Tourism: Discover the region
There is a huge range of things to do and see in our region – the châteaux, the abbeys, the homes of Rabelais or Balzac, picturesque villages, vineyards and wine cellars, troglodyte mushroom farms…
Spend a day at the zoo, play golf, enjoy the cycling trails, have a swim, rent a canoe, there is lots to do!
The main attractions at a glance...
Not to be missed
Fontevraud Abbey
25 min
23 km
Old monastery founded in 1101 was the centre of the Order of Fontevraud. Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and their son Richard the Lionheart were buried here in the 12th century.
Royal Fortress of Chinon
25 min
22 km
Medieval fortress of great historical importance perched high over the town and the river Vienne. It was Henry II of England’s residence from 1156 until his death in 1189
Château of Azay-le-Rideau
30 min
25 km
One of the most popular châteaux of the Loire valley, it is on an island on the Indre river. Built in the 16th century, it is a prime example of french renaissance architecture
Château of Villandry
25 min
26 km
Villandry has, above all, one of the most stunning french gardens, rivalling that of the château of Versailles. Phillip II of France met Richard I of England to discuss peace here before the current construction.
Château of Langeais
20 min
16 km
Langeais was rebuilt in the 15th century by King Louis XI. It is a renaissance château overlooking the Loire and has 15 richly furnished rooms and one of the most complete set of tapestries of the ‘Nine Worthies’ in the world.
Château of Ussé
35 min
22 km
The inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle in the Charles Perrault fairytale, Ussé is 15th century château renovated over the 16th/17th century resulting in a renaissance/gothic style overlooking the Indre river.
Golf de Loudun-Fontevraud
25 min
Designed in 1985 by Hubert Chesneau(architect of the Ryder Cup and Olympic course used at the Golf National), it has the 18-hole course, a pitch and putt, a driving range and a practice green
Saumur
30 min
28 km
Rich in equestrian history and centre for national equestrian excellence, apart from the galas, the château of Saumur (which was rebuilt by Henry II of England) overlooks the town and the Loire and the surrounding vineyards.
Doué-la-Fontaine Zoo
45 min
Voted Europe’s second best zoo, there are 2000 animals and more than 130 species. Set in old stone quarries, the unique setting takes you through 7 hectares of diverse scenery and other-worldly troglodyte tunnels.