniorial dwelling dug into the tufa stone. Two colourful characters will tell you the story, with a little bit of reality thrown in for good measure...! Let your senses guide you and ... smile! The great and small history of La Grande Vignolle will be told to you with sensitivity and humour. From its earliest traces in the 12th century, when the cave and galleries served as a refuge, to the present day, when the Filliatreau family has brought it back to life. This visual and sensory experience in a troglodytic setting uses innovative and surprising techniques. Take a free tour of the seigneurial dwelling, a unique place under the vines. This dwelling dates back to the end of the 15th century, when the lord of la Vignolle gave the property as a dowry to his daughter. The cellars were worked and sculpted to create a dwelling worthy of a château, with a beautiful view over the Loire embankment. Taste the wines of Domaine Filliatreau and enjoy the boutique. There's a welcoming area for all the family. So while the children are having fun and re-enacting the story of La Grande Vignolle, you can discover the wines of Domaine Filliatreau. A convivial moment with the team to share their passion for the vines and the land, in a sustainable spirit.

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.

Between Saumur and Chinon, along the Loire, come and stay in this gîte 100m from the Loire, in the heart of the lively village of Montsoreau. This bright 2-bedroom gîte with garden is the ideal base for heritage lovers wishing to discover Anjou and Touraine. The gîte comprises a 48m² living room with a large lounge and a bright dining area under a veranda. From the veranda, you have access to a charming little garden of around 100m², fully enclosed, with wrought-iron garden furniture, a plancha grill and a secure bicycle shed. Next to the dining area is the small, long kitchen: fridge, freezer, 6 place dishwasher, combined microwave/grill and induction hob. Upstairs, the landing leads to 2 bedrooms with wooden floors and a shower room. The first bedroom has an electric bed measuring 140x190cm and the second bedroom has 2 beds measuring 80x200cm or 160x200cm, depending on your preference. The shower room has a large shower with curtain, a washbasin, a toilet and a heated towel rail. The interior is cosy, warm and colourful. The garden is a real bonus in the heart of the small town! Nearby shops: opposite the house, a butcher's and a mini-market. In the same street: bar, restaurants, tobacconist, newsagent, baker, cellar, etc. The Loire is 100m from the gîte and can be seen from the bedroom on the street side. The Loire by bike itinerary can take you either to Turquant, Saumur, Angers... or to Candes-Saint-Martin and La Touraine. Don't miss Fontevraud Royal Abbey 6 minutes away, Candes-Saint-Martin, the Saut au Loup mushroom farm and the Musée des Pommes Tapées and its restaurant 5 minutes away. Take advantage of your stay to discover the surrounding vineyards, the châteaux of Montsoreau, Saumur, Ussé, Brézé and the fortress of Chinon. Montsoreau is the perfect location for a holiday combining heritage and gastronomy between Anjou and Touraine along the Loire. Air-conditioned gîte. There is also a toilet and shower on the ground floor (spare room - not heated). The house overlooks the village square and the Loire. No private parking. Free parking on the square and in the street. Wifi internet connection and limited network coverage.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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!

The arrival at the gîte, in the heart of Montsoreau already classified as one of the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", is picturesque and unusual. Access is via a narrow alleyway (1m90m), the ruelle des Perreyeurs (named after the workers who once quarried the famous local stone, tuffeau). You can park your car 150 m from the gîte. The view is incredible: over the Loire, the Château de Montsoreau, the village... The house itself is full of charm. It was completely renovated and refurbished in 2023, combining the charm of its troglodytic setting with the comfort of the equipment and decor chosen with great care and taste by the owner, Véronique. This holiday rental can be rented all year round for a weekend, a week... or more! When the weather's fine, you'll love the unoverlooked terrace and, when it's cooler, the fireplace. Inside and out, you'll enjoy the view over the Loire. Large, cosy living room and sitting area, several bedrooms. Sleeps a maximum of 4, with two 140cm beds, a 110cm bed and a 90cm bed (on the mezzanine). A shower room (with a view over the Loire) and a separate WC. The gîte is an ideal base for exploring the village, walking, cycling and mountain biking, as well as discovering the vineyards, mushroom cultivation, the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park, the Château, the Loire river, restaurants and bars, shops, interior design boutiques, spa... Enjoy your stay in the Loire Valley!

On the very route of the Loire à Vélo, welcome to Anjou, in the heart of one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France! A nature break in a Bivouac with a view of the river and a stone's throw from shops, troglodytes and activities such as boat trips. For 1 or 2 people. Optional extras: breakfast, bathroom linen kit, disposable sheet kit or sheet hire. The Bivouac is equipped with lighting (solar electricity). Restaurant and swimming pool on the campsite.

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.

Set of two river gîtes, moored on the Loire, close to each other: - Topette à lundi: sleeps 2 - La Rebelle: sleeps 4 (6 possible) Total capacity: 6 to 8 people. Let yourself be lulled by the sounds of nature in these unusual accommodations equipped with terrace, kitchen, sleeping area, living room with modular beds, shower room and WC. La Rebelle" and "Topette à lundi", two traditional "toues" typical of the region, are moored on the banks of a river with an uninterrupted view of Candes-Saint-Martin and Montsoreau, listed among the "Most Beautiful Villages in France", for magnificent sunrises and sunsets! The owner, Denis Rétiveau, a winegrower and Loire enthusiast, also offers unforgettable walks between Saumur and Chinon, on France's largest wild river, in the heart of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Plus a tasting of his range of wines from the Domaine des Champs Fleuris! These boats are easily accessible, with free parking nearby. They can be hired together or individually, including overnight stays, with breakfast as an optional extra. Enjoy an unusual and unusual night, with family or friends, on the Loire at Montsoreau!