Explore the Loire Valley
Welcome to the 'Garden of France', a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its breathtaking châteaux, world-class vineyards, and picturesque riverside towns. From Le Vieux Moulin, you are perfectly placed to discover the very best of this enchanting region.
Montreuil-Bellay
Distance: 5km (5 min drive).
Montreuil-Bellay is a beautifully preserved medieval walled town. Its impressive fortress, with 13 towers, is one of the most remarkable in the region.
Insider Tip: Park near the Place des Augustins for free parking. Visit on Tuesday mornings to catch the market, then walk down to the Thouet riverbank for a picnic.
Saumur
Distance: 15 minutes north.
Famous for its fairytale château that towers over the river, Saumur is a vibrant town with charming streets and a rich equestrian tradition.
Logistics: The easiest parking is at the Parking du Château (free) for views, or Place du Chardonnet. Don't miss the tank museum (Musée des Blindés) if it rains!
Montsoreau
Distance: 20 minutes east.
Classified as one of the 'Most Beautiful Villages in France', Montsoreau sits at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers. Its white tuffeau stone streets are like stepping back in time.
Insider Tip: If you love vintage finds, don't miss the Les Puces de Montsoreau (Antiques Market) held on the second Sunday of every month along the riverbanks.
Chinon
Distance: 35 minutes east.
A stunning medieval town on the banks of the Vienne river. Visit the massive Royal Fortress where Joan of Arc met the future King of France, or explore the wine cellars carved into the cliffs.
Insider Tip: Park along the Quai Danton by the river for easy access. Look for the free glass lift (elevator) that takes you straight up to the fortress without the steep climb!
Local Market Schedule
Stock up on fresh goat cheese, rillettes, and seasonal produce at these nearby markets.
| Day | Town | Distance from Gîte |
|---|---|---|
| Tuesday | Montreuil-Bellay (Town Centre) | 5 mins |
| Monday | Doué-la-Fontaine | 10 mins |
| Saturday | Saumur (Place de la République) | 15 mins |
Activities & Attractions
History & Châteaux
Beyond the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud (resting place of Richard the Lionheart), explore the Château de Brézé, famous for having a 'castle beneath a castle' in its dry moat—the deepest in Europe.
Wine & Gastronomy
We highly recommend Bouvet Ladubay for their bike tours of the cellars, Ackerman for their art installations mixed with tastings, or Langlois-Chateau for a classic Crémant experience.
Active Pursuits
Cycle the scenic 'La Vélo Francette' route along the river, go kayaking or canoeing on the Thouet, or enjoy a round of golf at one of the nearby courses.
Local Markets
Immerse yourself in local life at a traditional French market. Find fresh produce, regional cheeses, and unique crafts in towns like Saumur or Montreuil-Bellay.
Troglodyte Caves
Visit Rochemenier Village Troglodytique (a complete underground farming village) or dine at Les Caves de Marson for traditional 'Fouées' bread cooked in wood ovens.
Family Days Out
Spend a day at the acclaimed Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine, explore the plant-themed park Terra Botanica, or enjoy the water slides and activities at Center Parcs (day passes available).
Common Questions
What are the best things to do in the Loire Valley with kids?
The region is very family-friendly. The nearby BioParc de Doué-la-Fontaine (zoo in a quarry) is world-famous. Kids also love the Tank Museum in Saumur and exploring the underground mushroom caves.
How far is Le Vieux Moulin from the nearest Château?
We are centrally located. The Château de Montreuil-Bellay is just a 5-minute drive, and the famous Château de Saumur is 15 minutes away. Brézé and Fontevraud Abbey are also within 15-20 minutes.
Do I need a car in the Loire Valley?
We recommend a car for visiting vineyards, châteaux, and markets comfortably. However, the region is excellent for cycling, and we are close to the 'Vélo Francette' cycle route.
Can we hire bikes nearby?
Yes! There are rental shops in Saumur and Montreuil-Bellay. Some local companies will even deliver electric or standard bikes directly to the gîte for your stay.
Where is the nearest bakery and supermarket?
You can pick up fresh croissants in Vaudelnay village (2km). For full grocery shopping, there is a large Super U in Montreuil-Bellay (5 min drive) which also has a petrol station.
Do I need to book wine tastings in advance?
For major houses like Bouvet-Ladubay, booking online is essential. For smaller family vineyards, a quick phone call is polite, though many welcome drop-ins if the 'Dégustation' sign is out.
Still have questions?
Please reach out via Messenger, Instagram or email info@vieuxmoulin.co.uk.