Sanziers

The property, situated on the edge of a quiet wine making village means that wine tasting and buying is not a problem. There are many high quality wine producers living and working in the village, who are keen for you to sample their wares -red, white, rose Anjou and Saumur wines, plus a growing range of sparking wines- 'Method Traditionale'.

The village also houses a mushroom and troglodyte museum which attracts many visitors.

Whilst our village doesn't have its own shops, the baker's van calls most mornings at the gate.

Just down the road from the property, by the river Thouet, is a beautiful lake for fishing and swimming. There is a well designed fitness trail all around the lake, a bar and dancehall, football pitches, tennis courts and crazy golf.

Le Puy Notre Dame

Our nearest village, 2 minuites by car is Le Puy Notre Dame. There you will find plenty of amenties, including a small supermarket, boulangerie (bakers), bar, restaurant, tourist information office, post office, bank, chemist and a very impressive landmark- the collegiale church.

It hosts a festival of wine and mushrooms in early July and also an amazing 'Retro Grand Prix' during the last week in July- a must for lovers of vintage and classic cars.

Montreuil Bellay

Our nearest town Montreuil Bellay is only 4 miles away. Its beautful chateau overlooks the river and stunning floral displays throughout the town. Canoes and pedalos and kayaks can be hired to take out on to the river. There are two outdoor swimming pools, museums and crazy golf, botanical gardens and numerous bars and restaurants catering for all tastes.

Another local town of Doue La Fontaine is famous for being the rose growing centre of France and hosts a Rose Festival during June and July. Doue also boats an award winning conservation zoo which is a must to visit as it is dedicated to the protection and breeding of many endangered species and their release back into the wild.

Saumur

On the river Loire is a beautiful medieval city with its imposing chateau overlooking the area. It has museums of all kinds including the internationally renowned Tank Museum, along with it's famous cavalry school- of great interest to horse lovers. Sight seeing trips can be taken on the riverboats, by 'petite train', which winds its way along the narrow streets or by horse and cart. Laze away days by sitting outside to eat in one of the numerous restaurants and cafes.

 

History lovers will not be disappointed. The nearby Abbey Fontevraud has the painted tombs of Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquataine. There are superb English tours available so you can learn much more about the area. It also holds classical music concerts throughout the year.

Jazz lovers will aslo enjoy the jazz festival in Saumur.

Many fairtale castles like Chinon (with it's Joan of Arc memories) dot the area. The gardens of Villandry are magnificent along with the renaissance beauty of Azay de Rideau.