Welcome to Angers Loire Valley! CONTENTS At the heart of the Loire Valley, a Unesco World Heritage site, the Angers Loire District Council and 11 cities and villages all work together in the field of tourism. BÉHUARD 3 BOUCHEMAINE 4 BRIOLLAY 5 CANTENAY-ÉPINARD 6 ÉCOUFLANT 7 FENEU 8 LES PONTS-DE-CÉ 9 SAINTE-GEMMES-SUR-LOIRE 10 SAVENNIÈRES 11 TRÉLAZÉ 12 VILLEVÊQUE 13 ANGERS 14 Photo credits : Cover : Arnaud Poirier / Mairie de Villevêque. Back cover : Mairie de Béhuard, Mairie de Bouchemaine, Mairie de Briollay, Mairie de Cantenay Epinard, Mairie d Ecouflant, Mairie de Feneu, Mairie des Ponts de Cé, Mairie de Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, Mairie de Savennières, Mairie de Trélazé, Mairie de Villevêque, Angers Loire Métropole, Angers Loire Tourisme, F.Tijou, JD Billaud. Graphic Design : T. SAUVAGE. Printed by ABELIA Print run : 6000 copies 2012. To preserv the environment this document is printed on 50% FFC and recycled paper.
BEHUARD The sumptuous light of the Loire in Anjou BOUCHEMAINE A confluence town It offers multiple charms and hosts many visitors who are particularly attracted by Notre-Dame-de-Béhuard, a 15th century chapel built on a rocky outcrop. One of its walls is actually made out of the rock itself and its shape meant that the two naves had to be built at right angles to each other. The central nave is overlooked by a gallery surrounded by carved stalls representing ribald figures typical of 15th century art. The altar made out of Mauges granite blends harmoniously with the outcropping bedrock. The nave, choir and side chapel are covered with a roof structure which looks like the upside down hull of a boat. Two outer stairs lead to the chapel where visitors will find much to admire, from stained-glass windows, a locally venerated statue and a Peace bell to galley slave chains and polychrome sculptures of the Virgin Mary and Saint Michael Registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Béhuard is the sole village along the river Loire, which is also an island. About twenty kilometres southwest of Angers, the river splits in two to form the island. Béhuard has a year-round population of about a hundred and is the smallest cité de caractère (a label meaning village of character ) in Anjou and Pays de la Loire. The trail named Flânerie autour de l île gives walkers the opportunity to observe a host of beautiful birds terns, grey herons and corn crakes and admire an array of trees, shrubs and climbing plants willows, pollard ash trees, hawthorns and wild clematis. An incomparable setting Discover the exceptional scenery of Bouchemaine, along the banks of the Loire, where four villages each display very individual characteristics. Pruniers, a green neighbourhood whose local history mixes reality with the realms of imagination. Le Bourg, where you can take a stroll along the Quai de la Noë and see remarkable exhibitions. La Pointe: a former fishing village, which sees the revival in summer of a Roaring Twenties atmosphere at a guinguette (a guinguette is a riverside open-air restaurant with live music and dancing). Finally, the so-called Hameaux testifies to the local agricultural life. Bouchemaine belongs to the Loire Valley area registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List as a living cultural landscape. www.ville-bouchemaine.fr Bouchemaine: enjoy the pleasures of the river, the wildlife and the countryside Bouchemaine offers a large range of water activities such as fishing, riverboat and canoe trips, or taking a dip in the open-air swimming pool. Bouchemaine also boasts green areas and landscapes ideal for picnics, such as the park of Petit Serrant; the Loire à Vélo towpath for cycling right along the river; and a network of way-marked footpaths for great hikes. At La Pointe, explore the recreational sentier d interprétation (footpath) that is also an educational facility. Take a peek at the production of local artist craftsmen. And don t miss the new Maison des chasseurs (Hunters house) path with its information boards on the nature and wildlife of this outstanding spot spreading over more than 25 ha. 3 www.behuard.mairie49.fr 4
BRIOLLAY A window on the natural world CANTENAY-ÉPINARD In the heart of the Lower Valleys of Anjou CANTENAY-EPINARD - 2,200 inhabitants - is located on the northern outskirts of Angers (Exit n 16 on the A11 MOTORWAY, 4km from Angers by the D107 secondary road). Two kilometres east lies the town of CANTENAY where the first historical settlement was founded, as evidenced by the remains of an ancient 11th century Romanesque church. In celtic, Briollay (Bria Letus) means bridge over the Loir, a name that highlights the strategic importance of this area located at the confluence of the Loir and Sarthe rivers and once owned by the Earls of Anjou in the Middle Ages. Far from the hustle and bustle of humanity, the vast flood-meadows that are under water every winter offer an exceptional feeding haven for migratory birds. In the upper part of the town visitors can enjoy the botanical garden, and can pick and taste various red berries depending on the season. On the riverbanks, a pedagogical wild flower pond is gradually being created. Old buildings enthusiasts will admire the 12th century courthouse on the church square, as well as some ancient dwellings that bear witness to feudal times. Shady picnic areas with tables and barbecues are available for those wishing to relax by the riverside. You can also visit the duck shed by appointment at the town hall. Younger children can take advantage of the outdoor play equipment. Briollay is also an angler s paradise with two wellstocked rivers offering many fishing locations. A motorhome parking facility including a covered picnic area and disabled toilets can host 30 people a day while hikers may choose to follow one of four footpaths starting from the beach. In July and August, holidaymakers will appreciate the river shuttles travelling from Angers to Briollay three times a week, as well as sports activities (archery, Nordic walking, canoeing ). www.briollay.fr The town s charm emanates from its location in a green setting in the heart of the Lower Valleys of Anjou. Bordered by two rivers, the Mayenne to the West and the Sarthe to the East, this area is partly submerged during the winter floods. However, what can be considered a drawback has the advantage of creating protected areas for the flora and fauna. Thanks to the Natura 2000 Networking Programme of the European Union, these areas offer migratory birds a stopover point along their migration route. Thousands of birds such as teals, black-tailed godwits, greylag geese and corncrakes stop here to feed and breed Some species, like the grey heron or the Northern lapwing, have settled and now stay all year round. On their way to CANTENAY-EPINARD, visitors first come across EPINARD by the Mayenne. The charm of this rural town comes from its church, the rue des Vallées (Valley street), the riverbanks promenade On the edge of town is a relaxation/ picnic area for everyone to enjoy. The two rivers provide an outstanding fishing venue for amateur anglers, as can be seen from the numerous boats gently swaying with the stream. Finally, hiking enthusiasts will enjoy three footpaths through the surrounding countryside (maps are available at the Information Booth or town hall). www.cantenay-epinard.fr 5 6
ÉCOUFLANT Between land and water FENEU Living to the rhythm of the Mayenne Relaxation, leisure, walking why not come and visit us! The town is located in the very middle of the Lower Valleys of Anjou, facing Saint Aubin Island, in the immediate vicinity of Angers. This former fishing village owes its distinctive character to the river Sarthe and its name to its location at the confluence of three rivers: the Sarthe, the Vieille Maine (Old Maine) and the Loir. The town is a conservation area of the Natura 2000 networking programme an E.U. programme and can boast a rich and diverse natural and built heritage. Les Sablières Park The lake with its beach and bathing spot supervised from mid-june to late August is an ideal place for a swim under the shade of large trees. Feneu (2,168 inhabitants) is located on the outskirts of Angers, 9km from the A11 motorway that links Paris and Nantes. Its built heritage is historically rich and includes châteaux and ancient dwellings: the Château de Montriou with its so-called Chapelle des Trois Marie, a scheduled monument from the 15th century, and splendid vegetable gardens; the Château de Sautré, a 12th century fortress built on a rocky spur as a defence against Norman raids. By the river Sarthe Enjoy one-day or half-day kayaking trips www.kayakecouflant.com 02 41 34 56 38 The floating landing stage, a mere 100m from the town and its amenities, provides angling amateurs with easy access to the river and is equipped with a fishing platform for the disabled. Walkers have a choice of three hiking trails following a former towpath: Le Halage (6km), Les Sablières (12km) and the GRP (long-distance footpath) of the Lower Valleys of Anjou. In the heart of the Sablières woodland, the Parc Anjou Aventure is a tree tops trail, with trees over 20 m above ground level. www.parcanjouaventure.fr 02 41 968 968 Pony rides will take you along numerous wooded trails. poneyclub@sfr.fr 06 10 31 89 12 Festival Aux Arts Etc This admission-free festival, created in 2003, takes place during the last weekend of June. It features concerts and street theatre in a friendly atmosphere by the Sarthe riverbanks. Ecouflant town centre 02 41 41 10 00 Shops & restaurants Le Bourg: Visitors will delight in Saint Martin Church which shelters a 1693 Pieta originally kept in the 17thcentury Chapelle des Vignes and the Town hall, formerly the largest presbytery in Maine et Loire. Feneu has a rich natural heritage, especially its bocage a terrain of mixed woodland and pasture near the Lower Valleys of Anjou. Nature lovers will appreciate the lush wetlands, home to many species of birds as well as squirrels, hares and roe deer. Feneu can also be called a town where the horse is king as it hosts a horse-riding school and several race horse-training centres. Feneu offers a range of events and activities throughout the year: La Brocante (a flea market) in early April, a theatre festival, the World Music Day, a choral society, the Festival de la Jonglerie (a juggling festival), and in September, the Triathlon with over 500 competitors. Finally, Port Albert is worth seeing, nestled as it is in a bend of the Mayenne. This leafy spot by the river appeals to a variety of visitors: families looking for a picnic area, walkers, motorhome users In July and August, this small haven is a stopover point for river shuttles coming from Angers, whose passengers have the opportunity to discover Feneu s cultural heritage and enjoy what s on offer at the Guinguette. Port Albert is also the starting point of a network of waymarked trails and bike trails hybrid bike and mountain bike alike linking four small towns (38km). www.feneu.fr A snack bar, bakery, minimarket, post office with an ATM, two family restaurants between Le Bourg and Angers (Les Arcades & Les Glycines) as well as picnic areas near the floating landing stage and the Sablières. 7 www.ecouflant.fr 8
LES PONTS-DE-CÉ A town straddling the Loire amidst a natural setting A town steeped in history Built wherever the whimsical river Loire allowed as it cut new channels for itself, Les Ponts-de-Cé really is a chain of islets bathed in everchanging colours. Going from one neighbourhood to another is like reading an open book of the local history that owes so much to the river. Listed as an ancient monument, the castle of King René nowadays houses an outstanding museum of headdresses (600) in the keep tower. Throughout the year, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions and topical events. On Ascension Thursday, the castle moats celebrate the Baillée des filles, a medieval fair created by René of Anjou. www.ville-lespontsdece.fr A Loire-side town Located in the heart of Anjou and Val de Loire on the outskirts of Angers, Les Ponts-de-Cé is a UNESCO World Heritage. You will enjoy kayaking trips on the last european free-flowing river for one, two days and more with or without a guide. A 7-kilometer off-road bike trail called Loire à vélo, will give you the opportunity to watch undisturbed wildlife and flora. Stroll along the river, ride your bicycle or go horse riding along the towpaths ; the waymarked GR3 footpath south of the town ; or the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela. A town dedicated to leisure During the summer, entertainments and shows are staged in the castle moats. On the first weekend of July, Les Traver Cé musicales, is a festival programming music styles from all over the world. On July 14th, a dazzling display of fireworks is followed by the traditional Bastille Day dance. In July and August, guided tours Nos échappées belles are organised in partnership with Angers Loire Tourisme. Other events in the late summer include the Fête des pommes cuites and Cé l automne. In the heart of the historical town, the riverside 3-star campsite offers a calm, family atmosphere in a nice shady setting. Near the campsite, the 3,000 m 3 bathing spot is just what you need with many water games and a separate paddling pool for younger children. SAINTE-GEMMES-SUR-LOIRE Its gardens Flower arranging is allowed free expression everywhere in town, from private to public gardens and floral display competitions. From the town centre to the Château de la Roche Morna; the presbytery gardens and their flower terraces; the Clos des Vignes Mediterranean garden; and the Cesame park planted with magnificent century-old trees, visitors strolling along the riverbanks will have their senses thrilled by the many species growing there in ideal conditions. A varied and rich architecture The 11th century church built on a shale outcrop overlooking the river Loire; the embankments; the beautiful dwellings of Port Thibault; the gazebos, chateaux and wind mills all reveal an outstanding built heritage. The flower of the river Loire 10 kms of riverbanks, a natural heritage worth discovering Just south of Angers, snuggled between two rivers, the Maine and the Loire, Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire enjoys an outstanding natural environment and geographical location. The town is part of the Loire Valley, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Loire à Vélo bike trail and hiking trails give interested visitors the opportunity to enjoy its natural beauties and cultural riches. Horticulture, a way of life The natural environment is very favourable to flower production, actually a key sector of the local economy. Horticulture and market gardening indeed play an important role both economically and in giving a cultural identity to the town, which has become a flower production centre of worldwide reputation. The 500 ha of agricultural land form the so-called Green Triangle whose long greenhouses and lined up potted plants stretch as far as the eye can see. Events not to be missed Changing seasonal events are held throughout the year. The World Music Day and the painting and sculpture exhibition; the Gemmoiseries and Saint Cecile s Day; the theatre festival, carnival and the magic of Christmas time; all those events not to mention many others carry on the festive tradition so dear to the inhabitants of Sainte Gemmes. 9 www.ville-sainte-gemmes-sur-loire.fr 10
SAVENNIÈRES A delectable viilage TRÉLAZÉ Slate centre of France The age-old exploitation of schist has shaped the landscape of Trélazé. Today, the disused opencast quarries, slag-heaps and numerous pit-head frames nowhere in France are there so many still standing bear witness to this ancient history. However the mines continue their activity and the Angers-Trélazé Slate mining company produces high quality slate of world renown, mostly used for the restoration of Historical Monuments and landscape architecture. Savennières AOC wines The Savennières vineyard goes back to the beginning of the Christian era. For nearly two thousand years now, it has yielded very fine white wines with excellent keeping qualities AOC is short for Appellation d Origine Contrôlée, meaning the wines have been awarded a legal guarantee of origin and quality. Savennières wines have enjoyed outstanding success among the great and the good throughout the centuries. They gain their aromas and flavours from the unusual soil types schist, crimson sandstones and volcanic rocks of three sunny hillsides sloping down towards the river Loire. The Chenin grape, little known elsewhere in the world, excels here for the production of dry, semi-dry and sometimes even sweet whites. Wine is an integral part of the local culture, and visitors will discover its delightful attractions during the many cultural events hosted throughout the year in various venues of striking interest and beauty: gastronomic and literary festivals, concerts or plant fairs. Savennières also offers: Two Boule de Fort clubs, la Bonne Tenue at Epiré, and la Concorde at Savennières introductory courses to this regional indoor bowling game available on request. A countryside campsite, a cookery workshop, shops, horticultural farms (direct sales of plants), bed and breakfast accommodation, bike tours along the river Loire, a pony-riding club. The Slate Museum The Slate Museum introduces the visitor to the history of slate mining and the way of life of the miners, with live demonstrations of their skills. The museum shop offers a selection of handcrafted slate objects. 32 chemin de la Maraîchère - 02.41.69.04.71 museedelardoise@wanadoo.fr www.lemuseedelardoise.fr The Loire à Vélo bike trail Trélazé is a privileged stopover along the Loire à Vélo bike trail offering a great combination of historic and natural features, wild scenery, footpaths and even a ferry across the Authion, a small tributary. Experience spectacular scenic vistas of the town from La Brémandière or La Porée viewpoints. Take a breath of fresh air with family or friends! On the outskirts of Angers, try the 50km loop bike trail. For a complete itinerary of the Loire à Vélo bike trail, see : www.loire-a-velo.fr Eventful days in Trélazé There are many cultural and sporting events throughout the year. From June to September The summer Festival Estival, features free concerts to suit all tastes, with world-renowned tops artists, whilst a host of concerts, performances, exhibitions and top-level sporting events (a marathon in May) are scheduled throughout the year, against the backdrop of the local industrial landscape. In the vicinity of Savennières: The island of Béhuard, the Corniche Angevine, a picturesque road along the river Loire, the Château de Serrant www.savennieres.com www.trelaze.fr 11 12
VILLEVÊQUE Where nature and culture go hand in hand Located right in the middle of the Lower Valleys of Anjou, Villevêque is a cultural tourism destination. During the Renaissance, the bishops of Angers had aptly enough elected the village as their summer residence: on the banks of the Loir, Villevêque offers indeed a relaxing outdoor atmosphere for the whole family. You will also be thrilled by NOV Art, a contemporary art trail focusing on twelve or so international artists who are invited to display their work in the town historical centre. Artists and experts offer guided tours combining the pleasures of art, cultural heritage and the great outdoors. Urban Escapade in ANGERS A city of art and history, Angers has many stories to tell. You will love the capital of Anjou! Its colours : the blue of its slates roofs, the green of its plants (40m² per inhabitants) the white of freestone, the origin of the characteristic light that draws you back. The tourist information office provides guided tours as well for visitors to meet and experience country living on a Lower Valley farm. Besides the Lower Valleys and the river Loir are a great playground for adults and children alike and Villevêque has a wide range of summer outdoor activities supervised by professional instructors, including canoeing and Nordic walking. The beach with lifeguard surveillance in the summer months is just a terrific place to laze about in the shade of the pollard ash trees! Also available are a picnic area and a play area for children. Its diverse moods : medieval, Renaissance, urban, Ligerian and rural Its old town : the château-forteresse tells story of King René. The Apocalypse tapestry and the Musée Jean-Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine evoke its weavers. The Plantagenet gothic style of the cathedral of Saint- Maurice and the magnificently restored Musée des Beaux-Arts will nourish your passion. The Doutre District : is timber-framed houses, its mansions, its residences in typical Angers style, its numerous parks and its gardens and the calm of the bank of the Maine will enchant you. Come soon to experience the story of Angers! 13 www.villeveque.fr www.angersloiretourisme.com 14
THE RIVER SHUTTLES Throughout the summer, set off on board the river shuttles and let yourself be carried away towards the Loire and Basses Vallées Angevines (Anjou wetlands). Choose your own programme for the day Embark from the river port of Angers aboard a traditional Loire Boat known as gabare or toue : the river shuttles invite you to discover 11 towns and villages among the tourist attractions of the Anjou region. A range of different destinations to choose from with family or friends : on the Mayenne, Sarthe and Loire rivers. It is possible to load your bikes aboard (free by prior arrangement), which allows you to enjoy the local heritage to the utmost after disembarkation. You can also return to your point of departure on foot by following the various walking routes shown on a map that is handed out by the bargemen as well as by bus or on the river shuttles. From june to september Informations and reservations : Angers Tourist Information Centre + 33 (0) 2 41 23 50 00 or + (0) 2 41 23 50 02 Prices : 4 / 3 Photo credits : Angers Loire Tourisme, Fotolia, E.Caracciolo, G. Lebras, JD Billaud, Mairie des Ponts-de-Cé.