www.vallee-du-.com n°2

la Vallée du Loir Only You* 2009 / the tourism magazine of

DeCOration Tips & ideas

strictly for pleasure Great ideas for making outings & activities a success specially for mums of your stay Activities for all the family outstanding places

Vendôme / Montoire / la Chartre-sur-le-Loir / Château-du-Loir / / / / Baugé MAKING A SUCCESS in my CONTENTS gar d en OF YOUR STAY 4 Making a success of your stay 4 Outstanding places to visit 9 9 In my garden A multi-coloured day l et ’s eat out ! 12 Let’s eat out! 12 The Top 10 best restaurants

14 Strictly for pleasure it’s goo d Ideas for outings and activities for you ! 18 18 It’s good for you! Focus on local produce 14 strict l y for p l easure 20 Outdoor activities By bicycle, on foot…

d ecoration 23 Decoration 23 Tips and ideas

24 Specially for mums Activities with the family

26 To book More week-end ideas...

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Coulommiers- D 323 la-Tour 20 D 338 out d oor Vallée du Loir • Rue Anatole Carré - 72500 VAAS Phone: 33 (0)2 43 38 16 60 • Fax 33 (0)2 43 38 16 61

activities 308 D email: [email protected] Fougeré Clefs

Publication Manager: Claude Denis Saint-Quentin- Les-Beaurepaire Vaulandry Chief editors: Bruno Caro - Véronique Richard Cheviré-le-Rouge D 338 Graphic design: NYL communication Montpollin

Editorial design: Cadran Solaire Saint-Martin-d'Arce D 323 Echemire Chaumont d'Anjou BAUGÉ Pontigné s p ecia l l y for mums Le Vieil Baugé TOURS 24 Bocé

D 938 D Le Guédeniau Chartrené 26 Cuon To book

March 2009 edition - Non-contractual document. The Loir Valley Agency may not be held responsible for any 2 involuntary errors or omissions that may remain in this magazine despite our careful checks. Only www.tourisme-en-.com Pays d’Alençon (Saonois/Perseigne) You! Pays de la Haute Sarthe There are some destinations that are chosen for a special reason. Pays du The Loir Valley is one of them. Sarthois Pays Simple, captivating, genuine, it has that little extra something that gives such Pays de la du Mans Vallée de la Sarthe charm to a stay in the countryside, a romantic break or a family holiday. What is its secret? Its mild climate, the infinite poetry of the banks of the Loir, Pays de la 18 the beauty of its hillsides carpeted with vineyards or forests, and its villages full of character, Vallée du Loir filled with light from the tufa rock. Not forgetting its art of living, between the refinement of its cuisine and good local produce, the splendour of its parks and gardens with a thousand colours and the gentleman- farmer atmosphere of its country châteaux. And of course its sheer joie de vivre, expressed in its festivals and its many shows. The pleasure of ferreting around in a “brocante” second-hand goods fair, experiencing the hustle and bustle of a large market, or being introduced safely to a new sport. As you turn these pages, discover it - festive, curious, enthusiastic, gourmet, dynamic and serene... to suit you, and only you!

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Coulommiers- D 323

D 338 la-Tour D 308 D Fougeré Clefs

Saint-Quentin- Les-Beaurepaire Vaulandry Cheviré-le-Rouge D 338 Montpollin

Saint-Martin-d'Arce D 323 Echemire Chaumont d'Anjou BAUGÉ Pontigné ANGERS Le Vieil Baugé TOURS

Bocé By motorway: By plane: A10 -Tours, exit Eastern Airways operates 3 flights a week from

D 938 D Le Guédeniau Chartrené A11 Paris - - (exits: La Flèche, Durtal Southampton to Angers- airport, from May 2009. Cuon and Seiches sur le Loir) Southampton airport is 1hr 10 min. from London by A28: Rouen - Le Mans - Tours (exits: Parigné L’Evêque, train (run by South West Trains). Ecommoy and Château-du-Loir/ Le Lude no. 26) Connections to Aberdeen, Newcastle, Leeds Bradford, By road: Brussels and possible links with Flybe to Dublin, RN10 Paris -Tours, D 323 Paris -Angers Belfast, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Manchester, Amsterdam, D338 Rouen -Tours Düsseldorf, Frankfurt and Hanover. Details of flights and connections on the site: By rail: www.angersloireaeroport.fr TGV Atlantique, Paris - Le Mans 55 min, Paris - Vendome: 42 min 3 www.vallee-du-loir.com

Castel of Baugé

apothicairerie The 17th century “apothicairerie” or apothecary’s store in the Hôtel Dieu is undoubtedly the best-kept secret OF in the Baugeois. With its woodwork, starred vault and marquetry floor listed as a historic monument, this apothecary’s store is considered to stay be one of the finest in . On its Louis XIII style oak shelves stand 650 apothecary pots, pillboxes Outstanding places and jars in wood, earthenware, glass or pewter. Most of them still hold The Loir Valley holds a thousand treasures: to visit products from days gone by. An age in which sickness was treated hillsides carpeted with vineyards , troglodyte houses hidden in with “billy goat’s blood”, powdered tufa rock, splendid châteaux and churches with frescoes, the Tors woodlice, crayfish eyes or mummi- belltowers … These are the places not to be missed,the ones that you fied human fingers. absolutely MUST see . Apothicairerie

Push open the doors of time Lastly, still driven by keen curiosity, you And here’s a surprise - “A castle, a king, a journey”. discover a legend of a different sort, Three words and the doors of the Baugeois region that of the Anjou cross. aopen success before your eyes. Let your regard drift over an yourThis goldsmith’s masterpiece, brought back exceptional architectural setting, criss-crossed by from the Holy Land during the Crusades, streets bordered with mansion houses and tufa rock is said to be a fragment of Christ’s true cross. houses with slate roofs. First, the Château. It is said Today, it can be admired at the heart of that in Baugé, on the stairway leading to the private La Girouardière Chapel. apartments, the footsteps of the lord of the manor can still be heard... So come and listen to the secrets Contact: Baugé Tourist Office of a king in a unique setting. Phone: 02.41.89.18.07 - www.tourisme-bauge.fr Château de Baugé - Phone: 02.41.84.00.74 www.chateau-bauge.com Anjou cross 4 Making

Gentle living in the Vendôme, a city in the countryside troglodyte houses of Let’s forget the square with same name in Paris. Set off for Vendôme in the Loir Valley, direct by TGV high speed train, and the village of Trôo. In Trôo, it is hard to imagine the arrive surrounded by wooded countryside. This city of art and underground life hidden in the history is an ideal destination for a weekend, combining the “gruyère cheese“ of tufa rock quarries. dynamism of a city centre and the tranquillity of a city nestling To avoid getting lost in this in a verdant setting. It’s the perfect place to stay for a while underground network, we need to and recharge your batteries. As you make your way around make a distinction between the in a boat on its canals or by stagecoach, Vendôme reveals its “caforts“, underground mazes in which treasures one by one: a medieval castle, the abbey church of bats find refuge, and the houses La Trinité with its flamboyant gothic facade, wood-framed inhabited in picturesque style. Today, houses, Baltard-style covered market and even its old being a “troglo“ is considered cool. Oratory college which was attended by a poor student, Honoré de Balzac If you’re coming Driven by the inspiration of artists and as a family: an entertaining and instructive urban route across the city will lead you to the designers, some caves have now been “Petits Clous“ circuit. There are some fine discoveries to be made in Vendôme. transformed into contemporary Contact: Pays de Vendôme Tourist Office - Phone: 02.54.77.05.07 - www.vendome.eu dwellings. The final touch of originality: the Mediterranean-style vegetation; here yuccas, orchids and lilacs benefit Draw me a fresco from a micro-climate and their south- Medieval comic strips really do exist! And the Loir Valley has a fine collection of them. facing position. Now we understand Romanesque paintings and frescoes adorn the walls of many local churches, such as those in why in Trôo, some people have made Vendôme, Lavardin, St Jacques-des-Guérets and Poncé sur le Loir. Special mention should be made their “trou“ (French for hole)! of the chapel of Saint-Gilles in Montoire, which holds a collection of frescoes unique in the world, To visit: the “yucca“ cave, with a Byzantine-inspired Christ in Majesty, all dating from the 11th and 12th centuries. An eclectic recon-struction of a traditional mix of faces, silhouettes and expression, these works, saved from oblivion or destruction, come to life dwelling, and the «exhibition» cave under your wondering eyes. A veritable treasure! and Les Cafforts («caves fortes”, a former rock extraction quarry with underground springs. Contact: Phone: 02.54.85.30.45 et 06.80.16.97.98 Classé parmi www.troo.com lavardin Listed among “The most beautiful villages of France“ Your first sight of Lavardin is a view of its castle, with its dramatic ruins standing on the hillside. Quickly, climb up to it! Once you have crossed the wooden footbridge, the site is magical, wild, with goats gambolling at your feet. The panoramic views are simply superb. Meantime, the village has lost none of its charm. Its Romanesque church with frescoes, its old houses and its stone bridge adorned with flowers vie with one another for cachet. The “Pierre de Ronsard“ roses created by Manou Meilland in homage to the poet are flourishing practically everywhere in this delightful village. Its inhabitants have also fallen for the charms of this delicate pale pink colour with shades of carmine. Contact: Montoire Tourist Office - Phone: 02.54.85.23.30 - www.montoire-sur-le-loir.net

The Tors belltowers The work of devilish or simply mischievous HIDDEN TREASURE UNDER THE BELLTOWER of cheviré le rouge! carpenters? Either way, these spiralled Well conserved in its 11th century belltower, a collection of some hundred vestments and belltowers overlooking the region will liturgical ornaments dating from the 18th to 20th centuries. certainly turn your head! They are also From the Roman toga to the contemporary chasuble, the materials are very precious. With unusual markers on a picturesque itinerary. magnificent embroideries in silk, gold and silver and very sophisticated lacework, this Contact: Baugé Tourist Office fragile heritage bears witness to extraordinary skills! Phone: 02.41.89.18.07 - www.tourisme-bauge.fr Contact: Association Mise en valeur du Patrimoine - Phone: 02.41.90.12.07 5 www.vallee-du-loir.com

Musikenfête - Montoire-sur-le-Loir making a success of your stay

Port Luneau - La Flèche Hôtel de ville de la Flèche

La Flèche, always at the cutting edge

For many people, La Flèche stands for the Prytanée National Military Academy, founded in the days of Henri IV. Many well-known figures studied here, including the philosopher Descartes and the actor Jean-Claude Brialy. The buildings open for visits (guided by the students in summer) are absolutely superb. But in La Flèche you should also stroll through the picturesque streets, lined with houses with private gardens, see the Italianate theatre “de la Halle au Blé“ and the Bruère Mill, preferably during an evening stroll or guided tour with stories, regularly on offer in the summer. Lastly, did you know that Montoire, Montréal was founded by the “Fléchois“, as the city’s inhabitants are known? In the 17th century let the party begin! La Flèche was already a step ahead… Contact: Pays Fléchois Tourist Office: Phone: 02.43.94.02.53 - www.tourisme-paysflechois.fr Every year in mid-August, the town of Montoire sur le Loir is decorated with lights for its International Folklore Festival. For the past quarter of a century this institution has brought together Happy tasting! traditional dance and music groups from five continents for shows and a grand Oh delicious grapes, bursting with the sunshine parade on 15th August. of Loir hillsides! Here, the climate, the soil and The Musikenfête museum, dedicated to the grape varieties favour the production of the festival, is a showcase for costumes wine whose finesse was celebrated by Rabelais, and instruments from all over the world, Ronsard and Henri IV. Coteaux du Loir (AOC since collected or tracked down over the years 1948), Jasnières (AOC in 1937) and Coteaux du by the festival organisers. Vendômois (AOC in 2000) share the limelight. Some instruments are available for visitors In the “secret“ surroundings of tufa rock caves, to try. Budding musicians, line up! these white, red or “grey“ wines flourish. Here too tasting sessions are organised, in the Contact: Musikenfête company of enthusiastic winegrowers. Here’s to Phone: 02.54.85.28.95 www.musikenfete.fr your good health! Infos: www.vinsvaldeloire.fr

La Flèche zoo

A tour of the world in 1 day

With 1200 animals, 120 species from 5 continents, fabulous shows featuring eared seals, birds of prey and parrots, the reputation of La Flèche Zoological Gardens is now well established! The visitors’ trail is divided into themed landscape sections, enabling you to admire the animals in their reconstructed natural environment: underwater viewing of polar bears, the elephants in the savannah, the grizzly bears surrounded by torrents and fir trees, the white tigers in the taiga. A fascinating show for old and young alike, as well as a true return to wild nature. Contact: La Flèche zoo - Phone: 02.43.48.19.19 - www.zoo-la-fleche.com 6 TAKE YOUR PLACE ALONGSIDE THE KING

The château of King René, the leisure home of the last son in the Anjou line, invites you to an amazing show circuit. In the outbuildings of the château, via the magic of sound, light and images, come and encounter the “Good King”.

Contact: Château de Baugé - Phone: 02.41.84.00.74 www.château-bauge.com

A little corner of Italy Look, here’s a masterpiece! in the Loir Valley? Château du Lude, which has belonged to the same Behind its look of a medieval fortress, Château de family for 250 years, is one of the architectural Bazouges sur le Loir has a gentle and poetic air about jewels of the first French Renaissance. it, doubtless thanks to its Italianate gardens and the Its magnificent botanical surroundings include magnificently theatrical cedar planted in the days a rose garden, formal gardens and landscaped of Charles X. Among other interesting features, don’t grounds on the banks of the Loir. In summer a miss the chapel and its Angevin vault. The domain is sumptuous cultural programme adds to the open in summer. excitement of visiting this domaine.

Contact: Château de Bazouges - Phone: 02.43.45.32.62 Contact: Château du Lude - Phone: 02.43.94.60.09 www.lelude.com

A fortress overlooking the Loir

Yet another castle which lacks neither good looks, with its round machicolated towers and its pepper-mill rooftops, nor glory, with the famous names who have stayed here: it was visited by Henri II, Charles IX and Catherine de Medicis! Recently bought by a new owner, Durtal castle is also a childhood dream. W hich means that it is being looked after carefully and renovated with taste!

Contact: Château de Durtal - Phone: 02.41.69.92.60 or 06.18.63.15.15 - www.chateau-durtal.com

Go back in time Welcome to Ronsard’s home in Couture-sur-Loir After a 10-year restoration project, this 15th century former Cistercian winegrowers’ barn has become a delightful little medieval manor house. Its owner, a The illustrious poet was born and spent his childhood great Middle Ages enthusiast, will guide you and will in this very beautiful La Possonnière manor house, also show you his rich collection of furniture dating inspired by the Italian Renaissance. Its grounds with from the 15th to 17th centuries. Don’t miss a walk in their rose garden, garden of fragrances and kitchen the grounds, covering 50 hectares, to discover the garden are an invitation to dream. Here we linger, many domestic animals (donkeys, goats, sheep, hens, as though to walk in the steps of the poet, some of etc.) whose works evoke the château surroundings. A golden opportunity to revise your classics. Contact: Manoir de Clairefontaine Le-Vieil-Baugé (near Baugé) - Phone: 06.07.17.46.32 Contact: La Possonière - Phone: 02.54.72.40.05 www.manoirdeclairefontaine.com 7 www.vallee-du-loir.com making a success or your stay

Delphine Stroesser is a very energetic young How did you choose this vocation ? woman. The mother of four children, she showed “I followed a sales training programme, but us the Montgolfier workshop in Durtal which she I soon realised, during my courses, that I was far bought in 2005 This young business leader and her more enthusiastic about creation than sales. team of enthusiasts export their creations all over I like the relationship with the natural elements, the world. Here she tells us about her career path I like working with delicate materials. I want to andInterview her motivation. preserve local skills and make them productive”. Delphine Stroesser What exactly are the special characteristics of « tableware designer » your creations ? “We create atypical products, we innovate. Did you know that Mr Montgolfier was the first person to design a square plate, 25 years ago? For more information We are not aiming for exuberance - on the Montgolfier exports 30% of its production. contrary, our designs are quite restrained. We The big names in gastronomy appreciate the work with satin finish enamels, we create creations of the workshop run by Delphine customized models, mainly for restaurants. Stroesser. Some leading Japanese stores We favour pure lines for tableware, and we have fallen for these durable, original and are always looking for new ideas. timeless collections.

Contact: SA Montgolfier - Phone: 02.41.18.09.39 www.montgolfier.fr What is your connection to the Loir Valley? “We are in a welcoming, convivial location. We love our “terroir” and the clay associated with it. Our main aim is to please people. Our customers are also our primary source of inspiration. The idea of getting together around a good meal, with fine tableware, quite simply, to enjoy time with friends or family, is in a way the spirit of the Loir Valley. Weekend idea www.vallee-du-loir.com

Immersion at the heart of the rock Chambre d’hôtes 3 épis (Ref. 4709) in Trôo

The Loir Valley is a special place for troglodytism; Just imagine staying at the very heart of a village dug into tufa rock on the banks of the Loir ... Solange, the owner, welcomes you in this magical accommodation, full of character, which will enchant you and take you back in time. Atypical, original and providing a complete change of scenery, this stay will definitely not leave you indifferent!

We like: Traditional or country-style breakfast is served on the terrace, with your back to the hillside and facing due south, or in the cool indoors at the heart of the rock.

1 night: € 33,50 per person sharing a double room. Breakfast included. Book at + 33 (0) 2 43 38 16 66 or [email protected] 8 More ideas on www.vallee-du-loir.com IN MY GARDEN

A multi-coloured day

Poetic or ordered, intimate or grand, our parks and gardens attractively complement our lovely Loir Valley. Whether you have green fingers or a dreamer’s soul, you’ll be delighted by this mingling of colours and scentS.

9 www.vallee-du-loir.com in my garden A bucolic morning Let’s start this scented journey at the Manoir de la Possonnière (the poet Ronsard’s Countess Barbara de Nicolay, the owner of Château du Lude, tells us about her love of roses and her stronghold) and its old rose garden. Roses projects. cultivated from nineteenth century varieties blossom here with wondrous colours and How did you acquire your enthusiasm for roses? scents to make your head spin. Nearby, the “It comes from my childhood. I lived in the countryside, in an 18th century house with a kitchen garden with its traditional vegetables kitchen garden and a rose garden. I therefore Maltière garden inPruilé l’éguillé reminds us of grandmother’s soup. The sun acquired an eye for them. My mother was a rose is already high in the sky. The formal and Interviewcollector herself. When I arrived at Château du italianate style gardens of the Lude, Grand Lude, the garden was crying out to be renovated. Lucé and Bazouges sur Loir chateaux offer I really wanted to create a rose garden that resembled the garden of my childhood”. you their refreshing greenery. For you the splendour of straight yew hedges, geometric How did you design this rose garden, and borders and symmetric box-tree mazes. You’ll which ones are your favourites? deliberately lose yourself on the Lude spur, “My mother chose the roses. In fact it is a family inhaling the scents of the Chinese rose garden design, as my brother is a garden designer. I have a great passion for Chinese roses, which have and admiring the exceptional view over the many fine qualities. They are delicate - they are Loir. At Grand-Lucé, statue-lined bridle paths mainly grown in China, southern USA, Japan, offer lovely perspectives in a wooded park. around the Mediterranean and in Italy - and they Château de Bazouges garden You’ll find it just as refreshing as thechâteau like the Loir Valley climate. They were introduced of Bazouges where the italianate gardens are in the late 18th century and the early 19th century, and have been used in many hybridization complemented by wide stretches of water. programmes. They flower throughout the Contacts: summer, while European roses are scented but Manoir de la Possonnière: 02.54.72.40.05 do not re-flower. One of my favourite Chinese Château de Bazouges: 02.43.45.32.62 Château du Grand Lucé: 02.43.40.85.56 roses is the tea rose. It is very delicate and has a Château du Lude: 02.43.94.60.09 slight scent of tea”.

What are your plans for the years to come? “We are in the process of creating a botanical trail, and a hundred trees in the nursery are A botanic afternoon waiting to be planted. The area between the Enthusiasts and those curious about botany kitchen garden and the wooded grounds is also have a date in the Extraordinary Garden of going to be reworked. I love trees, so I am aiming Château de la Gringuenière garden at Pruillé l’Éguillé. Imagine a plant to create a collection of maples, berberis, styrax, La Maltière lime blossom and hornbeams, most of which paradise, always green, summer and winter originally came from China. The old park needs alike. The responsibility for this achievement completing with trees and shrubs. The water rests with Serge, the former nurseryman who tower will also be restored. These projects are planted and cultivated over a hundred varieties mainly financed by the gardeners’ weekend of conifer and holly. Flowers - camellias, orchids, (6 and 7 June 2009). The water tower, which is azaleas, dahlias, iris, and daffodils - make this utilitarian but has not worked for over 10 years, will be restored, it is an integral part of the a colourful décor in every season. garden’s perspectives.” Continue this walk to Château des Gringuenières, La Chapelle d’Aligné. A 17th century historic info + : monument, this stately home is still intact. One weekend a month, from June to September, The grounds are in the spirit of its day, with the public will have the opportunity to visit perspectives, alleyways, hedges, flowerbeds, the kitchen garden on request. The Possonière manor house garden a pond and century-old trees, providing a good Contact: Château du Lude Phone: 02.43.94.60.09 - www.lelude.com example of classical unity based on regularity of layout and simplicity of effects. Contacts: La Maltière: 02.43.40.90.96 Château des Gringuenières: 02.43.45.24.33

10 The Château du Lude garden Poncé-sur-le-Loir garden Weekend idea www.vallee-du-loir.com

Cocooning at the Manor house Chambre d’hôtes 4 épis (Ref. 1909) in Daumeray

Nestling at the heart of nature, Vaulx Manor, built in 1353 and reworked in 1453, has been listed as a historic monument since 1990. René and Marie-Paule are both passionate about old monuments. They welcome you in an enchanting setting, which they renovated themselves and is particularly romantic for lovers. Settle into your majestic bedroom with its four poster bed, overlooking a medieval garden with colourful and varied mosaics. On waking, you can go down for breakfast in the large hall, with its very beautiful fireplace, or on the little terrace at garden level. Comfortably lounging in your deckchair alongside the pool, or walking along the trails trodden by Rouget le Braconnier, you continue your dream holiday, with relaxation and discoveries assured. We like: A restful place to stay, with many wild birds as companions in this exceptional site listed as an LPO refuge (bird garden). Oenological evenings for discovering wine and its aromas around tasting games Did you know? (book in advance). In France, one home in two has someone who enjoys gardening, 1 night: From € 32.50 per person sharing a double room. whether on their balcony or in a Breakfast included. garden. With the increasingly green fingers of the French, their parks and gardens reward them well, as you can see for yourself in the Loir Valley.

A poetic evening When the shadows lengthen, the romantic gardens at the château de Chambiers come into their own – the linden tree cloister, the herb garden and the park where an awesome pedunculate oak has reigned for nearly four centuries. In a green thea- tre, ideal for short plays, the garden of the château de Poncé sur le Loir awaits you. A magnificent arbour leads to a maze with green rooms. There, in this secret place with its protective alcoves, you almost expect to see bewigged folk dallying forth. The evening is heralded by the rustle of leaves. Atmosphere.

Contacts: Château de Chambiers: 02.41.76.07.31 - Château de Poncé: 02.43.44.24.02

Book at + 33 (0) 2 43 38 16 66 or [email protected] More ideas on www.vallee-du-loir.com 11 www.vallee-du-loir.com

out… … enthusiastically and unreservedly! Here is a selection of our best gastronomic places to go for an intimate dinner for two or a gourmet adventure. Discover a range of restaurants, with a variety of styles, selected for their originality, providing good value for money, a great atmosphere Eand a greatat menu. BON APPÉTIT !

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1 - Le Relais d’Antan / Lavardin Here the cuisine strikes a harmonious note between refined and traditional. Like its specialities: langoustine lasagne with parmesan, grilled zander with white butter, calves’ kidneys in port. Yummy! Plus point: Located at the heart of a village classified as one of “The most beautiful villages of France“, the restaurant tables are set in the flower garden on the banks of the Loir in the summer season. • Phone: 02.54.86.61.33

2 - Le Moulin du Loir / Vendôme You can get here on foot! Just take a pleasant walk across the Ronsard gardens, cross Rue du Change (the main shopping street in the city) and you are at the mill. In a friendly, pleasant atmosphere, inside or on the terrace, your enjoyment is just as great. It is the perfect combination of good taste and dishes packed with flavour. The Moulin du Loir cannot fail to impress you with its excellent value for money. • Phone: 02.54.67.13.51

3 - Auberge de l’Hermitière / St Vincent-du-Lorouër The cuisine of this restaurant at the heart of the Bercé Forest is more chic than rustic. The pleasures vary along with the seasons: on the menu this spring is breast of Loué chicken roast on the bone, with morel mushrooms. The chef is a great connoisseur of regional vintages, he will be able to advise you. Plus point: the chef is generous - he’s even prepared to share his recipes. Two books (in French) have already been published, if you’d like a foretaste of the treat in store for you: «Recettes Traditionnelles de la Sarthe» - éditions Ouest France and « Aimez la cuisine du et du Val de Loire» - éditions Ouest France. • Phone: 02.43.44.84.45 12 10

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4 - Le Moulin des Quatre Saisons / La Flèche 9 The entrance under the wisteria is irresistibly inviting. Masses of mentions in the guides and sophisticated cuisine. The dishes are original and packed with flavour, and there’s no need to worry about your figure: the grilled gourd seeds served with the cheeses (and particularly recommended with the goat cheese) have all the therapeutic virtues imaginable. Enough said! Plus point: the delightful 16th century building where water is omnipresent, creating a calm atmosphere that seems truly unchanging. Discover the remarkable wine list selected by Caroline. • Phone: 02.43.45.12.12

5 - Château de Noirieux / The authentic cuisine at this Relais et Châteaux fully lives up to the magnificent setting of its restaurant, a 19th century orange grove extending onto a beautiful terrace with panoramic views over the Loir Valley. Try the chef’s favourites: Navarin of Leg of Suckling Lamb flavoured with curry and dried fruit with orange accompanied by a celeriac gratin, or Carpaccio of Blue Lobster with its little stuffing of Saint-Jacques scallops and marinated Crab; for dessert the Vanilla and Lime Sabayon with a tartare of exotic fruit. Plus point: the wine cellar offers some of the best vintages that have forged the region’s reputation. Relais et Châteaux, one star in the Michelin guide. • Phone: 02.41.42.50.05

6- Le Relais Ronsard / La Chartre-sur-le-Loir A historic venue! Located on the village square, Hôtel de France faces due south, with a small garden and a swimming pool for relaxation; this late 19th century establishment has been run by the same family for 4 generations. The great names of the Le Mans 24 Hour Race eat at this impeccable gastronomic restaurant. Plus point: enjoy an aperitif at the bar, where lots of photos and dedications by Le Mans 24 Hour Race drivers are on show; a living, evolving museum! • Phone: 02.43.44.40.16

7 - Auberge du Port des Roches / Luché-Pringé Renowned for its cuisine, this cosy inn is a soothing place to stay. The chef trained at the Elysée restaurant and has served many political figures. Plus point: you don’t get here by accident, it is right in the middle of the countryside, ideal for Sunday lunches on the banks of the Loir. • Phone: 02.43.45.44.48

8 - Restaurant des Plantes / Durtal On the menu: creative seasonal cuisine, a menu that changes every month, sophisticated and often surprising dishes such as red onion and snails in a gratin with pig’s trotters - just one example of what chef Frédéric Georget has to offer you in his Restaurant des Plantes! The icing on the cake: most produce is sourced from local suppliers. Happy tasting! • Phone: 02.41.76.41.57

9 - Auberge Sainte-Catherine / Trôo Located in the lower part of the village of Trôo, a special place for troglodytism in the Loir Valley, this inn welcomes you in its very fine vaulted room in tufa rock. The chef, who has worked in some of the great French restaurants, is aiming for a listing in the Michelin red guide. He will therefore enjoy introducing you to his talents. • Phone: 02.54.72.51.23

10 - Chez Miton / A change of scenery. Here the bistro/wine bar atmosphere goes well with the generous, enjoyable Franco-Japanese cuisine. The owners, both motorcycling enthusiasts, met on the Paris-Dakar. You can now discover their harmonious association in their food. He is the jovial host, welcoming you to his wine bar, while she is an excellent chef, preparing dishes that always offer a touch of Asian mystery • Phone: 02.43.44.62.62

13 www.vallee-du-loir.com Strictly for pleasure

The curtain rises on a new Cultural season, promising discoveries, moments of emotion, travel invitations, all making a break from routine. A cocktail of colourful festivals, opportunities to light upon young artists as well as those more experienced.

Stanley Beckford at the «Rendez-vous de l’été» in Vendôme.

From rock to opera, the Loir Valley has imagination punctuated by a good measure of the For exceptional evenings, treat yourself to the the courage… absurd - a magical combination! Baugé Opera! The concept of this event is unique Contact: Vallée du Loir: Phone: 02.43.38.16.62 in France and is inspired by the British Glynde- bourne festival. It offers a complete experience Did you know that every October for the From April to June, the Baugé Arts and Music lasting 5 or 6 hours in an elegant and sophisticated past sixteen years Vendôme has welcomed Association invites you to discover an innova- environment. The evening begins at around 5 pm, the cream of rock, hip-hop, and electro? tive, cheerful and sometimes even impertinent th st when the first spectators arrive and start choosing The Rockomotives festival (from 24 to 31 programme! And for its 10th anniversary, a grand a place in the grounds for their picnic. The show October - www.rockomotives.com) is a classic, open air concert has been organised. starts at 6 pm and is interrupted not by a short where Yann Tiersen, Louise Attaque and others On the programme: Faro (lively Latin-American interval, but an interval for dining. A gastronomic were discovered. So, jump into your jeans and style music), Les Allumés du Bidon, the St Fulbert restaurant option is also available (advance booking make for Vendôme, spend a weekend extending choir and Sweet Mama (Louisiana blues concert) summer before the first of the winter mists. required). The show finishes at around 10.30 pm On the programme this year, Verdi’s La Traviata, the For purists, the summer sun signals “Romantic Contact: Baugé Tourist Office Moments between Loir and Loire“,from 24th July Phone: 02.41.89.18.07 - www.arts-musique.fr Mozart opera La Finta Gardiniera, or a Midsummer to 2nd August. This roving festival, now in its Night’s Dream by Shakespeare. See the website for twelfth year, celebrates the happy musical details. marriage of Strauss, Schubert, Schumann, and Contact: Phone: 02.41.89.75.40 - www.operadebauge.org Haydn in fabulous, sometimes scarcely known Other musical events beat out a places (www.heuresromantiques.org). rhythm too, during the Loir Valley cultural In another genre, the “Hors piste” (Off Track) season. Just lend an ear. festival invites you to discover track arts with the family from 17th to 22nd March in Vendôme. On the programme: clowns, brass bands, encounters and duos, evenings full of fun and relaxation. (www.scenedevendome.fr). Still in the spring, from 20th to 22nd March, the show “La taverne Münchausen”, a sort of improvised costume drama related to the universe of the 18th century, invites you to enjoy verbal sparring and improvisations from the company of “bearded women”. Evenings of poetry and 14 Strictly for pleasure CAFé DE LA TERRASSE IN trôo

In this welcoming setting, you can enjoy a cup of coffee or read the news, savour Celebrating the arts a novel or contemplate the modern art gallery. The books on all its shelves can be It’s no hassle to find an original event in July: the Still in Vendôme, in early December, filmgoers handled, browsed through, read and even “Festival des Affranchis“ (Festival of the Free) in arrive for the festival of “courtsmétrages“ (short bought. Every month, the Café Littéraire La Flèche is dedicated to the theatre and street films), which has acquired a European reputation organises literary or artistic encounters. arts. It’s really one of the best dates of its type in just fifteen years. With nearly 10,000 festival- For the programme details, see the website: in France. For the occasion, the town becomes goers coming together just before the year-end www.cafedelaterrasse.com - (Trôo) the stage with actors, jugglers, acrobats and celebrations this too is part of the magic of musicians taking to the streets to amuse young the cinema! and old alike. Contact: Phone: 02.47.56.08.08 www.vendomefilmfest.com Contact: Le Carroi - Phone: 02.40.94.08.98 www.affranchis.com And lastly, contemporary art makes its appea- From the street, let’s make for the bar. Here we rance. At Villevêque, every year, the Nov’Art are at Vendôme which, in early September, (20th June to 9th August 2009) exhibition welcomes the “Zinc de livres“ (book festival highlights a selection of contemporary artists, on 13th and 14th september). creating an Art Path through the town. The principle is simple; getting writers and Everyone is invited to come and see pictures readers together around a few drinks for a hanging everywhere in the village. This year, the weekend. Can you handle prose as well as you exhibition holds another surprise, promoting can a glass? paintings by children. The opportunity perhaps to Contact: Bouillons de Culture - Phone: 02.54.72.91.61 discover new talent. www.zincdelivres.fr Contact: Mairie de Villevêque - Phone: 02.41.69.35.72 www.villeveque.fr Event!

In 2009 Château de Baugé invites you to discover one of King René’s passions: hunting. Falconry and archery demonstrations, hunting horn concert, conference on the history of hunting and more will punctuate the exhibition “Hunting in the days of King René“ to be held in Château de Baugé from 1st May to 1st November 2009.

Château de Baugé, King René’s country house and hunting lodge, now invites you to an amazingly spectacular discovery trail … thrill to extraordinary tales of an out of the ordinary king!

Château de Baugé Phone: 02.41.84.00.74 www.chateau-bauge.com 15 www.vallee-du-loir.com strictly for pleasure not forgetting • Les mots d’hiver Winter words festival in October and November. Travel from village in village to discover 10 storytellers. Contact: La Fédération Départementale des Foyers Ruraux de la Sarthe: 02.43.75.89.88 www.fdfr72.com

• FL ORAL PARADES Grand parade of flower-decked boats with illuminations on the Loir on 18th July in Durtal and parade of floral floats on th15 August in Montoire. FLOWERS, FRILLS AND FLEA MARKETS Contact: Mairie de Durtal: 02.41.76.30.24 and Montoire Festival: 02.54.85.35.16 With the arrival of good weather, Nature awakens After flowers, there are French Cancan frills on • ART & culture festival and with it, our urge to garden. Off to the Château 15th and 16th August 2009 with “Montmartre à in Mansigné from 10th to 16th August 2009. th th Here you will find artists and sculptors, art du Lude for the 16 gardeners’ weekend on 6 Briollay“. For the past twelve years, the spirit of exhibition with ceramicists, potters, etc. some and 7th June. This year, on the occasion of the the Butte has left Paris and set up in this lovely twenty artistic events (rock concerts, French 250th anniversary of the birth of Pierre-Joseph village on the banks of the Loir. Events include songs, theatre, music, comedians, etc.). Contact and informations: M. Marc: 02.43.46.23.11 Redouté: gardening workshops and conferences a painting competition with local and budding email: [email protected] on the theme of the rose. artists’ work on display, together with a taste and “Le peintre et la rose” (”The artist and the rose”): local crafts market and music hall on the Saturday • music al & gourmet days at château du Lude 12th and 14th July, 15th and 16th August, 19th and 20th exhibitions of watercolours, photos, paintings of evening in a joyful open-air atmosphere. September 2009. roses, conferences and rose naming, not forgetting Come along and have fun! Contact: Château du Lude - 02.43.94.60.09 the traditional exhibition and sale of special Contact: Mairie de Briollay: Phone: 02.41.42.16.84 • M ontoire world folklore festival plants, tools and books. An ideal venue for sound from 11st to 16th August with the participation advice from the professionals. of Switzerland, Slovakia, Hungary, Haïti, Brazil, Contact: Château du Lude - Phone: 02.43.94.60.09 Korea, Sri Lanka and Burma, and a special Celtic th evening. On 25 October don’t miss the “Foire à la Contact: Montoire Festival: 02.54.85.35.16 Bouture“ (Plant Cuttings Fair) at the Manoir de website: http://festival.montoire.free.fr la Possonnière at Couture sur Loir. Bonsai in the • Festi Loir spotlight! from 24th July to 2d August 2009, Street circus, music, clowns, choir and street theatre... diverse Contact: Phone: 02.54.72.46.50 and family shows on the programme throughout www.bouture.liseron.com the region, allowing you to combine artistic pleasure with discovery of the original local heritage (free entry). Contact: the Loir Valley: 02.43.38.16.62 Weekend idea www.vallee-du-loir.com

Pamper yourself Chambre d’hôtes 3 épis (Réf. 1209) in Dissay sous Courcillon

Are you stressed, tired, pressured by the frantic pace of everyday life? Welcome to the new area entirely dedicated to wellbeing, where your dreams of relaxation come true!!! Your stay will bring you all the benefits of a relaxing break, thanks to its all inclusive formula covering the spa (hammam and jacuzzi) and sculpting massage with essential oils. All this relaxation will be accompanied by delicious little dishes served at the table d’hôtes by Marie-Claire, the mistress of the house… Let yourself be won over by the art of gentle living thanks to this combination of wellbeing, relaxation and pleasure! We like: An ideal opportunity to get away from the daily grind, perfect for a well- deserved relaxing break with friends ... To complete the relaxation, why not try the Shiatsu treatment also available on site.

«Wellbeing» break - 3 days / 2 nights: €153 per person sharing a double room. Breakfast included with half-board for the 2 evenings, including 2 spa entry fees (robe, slippers and soft soap provided) and a sculpting massage with essential oils Book at + 33 (0) 2 43 38 16 66 or 1 night formula: € 30 per person sharing a double room. Breakfast included. or [email protected] 16 More ideas on www.vallee-du-loir.com

Medieval Festival in Baugé! On the 14th 2009 On his return from the hunt, King René invites you to the party! Baugé relives its past and invites you to a journey back in time, festive and colourful… the surroundings of the Château are transformed into a Fabrice Laché medieval encampment. Cutter at Dior Stroll along to the sound of medieval music, admire the dexterity of acrobats and jugglers, but take care not to arouse the How did you choose this vocation ? “When I was just 5 years old, I delighted my You adore searching for that special wrath of any chevalier, lest you find something? yourself sword in hand fighting for your life… Interview sister by creating dresses for her dolls. Some Come to the international second-hand More informations: Château et Apothicairerie years later, I got into the Haute Couture market at Durtal on 27th September or to of Baugé - Phone: 02.41.84.00.74 school in Tours, where I learnt my trade www.château-bauge.com Chartre sur le Loir on 3 May, 5 July and 6 through drawing and design, the history of December (Christmas special). Among the costume and practical workshops. second-hand and antique stands you may In 1986 I became a wardrobe master for well find the farmhouse table of your dreams such legendary venues as the Paris Opera, the ready to reign in your new kitchen, or that Alcazar and Les Folies Bergères.” 1930’s art-deco club armchair. How did you get a job with Dior? “By answering a small ad! I started as a tailor Finally, for amateurs and collectors, we and went on to become a cutter”. recommend the auction house* at La Flèche, I cut fabrics and noble materials such as wool which has an excellent reputation for sales of cashmere at € 400/500 a metre, silk taffeta, rare items - books, pictures, wines and curios. etc. I mustn’t get it wrong, every centimetre Contact: salle des ventes (Auction Room) counts! But the house of Dior trusts me.” commissaire-priseur Yves Manson, 5 rue Pape Carpantier 72 200 La Flèche - Phone: 02.43.94.03.81 What attracts you to the Loir Valley? “Without a doubt the tranquillity, the conserved countryside and serenity.” Weekend idea www.vallee-du-loir.com

A MUSICAL BREAK Chambre d’hôtes (Réf. 3209) in la Flèche

Just a stone’s throw from the city centre of La Flèche, this old mansion stands out from other, more run-of-the mill chambres d’hôtes, thanks to the multitude of collectors’ objects dotted around different parts of the house, giving it a unique atmosphere. Your stay in the «chambre des voyageurs» (travellers’ room) will plunge you into a universe of journeys, with objects including trunks, old leather suitcases and an Indian wedding chest. In the «chambre de l’écrivain» (writer’s room) you will be surrounded by musical objects, including a magnificent old wooden jukebox from the 1940’s (rare Wurlitzer 1100) in perfect working order! We like: On leaving your room or after a gastronomic meal in the centre of La Flèche, the heated swimming pool, walks, cycle rides or rides on horseback will add to the pleasure of your stay, while during your long, leisurely evenings you will enjoy spending time in the reading room or the billiard room. Book at + 33 (0) 2 43 38 16 66 1 night: €49 per person sharing a double room. Breakfast included or [email protected] More ideas on www.vallee-du-loir.com 17 www.vallee-du-loir.com It’s good for you! Eat healthily, eat well. Between the traditional recipe for “Marmite Sarthoise“ (Sarthe casserole), the good local produce, the sweet treats and the wines of the Loir, Loir wines These alone are sufficient justification for a gourmet there is something to suit all tastes ! break! W ith meat and charcuterie, opt for AOC Coteaux du Loir and Coteaux du Vendômois reds and rosés. W ith a zander or a small dry goat cheese, snails prefer a fruity white AOC Jasnières. You can taste You can find out all there is to know about the them at the Maison du Vin in Thoré-la-Rochette life of snails at the snail farm in Aubigné Racan. (contact: 02.54.72.73.97) the wine bar “Le Jasnières“ in After the visit, buy your “petits gris“ or “gros La Chartre-sur-Loir (contact: 02.43.44.40.44), at the Cave gris“ (small or big grey snails), alive or prepared. Cooperative in Villiers sur Loir (contact: 02.54.72.90.69) Several specialities are on offer: marinated or in the “Délices et Casteloir“ shop in Château-du-Loir snails to serve as nibbles with an apéritif, snails (contact: 02.43.79.11.60) ) and the delicatessen “Marita with roquefort sauce or “à la Provençale“. d’ici et d’ailleurs“ in Le Lude And Eric will give you some clever culinary tips: (contact: 02.43.48.09.95). snail confit to add flavour to summer salads or But if you have the time, a snails in court-bouillon to cook with its sauce! tasting at a winegrower’s is Contact: la ferme aux escargots a must. The very best place Phone: 02.43.46.09.45 for a tasting is between tufa rock and oak casks!

RILLETTES A veritable institution in the Loir Valley! Rabelais was already praising them in 1546 in his “Tiers Livre“. Made from pork or goose meat and cooked in the fat, they were would you like a little cheese ? traditionally made twice a year at “pig-killing In the vast cheese universe, the two local stars time“. They are best eaten simply, on a good are Le Trèfle, a salted goat cheese, slightly creamy, slice of lightly toasted bread. Today butchers coated in wood ash and formed in the shape of a and charcuterie makers still make their own four-leaved clover, and Le Petit Trôo, a farmhouse “rillettes maison“, lovingly cooked for 7 to 8 cow’s milk cheese with a very delicate taste. hours. Whether you choose wood-ash coated, garlic, or peppered, you will be melting chocolate won over! Our chocolates have an excellent reputation. Prytanéen, Balzac, Sainte Larme or again Pierre du Château are all very popular examples. Great pâtisseries, such as Pâtisserie des Carmes in La Flèche (phone: 02.43.94.02.11), game or “Aux Délices Ludois“ A great national forest is a game-filled forest. in Le Lude (phone: The Bercé oak forest so popular with walkers is 02.43.94.44.21), also home to a wide variety of cervid fauna - does, or Pâtisserie Rodolphe deer and stags, alone in Vendôme (phone: or in herds. 02.54.77.32.58) make full So it is no surprise use of their talents in the that this lends service of chocolate lovers, inspiration to some to their great delight! of the restaurant menus in the region.

18 (extract translated from the cookbook “Aimer la cuisine du Maine et du Val de Loire”) Serves 4 - Preparation time: 20 min – Cooking: 20 min Ingredients : • 4 fine vine leaves • 20cl dry white wine • 4 free range quail • 20g butter • 4 slices fat bacon • 20cl poultry stock Quails• 1 fine bunch of whitein grapesvine leaves• Salt, pepper with grapes

Preparation : • Bard each quail with bacon then wrap in a vine leaf. Tie the quails. • Cook in butter until golden. • Baste from time to time with a few tablespoons of white wine, then a few tablespoons of poultry stock. • Cover and leave to cook for approximately 10 minutes. • Peel the grapes and remove the pips. • Add to the quails and leave to cook for another 10 minutes. • Check that the quails are cooked by piercing with the tip of a sharp knife. • Correct the seasoning. When the juices run golden, serve.

Authors : Guy and Katia Podevin - photo : Claude Herlédan - éditions Ouest-France Wine: Red , a full-bodied and fruity wine, easy to drink. Château d’Eternes, Saix

Authors : Anja and Gérard Côme - éditions Arts & Images

(extract translated from the book “Château de Noirieux Cuisine et Art de vivre“) Ingredients : • 6 non-stick tartlet tins Ø 10cm Citron-Basil Sorbet • 30 gr butter • 4 basil leaves raspberry •Le 250 gr watermon clafoutis «Alice»,• 300 gr fresh raspberries • 175 gr caster sugar • juice of 1 lemon • 1/2 zest of untreated orange • 75 gr caster sugar •raspberry 2 untreated limes mousse, citron-basil sorbet • 75 gr water • 1 ice cream maker • 75 gr cream, whipped «to the ribbon» (whipping cream) lemon Clafoutis • 240 gr milk garnish: • 240 gr single cream • 6 basil leaves • 8 eggs • 100 gr fresh raspberries • 240 gr caster sugar • Zest of an untreated lime, cut in fine julienne strips • 40 gr flour

Preparation : Lemon clafoutis raspberry mousse Citron-Basil Sorbet Wash and dry the limes, remove the Boil the water and sugar together in a saucepan. Snip two basil leaves finely. Boil zests. Bring the milk, the cream and the lime Cool and set aside. Mix with 250 g raspberries, in water in a saucepan with the zests to the boil in a saucepan. Whisk the eggs the cold syrup and the lemon juice, pass through sugar and the zest of half an orange. with the caster sugar in a bowl until pale. a strainer, chill. At the time of serving, add the Remove from the heat, add the basil and leave Add the sieved flour and mix well. Pour the boiling lightly whipped cream. to infuse for 15 min. Strain through muslin. Snip liquid onto this mixture, mix and pass through a garnish the other two basil leaves very finely, squeeze the strainer. Butter the tins and fill them three Put the hot clafoutis in the middle of a large lemon and incorporate the juice into the infusion quarters full with the clafoutis mix. Bake in a hot shallow dish. Put the raspberry mousse coulis of basil syrup. Mix it all together and freeze in the oven (190°C) for 15 minutes just before serving. all around it. Put a few fresh raspberries on this ice cream maker. Keep in the freezer. coulis and add a quenelle of citron-basil sorbet shaped with a spoon. Decorate with a basil leaf. 19 www.vallee-du-loir.com

activitiesactivities

SWING ON THE GREEN ! 9-hole or 18-hole course, driving ranges adapted to beginners, exceptional natural settings (hundred year-old trees, natural obstacles, etc.) remarkable fairways, welcoming, convivial clubhouses, group or individual lessons, competitions… the scene is set, come and swing your clubs! Contacts: Walking , pedalling , trotting , • Montjoie Golf Course: 02.41.89.08.76 www.golf-montjoie.com paddling, sailing … • Baugé Golf Course: 02 41 89 01 27 www.golf-bauge.fr make your weekend a healthy one ! Accomplished sportspeople OutdoorOutdoorcan practise their favourite sports, while others can introduce themselves gently to new activities. All in an ideal natural setting , between rivers , watersports bases and forests.

20 Cycling & so on All the water-based pleasures Little country roads, cycling paths, special Lovers of jet ski, beginners or experienced, in trails in the forest and around villages… The groups or solo, can take advantage of the shrewd bicycle is king and the routes many! Make an advice of a qualified monitor at the Trois Lacs early start and set off around La Chartre sur le lake in Couture-sur-Loir. ( Contact: New 3 lacs: Loir on the 55 km of cycle paths along the Loir, 02.54.72.47.59 ) or practise on La Chaise lake in punctuated by thematic information points on Bruère sur Loir ( Contact: 02.43.46.76.98 ). the landscapes, the fauna and the flora. Also opt for sailing in a dinghy, alone or in pairs, New : some fifteen loop itineraries from 20 to or in a catamaran, windsurfer or optimist dinghy 70 km, downloadable on our website www. on the lakes of Marçon and La Flèche, whatever vallee-du-loir.com, introduce you to all facets your level. of the region, starting from the campsites. Not watch out, it bites ! forgetting the undulating hills of the Bercé Enthusiastic anglers will be overjoyed! Their Forest, a paradise for mountain bikers. Thrills setting is the Loir, classified as a category 2 guaranteed! put your best foot foward! fishing water, with its many tributaries and some For a safe family outing, we advise you to use special lakes (including some in category 1). The joy of walking along little tracks, feeling the the green ways. These old railway tracks, without Roach, bleak, bream, carp, tench, perch, zander wind in your hair, discovering a pretty viewpoint any car traffic, are a paradise for two-wheelers, and pike just have to watch out! Note that overlooking a château or a village, strolling along bicycles, roller-blades and pushchairs. the village of Vaas, which has a “fishing village” the chalky hillsides on the banks of the Loir… There are three of them: one linking label, offers specific accommodation, information There is no lack of walking and riding trails, La Flèche to the Zoo (3,5 km), points, a fishing shop and special facilities on the and they do full justice to the beauty of the from Lude to Luché-Pringé (8 km). Loir for carp fishing at night. La Flèche-Baugé (19 km). landscapes. For practised hikers, we recommend New: Note: don’t miss the 48-hour enduro-carp event the “Grande Randonnée“ paths criss-crossing the more info: Guide d’accueil in Marçon from 3 pm on 27th March to 3 pm on Vallée du Loir: 02.43.38.16.60 region. 29th March, or the 72-hour event from 3 pm on ou Baugé Tourist Office: The GR 35 «The Loir Valley - trails of poets» Phone: 02.41.89.18.07 The GR 36 «From Normandy to the Pyrenees via the 29th October to 12 noon on 1st November. La Flèche Tourist Office: southern Sarthe, for long-distance walkers». Contact: Mairie de Marçon - Phone: 02.43.44.13.07 Phone: 02.43.94.02.53 The GR 235 «From the Perche to the Loir» The GR 655-35 «Pilgrims’ trail to Santiago de Compostela» The GR 365 from Sillé-le-Guillaume (northern Sarthe) to Get away from it all Durtal on the water The Perche-Vendomois «GR de Pays» And if you paddled a canoe for a change? The Basses Vallées Angevines «GR de Pays» Tranquil and verdant, the Loir is a particularly For occasional walkers, there are waymarked good river for canoeing, allowing you to discover routes through villages and the forest lasting an little-known treasures. Downstream of Durtal, hour or longer. All these itineraries are shown in canoeing professionals have marked out the route, the topo-guide “La vallée du Loir à pied“ The Loir Valley to introduce you safely to this sport. (a selection of 42 circuits, in French), in the invites you to topo-guides published by the Fédération Française Itinerary 1: Durtal to Prignes (1/2 day, 10.5 km) take part in an de Randonnée Pédestre, and on IGN maps. Itinerary 2: Prignes to Seiches-sur-le-Loir (1/2 day, 12.6 km) unusual, amazing They are sold in the Tourist Offices, and staffwill Itinerary 3: Seiches to Villevêque (1/2 day, 6.5 km) journey with an air- be only too pleased to advise you on the best Itinerary 4: Villevêque to Ecouflant (1/2 day, 11.1 km) borne trip lasting itinerary to choose. Have a great walk! approximately 1 hour, in the Contact: Vallée du Loir - Phone: 02.43.38.16.60 River information sheets on sale in the tourist offices or silence of the air, in total osmosis more info: The Loir Valley pocket guide Phone: 02.43.38.16.60 on www.vallee-du-loir.com with nature! What a sensation of intense pleasure it is to go up in a INTO THE SADDLE! hot-air balloon above the meanders At walking pace or at a trot, exploring the Loir of the Loir, to see game animals and Valley and horse riding go very well together. birds without frightening them, So into the saddle for a fantastic ride lasting a day to spot troglodyte dwellings and or longer, on routes specially designed for horse admire private châteaux. Floating riders. In the Bercé Forest a loop circuit of 40 km, above the treetops ... another way with three itineraries, links the forest to the to be filled with wonder. A flight in overnight gîtes of Beaumont-Pied-de-Boeuf a hot air balloon is an unforgettable which welcome riders and their mounts or in experience – and would make a Chandelais forest. perfect gift! Contacts: Contact: Air Touraine Hélicoptère Loir et Bercé Tourist Office - Phone: 02.43.44.56.68 Phone: 02.47.24.81.44 Baugé Tourist Office - Phone: 02.41.89.18.07 21 Take-off from Dissay-sous-Courcillon www.vallee-du-loir.com Active Holiday Idea www.vallee-du-loir.com

Château life (Ref. VL12) Itinerant tour of 7 days/6 nights in 3 chambres d’hôtes, starting and finishing in Dissay-sous-Courcillon

The Loir Valley invites you to explore a region that is home to innumerable treasures. Along tracks and little roads, cycle off to explore places full of emotion, nature and history, across secluded and varied landscapes. Combining the pleasures of gastronomy, a high quality of welcome and stops in châteaux and fine residences ... this tour offers you an opportunity for discovery not to be found elsewhere!

€ 599 per person - half board, based on a double room, with luggage transported. - bicycle delivery and hire: € 72 - single room supplement: € 330

NB! Excluding start dates from 8 to 15 June 2009 inclusive.

Book by calling + 33 (0) 2 43 38 16 66 or [email protected] More ideas on www.vallee-du-loir.com

book

“Les Tropes” village of 7 gîtes in on line

For 4, 6 or 8 people, «Les Tropes» gîtes melt into the surrounding vegetation! The work of young creative architects, “Les Tropes” is a group of 7 gîtes nestling into the ground, clad with «walls of vegetation». They are set around a swimming pool on the edge of the forest of Bercé, famous for its hundred-year-old oak trees.

You are welcomed to Les Tropes under the ancient beams of a former foresters’ house. In the gîtes, the living room has an open fireplace and is lit by immense picture windows. The kitchen area, integrated into the living room, is functional: electric hotplates, microwave, refrigerator and dishwasher. The bedrooms are all separate. The 6 and 8 person gîtes have two bathrooms, one on the ground floor and the other on the first floor. Toilets are separate. Each gîte has a well-situated terrace with wooden garden furniture, a sun umbrella and barbecue, and a shed for storage.

Leisure facilities on site: swimming pool heated in high season, sauna, table tennis, badminton, pétanque, cycle hire. 280 km of mountain bike trails are waymarked in the forest.

Leisure facilities nearby: Fishing, tennis, canoeing and horse riding. 50 hectare lake and leisure base 13 km away. Shops in the village 1 km away. Crafts (wood, basketwork, leather, etc.).

• 1 gîte for 3-4 people (2 bedrooms): weekend € 230, week (7 nights) from € 330 • 3 gîtes for 6 people (3 bedrooms): weekend € 310, week (7 nights) from€ 410 • 3 gîtes for 7-8 people (4 bedrooms): weekend € 340, week (7 nights) from € 440

Included: tourist tax, electricity (electric heating), firewood, blankets, pillows and towels. Not included: you will be asked to pay a security deposit of € 230 on arrival. Cleaning charge: € 50, breakfast: € 5 22 Interior decoration In her loft-workshop in Couture sur Loir, the vil- Ceramics lage where Pierre de Ronsard was born, Geneviève Would you like to learn about clay handling and techniques? Varied Naudin, artist and decorator, offers 2-day courses themes, original supports: in interior decoration: Catherine Mera will pass on her know-how in a friendly atmosphere, working with shapes, colours, volumes and mate- from €20 per person per hour. rials, production of models, etc. You will learn to choose materials, work with light • Contact: Atelier Terre sur Argance and brightness, then to position your furniture 6 rue Maréchal Leclerc according to the volumes available, for a persona- 49430 Durtal lized and functional home. Other courses are also Phone: 02 41 69 92 35 available: painting on wood, colours, etc. www.cmera-ceramique.fr • Find out more: Atelier du Liseron, Geneviève Naudin - 2 rue Pasteur - 41800 Couture-sur-Loir Phone: 02.54.72.46.50 - www.liseron.com

Decoration and makeover course “Plan an interior makeover of your home” Leave with a decoration or makeover project Décoration for all or part of your home, and master all the makeover techniques. Painted furniture course Tips and ideas «Patines, vieillisement et pochoirs à l’ancienne» How to give new paintwork a look of the past ... Discover workshops on decorating, dressing or Rediscover the customs and stencilling techniques enhancing your interior. Pick up your brushes! applied by our ancestors over the centuries. Learn how to do them yourself, without any runs or drips.

Colour course UPHOLSTERY “Understanding and combining colours” Worthy of some of the finest Parisian galleries, Gain a better awareness of colours and their Anna Wright’s gallery sets the tone. composition - Identify complementary shades Do you like to hunt for second-hand treasures and rare items? and harmonies quickly. By the end of this 2-day Are you looking for original creations? course, trainees will be able to make their own If you are looking for furnishing fabrics by big names such as colours. Canovas, Colefax and Fowler… this “Antiquités & Design” gallery is packed with ideas for enhancing your decor and making your home a unique place, a place that reflects your style. The desire to inspire, the aim to be useful, and Anna Wright’s advice too!

• Contact: Antiquités & Design 14 rue de la Madeleine 72340 LA CHARTRE SUR LE LOIR Phone: 02.43.46.76.88 www.annawright.net

23 www.vallee-du-loir.com splashing about La Monnerie lake in La Flèche combines the pleasures of water and nature in a vast landscaped domain. The perfect spot for a day of relaxation with the family around a delicious picnic. The kids can learn windsurfing, sailing or canoeing safely while their parents bask in the sun on the beach or enjoy a walk along one of the waymarked trails. Contact: Mairie de la Flèche - Phone: 02.43.48.53.53 Adjoining a campsite equipped with every facility for welcoming families, the Luché Pringé leisure base offers many activities alongside the Loir: swimming pool, pedal boats and playground, all in a charming «guinguette» atmosphere. Contact: Mairie de Luché-Pringé Specially for Phone: 02.43.45.44.50 Advice & ideas The countryside is also a family affair . And as your enjoyment is all important , here are some great «Loir Valley» plans to entertain young Mumsand old alike, all at the same time ! Meunier…tu dors… BIRTH Are your children fascinated by mills? Here are three to ANOUNCEMENTS discover, for an enjoyable and educational experience. Long live births at La Flèche Zoo! Thanks The Rotrou Mill in Vaas: this mill ceased production in 1986, but the owner still to the climate, the great atmosphere runs it for the enjoyment of all. Here you can learn everything about making flour, and the care given by the zoo staff, the surrounded by the pulleys going up and down. Note that a big organic market birth rate at La Flèche Zoo is constantly will be held at the mill on saturday 1st august. increasing. Here, every attention is paid Contact: Moulin de Rotrou - Phone: 02.43.46.70.22 to the animals’ well-being. So don’t delay - come and get acquainted with The Bruère Mill, la Flèche: entertaining tour with a quiz at all these baby giraffes, pandas, tapirs, this watermill which still produces ice to chill the drinks for gibbons and the little chimpanzee called grand local and family festivities. Gourmet break at the end of Mayomba. The next births are due in the tour, with a tasting of ice creams with a very local flavour: the spring. Jasnières/apples/vanilla, all presented in a little jar for € 2 Contact: Phone: 02.43.48.19.19 (souvenir, souvenir …). www.zoo-la-fleche.com Contact: La Flèche Tourist Office - Phone: 02.43.94.02.53 Pousset Mill in Vouvray sur Loir: my mill is so high! Tour of the four-level Pousset Mill, with commentary. You will find out all about the history of this mill, built on the banks of the Loir tin the 11th century … The mill also opens its doors to visitors and art lovers for art, sculpture and photo exhibitions … These exhibitions are always free of charge. Contact: Moulin Pousset - Phone: 02.43.46.90.24 A child’s spirit HOLLY PARK VENDOME TREASURE TRAIL On foot, on the “Piste des Petits A fine leisure park for returning to the days of Clous“, or by boat: if your childhood, with mechanical wooden horses, its child is between 5 and 12 years circuit of “old bangers“ for driving, its little train old, ask at the Tourist Office chugging through the forest with a picnic under for a copy of the “Guide the trees at lunchtime, and candyfloss or ice des Ptits curieux“. cream as a snack, you have the perfect programme Clues along the Head in the for a great family day out. water will lead Contact: Holly Park, château de la Grifferie - Echemiré them to a Phone: 02.41.89.70.25 - www.hollypark.fr treasure… and clouds they will leave AIR MUSEUM Come and get lost with your family! with a surprise A maze of maize! Covering 3 hectares, with gift! Welcome to the Angers-Marcé Regional kilometres of alley-ways to have a great time Air Museum. Dive into the heart of the getting lost with the family, 18 entertaining stops Contact : incredible adventure of aviation pioneers, with games and riddles on the theme of China. Vendôme tourist office: recounted by planes and gliders in flying Will you be able to find the way out? Phone: 02.54.77.05.07 condition Children can follow the special trail Contact: Phone: 06.22.85.52.81 for entertaining discovery, based on riddles www.laby-anjou.com - Chaumont d’Anjou. and games, in plane cockpits. You can also visits the air terminal, with a view over the runways, and treat yourself to a maiden flight at the flying club, just for the thrill of it! Contact: Regional Air Museum - Phone: 02.41.33.04.10 www.musee-aviation-angers.fr

The little train For a complete change of scenery, take a trip in a fifties railcar - it’s such fun! Start from the station at Thoré-la-Rochette, destination Trôo. The whistle, kepi and the smell of the engine give this trip a “retro“ ambience. W atch out, we’re off! Contact: Association T.T.V.L - Phone: 02.54.72.80.17 - www.ttvl.fr Chocolate Delight served with a “Berlingot” sauce

Serves 6 Chocolate Delight Ingredients and preparation: • 100 g caster sugar Oyez! • 3 egg yolks • 100 g butter • 100 g wheat flour • 3 egg whites, stiffly whisked • 100 g melted chocolate Messires • 2 teaspoons baking powder Pour the melted chocolate into a bowl. chevaliers!! Add the butter, egg yolks, sugar, flour and baking powder. Mix all together and fold in the stiffly beaten egg whites. Welcome to the Residence of the Good King Pour into a greased cake tin. René: Count of Provence, Duke of Bar and Bake in a hot oven. Leave in the tin, covered, for 5 minutes before turning out. Lorraine, King of Naples, Sicily and Jerusalem. Eat cold as it is or filled with apricot jam or chocolate mousse, decorated Relive the birth of the citadel, fight the English with a few flakes of chocolate. in the Battle of Vieil-Baugé, attend the coronation of Charles VII in the company of “Berlingot” Sauce - Ingredients• and1 vanilla preparation pod Joan of Arc. Various things to do, games and • 1 litre milk • 125 g caster sugar riddles make the tour even more enjoyable! • 5 egg yolks • 60 g bought boiled sweets in several colours Contact: Château de Baugé Boil the milk with the vanilla pod, pour on to the yolks, previously beaten Phone: 02.41.84.00.74 - www.chateau-bauge.com with the sugar until pale, and cook gently until the mixture coats the back of a spoon. Cool. Crush the boiled sweets and add them to the vanilla custard at the last minute so that they keep their colour and crunch.25 Emilie Côme, château de Noirieux. www.vallee-du-loir.com

adresses

The Loir Valley and its secret places… Treat yourself to a bucolic break in this off-the-beaten-track valley, to explore on foot, by bicycle or along the water… Charming addresses for unusual encounters! Our selection is especially for you… and only you!

from The little house on the prairie. 30 € by person* booking on line Chambre d’hôtes 3 épis (Ref. 2309) from in Savigné sous le Lude 34,70 € Take the time for a rural break here in this authentic mill, ideal Hôtel de France - Passion for fast cars per person* for relaxing as a family for a weekend or longer. Whatever your children’s tastes, they will all find something to enjoy in 2 star Hôtel / Restaurant (Ref. 1109) in La Chartre sur le Loir the wide variety of recreational and relaxation activities Four generations of owners have succeeded one another to run this hotel in the centre of provided for them by Anne and Jean-Marc, the happy owners La Chartre sur le Loir! The 24 bedrooms are comfortable, the restaurant kitchen produces of this chambre d’hôtes. Take the time to enjoy life, comfortably gourmet meals, and in summer the flower-lined terrace is very agreeable. An excellent settled on loungers alongside the pool while your children hotel, which still celebrates the finest days of drivers in the Le Mans 24 Hour Race. chase dragonflies near the river. We like: We like: The atmosphere of the hotel and its terrace overlooking the village square, giving An Goodideal refuge where young and old alike can take full a nice «gentle France» feel. The heated swimming pool beside the Loir is superb. advantage of an exceptional setting in which fauna and flora The bar, covered with photos of drivers in the Le Mans 24 Hour Race, reminds us of mix harmoniously with nature, leisure activities, water games, the days when Aston Martins were parked in the driveway! Possibility of bike hire, relaxation and serenity! with roadbooks supplied.

* 1 night: From e30.00 per person sharing a double room. * 1 night: e34,70 per person sharing a double room including breakfast, Breakfast included. or e46.80 per person sharing a double room with half-board.

Book at + 33 (0) 2 43 38 16 66 Book at + 33 (0) 2 43 38 16 66 or [email protected] or [email protected] More ideas on www.vallee-du-loir.com More ideas on www.vallee-du-loir.com

26 General Terms of Booking are available from the booking office of the Loir Valley Development Agency, Rue Anatole Carré, 72500 VAAS - phone: 02.43.38.16.60 - 1901 law association – Siret no.: 441 379 377 000 19 – APE code: 9499Z Authorisation no: 072-96-0001 - Financial security: 30 490 A with the Crédit Mutuel du Maine Anjou et de Basse Normandie. Civil liability insurance: Groupama policy 156339.26.2701 for even more weekend ideas see www.vallee-du-loir.com oR contacT Elodie your trip adviser on +33 (0)2.43.38.16.66 or [email protected]

OPENING IN SPRING 2009

from 70 € An exceptional stay in Château de la Verrerie - ref 2109, Montrouveau per person*

You think you’ve seen everything - and then one day you discover Château de la Verrerie. In this Château full of feeling, nothing is left to chance. From the tableware to the linen, from the furniture to special objects hunted down in Loir Valley second-hand stores, the decor recalls the inimitable charm of houses full of character in which authenticity and design are combined. The 5 bedrooms embody an art of living and the values of pleasure and aestheticism. They invite you to share moments of pure happiness, starting with: • The blue room, with soothing cool and silvery tones, flooded with light; this room has an amazing round shower room in the château tower. • The general’s room, with its decor in soft shades, where you sleep almost under the great cedar. • The yellow room, silky and full of light, dedicated to the sunrise, with its highly original Gustave Eiffel bathtub! • The violet room and its delicate boudoir with crystal pendants. • The taupe-coloured room for a journey into a universe of beautiful objects and exotic furniture. Not forgetting the 17 hectares of grounds for romantic, restorative strolls and the kitchen garden, with its seating areas providing a perfect setting for cocktails before going in to enjoy a candle-lit dinner!

* 1 night: e70 per person sharing a double room, including breakfast. Table d’hôte (book in advance) e60.

Book at + 33 (0) 2 43 38 16 66 or [email protected] More ideas on www.vallee-du-loir.com 27 communication

Only You* www.vallee-du-loir.com www.loir-valley.com

The Loir Valley Only You*

ACC ommodAtIon 2009

Information

Restaurants Hotel-Restaurants Hotels Rental Chambres d’hôtes (B&B) Campsites Caper-van service areas

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Vallée du Loir Rue Anatole Carré - 72500 VAAS Phone: 33 (0)2 43 38 16 60 - Fax 33 (0)2 43 38 16 61

email: [email protected] Manoir de Clairefontaine, F.Lecoq-Vallon, pays Fléchois, A.Crouan, Pierre Gleize, Château du Lude, Guy Durand, Eddy Vangroenderbeek, du pays Baugeois, Château de Baugé, OT m.d, OT CPV, Photos Paillat Crédits photos : Fotolia, ADVL, Antonin Veillith Les Plantes Durtal, Bernard Garet . F.Plonka, Zoo de la Flèche, S.Cordier, Bassin Ludois, Céline Guillaume, Anne Le foulgocq, Hôtel de France, B.Dujardin, Hélicoptère, OT Armel Labbé, Air Touraine Mr Maréchal, Auberge Sainte Catherine, Chez Miton, SI Briollay,