What's On?
Lots! Here at Le Chant you're rarely short of things to do. We're right in the centre as a family holiday destination. There are castles, theme parks, museums, art galleries and shopping to be had within a short drive in any direction. There's history, culture, music and adventure to be had too!
Le Chant d'Oiseau is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, in Department 49, Maine et Loire.
It's a rural idyll, situated in the heart of the countryside between the villages of Mouliherne and Vernantes. We love it here, the skies are bluer, the grass really is greener, and the night sky is so dark and the heavens seem so close you could reach out and touch the stars....
The lake at Mouliherne (Plan d'Eau) is perfect for relaxing. Why not take the kids to the play park there and enjoy a picnic for lunch? Whether fishing, walking or lazing on the small beach. Situated about half a mile from the village, there are boules courts, picnic benches and a huge wooden 'barn' where events such as barbeques and pig roasts are held. Visitors to the area are welcome to join in. Nathalie at the local shop usually has tickets for sale to the public functions. The highlight of the year has to be Bastille Day (July 14th). There's a spectacular fireworks display arranged each year, along with entertainment, disco, hog roast and much, much more.
Both Mouliherne and Vernantes have a selection of village shops; including traditional boulangeries for your fresh bread and morning croissants. There's a small, but well-stocked supermarket in the village at Mouliherne owned by Nathalie et Gilles, whilst a larger Super U is 5-minutes up the road in Vernoil. There are ample local restaurants to try in the area, (we particularly recommend Le Pélican in Vernantes and l'Art O' Base crêperie in Mouliherne). Alain et Isobel will welcome you to Le Manureva (formerly Le Café de la Poste) bar/bistrot opposite the monument in Mouliherne, and there are also a few welcoming 'bars' in Vernantes, where you can relax, sip a cold one and watch the world go by...
Saumur
Saumur is the nearest large town, approximately 20 minutes drive from Le Chant. The majestic Chateau de Saumur overlooks the town from its vantage point high above the mighty Loire. Remember when you were a child, and you had a vision of a fairytale castle? See it for real in Saumur!
Chateau de Saumur. The town is rich in medieval architecture, the Chateau being the focal point. Narrow backstreets lead to quaint bars, and 'undiscovered' restaurants, where you can sample the local seafood & mushroom delicacies. Saumur is famous for it's 'champignons', indeed there are even museums dedicated to all things funghi, set into the cliffside just outside town. A fascinating guided tour of the mushroom growing caves culminates in a delicious meal in the restaurant, again set into the cliffside, with a wonderful view over the Loire.
If you have a passion for all things equine, then Saumur is where you'll want to be. Visit the National School of Equitation, home of the world-famous 'Cadre Noir' Equestrian Display Team. The troop was founded in 1828, and gets its name from the black uniforms that are still used today.
If military history is your thing, then you'd better head for the 'Musee Des Blindés'; the tank museum. The building houses a fantastic collection of fighting vehicles from the earliest contraption to modern day behemoths! There's also a beautiful 'old-fashioned' carousel here, which will delight the kids....young and old!
If it's wine you're interested in, then the Loire has much to offer. Saumur has its own 'appellation', the Saumur Champigny. Head out of town towards Souzay Champigny to find cave after cave of vignerons, all eager to have you taste for free, buying if you like what you taste. Saumur is also where you'll find the 'Méthode Champenoise' sparkling wines from manufacturers such as Gratien & Meyer. These wines are made in the same way as Champagne, and indeed it's said that the Loire is where the method was invented and refined! Traveling down and across the Loire to Bourgueil lands you among red wine country. Mile after mile of land given over to the grape! There's a superb wine market held each August here. Well worth a visit!
Angers
The 'county town' of Maine et Loire has many hidden treasures. Built during the ten-year period 1228 to 1238, the enormous and remarkably well preserved Chateau d’Angers presents an intimidating sight as you approach and cross the drawbridge. Designed very much as a military fortification and not, as many Loire chateaux were, a place of gracious living, its seventeen towers still bristle defiance. This, in spite of the fact that the now dry moat is these days bright with colourful flowers and well-tended lawns.
On display inside the château is one of Angers greatest treasures – the magnificent red, blue and gold, exquisitely threaded Apocalypse Tapestry. Depicting a series of truly dramatic scenes from the Book of Revelations, approximately a quarter of this 14th century masterpiece was lost or destroyed during the French Revolution. However, the remainder, which is divided up into six main sections, still makes up a staggering total length of 338 feet
In addition to a splendid Musée des Beaux-Arts housed within one of Anger’s finest mansions, the city also has a number of interesting alternative museums. Various themes include the early days of aviation, the local slate mining industry, and the history of communications. Just on the outskirts of Angers is the Cointreau factory and museum. Here you can sample this most famous of liqueurs, and learn how it is distilled.
Angers may be an ancient city, but there is no shortage of elegant shops, stylish restaurants, and entertaining theatres. Should you wish, there are also a variety of options for taking to the water on the Maine River – everything from small boats for individual hire, to larger vessels offering cruise and dine tours of the local sights.
Cholet
Cholet is around an hours drive away from Le Chant d'Oiseau, and is the home of one of the most exciting theme parks in Europe. The 'Grand Parc Puy du Fou'.
"There is a magical land where time has gone out of control. Gladiators still do battle and Vikings continue to launch their attacks on fortified castles. There is a different era in each village. There are minstrels in the heart of the woods and master falconers in the meadows. This huge area covering 40 hectares is the Grand Parc Puy du Fou."
At night, after the excitement of the staged battles and jousting competitions, the Grand Parc becomes the setting for one of the best 'Son et Lumiere' shows in Europe-The Cinéscénie!
"The Cinéscénie was created as a dramatic choreographed performance following the story of the Maupillier family, who represent the Vendée people as a whole. It is 1916. All the action revolves around a conversation between Jacques Maupillier and an old travelling merchant. The traveller, who embodies the memory of an entire people, is telling young Jacques the story of his ancestors. From the Middle Ages to the Second World War, the old vagabond goes through the eras one by one, with all their joy and pain. And with each century that he unfurls appear astounding sets and characters by the thousand.
Seven hundred years are translated into an intense sweeping epic, lasting almost two hours, that is the only one of its kind in the world."
Tours
Tours is the nearest large city where you'll find some amazing shopping, markets, and an abundance of restaurants and bars.
In the pedestrian area of Rue de Bordeaux, from the magnificent train station to Rue Nationale, you'll find dozens of mall-type shops and department stores selling clothes, shoes, jewelry, leather goods, and the like. Up Rue Nationale toward the river are more stores, more upscale boutiques, and a small mall with chain boutiques. Rue Nationale continues across the river, but turn left on Rue du Commerce toward the old town centre. You'll want to explore the streets and courtyards for regional specialties, books, toys, and crafts. A hotbed for antiques is east of rue Nationale (toward the cathedral), along Rue de la Scellerie. The architecture spotted along the riverbank is truly spectacular!
It's all here in the Maine et Loire, so why not make Le Chant d'Oiseau your base for exploring the 'Jardin de France'?
We have just returned from two weeks at this great little site. My kids thought it was the best site we have stayed on in France! Stu & Syb have gone out of their way to ensure that families have a holiday reminiscent of days gone by. The site is very secure for the kids and they can play happily and unrestricted....take Stu's advice and visit the 'The Grand Parc', it really is an awsome day out.."
Niall G.
