Attractions and Places To See around Anjou - Top 20

Anjou is rich in history and offers several significant sites. You can explore the 11th-century La Salette Chapel, known for its well-preserved old graves and scenic views. Another notable religious building is the Saint-Pierre Church of Assieu, which was rebuilt in 1866 on the site of an 11th-century structure. Beyond these, the region is home to the imposing Château d'Angers, housing the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, and the extensive Fontevraud Abbey, once a powerful monastic city.

Yes, Anjou, located in the heart of the Loire Valley, is renowned for its stunning châteaux. Key highlights include the medieval Château d'Angers, the fairytale-like Château de Saumur overlooking the Loire River, and the Château de Brissac, known as the 'Giant of the Loire Valley.' For a unique experience, visit Château de Brézé, which features Europe's largest underground castle and deep dry moats.

Anjou boasts diverse natural beauty. You can visit the Île de Sablons, where the Rhône meets the Canal du Rhône, offering a green setting for nature observation. The Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf Dam also provides a wonderful stretch of route with stunning scenery. The broader region features the picturesque Loire River and Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the vast Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park, which is a mosaic of forests, vineyards, and hedged farmland.

For panoramic views, the La Salette Chapel offers a lovely spot to admire the surrounding valley. The Corniche Angevine, located west of Angers, provides magnificent vistas over the Loire River. Many of the region's châteaux, such as Château d'Angers and Château de Saumur, are perched on hills, offering commanding views of the landscape and waterways.

Anjou is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts. You can enjoy hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking on numerous trails. For specific routes, explore the guides for Hiking around Anjou, Road Cycling Routes around Anjou, and MTB Trails around Anjou. Beyond trails, the Loire River offers opportunities for boat trips and canoeing, and hot air balloon rides provide breathtaking aerial views of the châteaux and landscapes.

Yes, Anjou offers several attractions suitable for families. The Île de Sablons is a great spot for wildlife observation and enjoying nature. For a dedicated family day out, Terra Botanica in Angers is a plant-themed park showcasing diverse plant species, and the Zoo de la Flèche is a well-known and popular attraction for all ages.

Anjou is home to some truly unique experiences. Explore the fascinating troglodyte dwellings, subterranean passages and cave homes carved into soft rock, some now converted into wine cellars or restaurants. The Château de Brézé stands out with its extensive underground castle and remarkably deep dry moats. For equestrian enthusiasts, the Cadre Noir in Saumur, a famous national riding school, offers impressive displays of horsemanship.

Absolutely! Cycling is a popular way to explore Anjou. The region features excellent cycle paths, including sections of the ViaRhône, which passes by the Saint-Pierre-de-Bœuf Dam and the Île de Sablons. You can find dedicated routes for various cycling styles in the Road Cycling Routes around Anjou and MTB Trails around Anjou guides.

Anjou is dotted with numerous attractive villages, many recognized for their charm or as some of France's 'most beautiful villages.' Montsoreau, situated between the Loire and the hills, is a prime example. Other picturesque villages include Chenillé Changé, Grez Neuville, Aubigné-sur-Layon, Turquant, and Blaison Gohier, each offering a glimpse into the region's authentic character.

Visitors frequently praise the blend of historical grandeur and natural beauty. For instance, the La Salette Chapel is appreciated for its historical significance and the peaceful views it offers. The Sablons Bridge is noted for its beauty and its location on scenic routes. The Île de Sablons is loved for its natural setting and opportunities for wildlife observation. Overall, the region's well-preserved heritage, stunning landscapes, and opportunities for outdoor activities are highly valued.

Yes, Anjou is a renowned wine region, particularly famous for its rosé wines. Wine tasting is a quintessential Anjou experience, with many local wineries offering tours and tastings. Exploring the vineyards and sampling the regional wines is a popular activity for visitors.

Yes, Anjou has a rich ancient past. You can visit the Gallo-Roman Theatre of Mazerolles (Gennes), which is one of the largest ancient theaters in Western France. Additionally, the region of Saumur has a high density of megaliths, including the impressive dolmen of Bagneux and other significant sites in Gennes and Montsoreau, offering a glimpse into prehistoric times.