Raslay, Vienne, Poitou-Charentes: local treasures

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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!

With this tour, take a step back in time to the time of our ancestors: the Neolithic men. You will not only notice their traces with numerous dolmens and covered walkways but you will also understand why they settled in Loudunais and especially around Arçay and Saint-Laon. Admire also the remarkable views on the surrounding hillsides.

Le Refuge des Amis*** is a spacious, peaceful farmhouse that can accommodate up to 10 guests. Situated close to Center Parcs Le Bois aux Daims, the Loire castles and other famous tourist sites in the Saumur region and northern Vienne, the house is ideal for family reunions and get-togethers with friends. You'll find large living rooms for sharing convivial moments, a game of table soccer and a vast terrace for outdoor lunches and barbecues.

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Looking for peace and quiet in an unusual setting? Le Pigeonnier is just the place. Located in the commune of Épieds, just 20 minutes from Saumur and 15 minutes from Montreuil-Bellay, this dovecote dating from 1664 has been completely renovated to offer charming accommodation combining authenticity and modern comfort, in the heart of the Saumur countryside. On the ground floor, the gîte opens onto a cosy living room where you can relax on the sofa or armchair in front of the television, or enjoy the wood-burning stove for cosy evenings by the fire, perfect for reading and relaxing. Upstairs, you'll find the kitchen opening onto the dining area, equipped for home-style cooking: 3-burner gas hob, kettle, coffee maker, toaster, dishwasher and combined microwave and oven. Extending from this room is a mezzanine sleeping area with three beds: a double bed 160x200 cm and a single bed 90x190 cm. In fine weather, the terrace, accessible from the kitchen, becomes a real living space. Garden furniture, a barbecue and deckchairs invite you to take full advantage of the peaceful surroundings for an al fresco meal or a moment of idleness. The highlight is the uninterrupted view over the vineyards and surrounding countryside, typical of the Saumur landscape. To get the day off to a good start, the owners offer an additional breakfast at €8 per person, including brioche, honey, jam, baguette, butter, fruit juice, dairy products, tea, coffee and chocolate, to be booked directly with them. Secure parking with electric gates is also available. Le Pigeonnier is also an ideal base for exploring the riches of the Saumur region. Just 4 km away, the remarkable Château de Brézé will amaze you with its impressive dry moat and vast underground network, the only one of its kind in Europe. The small town of Montreuil-Bellay and its majestic Château are around 11 km away. You can also easily reach Saumur (15 km), renowned for its château and the prestigious Cadre Noir de Saumur. For a must-see nature outing, the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark is around 25 km away. Finally, the imposing Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, Europe's largest monastic city, is just 8 km away. Between heritage, vineyards and the gentle Loire way of life, your stay promises to be full of wonderful discoveries.

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.

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.

Medieval fortress of the XIIth century reworked in the XIXth, the Berrye Fortress is located on a rocky base surrounded by dry moats and associated with a famous wine estate. Beautiful built heritage, admire the monumental troglodytic cellars dug in the tufa stone and the architectural diversity of this site classified as Historic Monument inside and outside. Visits can be organized upon registration, followed by wine tasting sessions of the fortress.

Built between the 11th and 19th centuries, Château de Brézé boasts an extraordinary underground network. Here you will discover the former stately home and its stables, a covered walkway, a drawbridge, a silkworm farm, kitchens, cellars and huge wine presses, all opening onto the deepest dry moat in Europe. The private flats of the Colbert family are also well worth a visit, with the dining room housing a magnificent collection of weapons, and the bedrooms of the Marquis and Marquise de Dreux-Brézé.

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.

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.

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).

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

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.

The oldest traces of the castle date back to the Middle Ages. As early as the 15th century, the castle was the stronghold of a Poitevin lordship and protected Loudun from wars In the 16th century, it underwent profound architectural modifications that are still present today: Renaissance façade, galleries, dovecote, cellars. Animations : exhibition and activities for children

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.

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.

Damien Robert is the 6th generation of winemakers to have taken over the domain created by his ancestors. Located in the south of the Saumur vineyard, part of their vines rest on 5,000 m² of troglodytic cellars, which gives these wines an aromatic and gustatory typicity. These troglodytic cellars are used for the manufacture and the ageing in its wines AOP Saumur. HVE certification "for several years, we have been involved in the respect of the environment, the quality of our grapes and our wines". AOP : Saumur Red, White, Rosé, Crémant de Loire, Saumur Puy Notre Dame, Coteaux de Saumur, Cabernet d'Anjou, Saumur Rosé, Mousseux Rouge. Sparkling grape juice (without alcohol) The Grand Clos estate is located 5 minutes from Center Parcs and offers a visit of the troglodytic cellars followed by a wine tasting.

Explore the troglodytic world, from the extraction of the stone to the way of life in the cellars of Loudun, Lionel shares his passion and his anecdotes Wine grower, he will awaken your taste buds with his wine. Here, the harvest is always done by hand. Open house in April

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.

Enter one of the last troglodytic sites still exploiting mushrooms and discover the secrets of this ancestral culture. Buy your mushrooms on the farm: blond mushrooms, oyster mushrooms, shiitakes and snowballs.

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.

Takeaway : Monday to Friday

bar restaurant

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Le Refuge des Amis*** is a spacious, peaceful farmhouse that can accommodate up to 10 guests. Situated close to Center Parcs Le Bois aux Daims, the Loire castles and other famous tourist sites in the Saumur region and northern Vienne, the house is ideal for family reunions and get-togethers with friends. You'll find large living rooms for sharing convivial moments, a game of table soccer and a vast terrace for outdoor lunches and barbecues.

Center Pars, a village of 800 cottages for 2 to 12 people and 9 tree houses with a 6,000 m² water park, a SPA, nature activities and an animal farm. Swimming pool, leisure activities (indoor and outdoor). Restaurant on site and supermarket.

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With family, friends or for a stay for two, find a living space made of comfort, calm and conviviality rich in our eyes. Beautifully restored 19th century house with 5 large and comfortable rooms, overlooking the park, the ponds and the landscaped garden. Enjoy our large swimming pool (14mx6m)! The park of 5ha will allow you to discover a nature rich of diversified fauna and flora. Breakfast is included in the price of the room. Upon reservation, the table d'hôte is composed of local and quality products. Located at 30 min from Saumur and 12 min from Fontevraud.

Character gîte with lots of charm and large rooms, located in a 16th-century farmhouse that has been completely and superbly restored (tufa stone, terracotta floor tiles, beams). The ground floor comprises a living room with a fully-equipped open-plan kitchen, a dining area and a sitting area with a wood-burning stove. The bathroom is accessed by two steps and includes an old-fashioned bath, shower and WC. Upstairs, a master bedroom with a double bed and a stone fireplace and a second bedroom with two single beds. It is ideally located: just a few minutes from the medieval town of Montreuil-Bellay, the last walled town in Anjou, the unusual Château de Brézé and the famous Royal Abbey of Fontevraud. Enjoy your stay in the Val de Loir!

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Gîte de France N°908

Two rooms available in a 15th century manor house, built on the site of an older building.

You can hike less than 500 m from this peaceful haven where life is good. Epieds is a Saumur village on the banks of the Dive and its tributary La Petite Maine, where you can discover the watermill and 78 hectares of poplar grove. Jocelyne and Lucien Bertrand will be delighted to welcome you to this charming village. On your arrival, discover the charm of this authentic little tufa stone house, at the end of an enclosed courtyard with terrace and lawn area. Enjoy your stay in the Loire Valley!