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La Mabonniere
Soulvache
Loire Atlantique, Pays de la Loire
This two bedroom, detached cottage has been converted from a farm building that is adjacent to the owner's 17th Century farmhouse. Located just one kilometre from the sleepy village of Soulvache the cottage can accommodate four to six guests comfortably. Set in 4.5 acres of grounds amidst picturesque and very peaceful countryside this delightful holiday accommodation offers the ideal retreat. Follow the link for full details and owner contact information for this cottage in the Loire.
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Soleil Gite near Saumur
Maine et Loire
This 3 bedroom Gite is a former wine-making barn and can be found nestled amongst the vineyards of the Pays de la Loire. Surrounded by countryside filled with sunflowers and maize as well as the vines providing a beautiful backdrop to this delightful area in the Parc National. The semi-circular kitchen, with original flag stoned floor and wine press, is fully fitted and benefits from an eight burner range-style cooker. The swimming pool is situated in a large garden with patio and sun-loungers and receives sunshine from early in the morning until late into the evening. Follow the link for full details and contact information regarding this Gite in the Loire.
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La Ferme Gite
Mayenne, Pays de la Loire
Located approximately 1 kilometre from Ruille Froid Fonds, a petite village in the Mayenne department of the Pays de la Loire this rural Gite is set in almost 2 hectares of lush countryside. La Ferme is on the same site as the owners house being part of a small complex. The gite benefits from three bedrooms that sleep up to a total of eleven persons and features a games room, summer house and a swimming pool.
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A Sample of Attractions From The Pays de la Loire
by Sue & Jon Fletcher of Les Fleurs Holiday Gites
Although the immediate surroundings of Les Fleurs exudes an aura of tranquillity, we do appreciate that not everyones ideal holiday is spent soaking in the peace of a quiet garden or lazing in the sun. Fear not however, as the surrounding area has more than its fair share of attractions to entertain, from the cultural to the educational, the adventurous to the sublime. The region produces many exquisite wines from the world renowned Saumur Brut to the lesser known but delicious wines produced by the smaller wineries such as Jacki Clee's Domaine du Moulin de l'Horizon. This includes several traditional wine producers, who will welcome you with a visit around the caves where they produce the wines, followed by tastings and the opportunity to buy at far cheaper prices than in the UK. Appointments are necessary for many of the visits to the wineries and we will happily arrange these for you Alternatively, if time is limited or you have small children who say "not another one!!", we can arrange a mixed case from several producers for you to try. Simply tell us the type of wine you like (on which, the price will naturally vary) and we will have your case ready and waiting
The region offers so many varied and beautiful places to visit that you will want to return time and time again. You can see everything from a rose garden (Les Chemins de la Rose) at Doue La Fontaine, to a Tank Museum at Saumur For somewhere out of the ordinary, why not pay a visit to MUSEE DU CHAMPIGNON just five Kilometers from Saumur? A centre that cultivates 75% of the country's mushrooms!! You will visit the tufa caves, an experience never to be forgotten where the gourmets amongst you can enjoy a varied mushroom meal at lunch time.
Futurscope at Poitiers is a theme park packed with thrills and despite being an ideal day out for the children, it has plenty to entertain the 'big kid' in anyone with adventures for all ages. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary and seek thrills, this is the place for you. Check out their website at http://www.futuroscope.com. The night shows are fantastic.
On the South Bank in the suburb of St-Hilaire-St-Florent is the ECOLE NATIONALE d'EQUITATION ( the National Riding School) where the prestigious Cadre Noir stage very exciting equestrian shows. For more information, The Loire is world famous for its beautiful Chateaux, very many of which are open to the public and should not be missed.
The historic towns of Amboise, Blois, Saumur and Beaugency are jewels in the Loire's crown and therefore worth visiting Saumur, which is only a 15 minute drive from the gite is a beautiful town, bordering the Loire river where there are many pretty walks to amble along. A visit to the Chateaux is a must, there is an optional 90 minute guided tour which covers the porcelain and equestrian exhibits The 'Parc Mini Chateaux' at Amboise is a revelation. Go along and marvel at the 44 chateaux in miniture which grace the Loire. Gasp in admiration of workmanship and the care taken building these fantastic 'mini' chateaux. Everything is laid on for you to enjoy: a fantastic meal either in the restaurant, sandwich bar or picnic area. Chateau Villandry; The elegance of the renaissance. Villandry is renownedfor the harmony of its architecture and its gardens and is the last of the great Renaissance Chateaus built on the banks of the Loire and less than 45 minutes drive from the gîtes. The area boasts, golf courses, riding, fishing, swimming, cycling, canoeing and wonderful walks.
The Zoo at Doué La Fontaine is world famous. The animals are housed as near as possible to the terrain they originate from. The zoo boasts a very successful breeding programme which reinforces how happy and contented the animals are. You can even feed a vulture from your hand!!
Saumur has a small but very friendly airport, where it is also possible to buy fuel if you have flown yourselves in. Parking is cheap and the people couldn't be more helpful in providing a high quality aeronautical service. It is also possible to book parachute tandem jumps or lone jumps, or organise a complete parachute training course.
Doue la Fontaine
Located between the North Loire and South Loire, Doue is in the heart of the Loire, a town rich in history and formed by it.
20 to 25 million years ago the present location of the town was covered by the Falun Sea, as the sea seeped away it left a thick layer of fossilized limestone. We have discovered many fossils in the gardens of the gites and some of these are on display in the office/shop.
The name Doue came from Theoadus, “The Ford of God” which, in 814 appeared for the first time as Doue. Louis the Pious, son of Charlemagne, had a residence here, and whilst living here he discovered that on the death of his father he would become king. In the 10th Century the royal residence was known as Carolingian House, it was, unfortunately burned to the ground.
In the 16th Century the open-air theatre, known as, les Arnes, was built on the site of old quarries.
The 18th Century was a prosperous time for the inhabitants of Doue and it was thanks to Baron Foullin, Lord of Doue, in 1765, that the town acquired a national reputation. The Baron was one of the first victims of the Revolution. His chateau was destroyed and the superb stables now house the museum.
Doue was very wealthy and prosperous in the 18th Century. Agriculture, craftwork and pre-industrial activity were very important. There were 20 fairs and large markets held every year and the Monday market was established as long ago as 1841.
The town gradually expanded through the centuries and today the inhabitant’s number almost 8,000.
Places to Visit.
Place de Fontaines:-The Baron had two pools built side by side, only one still exists and can be found outside the Tourist Information Office.
Collegiale Saint Denis:- 10th Century ruined church, the stones were plundered for various constructions, until a halt was called.
Rue des Perrieres:- A wonderful place for a stroll. Roses blossom all along this rue and mingle with troglodyte dwellings. Please do not pick the flowers.
La Cave aux Sarcophagus:- Monolithic sarcophagi of the 5th and 6th Century.
Zoo:- A world renowned zoo and well worth a visit. The animals are housed in wonderful surroundings, quite unlike anything you will have seen before.
Swimming pool!!:- An open air swimming pool in the heart of Doue.
These are just a very few of the places to visit in this lovely town
CHINON.
Chinon is a picturesque and historical little town of 10,000, on the banks of the river Vienne, 45 kilometers south of Tours in the heart of Touraine, which is called the "Garden of France" and the "Cradle of the French Language".
The town has many bars and restaurants where one can sit in the sunshine and enjoy a wonderful meal washed down by a local wine and watch the world go by. Alternatively, take a picnic and enjoy it on one of the many benches facing the river. Pick a wonderful cake from one of the fabulous patisserie and savour every mouthful as you take in the wonderful view along the river.
There is a magnificent statue of Joan of Arc in a square facing the river. It depicts Joan on horseback leading a charge into battle. If you look carefully, as you walk around the town you will see various points, where it is claimed Joan watered her horse, or dismounted etc.
Once a month the town hosts a Brocante Market, see our notice board for further information.
Sitting high on a plateau, a huge castle dominates the entire town. The chateau Chinon was built on the site of a Gallo-Roman castrum as a fortified stronghold byTheobald 1, Count of BloisThis chateau, was built for the first time in stone in 954 By Theobald I, Comte de Blois, on a steep plateau. The stronghold, which replaced a lighter wooden structure, the passed to the rival Comte d"anjou, Geoffroy Martel in 1044.
This Old city is located nearby Chenonceau and Montpoupon , on the bank of river Cher. The square keep which stands above was built in 1010 by Fulk Nerra ...
The Comte d"Anjou was the first to join the walls of the two original defensive structures as well as adding towers and the chapel of St. Melanie. The far east wing was added by Henry II Plantagenet Until 1205 he and his descendants continued construction work, adding the fortress to the east and the internal chapel, the mill tower and the numerous reinforcement towers.
In the 12th century Chinon, located in Anjou in present day France, was a primary residence of Henry 11 (Angevin King and King of England) and served with Poitiers and Bordeaux as a key southern capital of the vast Angevin holdings. Henry was responsible for construction of almost all of the massive chateau, built over 1,300 feet long and 250 feet wide with a clock tower (14th century) rising 115 feet high. King Henry, his wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine and their son King Richard the Lionheart were all buried at nearby Fontevraud Abbey.
The castle is divided, along its length, into three enclosures, each separated by a deep dry moat. The easternmost is known as Fort St.-Georges, the central called the Château de Milieu, while the westernmost is known as the Fort du Coudray. In the early 13th century, following the Capetian annexation of Anjou , a cylindrical keep similar to those at Rouen and Paris , was added by Phillip 11 Augustus of France to the entrance of the Fort du Coudray.
In the keep or donjon called the Tour de Coudray, Templar knights were imprisoned during the brutal suppression of the Templar Order that occurred in 1307.
Chinon once was the residence of the King of England, Henry II Plantagenet, when that part of France was under English rule. It became the residence of Charles VII, the heir of the throne of France in the early 1400's, and was where the legendary Joan of Arc came to recognize him and raise an army to liberate the country from the English domination. Chinon is also the birthplace of François Rabelais, the renaissance man, monk, doctor, philosopher, and writer, creator of Gargantua.
The château was a residence of Charles V11 the dauphin of France in the early 15th Century. It is the place where Joan of Arc came on March 8 1429 to recognize the dauphin and to urge him to declare himself king and raise an army to liberate France from the English. Jeanne d'Arc visited the Dauphin CharlesVII in Chinon at the beginning of his reign on March 8, 1429. She recognized him hiding among his court members in spite of his disguise, which he put on to test her. In 1429 , the young Joan of Arc recognized the King of France among 300 courtiers and told him she was a "Messenger of God" ...and the king believed in the courageous girl's mission to defeat the English forces....
In 1429 ,the young Joan of Arc recognized the King of France among 300 courtiers and told him she was a "Messenger of God" ...and the king believed in the courageous girl's mission to defeat the English forces....
She helped him reconquer his kingdom from the English invader. For almost a hundred years, Chinon profited from the fact that it had become the capital of the kingdom. The legendary Joan of Arc was later captured and burnt alive at the stake in the city of Rouen in 1431. She was barely 20 years old..
In 1562 the château came into the possession of the Hugenots and was turned into a state prison by Henri 1V of France . After that it was abandoned until 1793 when, during the Reign of Terror, the castle was temporarily occupied by Vendeans. Soon though, it was left to decay until Emperor Napoleon 111began a partial effort at restoration.
Today, it is managed by the Town of Chinon and is a major tourist attraction.
Chinon was also the birthplace of Francois Abelard , (c1493 – 1553) a renowned Renaissance writer, famous for his Gargantua series.
Chinon is the setting for the historic fiction story The Lion in Winter.
In La Devinière, a nearby hamlet, stands the house where the poet Rabelais was born (c.1490).
Places to visit either in Chinon or close by.
Château d'Usse , SW of Tours, a romantic, fairy-tale château overlooking the river Indre, Open:Mid Feb - Mid Nov:daily Tel: +33 (0)2 47 95 54 05
Château de Langeais , SW of Tours, a superb château built for defense purposes by Louis XI.
Open:Daily Tel: +33 (0)2 47 96 72 60
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau , S of Tours, called a "multi-faceted diamond" by Balzac this superb Château is a must on the list of Loire attractions.
Open:Apr-Sep: daily; Oct-Mar: Wed-Mon Tel: +33 (0)2 47 45 42 04
Château de Villandry , SW of Tours, the last great Renaissance Château built in the Loire Valley - a true gem!
Open:Feb-Mid Nov: daily Tel: +33 (0)2 47 50 02 09
La Deviniere Seuilly, visit the birthplace of Francois Rabelais the 16th century writer, priest & doctor.
Open:Daily Tel: +33 (0)2 47 95 91 18
Tour's history & archaeological musuem housed in the Renaissance home of a former silk merchant.
Open:Daily Tel: +33 (0)2 47 66 22 32
Château de Chinon, 37500, a huge medieval fortress once favoured by the Plantagenet Kings.
Open:Mar - Oct: daily Tel: +33 (0)2 47 93 13 45
Musee anime du Vin 12 rue Voltaire, Chinon, 37500, an interesting insight into how wine and wine barrels are made including tasting of course!,
Open:Easter - Sep: daily Tel: +33 (0)2 47 93 25 63
Musee des Beaux Arts 18 Place Francois Sicard, Tours, 37000, is set in an 18th century archbishop's palace with worthy paintings by Mantegna taken from Italy by Napoleon, Open:Wed-Mon Tel: +33 (0)2 47 05 68 73
Saumur.
Saumur town has numerous cafes, bars and restaurants to suit all tastes and wallets!! The shopping is very good and markets are held throughout the week, the largest being held on Saturday. On the build up to Christmas the town takes on a wonderful glittering array of lights and an open air ice rink is laid behind the tourist information office.
There are many events held throughout the year in this historic town. The world famous Cadre Noir riding school is open to the public at certain times of the year and they also stage spectacular shows.
A wonderful way to view the river in all its glory is to take one of the many boat trips which begin their journey from various points along the Loire.
A good way to see the town’s historic sites would be to begin in the centre of town, the Place Saint Pierre with its beautiful 12th century church. A sloped street, bordered with houses with wooden overhanging roofs, will take you to the entrance to the chateau. There are numerous cafes and bars in the ‘Place’.
Alternatively, there is a car park to the east of the Chateau. A short walk through the chateaus vineyards brings you to a pretty bridge which will take you across the moat. Be sure and take a look at the remarkable stone-lined ramp that leads to the chateau the beautiful flamboyant Gothic staircase in the courtyard, the curious machinery of the goods lift with its gears the oubliettes and the superb view of the town and the river. Inside, there is a Decorative Arts museum as well as an Equestrian museum. There is an entrance fee to the chateau and an additional fee for entrance to the two museums.
Built at the junction of the Loire and the Thouet rivers, the former Carolingian city is known for its fortifications built by Thibault, the Count of Blois, in the 10th century. In 1026, the town passed into the hands of the Count of Anjou, the famous Foulques Nera and then on to his Plantagenet heirs. Philippe Auguste, the King of France and a Capetian brought into the hands of the crown.
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Les Fleurs, Lys
Near Saumur, Maine et Loire
Lys has been sympathetically renovated and has wonderful views from the mezzanine, over the vineyards and countryside. Lys is perfect for two people. The lounge is very comfortably furnished, having a TV, DVD, hifi, DVD's, books and games. The delightful kitchen / dining room is open plan. The kitchen is fully equipped with washing machine, dishwasher, fridge, cooker and microwave. French doors lead onto a very private patio with BBQ and garden furniture. 4 STAR French Tourist Board Rated
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Chez Tara
Vouvant, Vendée
Chez Tara is a lovely 3 bedroom detached cottage with a private garden full of character set in the Vendée countryside 2kms outside the beautiful village of Vouvant with shops, supermarket, bars and restaurants. Tara has a large lounge-diner with English TV a large fireplace with a wood burner nicely decorated and furnished, there's a well equipped fitted kitchen with washing machine microwave and a full size cooker with oven.
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By road, the region of Pays-De-La-Loire is easily reached in a few hours from any of the Channel crossings, though the ports of St. Malo and Caen (sailings from Portsmouth) offer the shortest drive. Nantes also has an airport. Pays de la Loire includes the part of the Loire valley downstream from Saumur. The ancient houses of Anjou and Plantagenet held sway here, and history lurks on every corner.
In the areas surrounding Nantes and Le Mans, the cultural influences of Brittany and Normandy are strong. The countryside is rich in historical gems and natural beauties away from the better-known attractions of the Loire valley itself that are just waiting to be discovered.
Click below to view properties in a department within Pays-de-la-Loire
Vendée | Sarthe | Mayenne | Maine et Loire | Loire Atlantique | view all...
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