10 Things to do in Maine et Loire That You Shouldn't Miss

The apparent austerity of this shale and limestone fortress, which the young king Louis IX had built on the edge of his kingdom in the 13th century, contrasts with the tranquil grounds inside the castle walls and the pleasant residence of the Dukes of Anjou, composed of buildings constructed at the end of the Gothic era. To transform and embellish the castle into a more welcoming home for the Anjou court, terraces and gardens were laid out, galleries built and the gateway erected. The star attraction within the walls of the Château d’Angers is the Tapestry of the Apocalypse or woven in 1375. With its 104 metres in length, it is the largest medieval tapestry anywhere in the world. Open: > 2nd May to 4th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 5th September to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.

The former Toussaint abbey church, dating from the 13th century, was restored in 1984. It is now covered with a glass roof, an audacious feature of modern architecture, and houses the works of sculptor, Pierre-Jean David, known as David d’Angers (1788-1856). David d’Angers’ work is scattered throughout France and Europe. Therefore, the main interest of the gallery in Angers is that it showcases the quasi-totality of his sculptures as plaster models, the preparatory studies for the final work, the latter being cast in bronze or sculpted in marble and stone. An idyllic promenade where the light reveals the beauty of the sculptures!

Tourisitc visits of Ackerman's cellars in Saumur and tasting. A three-part visit at the heart of troglodyte cellars: a trip throughout history, an artistic experience and a break on the Loire river... Founded in 1811, Ackerman is the leading producer of Loire Valley fine sparkling wines. Situated in Saumur, on the banks of the Thouet river, a tributary of the Loire, at once informative and entertaining, the cellars of the House of Ackerman combine charm, heritage, and prestige. The wines of Ackerman are true to type, well-balanced and elegant. Thanks to a large selection of fine sparkling wines (Cremant de Loire, Saumur Brut) and Loire Valley still wines (Saumur-Champigny, St Nicolas de Bourgueil, Chinon, Sancerre...), you will be able to appreciate the prestige of a great brand which has seduced consumers world-wide over the past two centuries. Ackerman is bubbly, luminous and enticing. The House's still, sparkling, organic and alcohol-free wines are available at its boutique all year round. Discover Ackerman's world of wines.

La Maison d'Adam gives you the opportunity of discovering the art of more than eighty talented craftsmen from the Loire Valley and all around the world. Blown glass, ceramics, woodcraft, cast iron, bronze sculptures, all kinds of objects are gathered in this place full of magic. Guarantee and quality are our master words. La Maison des Artisans display a numerous choice of exceptional pieces, all of them unique, handcrafted and signed. Behind the cathedral Saint Maurice, right in the heart of medieval Angers, the historical building "Maison d'Adam" is not to be overlooked. As one of the most ancient halftimbered houses of France (15th century), it asounds the visitors with its looks and its beautiful sculptures carved in its wood.