Maine-et-Loire places to visit and attractions
Below you can explore some of the most popular highlights and places of interest in the Maine-et-Loire department of Pays de la Loire. See also our Maine-et-Loire travel guide
Angers
Most famous for its castle, Angers also has a cathedral and many other interesting historical monuments, numerous parks and gardens... See Angers guide
Angers Cathedral
The cathedral in Angers is the earliest example of Angevin gothic architecture in France See Angers Cathedral guide
Apocalypse Tapestry
The Apocalypse Tapestry is a remarkable 14th century tapestry, 100 metres long, telling the biblical story of the apocalypse See Apocalypse Tapestry guide
Aubigne-sur-Layon
The small village of Aubigne-sur-Layon is very pretty, especially in late spring and summer when the many flowers in the town are in bloom See Aubigne-sur-Layon guide
Bauge
Bauge is a small traditional town with a small castle - and a very interesting apothecary! See Bauge guide
Chateau d'Angers
The mighty fortified walls of Chateau d'Angers form an interesting contrast with the more 'beautiful' castles of the Loire region. See Chateau d'Angers guide
Chateau de Brissac
The Chateau de Brissac is the tallest castle in France, has more than 200 rooms and extensive parkland to explore! See Chateau de Brissac guide
Chateau de Montreuil-Bellay
The Château de Montreuil-Bellay is an impressive 15th century castle surrouned by medieval ramparts and furnished n period style See Chateau de Montreuil-Bellay guide
Chateau de Saumur
The Chateau de Saumur stands in an impressive location with views across the Loire river See Chateau de Saumur guide
Chateau Plessis-Bourre
The most unusual feature of Chateau Plessis-Bourre is the way it combines medieval and renaissance architecture, and has been unchanged for hundreds of years See Chateau Plessis-Bourre guide
Cholet
Cholet is a pleasant town in the Maine et Loire department. See Cholet guide
Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin
The Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin in Angers combines 1500 years of religious architecture with an impressive display of religious artwork See Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin guide
Fontevraud Abbey
The Fontevraud Abbey has a great deal to see: it is one of the largest abbey complexes in France and most visited abbeys in France See Fontevraud Abbey guide
Montsoreau
Montsoreau, listed as a 'most beautiful villages in France', also has an interesting troglodyte vilage to explore See Montsoreau guide
Saumur
The town of Saumur, in the shadow of the famous castle, is a lovely historic town along the banks of the Loire River See Saumur guideFor more information see the Maine-et-Loire guide
Market towns & days in Maine-et-Loire
all markets in morning unless otherwise stated
Angers: Wednesday & Thursday & Sunday & Saturday
Beaufort-en-Vallee: Wednesday
Beaupreau: Monday
Brissac-Quince: Thursday
Cande: Monday
Chalonnes-sur-Loire: Tuesday & Saturday
Chateauneuf-sur-Sarthe: Friday
Chemille: Thursday
Cholet: Saturday all day & Monday all day
Doue-la-Fontaine: Monday
Le Lion-d'Angers: Friday
Longue-Jumelles: Thursday
Montreuil-Bellay: Tuesday
Montsoreau: Sunday
Noyant: Friday
Pouance: Thursday
Saint-Barthelemy-d'Anjou: Tuesday
Saint-Macaire-en-Mauges: Friday
Saumur: Wednesday & Thursday & Saturday & Friday
Segre: Wednesday & Saturday
Seiches-sur-le-Loir: Thursday
Thouarce: Tuesday
Tierce: Wednesday
Trelaze: Sunday
Vihiers: Wednesday
Tourist attractions to visit in Maine-et-Loire
The following sites have received official "tourist classifications"...
Zoo or wildlife park
Parc zoologique de Doué-la-Fontaine
4* Towns in Bloom
Angers: See tourist guide
Aubigne-sur-Layon: See tourist guide
Chenille-Change
Cholet
Towns of Art and History
Angers: See tourist guide
Secteur Sauvegardé (protected historical town centre)
Saumur: See tourist guide
Listed 'Remarkable Gardens'
Jardins du Pin
Parc de Lathan
Parc oriental de Maulévrier
Religious Monuments
Abbaye Notre Dame de Fontevraud (Fontevraud Abbey): See tourist guide
Eglise de Notre Dame (Chenehutte-Treves-Cunault)
Prieuré de Notre-Dame de Cunault (Chenehutte-Treves-Cunault)
Towns classified as Recommended Detours
Montreuil-Bellay
Villages classified as "most beautiful villages"
Montsoreau: See tourist guide