You’ll discover a confluence area where the Maine and the Loire meet to create incredible landscapes. You’ll love the towns of Béhuard, Bouchemaine, Savennières and Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire with their history and undeniable charm! Take time to soak up the atmosphere of these towns and villages, visit historic monuments, walk along the water with your other half and discover corners of wild nature where you can forget everyday life. Open your eyes, and the Loire Valley, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, will reveal its magic.
And for the more adventurous, there are also lots of activities to enjoy in this area! With cruises, canoe trips, hiking or cycling on the Loire à Vélo, you can live to the rhythm of the water. The Loire à Vélo or Vélo Francette, which links the towns, offers a superb experience with family or friends!
Lovers of fine wines will also be delighted by this region and its vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see! You can stroll through the vineyards, stop at a cellar on your way and taste local wines, including Savennières. Great discoveries in store!
The essentials not to be missed
- Go around the island of Béhuard on foot to its eastern tip to enjoy the Coulée de Serrant, which overlooks the Loire on the other side of the bank, in the town of Savennières. Then, as you continue your tour, admire the panorama of the Loire and the port of La Possonnière at its western tip.
- Climb up to the unusual chapel of Notre-Dame de Béhuard built on a rock, in the heart of the pretty Little City of Character®.
- Walk to the Piverdière belvedere in Bouchemaine and capture the moment with a panoramic photo of the Lower Angevin Valleys and the city of Angers.
- Go to La Pointe, an old fishing village in Bouchemaine, and wander through the typical streets and Place Ruzebouc.
- Step inside the impressive Savennières wine estates, to share the passion of their owners over a glass of Savennières.
- Stroll in Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire in the picturesque hamlet of Port Thibault, with its tufa houses and Mediterranean garden, and see the birds shaking off the water in the Loire at the first light of morning.
- Visit the largest cellar in Savennières, stopping at the Saveurs cooperative grocery store.
- Stroll through the gardens of Sainte-Gemmes-sur-Loire, taking time to enjoy the view of the village of La Pointe in Bouchemaine.
- Share a game of boule de fort, a local activity, with the players from the Boule de Fort de la Concorde circle in Savennières or the Bonne Alliance society in Bouchemaine.
- Take photos of the beautiful 19th-century houses along the path which borders the Loire towards the Béhuard bridge.
To save money by visiting several must-see tourist sites, book your Angers City Pass 24, 48 or 72 hours online. It’s valid throughout the Destination Angers region.
Sites to visit
Activities in the confluence and vineyards
Where to eat or have a drink?
Let the local food and wines surprise you for a moment’s relaxation by the water. Open-air dance cafes, restaurants, picnic areas … you’re spoiled for choice to savour Angers and its sweet taste!
Recharge your batteries by hiking or cycling
Strolling around the island - on foot
You’ll be charmed by the cobbled streets and bucolic atmosphere of Béhuard, labelled Small Town of Character. Admire the chapel from the outside with its large stone steps, and feel free to step inside and discover how the rock forms part of its architecture. Along the way, take time to admire the beauty of the landscapes to totally switch off from everyday life.
On the slopes of Savennières - on foot
A stroll full of charm and vineyards! Follow this circuit and discover the Saint-Pierre Saint-Romain church, as well as Château d’Épiré, the Bécherelle stone and, of course, the Savennières vineyard. Take the opportunity to organise a meeting with a winegrower and taste their products.
At the confluence of the Loire and the Maine - on foot
Walk through the meadows of the Lower Angevin Valleys and enjoy the richness of the flora, which offers a palette of incredible colours. You’ll pass by the Belvédère de la Piverdière, with its magnificent view of the Loire and Maine valleys, and can access the 360° La Piverdière app from your smartphone. Along the way, don't miss: the charming village of La Pointe, its interpretation trail, ports, craftsmen, architecture, gazebos and Liberation Bridge in Pruniers.
You can also do the circuit by bike.
The Confluence and vineyards aren't the only treasure in this region... So why not continue your journey to discover the charming towns around the Lower Angevin Valleys, around the Loire and the slate quarries or maybe the towns and village around La Mayenne.
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