The Angers, Le Mans and Tours Triangle
Find the right place on the map and there are three beautiful historic French cities to visit within 40 minutes, and be right in the middle of beautiful rural countryside.
For those who like city life, Angers, Le Mans and Tours have plenty to offer. All three have new and efficient tram systems with good parking facilities included in the very low fares. It is a great way to reach the heart of these cities, enjoy a leisurely meal and see the sites, or even some shopping. Angers, in particular, is regarded as 'chic' by the French and has some wonderful shops and restaurants.
Couple that with proximity to the wonderful vineyards of the Loire Valley, the majestic River Loire, fields of sunflowers, apple orchards, and forests and you have a recipe for a taste of the real France. The River Loire epitomises the heart of the area and its pace reflects ‘La Douceur Angevine’, the name for good living, locally grown food and a gentle lifestyle.
The smaller towns have charm of their own too with golden tuffeau stone buildings reflecting the gentle light of the area. Saumur, Bourgueil and Langeais are all worthy of a visit, all three have great markets, an odd chateaux or two and plenty of vineyards, mostly owned by small viticulteurs who give you a warm welcome.
Saumur has a striking chateau perched above it. The town is animated with bars, restaurants and boutiques. Alternatively, stroll by the river to see the Hotel de Ville, where there are three different and distinct periods of architecture in the facade 1502, 1856 and the last century. Worth a wander along to, to see the old red light area where the houses have been renovated by local artisans. A fantastic market on Saturday and home of the famous training school for the French cavalry. A visit to Combier for their famous Triple Sec, sparkling wines and Saumur Champigny, makes Saumur worthy of including in your holiday plans.
There is a very pretty drive along the south banks of the River Loire to Montsoreau, before which you can see troglodyte dwellings and one area even with boutiques and a restaurant carved into the sides of the coteaux (cliffs).
From Montsoreau a short detour takes you to the Abbaye de Fontevraud, to see the tombs of the Plantagenêts, Aliénor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lionheart, Henri II and Isabelle d’Angoulême. A strong historical line with England and some beautiful architecture. The village has cafés, restaurants and some artisan boutiques, as well as a savonniere making French soaps.
Further along on the north side of the River Loire is Bourgueil. It has a very popular market on Tuesdays, where everyone shops for their fresh produce or a chance to catch up on the local news from friends. The area is well known for its red wines, Bourgueil and St. Nicholas de Bourgueil. As well as the wine, there are two specialities, the famous Galette Bourguelloise and the lesser know Tarte des Vignerons.
10 reasons to visit and fall in love with this area?
Space and quiet roads.
Packed with chateaux and history.
A gentle and peaceful pace of life.
Small and sometimes sleepy villages.
Markets brimming with local produce
Good restaurants at reasonable prices.
Heaps of chateaux and some spectacular gardens.
Forest tracks close by for walking and cycling.
The bustling and infectious friendly atmosphere in the markets.
Fresh croissants from the boulangerie, delicious gateaux.
Oh – and as a bonus you can also cross the Meridian line!
Les Mortiers, 49390 Parcay Les Pins, France
Jean and Mike Brookes
00 33 (0) 2 41 82 60 34
Websiter:- www.frenchholiday.co.uk
Twitter:- @Frenchholiday