top of page
THINGS TO DO

THINGS TO DO

Visit the many fascinating Loire Valley Chateaux - Villandry, Usse, Azay-le -Rideau, Chinon, Langeais, Saumur and Chenoceau are all within easy driving distance.  The Chateau de Gizeux in the local village is an easy cycle or walk away and the Chateau le Latham in Breil is also within reach by bicycle.

Villandry gardens.  Ornate green hedgerows with red flowers and the chateau in the background

Cycle or walk the many marked trails locally through the forest and vineyards or head to the La Loire and cycle part of the Loire a Velo.

​

You can store your own bikes in our secure garage or hire locally.

​

Click on the image for places to hire. 

Bicycle with a basket on the front with the Loire river and bridge in the background

Take a swim in the many local lakes. 

​

Plan d'eau d'Hommes - only 10 minutes away and has a restaurant, bar and Aqua Parc in the Summer months.  You can also have a go at Stand Up Paddleboarding (SUP) or take a peddeloe out.

Blue and white stand up paddle boards with lake and aqua Parc inflatables in the background

Hire a canoe and paddle down La Vienne around Chinon or down La Loire near Langais or Saumur 

Red Kayak with girl wearing yellow life vest holding the oars.  Kayak on the river with grassland
OUR FAVOURITE PLACES

OUR FAVOURITE PLACES

There are many places we have visited over the years since we started visiting the Loire Valley. Here are just a few of our favourite.  

We hope you enjoy them!

Our favourite places to eat....

Grand Bleu,
Saumur

Our favourite restaurant in Saumur. Perfect for fish, seafood, grills and summer salads. They also have a children's menu so the whole family can enjoy the great food. You will find it in the old town of Saumur and it has tables inside and outside during the Summer months. At busy times of the year it is advisable to ring ahead and book a table

​

​

​

Le Terrier Du Chateau, Saumur

A great location with fabulous views of the Loire and the Chateau de Saumur.  A tapas wine bar and restaurant.  Great to sit outside and enjoy the views and the wine or equally lovely to sit inside during the Winter months.

Le Cafe Musee, Parcay

The nearest cafe/restaurant to La Croix in the village of Parcay les Pins. Run by Darren & Louise, an English couple who used to manage La Croix for us. They have regular themed nights and offer a good value meal.  On a Thursday evening they hold a regular 'Fish & Chips' night, so if you are missing that English chippy tea head over to Le Cafe Musee on a Thursday.

Le Bistroglo, Turquant

Situated near to the village of Turquant this is.a perfect spot to stop if you are cycling on the Loire a Velo. The restaurant is built into the caves and is a great way to not only sample the local food and wine but to experience the troglodyte setting. In the Summer they set up seats outside and advertise that you can 'a boire, a voir, a manger'. As well as the perfect setting the food is excellent too! 

restaurant with blue canopy and menu board with diners enjoying dinner
IMG_4833.jpeg
Cafe bar with church tower behind
Cave dwellings with seating areas and restaurant entrance

Our favourite places to visit....

Maison Louis de Grenelle

One of many 'bubbly wine houses'. This one is found in the centre of Saumur and offers a tour of 'le caves' and tasting. The tour is fascinating and if you are lucky you can join one that is offered in English. The tasting session afterwards is relaxed and you are offered the opportunity to taste a variety of their bubbly wines.

​

​

Saumur

A wander around the old town and up to see the views from the grounds around the chateau is perfectly rounded off with a relaxing drink in the square 'St Pierre' - great for a pre-dinner drink in the early evening.

​

​

​

​

​

​

Chinon

Another lovely town for a wander, great places to stop to eat, drink and people watch. In the Summer months you can take a tour in a horse and cart or take a canoe out on the Vienne river. The stunning Chateau is also worth a visit, perched high up above the town you can walk up or take the outside lift! You are rewarded with stunning views when you reach the chateau entrance.

​

​

Langeais

​

pretty town on the Loire.  The Chateau is impressive and worth a visit.  The town is really pretty with lots of places to enjoy the local cuisine and wine. The have a weekly Sunday morning market.

​

​

Girl with black hair pouring wine into 6 champagne glasses lined up on the bar for tasting
Colourful umbrellas suspended above the cobbled square with the church building behind
White stone chateau viewed from the gateway where green tree covers stone wall
white stone chateau with turrets.  Black ornate circular balls on the ground surrounding the chateau
DAY TRPS

DAY TRIPS

View across Lac du Rille with grassland in the foreground and blue sky and lake view

Lac du Rille

Take a picnic and relax, take to the lake for some water sports or enjoy a ride on the steam train.

Picture of a guard in armour

Puy du Fou

A full day trip about 2 hour drive from La Croix.  Essential to book tickets in advance and best to stay overnight so you can see the evening shows.

Boy on high ropes activity in the tree tops

 Le Baud Rille

Test your sense of adventure and fill up on thrills in the great outdoors, from the treetops. Accessible to all from 3 years old, come and enjoy the adventure courses.

theme park view with water and fountains

Futuroscope 

Theme park with a difference located just outside Poitiers.  About an hour and a half drive from La Croix.

​

giraffes, and other zoo animals

Zoo de Doue

Just outside Saumur an exceptional zoo with over 1,300 animals set in a quarry with lots of tunnels. A great day out! 

320x240_g-arnaud-angers-terra-botanica-a

Terra Botanica

A plant themed amusement park just outside Angers.  Great for all the family.

​

​

  • Trip Advisor
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
bottom of page