Les Verchers is a tiny village, but happily boasts a boulangerie serving scrummy cakes and breads, you will be served by a very friendly and completely French only speaking lady who will happily give you whatever you point to.

There is a huge supermaket....SuperU just five minutes away where you can buy everything you could possibly want from petrol to wine to cheese!

Doue la Fontaine boasts a number of shops, coffee bars and restaurants including two Troglodyte restaurants where you will enjoy a meal in a unique atmosphere and surroundings.

There are lots of bars and restaurants to choose from whether you just want to sit with a drink and watch the world go by or enjoy a scrumptious meal.

Many of the villages have festivals, particularly at vandage (harvest time). Great fun is had by all and you will be made very welcome. Everywhere you go the people are remarkably friendly and helpful, especially if you are brave enough to attempt some French. (Here's a great link to get you started!)

Although the immediate surroundings of Les Fleurs exudes an aura of tranquility, we do appreciate that not everyones ideal holiday is spent soaking in the peace of a quiet garden or lazing in the sun.

Fear not however, as the surrounding area has more than its fair share of attractions to entertain, from the cultural to the educational, the adventurous to the sublime...

Wine

The region produces many exquisite wines from the world renowned Saumur Brut (www.veuve-amiot.com to the lesser known but delicious wines produced by the smaller wineries such as Jacki Clee's Domaine du Moulin de l'Horizon.

This includes several traditional wine producers, who will welcome you with a visit around the caves where they produce the wines, followed by tastings and the opportunity to buy at far cheaper prices than in the UK. Appointments are necessary for many of the visits to the wineries and we will happily arrange these for you.

Alternatively, if time is limited or you have small children who say "not another one!!", we can arrange a mixed case from several producers for you to try. Simply tell us the type of wine you like (on which, the price will naturally vary) and we will have your case ready and waiting.

The region offers so many varied and beautiful places to visit that you will want to return time and time again. You can see everything from a rose garden (Les Chemins de la Rose) at Doue La Fontaine, to a Tank Museum at Saumur.

For somewhere out of the ordinary, why not pay a visit to MUSEE DU CHAMPIGNON just five kilometers from Saumur? A centre that cultivates 75% of the country's mushrooms!! You will visit the tufa caves, an experience never to be forgotten where the gourmets amongst you can enjoy a varied mushroom meal at lunch time.
Contact them on 0241 503155.

Futurscope at Poitiers is a theme park packed with thrills and despite being an ideal day out for the children, it has plenty to entertain the 'big kid' in anyone with adventures for all ages. If you are looking for something out of the ordinary and seek thrills, this is the place for you. Check out their website at www.futuroscope.fr. The night shows are fantastic!!

On the South Bank in the suburb of St-Hilaire-St-Florent is the ECOLE NATIONALE d'EQUITATION ( the National Riding School) where the prestigious Cadre Noir stage very exciting equestrian shows. For more information, see their website at www.cadrenoir.fr.

The Loire is world famous for its beautiful Chateaux, very many of which are open to the public and should not be missed. The historic towns of Amboise, Blois, Saumur and Beaugency are jewels in the Loire's crown and therefore worth visiting.

Saumur, which is only a 15 minute drive from the gite is a beautiful town, bordering the Loire river where there are many pretty walks to amble along. A visit to the Chateaux is a must, there is an optional 90 minute guided tour which covers the porcelain and equestrian exhibits.

The 'Parc Mini Chateaux' at Amboise is a revelation. Go along and marvel at the 44 chateaux in miniture which grace the Loire. Gasp in admiration of workmanship and the care taken building these fantastic 'mini' chateaux. Everything is laid on for you to enjoy: a fantastic meal either in the restaurant, sandwich bar or picnic area.
Contact them on 0825 082522.

Chateau Villandry; The elegance of the renaissance. Villandry is renowned for the harmony of its architecture and its gardens and is the last of the great Renaissance Chateaus built on the banks of the Loire and less than 45 minutes drive from the gîtes. For more information visit their website at www.chateauvillandry.com.

The area boasts, golf courses, riding, fishing, fs swimming, cycling, canoeing and wonderful walks. The Zoo at Doué La Fontaine is world famous. The animals are housed as near as possible to the terrain they originate from. The zoo boasts a very successful breeding programme which reinforces how happy and contented the animals are. You can even feed a vulture from your hand!!
Contact them on 0241 591858.

Saumur has a small but very friendly airport, where it is also possible to buy fuel if you have flown yourselves in. Parking is cheap and the people couldn't be more helpful in providing a high quality aeronautical service. It is also possible to book parachute tandem jumps or lone jumps, or organise a complete parachute training course..