Mélisse et Camomille Mélisse & CamomilleGîtes in Saint-Georges-des-Gardes
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Things to do nearby

A rich region to explore, right on your doorstep

Remarkable gardens, grand spectacles, châteaux and vineyards: from Saint-Georges-des-Gardes you can easily reach all of Anjou and even Vendée. Here are our favourites, with the travel time from the gîtes.

Our must-sees

Four days out not to be missed

7 minby car

Camifolia Garden

Chemillé-en-Anjou

Chemillé has long been France's capital of medicinal plants, and Camifolia is its showcase. Across 3.5 hectares, this botanical garden gathers more than 600 species of medicinal, aromatic, perfume and dye plants, with Roman chamomile as the star, the emblem of the region (a nod to your gîte!).

You wander from garden to garden, touching, smelling and tasting, and the visit ends barefoot on a sensory path. Children love the treasure hunt, the bamboo forest and the spider trail. Allow about 1 h 30 for the visit.

Remarkable Garden labelGreat for familiesSelf-guided or guided visitOpen in season
Garden's official website →
Lotus pond in the Camifolia garden, with the Chemillé church spire in the background©
25 minby car

Maulévrier Oriental Park

Maulévrier

The largest Japanese garden in Europe is hidden in the Mauges countryside. Designed between 1899 and 1913 by architect Alexandre Marcel, it is inspired by the strolling gardens of Japan's Edo period and unfolds over some thirty hectares a sequence of symbolic landscapes: tea garden and pagoda, red bridge, islands of paradise, meditation hill, bonsai collection.

Each season transforms the place: cherry blossom and the Hanami festival in spring, soothing greens in summer, flaming maples in autumn. From May to September, illuminated night walks are accompanied by Japanese tales. The park generally opens from mid-March to mid-November.

Remarkable Garden labelNight walks in summerPeace and escapeOpen March to November
Park's official website →
Pruned trees and azaleas by the water, Maulévrier Oriental Park©
30 minby car

Puy du Fou

Les Épesses, Vendée

France's best-known spectacle park, repeatedly honoured among the best parks in the world. On the programme: gladiators in the Signe du Triomphe arena, the Viking assault, the cavalcades of Richelieu's Musketeers, or the poetry of the Mime and the Star, in the middle of reconstructed villages and settings.

In the evening, the Noces de Feu light up the lake, and in summer the Cinéscénie, a huge night-time fresco played on a 23-hectare stage with over 2,000 actors, is performed on Fridays and Saturdays (book well in advance). Plan on a full day, or even two, and consider the park's hotels if you want to extend the adventure. The park opens from early April to early November, then for the Christmas period.

SpectaclesCinéscénie in summerChristmas at Puy du FouBooking recommended
Puy du Fou's official website →
Chariot show in the Puy du Fou arena©
1 hby car

The Saumur region

Saumur and surroundings, Loire Valley

Nicknamed the pearl of Anjou, Saumur overlooks the Loire from its white château, in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Loire Valley. It is also home to the Cadre Noir, the French-tradition riding school listed by UNESCO, which you can discover on a tour or at a performance.

Beneath the town, miles of galleries carved into tuffeau stone, at 12 °C all year round, house sparkling wines, Crémant de Loire and Saumur-Champigny, to taste at the producers. Around Saumur you can explore troglodyte villages and their fouées, the Château de Brézé and its moats, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, one of the largest monastic cities in Europe, or Montsoreau. The “Vignobles et troglodytes du Saumurois” wine route (90 km) links it all together.

Saumur ChâteauCadre NoirTroglodyte cavesFontevraud AbbeySaumur wines
Saumur tourist office →
Saumur château and the banks of the Loire©

Also nearby

More ideas for your days

Angers château and its gardens©
45 min

Angers

The fortress château houses the famous Apocalypse Tapestry, a masterpiece of medieval tapestry. Then stroll through the historic centre and along the Maine riverbanks, or spend the day at Terra Botanica, the plant-themed park.

20 min

Cholet

The nearby city for shopping, the market, restaurants, the cinema or a stroll through the town centre, very handy to round off your stay.

Place Graslin in Nantes©
1 h

Nantes

The Château des ducs de Bretagne, the Machines de l'île and its giant elephant, the lively districts along the Loire: a great city day, an hour's drive away.

Bunch of grapesBottle of Coteaux du Layon©©
Around the gîtes

Winemakers and producers

The area has many wine appellations, and several winemakers open their doors to visitors for tastings. Don't hesitate to ask Nadège for addresses.

Countryside and pond seen from the walking trails©
From the gîtes

Walking and cycling

Saint-Georges-des-Gardes is the highest point in Anjou: footpaths and quiet country lanes are ideal for a relaxed walk or a bike ride, away from traffic.

Opening days and hours, prices and show calendars change with the seasons: please check the official websites before you go. Nadège will be happy to advise you according to your interests and the age of your children.

Ready to plan your stay?

Write to Nadège to check availability or ask for advice.

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