Camping by the Loire in Gennes: nature and fun

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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!

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 is one of the biggest mountain bike tours in the Anjou region (over 1,000 participants on 5 routes ranging from 20 to 100 km). Between forests and hills overlooking the Loire. And for walkers, there's a choice of several routes.

Ideally situated between Saumur and Angers on the Loire à Vélo and Vélo Francette® tourist routes, this campsite is ideal for cyclists, hikers and anyone interested in discovering the local way of life. The campsite on the banks of the Loire will provide you with quality services: - rental of comfortable mobile homes for family get-togethers, - lodge tents with practical facilities for friends, - bungalow hire, reminiscent of authentic camping, - Bivouacs on stilts for nature lovers and starry skies, - trekking tents for adventurers, not forgetting pitches for caravans, campervans and tents, and 2 new products for 2025: the cabanétape for a night in an all-wood cabin and the Maasaï tent set up on stilts 2 metres high with a view of the forest or the Loire! There's plenty to do close to the campsite, including an outdoor swimming pool just 100m away, hiking, canoeing, cruises on Loire boats, a visit to the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, hot-air ballooning... and the market on Tuesday mornings. For a moment of zen, visit the relaxation area on the banks of the Loire. Relaxation and a change of scenery are guaranteed! At the campsite on the banks of the Loire, you'll find activities and entertainment for all ages: bike hire, multi-sports pitches (football, volleyball), a children's play area, table football, petanque pitches, table tennis, fishing and exploring the Loire by bike. Not forgetting an escape game to discover our heritage, an orienteering trail around the campsite, entertainment in July and August and themed evenings and meals... It'll be impossible to get bored at the campsite on the banks of the Loire!

The hotel offers an ideal setting for relaxation, with an outdoor swimming pool and landscaped grounds. The hotel offers light meals (from jars) from 4pm to 7pm. The hotel is located on the GR3 and very close to the Loire à Vélo cycle routes. Our team will be delighted to suggest visits, walks or activities. Three outdoor car parks are available, as well as a secure bicycle storage area. Catering available for groups, by prior arrangement.

Bed and breakfast ideally located on the Loire levee, a tourist route overlooking the Loire between Angers and Saumur. Enter the village of "Les Rosiers sur Loire" in Gennes-Val-de-Loire. Push open the two large grey wrought-iron gates, cross the park, climb the stone steps and ring the bell on the porch. This is where Odile Bousselin, the owner of this magnificent 19th-century Anjou bourgeois residence, welcomes you. Turn around from the balcony at the front door, and you can see the verdant parkland adorned with fir trees, lime trees and even a rose garden. Choose from 5 spacious bedrooms, all with en suite facilities (with WCs separate from the bathroom in each room). From the "Iris" room for 2 people, you can see the Loire and its special colours. The atmosphere of this room transports you along the river to the sea, thanks to its bluish hues. Nestling in the outbuilding, the "Santal" room for 2 to 3 people gives direct access to the park. Very modern and energising with its orange wall, varnished floor and original headboard. The "Romance" room, for 2 people, lives up to its name. You'll love its magical decor: butterfly wall, paintings and artistic objects, white roses on the bed... This room is synonymous with tenderness, softness and happiness. In a former carriage garage, enter the enchanting world of the "Coriandre" room for 2 people. It gives direct access to the park. Let yourself be charmed by this room, which will take you to faraway lands. And finally, the spacious "Camélia" room for 3 people, with an extraordinary view over the Loire. The retro chic of this room is elegantly dressed in powerful, distinctive colours. Please note: depending on your requirements, the 180 cm bed in the "Santal" and "Iris" rooms can be configured as 2 single 90 cm beds. The 160-size bed in the "Coriandre" room can be converted into 2 80-size beds. To be specified at the time of your next booking. In the evening, if you wish, Odile will prepare a dinner based on local produce and paired with local wines. Book ahead! In the morning, well rested, you can sample Odile's jams and pastries. Most of her guests absolutely recommend trying the madeleines. Perhaps you'll rediscover the flavours of your childhood, so dear to Marcel Proust?

Set in an elegant tufa stone building, the Loire Hôtel offers an elegant and friendly setting. It offers 10 air-conditioned rooms, a seminar room for 12 people and a bistronomic restaurant, "Les Cocottes". Ideal for a tourist break or a business trip as an evening stopover, the Loire Hôtel welcomes you on the Loire à Vélo and Vélo Francette cycle routes.

Our holiday rental « Lumières de Loire » is a typical and luminous house, where you can relax and discover the region. An enclosed 1500m2 garden and south-west terrace allow you relaxing moments after your days of discovery of the Loire Valley.The House is in the center of the town in a quiet area. Only 200 m from the road to do the tour called "the Loire by bike", and also near the vineyards and close to shops. Close by many restaurants you will be able to enjoy the local gastronomy. This pleasant and dynamic town benefits from all the services. It’s a place of unforgettable trips to visit the area by foot, boat, bike or hot air balloon. On site, we are at your disposal for any queries and to guide you in your discovery of the region. Many activities waiting for you Capacity : 4/6 people Number of bedrooms : 2 or 3 depending greeted capacity Surface : 110 m2 Electric heating, efficient insulation. Garage Ground floor Living room with fireplace (wood provided), kitchen, bathroom and WC Garage Upstairs : 1 bathroom with shower and WC 16 m² ground floor 11 m² upstairs 9 m² upstairs 1 bed 160 1 bed 160 2 bed 90 Interior facilities : , Free view digital TV, DVD player - combined refrigerator and freezer, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine, dryer, iron and ironing board, board games, cot and high chair available at no extra charge Exterior amenities : Terrace (south-west), garden furniture, chairs, barbecue, outdoor games, baby-foot.

The cottage Douceur Angevine is a charming cottage, renovated to be the ideal self-catering holiday home for two to four people. This old hennhouse offers stunning views into the huge parc of the Domaine de Joreau. Relax and listen to the silence. Enjoy La Douceur Angevine is a charming 3* cottage with 2 bedrooms and a shower bathroom, sleeping 4 people. There is a sitting room with fireplace, an open kitchen and a dining room on the ground floor with access to the terrasse and the wide open garden. The views from the cottage and its private garden, into the forest are glorious. We provide sun loungers, charcoal barbecue, table and chairs in the garden to enjoy yourselves. Your children have access to the playground with trampoline, slide and sand box. During the evening hours enjoy the passage of deers and other forest wild life. Inside there is a sitting room with stone walls, beams and a fireplace with wood-burner. The open kitchen is well-equipped and there is WiFi, satellite flat screen TV, portable speaker, dishwasher, washing machine, heating throughout, games, and all bed-linen and towels are provided. We can arrange for pre-prepared meals to await your arrival, massages, morning deliveries from the baker and lots more.

It's a carefree interlude that brings back childhood memories: the park as far as the eye can see, the donkeys Tarco and Caribou, the cat Sherlock and the dog Goya looking for a cuddle, the peaceful countryside all around... You're in for a real treat... In 2023, Petra and her family renovated this former henhouse to create beautiful, carefully decorated spaces that respect the original materials. You immediately feel at home. There's a fully-equipped open-plan kitchen opening onto the cosy dining room, a sitting room with wood-burning stove and a games area for everyone. Upstairs you'll find a shower room and 2 lovely, cosy, bright bedrooms. During the day, children can jump on the trampoline, play ball on the meadow or swing on the swing. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a well-deserved rest, reading or napping in the deckchairs on the terrace. There's no shortage of things to do in the surrounding area: cycling along the Loire route, canoeing, visits to wine cellars, mushroom beds, troglodyte sites... not forgetting the châteaux and bio park. Petra will be delighted to chat with you and share her tips for exploring Anjou.

Leave the rue du Clos Baujon and walk down an avenue of magnificent century-old trees. After 500 metres you'll see the old farmhouse, hidden away in this green bubble. Set down your suitcases in the middle of the woods in Petra and her family's guest house for a rejuvenating stay. This former outbuilding of the Château de Joreau, restored with respect for the environment, offers an enchanting and exotic setting. The rooms are located in a dedicated area right next to the family home to respect your privacy. Here you can take your time, time for yourself and for your loved ones. Choose from 3 spacious rooms, with names evocative of the Loire wine appellations. The Saumur-Champigny appellation and its luminous garnet-red colour inspired the decoration of the "Saumur-Champigny" room. This 27 m² room overlooks the verdant park and offers plenty of space for 2 people. The sweet wine produced on the slopes bordering the little river Aubance has a golden yellow colour with orange highlights. These shades have inspired the decoration of the "Coteaux d'Aubance" room, creating a cosy, romantic atmosphere. Beware, however, of the miller's staircase. The last room, "Crémant de Loire", is a two-bedroom suite perfect for families. It exudes a sparkling, lively atmosphere. Are you all settled in? Why not relax in the garden and look for animal tracks in the forest, or meet Tarco and Caribou, the donkeys, in the company of Goya, the caretaker. Feeling restless in the evening? Petra, your host, will be delighted to serve you a home-cooked meal made with fresh local produce, by prior arrangement. You can share the table d'hôtes with other guests and enjoy a selection of local wines, or, in fine weather, enjoy a gourmet seasonal dish and dessert on the terrace. After a good night's sleep, don't miss the gourmet breakfast with a variety of jams, cakes, breads, yoghurts... all homemade! A real treat! NB: the property also includes a 3-star gîte for 4 people, with its own entrance, garden and terrace. All the accommodation has been awarded the "Valeurs Parc" label for its eco-responsible approach. Enjoy your stay in Anjou!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This picnic area offers you, at the edge of a pond, many tables, sheltered or not, very spaced out from each other, play structures for children, a mini golf (2€50 per game), barbecue.

Located in the heart of Angers, this popular city park is a delightvwith over 20,000 plants on display. Originally created in the 17th century and then redesigned in 1859 to be more ‘à la Française’, it is a great place for all the family and includes a fountain and bandstand for summer concerts.

The opening hours vary with the seasons, and there are regular new features and events... to make sure you have a delicious and tasty time! Weekdays (lunchtimes only): Menu of the day at €15 starter + main course + dessert Saturdays (lunch and dinner) and Sundays in summer: bistro menu. Our cuisine evolves with the seasons and changes regularly. All our dishes are home-made. At any time, throughout the week and especially in the evening: nibbles and BAR with a wide selection of drinks! From 01/04 to 31/10/2023, every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. From 01/11/2023 to 30/04/2024 Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 12pm to 3pm. Thursdays from 12pm to 3pm and from 6pm to 11pm. Fridays and Saturdays from 12pm to 3pm and from 6pm to 12am. From 01/05 to 31/10/2024 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm and from 6pm to 11pm. Friday and Saturday from 12pm to 3pm and from 6pm to 12am.

Wide choice of pizzas, salads, ice creams and drinks. Perfect for a gourmet break on the Loire à Vélo cycle route or during a discovery tour of Gennes-Val-de-Loire.

The restaurant has a capacity of 70 seats on the ground floor, accessible to people with reduced mobility. From April to September, a 25-seat shaded terrace is available. Plus: easy parking around the restaurant if you're coming by car... and close proximity to the Loire à Vélo cycle route if you're coming by bike!

Menus and special offers are also available: check the website for the current menu and special offers.

Ideal for a break on the Loire à Vélo, with something for everyone!

The establishment is located in the heart of Les Rosiers-sur-Loire, close to the Loire à Vélo cycle route. Easy access and parking, by car... or by bike!

Les Cocottes" is a warm and cosy restaurant serving bistronomic cuisine that pays homage to the recipes of our grandmothers. The dishes, some served in casseroles, are prepared using fresh local produce, and the menu changes with the seasons. Closed on Sunday and Monday.

We work with raw ingredients, our food is homemade (apart from the homemade ice creams), and so are some of our drinks (such as our punches and arranged rums). We work mainly with local farmers, market gardeners and producers. We generally mix traditional metropolitan French cuisine with French cuisine from the West Indies (Martinique), Khmer (Cambodian) cuisine, Vietnamese cuisine, etc., but we can also offer classic French cuisine. We like to have fun discovering new things and sharing them with our customers! Our restaurant can seat 24 people inside, and 24 outside on the terrace beside the Loire. Come and discover a cuisine made with passion and our love of good things in a relaxed and good-humoured atmosphere! See you soon, A Contre-Courant!

Millers from father to son for four generations, the Lauriou family prepares the local speciality, fouée (a small ball of bread baked in a wood-fired oven and topped with local produce), using their own millstone flour, just as they did in days gone by. The restaurant also offers a mobile oven, as well as occasional entertainment and themed evenings. By reservation only.

Local produce, good music and good fun.

Just a stone's throw from the Loire, between Angers and Saumur, the Gîte Au Bord de l'Eau welcomes you all year round, whether you're an individual or a business. Whether you're looking for a one-night stopover or a longer stay, the Gîte Au Bord l'Eau is ideal for all your group projects: school outings, company seminars, birthdays, cousin gatherings... Thanks to its function room and flexible accommodation, anything is possible. With a capacity of 1 to 60 people, the gîte is perfectly suited to group stays in a natural, peaceful setting. Put down your suitcases in complete peace and take full advantage of the exceptional surroundings. Ideally situated at the crossroads of La Loire à Vélo, the Vélo Francette and the GR3, the Gîte Au Bord de l'Eau is an ideal stopover for hikers, cycle tourists and travellers passing through by car. Stroll between the Loire and the vineyards, discover troglodyte sites, visit châteaux and sample local produce during your stay.

L'Angeline, overlooking the village of Gennes, offers bed and breakfast accommodation with magnificent views over the Loire and surrounding countryside. Formerly the priory of Saint Eusèbe, this farmhouse adjoins the church of the same name and the Mémorial des Cadets de Saumur. Ideally situated between Saumur and Angers, this guest house can be the starting point for many tourist and sporting circuits. You'll discover a wide variety of landscapes along the banks of the Loire, and an extremely rich and varied architectural heritage spanning centuries of history and human activity (menhirs and dolmens, troglodyte dwellings, amphitheatre and remains of a Gallo-Roman village, mills, châteaux, churches and priories, etc.). Until the 19th century, the Loire was the main, if not the only, route for trade and exchange - land routes were underdeveloped and unsafe. This was reflected in the transport of tuffeau - a noble limestone that is a sign of the Loire Valley's cultural identity - used to build countless stately homes, abbeys, towns and villages.

Ideally situated between Saumur and Angers on the Loire à Vélo and Vélo Francette® tourist routes, this campsite is ideal for cyclists, hikers and anyone interested in discovering the local way of life. The campsite on the banks of the Loire will provide you with quality services: - rental of comfortable mobile homes for family get-togethers, - lodge tents with practical facilities for friends, - bungalow hire, reminiscent of authentic camping, - Bivouacs on stilts for nature lovers and starry skies, - trekking tents for adventurers, not forgetting pitches for caravans, campervans and tents, and 2 new products for 2025: the cabanétape for a night in an all-wood cabin and the Maasaï tent set up on stilts 2 metres high with a view of the forest or the Loire! There's plenty to do close to the campsite, including an outdoor swimming pool just 100m away, hiking, canoeing, cruises on Loire boats, a visit to the Gallo-Roman amphitheatre, hot-air ballooning... and the market on Tuesday mornings. For a moment of zen, visit the relaxation area on the banks of the Loire. Relaxation and a change of scenery are guaranteed! At the campsite on the banks of the Loire, you'll find activities and entertainment for all ages: bike hire, multi-sports pitches (football, volleyball), a children's play area, table football, petanque pitches, table tennis, fishing and exploring the Loire by bike. Not forgetting an escape game to discover our heritage, an orienteering trail around the campsite, entertainment in July and August and themed evenings and meals... It'll be impossible to get bored at the campsite on the banks of the Loire!

The hotel offers an ideal setting for relaxation, with an outdoor swimming pool and landscaped grounds. The hotel offers light meals (from jars) from 4pm to 7pm. The hotel is located on the GR3 and very close to the Loire à Vélo cycle routes. Our team will be delighted to suggest visits, walks or activities. Three outdoor car parks are available, as well as a secure bicycle storage area. Catering available for groups, by prior arrangement.