Garden of France

Undoubtedly, MONET Les Blanchardières is for the bon vivant. Located midway between Angers and Saumur within the Loire's Parc Naturel Régional, the cottage is in a tranquil setting, where even in the height of the summer the roads are largely free of traffic allowing for a restful and restorative holiday.
The area is known as the Garden of France, and almost every town has a weekly market selling the freshest and most delectable products from the immediate area. Local wines include Chinon, Vouvray, Saumur-Champigny and Bourgueil St. Nicholas. If you enjoy dessert wines, you will be enthralled by the botrytized wines from the Layon and Aubance vineyards.  

Wine tasting

With such a great range of wines on your doorstep, visiting the estates to sample the wines is a great way to spend a few mellow hours. When you arrive you will find a comprehensive information brochure describing the wineries, as well as the many other local attractions we didn't have room to tell you about here. If you fancy a Loire wine tour, tutored tasting or guided winery visit, our nearby friends Cathy & Nigel at le tasting room will be delighted to hear from you.
An overview of Loire wines can be found here.

Châteaux & other visits

The closest château is Montgeoffroy, a 10 minute drive away, and it has remained in the possession of the same family since the 1700s, with all original furnishings and paintings. A drive east takes you past the most famous châteaux in all of France. First is Saumur, followed by Ussé (origin of the Sleeping Beauty legend), Langeais, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Amboise and Chenonceau. In addition to the many châteaux, there are vineyards and quaint country villages all within striking distance. The city of Angers is an easy 20 minute drive, and has its own splendid château overlooking the river Maine. The city is home to the largest tapestry in the world.   For the practicalities, there are numerous supermarkets and convenience stores in beautiful Beaufort-en-Vallée, a 5 minute drive away. The closest village is the tiny hamlet of Brion, a pleasant 1½km walk or bike ride away.

Family activities

There are many activities for families to enjoy: gentle country walks and bike rides direct from MONET Les Blanchardières. Make sure to visit the charming mini-theme park Holly Park in the grounds of a beautiful château at Échemiré only 10 miles away. There is a small lake for swimming, fishing, boating etc. close by in Fontaine-Guérin, its gently sloping sandy beach ideal for toddlers and young children. Further away is Parc de l'Etang which one guest quoted as being "absolutely superb for our three year old girl with pony rides, donkeys, goats, bouncy castles, trampolines, sand pit, mini bobsled ride, train ride etc".
Saumur is the home of the world famous Cadre Noire equestrian academy, but more relaxed "family friendly" riding can be done at La Landelle nearby. There are also many golf courses, including the nationally renowned Golf de Bauge-Pontigne in Baugé 10Km away ("a gem of a course"). An external list of family attractions is also to be found here.

Day trips

Beaches.  Further afield, the delightful sandy beaches of Île de Noirmoutier provide a wonderful day trip.
Theme Parks.  France's science-based theme park, Futuroscope, is south of the Loire near Poitiers, as is Puy du Fou. Both parks are suitable for a half day or a full day outing. Great for those days where the weather may not be cooperating!