What to do and see in Maine et Loire, Pays de la Loire: The Best Sights & Landmarks

Clairefontaine is an old barn (XII-XIVèmes centuries) of Cistercian monks transformed into a noble mansion by the late fourteenth century. It is located in a landscaped park with flower gardens and ponds. Many domestic animals live in Clairefontaine. The mansion, private and inhabited all year round, is fully furnished with furniture XV-XVII centuries eras. The interior tour of the mansion is only guided and lasts approximately a quarter past one. It takes place for individuals and groups all year round by appointement.

Parfum de France offers a wide range of top-quality French courses including super intensive immersion weeks tailored to corporate or individual students. The emphasis is on effective communication in practical situations All levels are welcome. The homestay is in the exceptional historical village of Fontevraud l'Abbaye in the heart of the Loire Valley

Have a break at the Park Center, in Montsoreau. A sensory scenography dedicated to landscapes’ history brings you to the edge of the Loire or in the forest at nightfall. Each year, discover a new thematic exhibition. Enjoy precious family moments thanks to animations. And ask for advices to prepare your stay or plan your trip. FREE ADMISSION

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.

This winery produces some of the most renowned wines in the entire Loire Valley.

Brissac is among the most impressive of all the Loire Valley Castles ! It is nicknamed " The Giant of the Loire Valley" !! And it is the home of the 13th duke of Brissac. It treasures inside a beautiful collection of ancient paintings and fine furnitures . The visit also includes the discovery of a unique private theater dedicated to Opera by a duchess of Brissac in the late XIX th century . Visitors will enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars of the wines produced on the estate ( especially the Rose of Anjou ) A beautiful landscaped gardened park of 200 are invites visitors to stroll alongside 5 romantic "promenade" ...

Site unique en Europe, la Mine bleue vous propose un moment inoubliable à 126 mètres sous terre dans une authentique mine d’ardoise. En plein cœur de l’ancien site minier, la visite guidée dans les galeries et chambres d’extraction vous invite à un voyage insolite dans le passé pour découvrir l’origine de l’ardoise et ses techniques d’exploitation. En surface, dans la continuité de la visite, vous découvrirez les grandes étapes de confection d’une ardoise selon les méthodes d’autrefois. « Débiter », « querner », « fendre » et « rondir », sont autant de mots avec lesquels vous pourrez vous familiariser, démonstration à l’appui.

Visit and guided tours of the chateau and grounds that have had castles since 1063. Open 10 - 6:00 pm (18H) everyday during spring and summer.