Brittany & Loire Valley

[Zelda Pinwheel]

We're off to France for Le Mans Classic in July, and taking a week either side to see some of Brittany and the Loire Valley. Camping at Le Mans already booked at Maison Blanche, if anyone's passing by look for the big yellow 130!

Aside from two requests to see Mont Saint-Michel again and the Bayeux Tapestry, plus wine-tasting in the Loire, are there any other "must-see" places that you'd recommend in the area?

We're camping - 4 adults in 2 Land Rovers with rooftents, so pretty much anything is an option! Any amazing campsites?

Edited by Zelda Pinwheel on Tuesday 13th March 13:13

[marcosgt]

If you can stretch your journey a bit, go to the Islands off the north of Brittany, notably the Ile de Brehat.

There's also a lovely Chateau, La Roche Jagu which is just north of Pontrieux. Great views over the river and out towards the coast too.

Bayeux's in Normandy, though, so these places are a bit of a trip from that edge of Brittany.

The motor museum at Loheac is rather good, especially if the weather's not too good and, if you go to Mont St Michel, visit Aligator World (I think it's called that) on the road to it - Huge numbers of Crocs and Alligators!

M.

[Zelda Pinwheel]

Thanks! Should have said - we're starting from Calais and our only fixed point so far is Le Mans, so we can do that whole north-western "corner".

Some good tips there - will check out that motor museum.

[Puggit]

I'd recommend the zoo at La Fleche if you like that kind of thing. It's not cheap, but it's a very good zoo.

Tours centre is great (medieval style), and obviously in the Loire proper you have the Chateaux. Within striking distance of Tours you have Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceaux, Amboise (also a museum about da Vinci).

Personally I love Vendome, amazing walks along the rivers there.

If you're feeling brave, try eating here: http://www.actuacity.com/le-p-tit-amiral_d238741/ . Fantastic €11 3 course buffet meal (including 1/2 litre of wine). Only local French people

[Puggit]

Campsite near our house: http://www.lacdesvarennes.com/

It has a lake with beach and lots of watersports

[Zelda Pinwheel]

Thanks, Puggit!

Do you know if the aquarium at Lussault is worth a visit? I seem to recall visiting many years ago but it doesn't seem to register highly on any Loire Valley lists of things to do, so I wonder if it's gone downhill a bit?

[Puggit]

Zelda Pinwheel said:

Thanks, Puggit!

Do you know if the aquarium at Lussault is worth a visit? I seem to recall visiting many years ago but it doesn't seem to register highly on any Loire Valley lists of things to do, so I wonder if it's gone downhill a bit?

Yes, it's very much still open and looks quite fresh. As with most aquariums my biggest gripe is it's quite small. However the kids love it. There's a carp pond you can dip your fingers in and they suck them!

Something else to consider: http://www.reserve-de-beaumarchais.com/ It's a ride on a 'train' that takes you past boars, deer, emus, ostriches and a few others. Seeing a stag face to face (literally) is really quite a sight!

[Puggit]

While I'm on a roll, giving away all my secrets - this is where we get our booze from:

http://www.cp-vouvray.com/

€5.50 for a bottle of fizz that really isn't far off Champagne

[Zelda Pinwheel]

you carry on!

Thanks for all the advice. Please don't hesitate to give away any more local secrets!