Attractions & Activities in Western Loire

Western Loire is renowned for its fabulous châteaux, and they are undoubtedly one of the region's most popular attractions. The majority of these are open to the public, offering a variety of tours, and frequently additional features such as spectacular sound and light shows or historical re-enactments.

But there are also a host of other things to see and do here. No matter what your age or interests, you'll find plenty to keep you happily occupied. The region as a whole is extremely well organised when it comes to providing for UK visitors, and listed here is just a small selection of the attractions you can enjoy.

Most of these attractions offer a discount on purchases and entrance fees when you present a Brittany Ferries' Privilege Card. This card is free, and available to all groups and individuals booking a Brittany Ferries' holiday.

Quai de la Motte-Rouge
B.P. 50826
44008 Nantes
Tel: 02 40 14 51 14

From the heart of Nantes, cruise along the Erdre river for an excellent view of the many elegant 14th to 18thC chateaux and manor houses. Sightseeing cruises with full commentary  last 1 hour 45 minutes and are popular with all ages. It's also possible to take a lunch or dinner cruise at set prices - these must be reserved in advance.

Cruises depart at weekends in low season, daily in high season. Please phone above number for exact departure times and arrive half an hour before boarding time.

St Hilaire St Florent
49400 Saumur
Tel: 02 41 53 03 21

This is the first company to make the sparkling Saumur wine using the champagne method. They invite you to visit their amazing cellars and to both sample and purchase the produce.

Open all year 9.30am - 6.30pm. Closed Mondays low season.

85200 Fontenay le Comte
Tel: 02 51 69 99 41/02 51 69 17 95

This château has many interesting architectural features, and some rare collections of weapons, keys, paintings, and woodwork from the Château de Chambord. The residence is fully furnished with 17th & 18thC furniture and inhabited year round.

Open daily May to Sept 9am - 12 noon & 2pm - 7pm

30 rue Georges Clémenceau
85590 Les Epesses
(22k south of Cholet)
Tel: 02 51 64 11 11

Le Puy du Fou is an amazing 35 hectare medieval theme park which will appeal to all the family. Attractions include a falconry demonstration with the most beautiful birds of prey, an animated medieval city with magic show and knights fighting out the 'Battle of Donjon'. A visit after dark to watch the spectacular Cinéscénie show is a must.

Open daily 1 June to 15 Sept 10am - 7pm and weekends in May 10am - 7pm. There are special dates for evening shows in summer - please enquire direct.

49730 Montsoreau
(13k north-west of Chinon)
Tel: 02 41 67 12 60

This exceptional château/ fortress is in a superb setting overlooking the rivers Loire and Vienne. Your visit takes you through 16 rooms, each with a theatrical theme depicting the history and legends of the château. Montsoreau, with its small streets, alleyways and 15thC houses surrounding the château, has received the 'Most Beautiful Village in France' award.

Closed 15 Nov to 9 Feb. Open 9.30am - 7pm, 1 May to 15 Sept. 2- 6pm at other times.

49124 St Barthélémy d'Anjou
(8k east of Angers)
Tel: 02 41 3150 50

Learn about the making of Cointreau in a place where a production site and museum merge into one. Cointreau is a unique product with a worldwide reputation and a recipe kept secret for 150 years. The museum has a fabulous collection of objects, film and advertisements from days gone by, and a barman who will demonstrate how to sample the popular liqueur in many different ways.

Open all year with guided tours in English available at set times. Jul/Aug daily at 10.30am, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm. May/June/Sept/Oct weekdays 10.30am, 3pm, Sun 10.30am, 3.30pm, 4.30pm. Nov - Apr weekdays 3pm, Sun 3pm & 4.30pm.

Armour Museum
1043 rout de Fontevraud
49400 Saumur
Tel: 02 41 83 69 99

This museum with over 200 vehicles, takes you on a voyage through the history of armoured tanks since the first French model was built in 1917. It attracts a vast public of all ages including military specialists, enthusiasts and the plain curious alike.

Open daily May to Sept 9.30am - 6.30pm. Oct to Apr 10am - 5pm

Rochemenier
49700 Louresse
(15k west of Saumur)
Tel: 02 41 59 18 15

Rochemenier is a troglodyte (cave dwelling) village, open to the public since 1967. It consists of two ancient farms and outbuildings cut into the rock housing hundreds of agricultural tools and pieces of furniture. There's also an animal enclosure, an underground chapel, and a moderised troglodyte house showing how it is still possible to live in this kind of dwelling.

Closed Dec & Jan. Open daily 9.30am - 7pm Apr to end Oct. 2 - 6pm at other times of year.