Chteau and City of Vitr: Built at the end of the 11th century on a rocky spur overlooking the Vilaine, this chteau played a major role in the defense of the Breton border, and today is one of the finest specimens of medieval military architecture in Brittany. Rebuilt in the 14th and 15th centuries and restored in the 19th and 20th centuries, it now houses a museum - opened in 1876 - which reveals its history and that of the town. Or stroll through the narrow streets of the old quarters, along the ramparts and back in time to the 14th and 15th centuries.
Chteau d'Angers: The castle of Angers began in the 9th century as a watch post against the Norman threat, and 300 years later during the Plantagenet dynasty it was enlarged to a royal fortress. It now houses the biggest tapestry in the world - "The Apocalypse" 103 meters long, 4.5 meters high and comprising 70 scenes, the Apocalypse wall-hanging is today the oldest in the world of this importance. Angers is approx 1 hours drive away.
Chteau de Craon and its Park: Built a little before the Revolution, this grand country house is made of the Loire white stone, which dominates the perspective of formal gardens and of the town. Panelling and Louis XVI furniture in living rooms evokes the idea of a refined life in the castle. Over 42 hectares, the gardens and park form a whole that you can discover as you please, helped by the French-English written guide.
Ferme du Pressoir: Visit the Ferme du Pressoir, where cider has been made since 1871, and enjoy the ambiance of a traditional French cider farm. Taste cider made not just from apples, but also from pears, and sample the famous "Eau de Vie"
Fishing: There are a number of excellent fishing rivers: the Mayenne, the Erve, the Vaige, the Taude, the Treulon, the Ouette, the Oudon, and more anonymous or not well known ones, however also full of fish. Almost each town has its own lake, deep, well kept and restocked with fish for each fishing season. Daily fishing permits can be purchased on request.
Golf: There are two top class golf courses in the area, one at Vitr and another at Chang-les-Laval - both about a 30minute drive away. Les Rochers Svign is near Vitr, and is laid out in the grounds of the Chteau. It is a superb eighteen-hole course, which has been used on several occasions to host the French Open Championship. It has an excellent clubhouse and restaurant. The course at Chang-les-Laval runs alongside the river "Mayenne" - and boasts a full 27 holes. It has panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, and also has a first class clubhouse and restaurant. Both these courses welcome day visitors - and are generally quiet weekdays.
La Rincerie: The sports and recreation park of "La Rincerie", in La Selle-Craonnaise, near Craon, offers a multitude of water sports: catamaran, windsurfing, kayak and "Topper"; that benefit from the incoming winds onto this 50 hectare lake. You can even practise sand sailing, or, if you like nature, you have ATB, archery, "swin-golf" (9 holes by the reservoir) and mini-golf. The reservoir is also of major ornithological interest, and offers lovely walks around the area.
Le Moulin des Gus: This windmill was built in 1824, and is the only one of its kind in the region. It has remained in the same family for 12 generations, and Monsieur Lemoine still fabricates buckwheat flour, or "bl de noir" in the traditional manner. Many of our courses include a visit to Moulin de Gus, which gives a fascinating insight into the traditional way of milling flour.
Museum Robert Tatin: After sixty years of travelling around the world, Robert Tatin returned to his native town, to sculpt a world deserving of the name "One thousand and one nights", which invites the visitors to dive into his fantasies. The approach is along a pathway bordered by giants, dedicated to people such as Picasso, Joan of Arc and Vercingtorix. In addition to his sculptures, the museum also includes paintings, designs and ceramics. The museum is situated in Coss le Vivien, just 10 minutes from the Walnut Grove, and to all those who visit, a truly unique experience.
Refuge de l'Arche: The Refuge de l'Arche in Chteau-Gontier has a story to tell about its animals; injured, sick, maltreated or abandoned - they are given a new life at the refuge when they cannot go back to their original environment. You will see, for example, the largest group of baboons in the world. Over 14 hectares, all was created (observation posts, overhangs, terraces) so that you can get close to the 850 animals (250 species) and take photos of them.
Valley of the Loire: Take a 2-hour drive to the heart of the Loire, to explore some of the best vineyards of the world, and an abundance of medieval castles.
