In the Western Loire, history has not been consigned to museums. The past is very much alive, with châteaux and gardens, historic towns and villages ready to welcome you. Sitting astride the Loire, we, too, have our great châteaux.
Some are medieval fortresses, such as the fortresses in Angers and Nantes, others are 17th and 18th century Renaissance gems, such as le Plessis Bourré, Brissac and Le Lude. All have witnessed major events, from political struggles to more cultural revolutions.
The most elegant are built in creamy tuffe, the local limestone; the most menacing are in dark granite. Many are still homes, with grand interiors. Architecturally, our churches and cathedrals are among the finest in France.
Fontevraud is the largest monastic complex in Europe, with its famous Plantagenet tombs. Solesmes is known internationally for its Gregorian chants, still sung daily. See other marvels in Le Mans, Evron, La Ferté-Bernard, and Guérande...
Then there are the curious troglodytes! Our limestone cliffs have long provided shelter, so there are homes, underground restaurants and even a gite that you can rent for a unique experience. One love we share with the British, is a passion for gardening.
At Doué la Fontaine, don't miss the roses, especially in June; Maulévrier boasts one of the finest oriental gardens in Europe; at Coëx, follow your nose in the Jardin des Olfacties, a garden dedicated to perfume and the senses. The Western Loire's cultural importance has recently been recognised by Unesco, who has classified our section of the Loire Valley, from Montsoreau to Chalonnes-sur-Loire (Anjou), as a World Heritage area
For more on the historical sites of the Western Loire region, visit www.westernloire.com
