Maine-et-Loire Holiday Guide
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A department offering wonderful holiday opportunities
Maine-et-Loire is an inland department, yet one which offers tremendous holiday possibilities. The classic landscapes of rolling countryside dotted with fabulous chateaux and heritage towns is quintessentially French, and the culture, way of life and gastronomy all add to the appeal.
Top 5 things to see and do in the Maine-et-Loire
1. Visit the castles
The classical chateaux of the Loire valley are yours for the taking here - well, open to visitors anyway. There are so many splendid examples to choose from, make it a chateau-touring holiday and see them all.
2. The Cadre Noir
The equestrian supremacy of the Cadre Noire (an equestrian team of elite riders based in Saumur) is revered throughout the world, so take this opportunity to see it all up close. The partnerships demonstrated between man and horse by these expert riders and horsemen will take your breath away, as will the beauty of the horses.
3. Chemins de la Rose
Calling all romantics - don't miss out on a visit to delight the senses at the Chemins de la Rose - which translates to "the way of the rose". The stunning rose gardens at Doué la Fontaine are inspirational, whether or not you are a horticultural expert.
4. Play golf
The department boasts several excellent golf courses, so take your clubs and enjoy a round or two. Or make it a dedicated golfing holiday - the courses and the climate are just perfect for indulging a passion for golf.
5. See the textile museum of Cholet
Cholet is known for its textiles, and more specifically, for its signature red and white handkerchiefs, a symbol of the town. The textile museum in Cholet is a very interesting place to visit, especially for those fascinated by the industrial and economic heritage of these towns and their traditional crafts.
Top 5 towns and cities in Maine-et-Loire
1. Angers
Angers, historic city and capital of the Maine-et-Loire, is a city filled with heritage. Beautiful period buildings, museums, monuments and cultural activities positively burst from the city, and a day simply isn't long enough to see everything.
2. Cholet
Cholet, capital of the handkerchief, has a long tradition of textile making and weaving. It's a pretty town, known for its flowers and green areas, and offers plenty of original buildings to see. Attractions include the Textile Museum and Bluebeard's Castle - the latter being the one time home of the sadistic Gilles de Rais.
3. Saumur
Saumur, often known as the Pearl of the Maine-et-Loire, is a stunning town with history and heritage enough to keep you coming back for more. A wonderful chateau is one of the more obvious attractions, but the mediaeval buildings and period features will charm you everywhere you go. Saumur is also well set up to cater for a tourist's every need, and has plenty of good shops, hotels and restaurants to help you enjoy every moment in the town. Don't miss out on a visit to the world famous Cadre Noire Equestrian Centre either, set on the edge of town.
4. Montsoreau
Montsoreau promises, by dint of its listing as one of the most beautiful villages in France, to charm and delight. A fairy tale white chateau is the crowning glory, but every inch of this pretty town deserves to be savoured.
5. Doué la Fontaine
The rose capital of France, Doué is famed for its rose gardens (Chemins de la Rose) and is worth a visit for these alone. The little town has all amenities, and is a pleasant place to stay, being a good holiday base for seeing many of the best highlights of the department. Nearby you can take the kids to an excellent zoo or explore the troglodyte dwellings found just outside the town.
Food and drink in Maine-et-Loire
The department is most notable for its wines, with the delicious rosé of Anjou being one of the best loved. More filling delights from Maine-et-Loire include tasty chicken dishes, with turkey, guinea fowl and capon as alternative favourites.
How to get to Maine-et-Loire
To get to Maine-et-Loire, fly to Rennes (Flybe), Nantes (Air France, Ryanair, easyJet) or Tours (Ryanair), all in neighbouring departments. The airport at Angers within Maine-et-Loire does not currently have direct flights to/from the UK. Rail travel is also possible, with TGVs arriving at Le Mans, Angers or Nantes. Should you prefer to travel by ferry, St Malo is the nearest port.
