The Loire by Bike – Unbeatable views over the Loire to discover
A real international tourist route dedicated to cycling tourism, this route of more than 800 kms links the Atlantic Ocean to Nevers.
The “Loire by Bike is part of a European itinerary, EuroVélo, that links the Atlantic to the Black Sea.
A chance to discover the richness and diversity of the Loire Valley by bike while following the Royal River and re-energise in the middle of a lively, cultural and exceptional landscape.
Perfect for gentle rides or a long-distance trek, the itinerary allows visitors to discover the landscape including castles, abbeys, picturesque little citadels as well as the vineyards and all the protected natural areas.
La Loire à vélo will also take you through historical towns: Nantes, Angers and Saumur.
The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud – outstanding religious heritage
Founded in the 12th century, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is the largest monastic complex in Europe.
Triumphant witness to a rich past, it offers visitors a superb assortment of architectural styles.
A burial place for Plantagenet monarchs, it houses the gisants (funerary sculptures) of Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and Isabelle of Angoulême.
In addition to visiting an exceptional site, you also have the opportunity to experience an extremely varied cultural programme:
Exhibitions, concerts, conferences, meetings, film, etc. Large periodic events punctuate the year, blending shows and creations by artists in residence, debates and animated film.
Chateaux and wines
The Loire Valley boasts many treasures, some of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, as well as countless Chateaux and Monuments that majestically unfold across the beautiful tableau of land and water.
Such emblematic Middle Ages figures as the chateaux of Angers, from the Duchess Anne at Nantes or Saumur; splendours of the Renaissance such as the chateaux of Brissac or Montsoreau.
The art of winemaking is also one of the finest treasures in the Loire Valley.
The area’s wine producers have created the Wine Route. The richness of its heritage and flavour of its ‘terroir’ may be explored and enjoyed by car, bicycle or on foot along the vineyard paths.
Pays de la Loire is France’s third most important wine producing region, with its sweet (Coteaux du Layon), dry (Savennières, Muscadet) and sparkling (Saumur Brut) white, red (Saumur-Champigny, Anjou-Villages, Mareuil) and rosé wines with 68 prestigious AOC accreditations.
Chateaux : visit the website
Wine : visit the website
Puy du Fou
Larger-than-life and constantly refreshed! Be bowled over by the sheer extravagance of a 30-year-strong show that has always had something new on offer. Whether you step into the shoes of an explorer in search of the secrets of the Puy du Fou, with 4 stages to discover (Rome, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and Fantasy Forest) or those of a key eye-witness of grandiose scenes of a recreated Vendée war, you’ll fall well and truly under the spell of an immense wonderland powerfully blending nature, history, action and thrills. Get stuck into an exciting adventure with « The sign of Triumph » , new for 2011, in the new Gallo-Roman Stadium !