Camping Les Terres de Belle Rive

The ceramics collection in Château de Saumur (20 minutes’ drive) is thought to be one of the best in the country. The castle also houses a horse museum with centuries-old farrier tools and horse tack. Saumur is renowned for its equine association, and you might want to pay a visit to Le Cadre Noir riding school. On the other hand, you might prefer to spend an afternoon tasting sparkling Crèmant at a local winery… It’s easy to while away a few hours in the extensive gardens at Château de Villandry (half an hour), an elegant Renaissance castle. They include a maze, the Ornamental Garden (best admired from above, in order to take in its themes and intricate details) and a wooded area for shaded strolls. Underground tunnels at Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine zoo (40 minutes) lead to various carefully recreated natural habitats, which include Madagascar (with two species of primates), a Leopard Canyon, and large African, South American and European aviaries.