Le Hameau des Épesses

There are plenty of castles and fortresses in this corner of France – some of them in ruins, many of them still perfectly preserved. You can visit the 14th-century Château de Saint Mesmin (20 minutes’ drive), or check out the medieval remains of Château Tiffauges (25 minutes), which is now the site of lively period re-enactments. Are you into plants and quiet contemplation? Then head to the Parc Oriental de Maulévrier (half an hour’s drive), one of the largest Japanese gardens in Europe, where you’ll find endless inspiration for your own garden back home, alongside peaceful surrounds. From about mid-March, the park bursts into colour for cherry-blossom season. There’s another Japanese garden, the Ile de Versailles, in Nantes (one hour). The city is also worth a visit for its Machines de l'Île, a steampunk-style park with remarkable mechanical creatures, including an elephant you can ride on, and a three-story carousel with rides inspired by the books of Jules Verne.