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Sights
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There is so much to see in this region of the Loire Valley. Wherever you
look, the landscape is unspoiled and a plethora of charming villages and
towns add to the attraction of the area. The weather is generally clement and
temperate allowing for pleasant sightseeing. Within striking distance of Le Manoir and close to your wine tours are a
multitude of fascinating places to visit. Saumur itself could hold you enthralled for days as it did us on our
first visit. The town is famous for its centuries old buildings, churches,
mushroom caves, troglodyte homes and fine wines. It has over 50 national monuments as well
as chic shops and fine dining. Saumur is the equestrian centre of France and home of the crack Cadre Noir cavalry
regiment with its astonishing displays of horsemanship. There is usually
something going on with horses, from show jumping to military displays. If horses do not appeal try Le Musee Des Blindes (The
Tank Museum). It is dedicated to the history of tanks and has 250 armoured
vehicles on display. There are many more museums and art galleries to choose
from. Among the more famous sights are the Chateau of Saumur and Fontevraud
Abbey. The Chateau of Saumur, once a summer residence of the Dukes of Anjou,
is perched high on rocks on the banks
of the Loire. The views are splendid and the Chateau is now the town museum. Fontevraud Abbey located near Chinon was the largest monastic complex in
Europe and is where the Plantagenet monarchs, Henry II, his wife Eleanor of
Aquitane and their son Richard the Lionheart are buried, their tombs lying in
the heart of the Abbey Church. The Abbey`s surviving 12th century Romanesque
kitchens and the medieval gardens are unique in France. Doue-La Fontaine (Doue) is the rose capital of France and hosts a Rose Festival (Journees de la Rose) every
July when local caves are transformed by the most exquisite arrangements. The
Zoo in Doue is splendidly unusual. It utilises the local caves and houses some 500 animals. The attractive medieval walled
town of Montreuil Bellay is near. The large 14th century chateau is in
private ownership but can be visited. The chateau produces its own estate
wines that can be tasted. Most of the nearby towns have market days when the town centres come
alive. As you know, buying locally grown and produced food is a passion of
the French (and your hosts). The area is well served with cafes and
restaurants. The area is good for walking, cycling, horse riding and fishing. There
are official trails for walking and cycling
through the vineyards close to Le Manoir. There are nearby riding
schools. Tennis courts can be hired locally. Throughout the summer months local villages and towns hold events
including mushroom, ham and wine festivals. There is an annual, quite unique,
classic car Grand Prix through
the ancient streets of Le Puy Notre Dame. A marvellous spectacle enjoyed, not
just by the enthusiast but, by one and all. |
