Unveil the wonders of Angers with SLOW VILLAGE CHATEAU DES FORGES

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 Other panels (15) around the cemetery show the local life from old postcards unpublished.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

Lieu ouvert sur l’environnement et l’écologie, le muséum développe et expose de précieuses collections, témoins de la diversité.

You cannot help but smile at the carvings of the young women that adorn the façade of 38 rue St. Laud. Dating back to 1892, when it was a café and concert hall called the 'Alcazar', it is one of the oldest examples of art nouveau in Angers.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

Le P'tit Cheffes restaurant offers traditional cuisine for lunch from Monday to Saturday, and dinner for groups by reservation. Located in the heart of Les Basses Vallées Angevines in Anjou.

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

In a village House, on the towpath of the river Mayenne, a quarter hour from Angers, the Batelière offers a gourmet stop in a comfortable atmosphere of exposed stonework and a terrace.

Yurts located 6kms from the Loire and 15kms from Angers. A great way to experience the region at 'grass roots' level and an ideal location for exploring the river, vineyards, castles, hiking and cycling trails.

Marion will be delighted to welcome you for a stay in her yurts located 6 km from the Loire and 15 km from Angers.

Gite situated on a working farm, on the first floor of a restored angevine longère house. Pleasant setting, in the country. Living room with sofa bed - Kitchenette - mini oven + microwave - washing machine - 1 spacious bedroom (25 m²) with 1 single bed + 1 double bed. Shower room - Wc - Board games.