Parc Miniature Pierre et Lumière & Musée du Champignon
Combine these two underground visits. The first is a series of stone sculptures of famous Loire Valley attractions, the Cathedral and a panoramic view of Angers. Opposite, see how hundreds of different species of mushrooms are grown underground, then exported globally. Both attractions are on the banks of the Loire close to Saumur.
April 1 to 30 September 10am – 7pm then
Feb-Nov 10-12.30 then 2pm -6pm.
www.pierre-et-lumiere.com
St Hilaire St florent, Saumur
Chateau de Beauregard
This chateau is still a residence although it is open to visitors. You can view the grand cuisine, private salons, wonder the garden, and if you’re a group of 25 of more book lunch.
I would combine this visit with another attraction in Blois.
8 Feb – 31 March every day except Wednesdays then 1 April 30 June, daily 9.30a to 12 then 2pm to 5.30pm
www.beauregard-loire.com
Chateau de Troussay
One of the smaller chateaus of the Loire. It is still lived in so only six rooms are open to the public. It would be one you would combine with your visit to Chateau Cheverny perhaps.
Open 1 April - 30 May 10.30am 12.30 then 2pm – 5pm. 1 July 31 August, 10am – 6.30pm. Entry 5€
no site yet
Troussay t: 01 45 04 21 58
Chateau Montsoreau
A small bit intriguing chateau in one of France's "Village de charme'. This is the vilalge where the Loire and the Vienne rivers meet. You can rest and enjoy refreshments from a nearby cafe. There's a very fine restaurant, 'Diane de Meridor' situated on the path leading up to the chateau for those looking for 'refined dining'. The last Sunday of each month there is a very good brocante.
Hours of opening are a bit irregular:
March : weekends only 2pm - 5pm
April: Daily from 2pm - 5pm
May - Sept: everyday from 10am - 7pm
Oct-Nov: daily 2pm - 5pm Phew!
www.chateau-montsoreau.com
You can't miss it dominates: Montsoreau
Incredible craftsman at work
The co-operative 'Vannerie de Villaines' employs over 100 wicker makers who weave quality baskets and other wicker products. You can visit their studio Mon-Sat 9-12 then 2-7pm. Unless you are after a wicker basket its a little out of the way. But you will find quality and understand a traditional employment for this area.
About 5 km from the town of Azay-le-Rideau.
www.vannerie.com
1 rue de la Cheneillere 37190 Villaines-Les-Rochers
Touraine Wine Museum
This one is for wine buffs. A small entrance fee is charged for a historical recount of wine in the Touraine. Items from guilds, cenology, wine-growing, a few ceramics and glassware. These displays take place in in the 13th century wine cellars of the St. Julien Church.
Open all year from 9.00 -12.00 a.m then 2.00 - 6.00 p.m Closed Tuesday and 1st Jan, 1st May, 14 July, 1st Nov, 11 Nov, 25 Dec.
www.ligeris.com
16, rue Nationale, Tours t: 02.47.61.07.93
The Cathedral
The cathedral is best seen at night. Once inside you can only marvel at the 12th and 13th century stained glass and admire the collection of ancient musical instruments. There are many restaurants in the nearby rue Colbert.
www.paroisse-cathedrale-tours.cef.fr
Place F. Sicârd, Tours
Chateau Saumur
This grand Chateau as it still under major renovation, which I believe will be complete mid 2008 early 2009. You can visit the exterior but not the interior rooms. Dating back to the 10th century this would have to be one of the oldest in the Loire. There are nearby cafes and restaurants for a snack and the town of Saumur has wonderful little antique shops and worth exploring.
Open: 1 April to the 30 September -- Tuesdays to Sundays, from 10 am to 1 pm and from 2 pm to 5.30 pm. Garden, view and exhibition rooms. In July and August : Guided tours in French or in English (30 minutes) included in the entrance fee 3€ children under 11 free.
www.saumur-tourisme.net
Saumur