L'Espoir is under 2 hours from the sandy beaches of both Les Sables-d'Olonne and La Rochelle. Les Sables-d'Olonne is a seaside town in western France, on the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated on the coast between La Rochelle and Saint-Nazaire, near the coastal terminus of the A87 that connects it and nearby communities to La Roche-sur-Yon, Cholet, and Angers to the northeast. The nearest major metropolitan center of France, LaRochelle is more of a ports city with a large marina surrounded by returants and cafes. Just outside the city is a beach with plenty of tree shade for those wanting to avoid the strong sun.
Dating back to the fourth century BC, Saumur was originally only home to the troglodyte caves and their inhabitants. The caves were first excavated to harvest the tuffeau limestone, which was formed over 90 million years ago when the Loire Valley formed the floor of a great ocean. Doué-la-Fontaine is a striking commune, near to Saumur. Offering vast troglodyte caves to discover, Doué-la-Fontaine is popular with anyone who wishes to explore French history. Within the Regional Natural Park of Loire-Anjou-Touraine, you can walk through silent caves with high vaulted ceilings, visit the town’s history museum, the Musée “Aux Anciens Commerces”, and the Zoo de Doué, a 14-hectare zoo home to about 100 different animal species. This area is fantastic for both cycling and horse riding, with many paths coursing through local vineyards. Stay in a real troglodyte cave when you sleep at Logis Hôtel Rocaminori, in Rochemenier, just outside of Doué-la-Fontaine
Just north of L'Espoir and within half an hour you can access a vast selection of vneyards of the Loire valley. The Loire Valley is the heart of France, famous for its natural beauty, magnificent châteaux and great wine. The region is rich in history and culture: Renaissance writer Rabelais was born here; Joan of Arc led French troops to victory in the Hundred Years’ War in the Loire; and, as the Cradle of the French Language, its residents speak the purest French. Loire valley is a primarily white-wine region that stretches over a long distance along the Loire River in central and western France, and where grape varieties and wine styles vary along the river. Four sub-regions are situated along the river: Upper Loire is known for its Sauvignon blanc, producing wines such as Sancerre AOC, but also consisting of several VDQS areas; Touraine produces cold climate-styled white wines (dry, sweet or sparkling) from Chenin blanc in Vouvray AOC and red wines from Cabernet Franc in Bourgueil AOC and Chinon AOC; Anjou-Saumur is similar to the Tourain wines with respect to varieties, but the dry Savennières AOC and sweet Coteaux du Layon AOC are often more powerful than their upstream neighbours. Saumur AOC and Saumur-Champigny AOC provides reds; and Pays Nantais is situated closest to the Atlantic, and Muscadet AOC produces white wines from the Melon de Bourgogne grape. To the West the vineyards of the Vendee and south Bordeaux
ADVENTURE PARK 79 CHANTEMERLE The forest of chantemerle, La Chapelle St Etienne79240 MONCOUTANT SUR SEVRE This is a true adventure to share with family or friends the pleasure of swinging from tree to tree, on zip lines climbing frames or bicycles! Sports and sensational course composed of 6 sites on 56 activities (tarzan jumping, skateboarding, tightrope walker, cycling, sledging,...) ranging from green to black (possible escapes on all black activities) 6 zip lines or 400 m in total From 4 to 14 m high. A new game on the site n°6 for 2023 !! the COCO TARZAN.. to discover soon !! The Parc de la Vallée is an amusement park located on the banks of the river in the steep valley of the Argenton between Thouars and Argentonnay. Young and old will spend a pleasant day in a shady site. Indeed from 2 to 99 years old everyone finds his account in a family atmosphere in complete safety. For the happiness of all, you will find more than 40 attractions, an aquatic area, a show area, a souvenir shop as well as several food outlets and barbecues available to customers. Pony/Horse riding in Bressuire.Pony afternoons The pony afternoons start at 2pm until 5pm, they allow you to discover horseback riding for those who do not yet practice, to progress, develop your autonomy and have fun. These afternoons are also an opportunity to pass the Golden Pony for those who wish. On the program: Discovery of the world of the pony, games, walk, aerobatics ... Plan a snack for the 4h. Prices: 30 € in the afternoon email: equitation.bressuire@orange.fr
The Marais poitevin is one of the main assets of the Southern Vendée region. At one time, it was entirely covered by water, but thanks to the monumental work and ingenuity carried out by man, it has now become an exceptional region. It provides a wide range of activities that are all set in a magnificent green landscape also known as the Green Venice. The region has obtained numerous awards (labels) such as Regional Natural Park (Parc Naturel Régional), Great Sites of France, as well as European Tourist Destination of Excellence. The Marais poitevin is an ideal destination for slow tourism and environmentally friendly activities… canal boat trips in the green Venice, bird watching, cycling, fishing, hiking and many others…. Why not give it a try?
There is a twelve lane 10pin bowling alley in Bressuire about 15 minutes away. It serves pizzas and has a lunch menu. Opening hours vary depending on the day but a sample is below for information. Prices may vary from below and are for guidance only. Before 7:30 pm Monday to Friday.............................................. 4,50 € Saturday + eves of holidays......................................... 5,50 € Sunday + public holidays*......................................... 6,00 € After 19:30Monday to Thursday......................................... 5,50 € Friday......................................... 6,00 € Saturday + eves of holidays......................................... 7,50 € Sunday + public holidays*......................................... 6,00 € Bowling - Bocapole 79300 BRESSUIRE
Originally a part of the cavalry division, the Cadre Noir was transformed into a riding school to carry on the traditions of French horsemanship. Now, part of the National Riding Academy, the skills perfected over the years are displayed during shows that visitors all over the world can come to see. From animal lovers to anyone looking for a good show, the Cadre Noir is a perfect choice. Address: av Ecole Nationale D Equitation,49400,Saumur France Langlois Chateau The makers of some of the finest wines in the Loire valley, Langlois Chateau is a family business that was started in 1885. Langlois Chateau not only offers a tour of their vineyard and caves but also of the factory where all their wine is produced. Started by Vanessa Godfrin, at Le Secret des Papillies, Offering full-day and half-day tours, attendees are first taken through the vineyard where they are given the history as well as the process of wine-making in Saumur. Later, they are shown the Tusseau caves before heading back to the shop. Once the bottles are popped open, guests learn how to taste wine, try local delicacies and find out how to pair wine with food. This is a place that simply should not be missed.
