In and Around Angers
Gateway to the Loire Valley
Angers is a wonderful visit, a little larger than Tours, its hold many surprises and is great for shopping with a number of designer and boutiques shops not found in other cities. The city if one of France's cultural treasures. The fortress chateau has magnificent views of the Maine from all of it's 17 towers. Parts of the chateau date back to the roman times. Don't miss the 'Apocalypse Tapestry' one of the city's most precious treasures.
Chateau Brézé
Promoted as a chateau under a chateau. It has been the home of many famous French families over the centuries. You can visit the underground passes that were built in the 16th century as fortification, as well as the ditches they measure some 18 metres deep and once housed a small village, the baker, weaver, wine caves and much more.
Entry is from 8.25€ depending on area you want to cover and is open from 1 Feb until 31 March until 6pm (closed Monday and from 12-2pm) then --
1 April - 30 Sept until 6.30pm continuously.
www.chateaudebreze.com
49260 Brézé
Parc Oriental de Maulevrier
An unexpected but beautiful park featuring Japanese theme designed and other symbols and design Asian. Visit the Bamboo forest ad other beautiful areas. Over 29 hectares, it was once part of the Chateau Colbert and became the Oriental Park in 1985. It is now recognised as the largest Japanese inspired park in Europe. It is particularly spectacular at night.
Entry 6€ free under 12 and 5€ (ages 12-18).
Closed from November until March 2009
www.parc-oriental.com
Maulévrier lies south of Maine-et-Loire.
Le Chateau du Plessis-Mace
Lots of different activities in the summer months for kids, particularly theatre skills and various workshops. While in French still entertaining.
Open early April until early September and during the school holidays in November and March. Closed Mondays (except in the months of July & August).
Adults €5.50 Child 7-12 €2.
Ask for your 'Piste de l'enfant Roy'
www.chateau-plessis-mace.fr
Le Musée des Beaux-arts
There are several galleries and numerous exhibitions held throughout the year. Located in the heart of Angers in a medieval building and other impressionable galleries it was restored as recent as 2004 and covers from 7,000m2. Temporary exhibition: Local artist, Daniel Tremblay until May 2009.
Open all year round however times do change from summer to winter. October - May 10am - 12 then 2pm-5pm. Summer all day from 10am till 6.30pm. Entry is 4€. Free for under 18s.
www.musees.angers.fr
Musée de l'Art et d'Histoire de Cholet
There's lots on offer in Cholet. Visit the Museum, home to local 18th Century artist, Pierre-Charles Trémolières, and other local artists. There's a fine recount of the Vendée wars although in French. The town is known for its production of textiles and still produces fine hankies and other french labels such as Catimini, a lovely childrens' clothing line.
www.ville-cholet.fr
Cholet
For Kids and Kids at heart
The French love their adventure parks, lots of climbing, swinging from branch to branch, there are probably 5 such places in the Loire Valley. This one is close to Angers. Why go? If you like a little family adventure, you can choose from a kids or adult 'piste'. There's also a nocturnal walk for 6 or more.
Tariff: Adults €19 Child: €16 under 14 €12.
www.parcanjouaventure.fr
Les Sablieres 49000 Ecouflatn t: 02 41 968 968
Chateau de Bauge
The chateau is approximately 40km east of Angers. One unusual highlight is the 'Apothicairerie' with over 600 different treatments for various illnesses. There was also a famous 'Battle of Bauge' fought on the bridge in 1421. Re-enactments are played out each summer.
Tariff: Adults €7 Children €5
www.chateau-bauge.com
Musée d'art et d'histoire, Place de l'Europe, 49150 Bauge
Chateau Serrant
Close by to the beautiful Chambre d’hotes, Chateau L’Epinay, lies this beautiful historic chateau open to the public. You can take a short one hour tour when all the history of the chateau is explained. In summer months, night tours are available.
Open from March to June 9.45am to 12 then 2pm – 5.15pm. July and August all day.
www.chateau-serrant.net
Route national 49174 St. Georges sur Loire t: 33 (0)2 41 39 13 01