Garden of France

Undoubtedly, MONET Les Blanchardières is for the bon vivant. Located in the Anjou, with Muscadet to the west and Bourgueil and Saumur to the east, the cottage is in a tranquil location, where peace and calm are assured.

The food of the area is world-renowned, and almost every town has a weekly market selling the freshest and most delectable products from the area. Dishes from the region include rillettes, tarte tatin, and sandre au beurre blanc.  Its most renowned cheeses include Chèvre Saint Maure and Crottin de Chavignol. Wines from this part of the Loire include Chinon, Vouvray, Rosé d'Anjou, Saumur and Bourgueil St. Nicholas.  

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 from the Ancien Régime. From the immediate environs of the cottage, 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.

Finally, 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. We leave 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, for you to look over when you arrive. A good "sampler" of what's in store can be found here.

Family activities

There are a wide range of activities for families with children to enjoy, including Sleeping Beauty's actual castle where the tale was conceived (Château d'Ussé). Enjoy gentle country walks and bike rides, direct from MONET Les Blanchardières, and make sure to visit the charming mini-theme park Holly Park in the grounds of a beautiful château at Échemiré only 10 miles away. 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"). 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 the much larger (though no less safe) Lac de Pincemaille, near Breil.

Day trips

Beaches.  Further afield, the delightful sandy beaches of Île de Noirmoutier provide a wonderful day trip, especially for families with small children. For a bit of excitement, this peninsula can be accessed across the sand at low tide, avoiding the longer route to the permanent bridge.
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!