Myweekin.net

Chateau de Valmer — A wonderful chateau to taste and discover wines of the Loire, particularly those of Vouvray. Sweet and crisp. Afterwards, explore the vast and unique gardens; enviable in the spring and summer months.

Open 1 May – 30 June weekends and public holidays
1 July – 31 August daily (closed Mondays)
10am – 7pm

1 Sept – 12 Oct daily (except Mondays) 10am – 12.30 then 2pm – 6pm

Entry €8. Photo copyright MG de Saint Venant.
www.chateau-de-valmer.com
Chançay Vouvray Val de Loire t: 02 47 52 93 12

Parc Miniature Pierre et Lumière & Musée du Champignon — Combine these two underground visits. The first is a series of stone sculptures of famous Loire Valley attractions, the Cathedral and a panoramic view of Angers. Opposite, see how hundreds of different species of mushrooms are grown underground, then exported globally. Both attractions are on the banks of the Loire close to Saumur.

April 1 to 30 September 10am – 7pm then
Feb-Nov 10-12.30 then 2pm -6pm.
www.pierre-et-lumiere.com
St Hilaire St florent, Saumur

Chateau de Beauregard — This chateau is still a residence although it is open to visitors. You can view the grand cuisine, private salons, wonder the garden, and if you’re a group of 25 of more book lunch.

I would combine this visit with another attraction in Blois.

8 Feb – 31 March every day except Wednesdays then 1 April 30 June, daily 9.30a to 12 then 2pm to 5.30pm

www.beauregard-loire.com

Chateau de Troussay — One of the smaller chateaus of the Loire. It is still lived in so only six rooms are open to the public. It would be one you would combine with your visit to Chateau Cheverny perhaps.
Open 1 April - 30 May 10.30am 12.30 then 2pm – 5pm. 1 July 31 August, 10am – 6.30pm. Entry 5€

no site yet
Troussay t: 01 45 04 21 58

La Scénoférie de Semblançay — This is a wonderful French spectacle recounting the history of France throughout the ages. Commencing with the 'Gaul' periods then roman times, middle ages, religious conflict, Louis XIV right through to the revolution.

Brilliantly performed, even though the cast of over 400 are mainly locals in this rather big production. You won't be disappointed in the lighting effects, authentic costumes, fireworks and special effects. There are several scenes with wonderful horsemanship. The only downside is that the show starts when the sun sets, which can be as late as 10.45pm, so difficult for small children, however my six-year old loved it and stayed awake until it finished at 12.15 and, it is of course, holiday time! Shows in July / August 2008 dates were: 28 June, July 5, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26. Aug 1, 2, 8, 9 15, 16

Adults 16 euros Children 6

Email: contact@scenofeerie.com for more details. Site is in French or t: 02 47 56 66 77. If you need assistance booking you can email ally@myweekin.net and we will organise your tickets at the door. You will need a car to visit this area of the Touraine and no public transport to the event.
www.scenofeerie.com
Semblancay

Chateau Montsoreau — A small bit intriguing chateau in one of France's "Village de charme'. This is the vilalge where the Loire and the Vienne rivers meet. You can rest and enjoy refreshments from a nearby cafe. There's a very fine restaurant, 'Diane de Meridor' situated on the path leading up to the chateau for those looking for 'refined dining'. The last Sunday of each month there is a very good brocante.

Hours of opening are a bit irregular:
March : weekends only 2pm - 5pm
April: Daily from 2pm - 5pm
May - Sept: everyday from 10am - 7pm
Oct-Nov: daily 2pm - 5pm Phew!
www.chateau-montsoreau.com
You can't miss it dominates: Montsoreau

Incredible craftsman at work — The co-operative 'Vannerie de Villaines' employs over 100 wicker makers who weave quality baskets and other wicker products. You can visit their studio Mon-Sat 9-12 then 2-7pm. Unless you are after a wicker basket its a little out of the way. But you will find quality and understand a traditional employment for this area.

About 5 km from the town of Azay-le-Rideau.
www.vannerie.com
1 rue de la Cheneillere 37190 Villaines-Les-Rochers

Touraine Wine Museum — This one is for wine buffs. A small entrance fee is charged for a historical recount of wine in the Touraine. Items from guilds, cenology, wine-growing, a few ceramics and glassware. These displays take place in in the 13th century wine cellars of the St. Julien Church.
Open all year from 9.00 -12.00 a.m then 2.00 - 6.00 p.m Closed Tuesday and 1st Jan, 1st May, 14 July, 1st Nov, 11 Nov, 25 Dec.
www.ligeris.com
16, rue Nationale, Tours t: 02.47.61.07.93