The Chateaux of the Loire
You may want to visit a chateau or two and there is plenty of choice.
Brissac Quincé, Saumur, Angers and Montreuil-Bellay are all well within an hour from us. Le Lude, Ussé, Chinon, Azay-le Rideau are about an hour and a half. Chenonceau, Amboise, Chaumont and others are a bit further again.
Brissac Quincé:
Tallest of all the chateaux in France with it’s seven stories and 204 rooms, is impressive. It has lovely grounds and a lake. Only 25 mins away. Wine tastings in the 11th century cellar.
Saumur:
Magnificent panoramic views over the town and river from the gardens.
A rare example of 14th century architecture amongst Loire chateaux it marks the end of the middle ages and the beginning of the Renaissance. As well as the Musée d’Arts décoratifs the castle houses the Musée du Cheval. Saumur also has a large tank museum, Le Musé des Blindés.
Angers:
Proud to display the biggest tapestry in the world in a specially built gallery providing ideal conditions, the Apocalypse tapestry is well worth a visit.
The gardens are interesting and a little bit unexpected, there is also a
medlar tree and vines growing on the ramparts.
Montreuil-Bellay:
The little town of Montreuil-Bellay occupies a very lovely site beside the river Thouet on the border of the Poitou and Anjou regions. Splendid views from the top of imposing walls. Pleasant gardens and remarkable furnishings are the main features of this fairy-tale chateau.