Maine-et-Loire
Maine-et-Loire, located in the heart of the Loire Valley region Pays de la Loiretakes its name from the Maine and Loire rivers, which meet at its capital, Angers. The department is distinguished by its rich heritage, whether natural, cultural or gastronomic, and offers a wide range of activities and places to explore.
This guide invites you to explore the Maine-et-Loire with its diverse landscapes, chateaux, vineyards, festivals and picturesque towns and villages. Whether you're looking to relax, enrich your culture, indulge in sporting activities or indulge in gourmet delights, the Maine-et-Loire, with its many attractions, is sure to captivate you.
Maine et loire - Discovering nature and parks
Maine-et-Loire, a department teeming with natural riches and endowed with exceptional parks, promises fascinating discoveries. Whether you're a botany enthusiast, a cyclist or a garden lover, these three exceptional sites are sure to captivate you.
Parc Terra Botanica
Terra Botanica, Europe's first park dedicated to the world of plants and biodiversity, located in Angers, offers a fun and educational exploration of five diversified thematic universes.
With over 500,000 plants from the four corners of the globe, the chance to observe exotic butterflies, attend shows, try out attractions such as the walnut shell journey or virtual reality immersion, and even fly over the park in a hot-air balloon, Terra Botanica guarantees wonder and learning for young and old alike.
Cycling on the banks of the Loire
La Loire à Vélo is a 900-km cycle route that follows the Loire, France's longest untamed river. It offers panoramic views of great diversity, dotted with majestic châteaux, charming villages and enriched by exceptional gastronomy.
This itinerary lends itself perfectly to discovery at your own pace, allowing you to choose your preferred stages while benefiting from services designed for cyclists, such as accommodation, rental and repair points, etc. Cycling the Loire à Vélo is a unique way to immerse yourself in the natural and cultural heritage of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The gardens of Château de Brissac
The historic residence of the Dukes of Brissac since the 16th century, Château de Brissac, reputed to be the highest in France with its seven floors and 204 rooms, is open to visitors all year round.
Its sumptuous gardens, extending over 70 hectares, are the perfect complement to the splendor of the château. Here, among roses, century-old trees, fountains, sculptures and a labyrinth, the gardens form a setting of tranquility and beauty, ideal for strolling in the sun or shade, as you prefer.
Cultural and historical heritage
The Maine-et-Loire department boasts an incomparable cultural and historical heritage. Whether you're a lover of art, architecture, literature or horse-riding, three emblematic sites await you.
The Château d'Angers and its Apocalypse tapestry
Perched high above the city and the Maine River, the Château d'Angers is a 13th-century fortress built by the Dukes of Anjou. Today, it houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the Musée Jean-Lurçat. Among its treasures, the Apocalypse tapestry stands out as the world's largest surviving medieval tapestry.
Commissioned by Duke Louis I of Anjou in the 14th century, this work depicts the 90 scenes of the Apocalypse of John in richly colored and detailed wool and silk. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2023, the Apocalypse tapestry is a masterpiece reflecting the prestige and cultural wealth of the Anjou dynasty.
The Cadre Noir de Saumur and the Cavalry Museum
The Cadre Noir de Saumur embodies the excellence of French equestrian teaching, a heritage handed down by the instructors of the École Nationale d'Equitation. Named after the black outfits worn by its riders, since the 19th century it has been a vehicle for traditional French horsemanship, recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO.
Guided tours of the facilities, demonstrations of skills and equestrian galas are offered to the public. Nearby, the Musée de la Cavalerie exhibits the history of the French cavalry, as well as objects, emblems and works of art, in the former stables of the Cadre Noir.
If you're passionate about military history and horse-riding, these places are a must-see.
Charming villages such as Montsoreau and Candes-Saint-Martin
Among France's most beautiful villages, Maine-et-Loire is home to Montsoreau and Candes-Saint-Martin, two jewels on the banks of the Loire. Montsoreau is renowned for its Renaissance château overlooking the river, immortalized by Alexandre Dumas in "La Dame de Montsoreau".
Candes-Saint-Martin boasts a Romanesque church and the tomb of Saint Martin, with panoramic views over the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers. This impressive architectural heritage is complemented by characteristic tufa stone houses. Hiking, cycling, boating and gastronomic exploration enrich the experience. The villages of Montsoreau and Candes-Saint-Martin invite you to enjoy a peaceful and rewarding getaway.
Maine et Loire - Gastronomy and vineyards
Maine-et-Loire is the ideal destination for food and wine lovers. The department offers a rich palette of tastes, from cheeses and pastries to charcuterie and fruit. Three places are a must for a complete gourmet experience.
Anjou and Saumur wine tasting
Considered among the jewels of the Loire Valley, the wines of Anjou and Saumur are seductive in their variety. With white wines ranging from dry to sweet (such as Savennières, Coteaux du Layon or Bonnezeaux), fruity and light rosés (such as Cabernet d'Anjou or Rosé d'Anjou), supple, richly-aromatic reds (such as Anjou-Villages and Saumur-Champigny), not to mention refreshing effervescents (such as Crémant de Loire or Saumur Brut), this region is a wine-lover's paradise. The Route des Vins de Loire offers a magnificent route for meeting winemakers, discovering cellars and enjoying the viticultural landscapes. The Maisons des Vins d'Anjou and Saumur, meanwhile, offer privileged access to 28 appellations, with tastings and various oenological activities.
The Cider Route of Cornillé-les-Caves
Maine-et-Loire also celebrates cider, a traditional drink made from local cider apples. The Route du Cidre, a 25 km route through the six communes of the Baugeois region, is an excellent way to explore this tradition. Between cider factories, orchards and presses, discover farmhouse ciders, pommeau, as well as artisanal apple juice and vinegar. The village of Cornillé-les-Caves, with its impressive troglodytic heritage and tufa stone galleries, adds undeniable charm to this excursion.
Culinary specialities not to be missed
A land rich in gastronomic tradition, Maine-et-Loire is bursting with specialties to savor. Plum pâté, a unique dessert with Reine-Claude plums between two layers of puff pastry, goat's cheese varieties, ideal with a dry white wine or rosé, and rillauds, pieces of preserved pork belly, to be enjoyed with a green salad or in a fouée, are all dishes to be discovered for an authentic culinary experience.
Maine et Loire - Conclusion
Maine-et-Loire, a rich department of opportunities, invites you to unforgettable discoveries. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a cultural scholar or a gourmet, this is the place to be. Come and explore diverse landscapes, majestic chateaux, charming gardens, picturesque villages, enriching museums, vibrant festivals, as well as exquisite wines and delicious gastronomy.
Accessible all year round, Maine-et-Loire is perfect for family getaways, adventures with friends or solo travel. Don't delay, plan your stay in Maine-et-Loire now. One thing's for sure: you'll leave with unforgettable memories!
FAQ
What are the largest towns in Maine-et-Loire?
Angers, Cholet and Saumur stand out as the largest towns in Maine-et-Loire, according to 2007 data. They have populations of 157,175, 53,936 and 26,215 respectively.
Where is 49?
Code 49 refers to the department of Maine-et-Loire, part of the Pays de la Loire region. It essentially represents what was once the province of Anjou.
Why do we say Maine-et-Loire?
The term Maine-et-Loire comes from the names of the two rivers - the Maine and the Loire - that cross the département. Its name, adopted in 1791, succeeds that of Mayenne-et-Loire, originally chosen in 1790.
Where to go for a walk in Maine-et-Loire?
The Maine-et-Loire region offers a wide range of walks, to suit all tastes. Among them, the Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine, a zoo set in an exceptional troglodyte environment, is home to over 1,000 animals and is actively involved in preserving biodiversity through educational activities.
The Parc Oriental de Maulévrier, meanwhile, is Europe's largest Japanese garden, promising a relaxing escape amid landscapes inspired by Japan. It offers guided tours, workshops and various cultural events.
