FrançaisAutour de nous
Explore Anjou from Bouchemaine
The Loire à vélo
Autour de nous
Activities around Bouchemaine – What to discover during your stay?
Staying at La Ronsardière means choosing a holiday cottage in Bouchemaine ideally located for exploring Anjou and its treasures. Between Loire Valley heritage, vineyards, majestic châteaux, renowned museums and natural parks, there are countless activities around Bouchemaine, all easily accessible from the cottage.
Whether you are a history lover, a nature enthusiast, a food and wine explorer or a fan of slow travel by bike, the region offers an exceptional playground.
Just minutes from the village centre and close to the banks of the Loire and the Maine rivers, our cottage is a strategic starting point for exploring Angers and discovering the highlights of Maine-et-Loire.
In Bouchemaine and nearby
Just 500 metres from the cottage, the Boule de Fort club of Bouchemaine invites you to discover a unique Angevin tradition. This ancestral game, played in a friendly atmosphere, is part of the region’s intangible cultural heritage. Watching a match or speaking with local players offers a glimpse into the true spirit of the area.
Boule de fort originated in Maine-et-Loire in the 19th century and remains a cherished leisure sport deeply rooted in Anjou’s identity.
Nine kilometres away, the Île de Béhuard, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Loire landscapes, offers a timeless escape. Accessible by car or bicycle, this small island in the Loire enchants visitors with its picturesque charm, narrow streets and peaceful atmosphere.
To prepare your visits and discover more ideas for activities, you can consult the official websites of Bouchemaine Town Hall and Anjou Tourisme, both excellent sources of local information.
Angers and its historical heritage
Just 8.6 kilometres from the cottage stands the majestic Château d’Angers, an emblematic medieval fortress that houses the famous Apocalypse Tapestry. Overlooking the Maine River, it is an essential visit for understanding the history of Anjou.
Angers is also a vibrant city of art and history, easily accessible in 12 minutes by car or 8 kilometres by bike along the riverside paths.
Spirits enthusiasts can visit the Cointreau Museum, located 16 kilometres away, which tells the story of the iconic orange liqueur from Angers. At 17 kilometres, the Museum of la Menthe Pastille offers an immersive and sensory journey into another local speciality.
To organise your visits, the Destination Angers website provides a comprehensive selection of events, exhibitions and guided tours.
Vineyards and châteaux of Anjou
The Anjou region is a true playground for cyclists. From Bouchemaine, you can reach Angers via the banks of the Maine River in just 8 kilometres along a smooth and fully cycle-friendly route. Bouchemaine sits at a crossroads between the Loire and the Maine, making it ideal for alternating long-distance stages and shorter local loops.
Twenty-one kilometres from the cottage, the Château de Brissac, often called the tallest château in France, impresses visitors with its architecture and elegance.
Built in the 11th century and owned by the Cossé-Brissac family since the 16th century, it remains the residence of the Dukes of Brissac. The château stands at the heart of Anjou’s vineyards.
Further afield, 66 kilometres away, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe. Founded in 1101 by Robert d’Arbrissel near Saumur, this exceptional site combines medieval history, monumental architecture and contemporary art. It is also the burial place of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart.
In the heart of the Loire Valley, the Anjou vineyard forms, together with Saumur, a historic wine-growing area shaped by the Loire River, an oceanic climate and the schist soils of the Armorican Massif. Here you will find dry and sweet white wines made from Chenin, red wines from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as emblematic rosés such as Rosé d’Anjou and Cabernet d’Anjou.
Nature, gardens and unique experiences
Fifteen kilometres from the cottage, Terra Botanica offers an immersive and educational journey into the world of plants. Unique in Europe, this theme park appeals to both families and botany enthusiasts.
At 56 kilometres, the spectacular Oriental Park of Maulévrier offers a landscape experience inspired by traditional Japanese gardens, ideal for peaceful walks and contemplation.
Fifty-five kilometres away, the renowned Cadre Noir of Saumur perpetuates the excellence of French equestrian tradition through performances and guided visits of the stables.
Wildlife lovers can visit the Bioparc of Doué-la-Fontaine, located 45 kilometres away, a zoo actively engaged in species conservation.
Finally, for a spectacular day trip, the Puy du Fou theme park, 88 kilometres away, presents grand historical shows brought to life through impressive staging.
An ideal cottage to explore Anjou
Thanks to its strategic location, La Ronsardière allows you to combine cultural discoveries, natural heritage and outdoor activities. After a day exploring Bouchemaine, Angers or the surrounding Loire Valley, you can return to the calm of the garden and the comfort of the cottage.
If you prefer sustainable travel, you can also consult our dedicated cycling page to plan your routes along the Loire à Vélo and explore the region in a different way.
To prepare your stay and choose your dates, visit the cottage page and book your getaway in Anjou.
