Events & Festivals in Western Loire in March

Gorillas in today's world.

The Museum of Natural History in Nantes, working together with the Rennes Espace des sciences and the Palais de la découverte, is organising an expo dedicated to the king of primates, the elusive, mysterious gorilla.

This animal, born out of the African forest, is an important symbol for many faiths and religious systems. The exhibition will be broken into two sections, both of which attempt to reveal the true nature of these fascinating creatures.

Five themes underpin this event: "Brute or BFG (Big Friendly Giant)?"; "Gorilla and man, a common heritage"; "Gorillas and the tropical forest"; "Watching Gorillas"; and finally "Gorillas in Danger".

This last theme will be a stepping stone onto the next section of the exhibition which aims to discuss what is affecting the life and habitat of the gorilla and what the future holds for this awe-inspiring animal.

The beast within the mind…

Discover a world of unicorns, dragons, giants, Krakens, griffins and so many more unimaginable imaginary creatures…

This exhibition will be a fascinating experience for young and old, a trip into the mindscapes of history's great civilisations. Don't miss out on this fantastic journey into a world like no other.

The foundations of a city…

The Thomas Dobrée Archeological Museum in Nantes will for the duration of this exhibition become a gateway allowing you to travel back in time. Discover the history of Nantes and the region, from prehistory to the year one thousand.

From the apparition of humans to the first settlement, witness the birth and evolution of a city.

A village recounts its memories...

In the heart of the forest of Perseigne, a village recounts its memories in the Maison du Sabot (clog museum).
Neufchâtel-en-Saosnois showcases the skills of those who worked with wood: clog-makers, woodsmen, carpenters, cartwrights and wheelwrights, etc.
The collection of woodworking tools are witnesses to a common past.

If wishes were horses…

Do you like nature? If you have always dreamed of learning to ride in idyllic natural surroundings, then Barbara and her horses will not disappoint. From complete beginners to experienced riders, from a walk on a lead rope to a challenging flatwork class, Barbara offers a friendly approach to riding.

Chateau overlooking the Loire.

The chateau overlooking the Loire, made famous by Alexandre Dumas, was built in the 15th century.

Half residence and half fortress, the building was originally four-sided, flanked by four square towers and surrounded by deep moats fed from the Loire.

After major restoration work, a tour of the chateau now includes an audio-visual tour on the theme of the Loire.

A unique collection of plants.

The positioning of the buildings, the rainwater pool in the centre and the view over the railway have shaped the composition of the park.

An alley links the reception terrace (a reminder of the squared gardens of the Middle Ages) to the main terrace (a vast open space at the foot of the former Blanchisserie buildings where the cloth was bleached), where the edges of the rainwater pool are cut to a gentle slope to accommodate the bleached cloth.

The surround is decorated with a series of floral scenes organised (over 1,080m²) by colour (red and pink, yellow and orange, green, blue). Masses of shrubs create patches of shade, especially where the "Sauvageau river" enters the museum. Contrary to certain ideas, the "simples" are grown at random (some of the plants concerned grow by the roadside or in the countryside).

Admire the coastline.

This 4.8km walk starts from the lake and then follows the Grande Plage along the coastline and its inlets before joining the Sentier des Douaniers footpath and continuing.
Follow the Maxence beach (near which a chalybeate spring still rises, its waters rich in iron).
Next cross the chimney carved into the cliff, known as the Trou de l'Enfer (hell hole).
Pass by the 19th century Château de la Gressière.
End your walk by returning to the Parc Thibaud.
Throughout the walk, the rugged coastline offers magnificent views which can be enjoyed from sea level since the path often runs along the beach. Be sure to set off at low tide, however, otherwise parts of the route will no longer be accessible on foot.

Everything there is to know about Cholet textiles.

For some fifteen years, the factory was used as a store-house by various companies before it was acquired by the Cholet town council as a home for the planned Cholet Textile Museum.

Its remarkable architecture and functional design make this former factory an ideal setting for a museum dedicated to the industrial activities that made the town famous for several centuries.

Learn all about: textile fibres, spinning, the knowhow and history of Cholet textiles - a vital element of industrial heritage, a textile garden, demonstrations of weaving, etc.

Temporary exhibitions, lecture-visits, a programme of varied events and a museum shop offering a wide choice of textile products.

Nantes, a modern, contemporary city.

From industrial architecture like the Batignolles plant or the famous Lefèvre-Utile (LU) factory, now home to the Nantes national theatre, from religious buildings like the parish church of Sainte-Thérèse, from modern housing or offices (Le Corbusier's Delamarre building) to post-war reconstruction, from Art Nouveau (villa Jeannette) to Art Déco (CGA building), Nantes is chock-full of an exciting urban contemporary architectural heritage most of which was built during the "Trente Glorieuses", the heady years of post-war expansion from 1945 to 1975.

The fortress: a heart of stone in a green setting.

The earliest known history of the castle begins under the Vicomtes de Beaumont, as witnessed by the stone keep at the castle entrance. It witnessed the defeat of William, Duke of Normandy (William the Conqueror) who laid siege to the castle for three years without success.
In 1604, Guillaume Fouquet de la Varenne purchased the castle of Sainte-Suzanne from Marguerite de Navarre and, a few years later, built the residential quarters, a perfect example of contemporary provincial architecture (currently under restoration).

Will you get a good impression?

The Museum of Printing in Nantes owns a permanent collection of 2,000 original prints by national and international artists, all produced on the museum's presses.
The works are available to interested organisations in the form of "turnkey" exhibitions.
They can also be accompanied by educational displays presenting the various printing techniques, equipment and special events.

All nature's wealth.

A short distance from La Baule and the salt marshes of Guérande and only a few kilometres from Nantes, the Brière marshes, designated a Parc Naturel Régional in 1970, have been preserved for us through the work of generations of Briérons who subsisted by digging peat, grazing their animals, cutting thatch, fishing and hunting. This vast area of land now counts as one of the most biologically diverse in Europe in terms of its water-fowl and aquatic plants.
The thatched cottage, with its covering of reeds, is also a key feature of the Briéron landscape.

The marshes are now under threat and subject to considerable pressure: Park plans for the coming years are aimed at protecting the setting, preserving and restoring the region's biological treasures and keeping the Brière alive.

To feel the magic of the place, simply set off downstream in a punt steered by a Briéron guide, watch the birds and witness the life and activities of the marshes, glide through the thatched villages of Fédrun and Kerhinet, and explore the soul of the place by visiting the Park's 5 museums.

At the abbey of Clairmont, nestling in the hollow of a valley, visitors are invited to absorb a sense of peace and contemplation as they discover the grandeur and yet simplicity of Cistercian art.
The abbey was founded by Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century, and features magnificent ruins.

Remodelled over the centuries.

The church of La Trinité was built in 1070 and much remodelled over the centuries.
Its architecture is distinctly mixed, and a visit reveals the different phases of its successive transformations and the splendour of its furnishings.

In the footsteps of...

The tour follows a path marking out the various stages in the life of Alain Gerbault: childhood, the First World War, his adventures at sea, his final port of call in Polynesia.
The extensive museum collection is made up of photographs, maps, letters and personal possessions.

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

Industrial hemp-growing in the Saosnois.

The Maison de la Ruralité in Saint-Rémy-du-Val houses a permanent exhibition that reveals the economic importance of hemp-growing in the Saosnois (northern Sarthe).
The CLE des Valois association has gathered a collection of machines once used in hemp-growing, and explains the traditions of the hemp-farmers.

Take a trip down the Mayenne and discover the Loire Valley.

Once upon a time the Mayenne was overrun by commercial activity. Nowadays, however, it has become a unique site where objects and creatures of ecological importance are preserved while at the same time allowing for a number of leisure pursuits.
Perfect for a walk or bike ride, the 85km towpath can be taken in sections but is suitable for a continuous cycle ride.

A World Heritage site.

The area of some 253,000 hectares that makes up the Parc Loire-Anjou-Touraine is above all a land of confluences along its many rivers. A landscape shaped by man, the Loire is designated a UNESCO World Heritage "cultural landscape", a title awarded to an area in which aspects of cultural heritage blend harmoniously with a natural landscape of significant quality.
The architecture of the Park is characterised by the distinctive pale tufa stone which reflects sunlight and forms a stark contract to the blue slates of the roofs. The natural heritage reflects the image of the Loire landscape: a landscape made up of vines, hillsides, troglodyte caves, forests, pastureland and valleys, but also a host of wild birds (over 200 species identified), the European beaver, salmon and shad that are also part of the history of the Loire.
The Parc Loire-Anjou-Touraine covers 136 communes, all committed to an innovative, dynamic policy based on the preservation and presentation of their natural, historical and cultural heritage, on economic and social development and on enhancing environmental awareness and education. The Park is working to establish innovative experimental projects in the field of sustainable development.

Head in the stars...

The Planetarium attracts over 30,000 visitors a year and is one of the fascinating cultural and instructive experiences not to be missed in Nantes.
Identifying the Big Dipper is only part of it; space, the heavens above us and the Milky Way contain infinitely more mysteries.
If you dream of travelling in space and would like to learn more about astronomy by seeing projections of the main constellations, this is the place for you!

Live Latin American music

Enjoy a great night out in the relaxed atmosphere of the Algodon with Latin American music from Wednesday to Saturday.
Every Sunday there is a live music concert.
All the biggest stars have been to the Algodon accompanied by TV cameras: Pierpoljack, Michael Jones, Yuri Buenaventura and many, many others.
An unforgettable night out.

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

A tree in all but size.

If you find bonsai fascinating or intriguing, the bonsai tropicarium is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the world of these decorative miniature trees first created by the Japanese. This specialist bonsai grower is highly reputed regionally and in the profession for the quality of his work and the care and attention he devotes to these miniature trees. The staff of the tropicarium are dedicated to their calling, and the bonsai is revered, almost worshipped, here.
What makes the tropicarium unusual is the sheer variety of the bonsais on display.

Not to be missed: from the Chinese elm to the dracaenas by way of the Japanese maple, a whole palette of colours, fragrances and styles await the visitor. You'll come away from the visit with a deeper knowledge of bonsai plants, whether for the interior or exterior. The owners lavish every care on their plants, protecting and nurturing them all year round. They will happily share with you their tips on how to care for your bonsai: watering, growth, feeding, exposure to sunlight, cleaning, parasites and diseases, repotting, warning signs, pruning, temperature and ventilation. The hothouses are home not only to bonsais of all kinds, but also to tropical plants.
A slight understatement perhaps, since 2,000 exotic species are cultivated here. Bamboos, sugar canes, water hyacinths, palm trees, succulents, lianas and other species luxuriate in the warmth of the hothouses. The exotic hothouse, through which flows a stream populated by hundreds of terrapins, offers visitors a glimpse of tropical jungle. The plants under cultivation vary according to the season.

Head in the clouds.

Paradise for teenagers and somewhere for adults to relax and enjoy new adventures, Pornic Aventure park is the ideal destination for a successful family outing.
Once the "foresters" have instilled the basic safety rules, you set off to explore the circuits at your own pace and discretion (but always under the watchful eye of an experienced professional).

A new park for Angers.

The 50 hectare park is a new feature on the banks of the River Maine bordering the town centre.
Designed and managed as a sustainable development project, it creates a link between the Saint-Nicolas parks and the Lac de Maine.

The architects took their inspiration from the Marais Poitevin to create a landscape of canals in one section, as well as such different areas as corridors of grasses, an oak forest, coloured woods, flowering meadows, family gardens, dunes and green waves or even water meadows.

The way it used to be.

The School Museum is an invitation to memory and nostalgia for some and a source of discovery and curiosity for others: school as it used to be is presented through an extraordinary collection of teaching aids and school text-books.
The museum was first opened to the public in 1991 and currently contains over 10,000 items (text-books, teaching documents and school furniture) that bring old-time schooldays vividly back to life.

Dinner's practically ready.

La Charmille is a charming introduction to authentic organic farm produce.
The farmers will give you a warm welcome and advise you on local products.
Discover delicious organic vegetables, charcuterie, cider and homemade jams, cheese, dairy products, apples and pears and honey.

Where kids are treated like royalty!

Parents and children all want their holidays together to be a success and a source of unforgettable happy memories.

A family holiday resort must be in a position to offer absolutely everything to make that possible: suitable accommodation for families, activities to suit different ages, fun and entertainment for all, and a wide range of facilities in an environment that must be not only attractive (naturally!) but also safe.
Station Kid resorts, in association with the Ministry for Tourism which supports the association's projects, are committed to this vision, and have agreed to a strict charter with six key checkpoints : welcome, facilities, events and entertainment, activities, environment and safety.
Communes which qualify receive the award for a period of three years. The award is made only to communes that pursue a real policy of welcoming children aged between 3 and 12 and their families.

As a result, everything is in place to ensure that children have a fantastic time with their parents, who can feel relaxed and secure.
On the programme: sports, walks, fun learning activities, games and competitions and shows for all the family to enjoy.

Almost a century old.

The park began as a small wood that was transformed into a public park by the Société Immobilière de La Baule-les-Pins development company.
It was opened at the same time as the beach at La Baule-Les Pins on 1 July 1923.
Louis Lajarrige bought the park in 1937 and donated it to the town in 1951.
Covering an area of 25,000m² and more, the park contains over three hundred trees - ornamental, deciduous and conifers - and close on twenty thousand plants.

Understanding the salt marshes.

For 20 years, the rich heritage of the Pays de Guérande, shaped by the 2,000 year-old history of salt, has been on display in the Musée des Marais Salants in Batz-sur-Mer.

The museum takes the visitor on a journey of discovery, illustrating how the salt-pans were operated, the archaeology and history of salt, the salt trade and salt taxes.

The life of the marsh-dwellers in the 19th century is remembered in the collections of furniture and regional clothing.
Collections of shell figurines, faïence decorated with themes alluding to the marshes, and paintings are also on display.

From tradition to technology.

This educational centre covering over 5,000m² retraces the development of a traditional rural trade that over time has grown into a powerful industry using the latest technology. Above all, it is a unique testimony to the changes that have overtaken the rural world in just under two centuries. Milk production has gone from being a craft to becoming a cutting-edge business that is at the forefront of French industry.

The tour gradually introduces the visitor to changes in the world of dairy farming as the tour progresses. In the course of the two-hour tour, you are guided through a world of beauty and light to an understanding of why France is the home of cheese. You will understand the enthusiasm of these men and women who love the business of cheese-making, and watch the tools of the trade being used by skilful hands, their unique knowhow jealously guarded.

The heart of Nantes beats again.

After 15 years of restoration and 3 years completely closed to the public, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne has once again opened its doors. The city of Nantes launched a massive restoration programme to revive this outstanding heritage site in the city centre, a living monument to the history of the city and of Brittany. The restoration of this 15th, 16th and 18th century building paved the way for the opening of a new museum, classed as a Musée de France, dedicated to the history of the chateau and the city.

Over 800 exhibits from the musem's permanent collection will be presented as part of an historic and themed series of 32 rooms covering over 5,000m². Extensive multimedia resources, a total revamp of the museum design and modern architectural features will make the museum fully accessible to all visitors.

An outstanding example of architectural and artistic heritage to be rediscovered, the setting for and witness to the history of Nantes and Brittany.

Wonderful memories of bygone years...

In the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine, on the fringes of the forest of Perseigne, cycling museum La Belle Echappée relates the history of the Tour de France cycling race and its accompanying advertising caravan.
A unique collection amassed by a dedicated race fan (consisting of famous cycles and jerseys, posters, games, toys, etc.) plus interactive and video spaces with original lighting, guaranteed to recall wonderful memories of bygone years.

Home to King René.

Don't be overawed by the apparent austerity of this schist and limestone fortress with its 17 towers, built by a young Saint Louis on the frontiers of his kingdom in the 13th century.
Cross the drawbridge and enter the castle to discover the agreeable residence of the Dukes of Anjou, consisting of late Gothic buildings and gardens.

There are other wonders to be seen, including the extraordinary Tenture de l'Apocalypse, the largest surviving mediaeval tapestry (104 metres), the famous "mille-fleurs" tapestries or the tapestry of the Passion...

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

Art gallery and historical museum.

The art gallery and museum is divided into two sections:

- The Galerie d'Histoire
- The Galerie d'Art, featuring a selection of 18th and 19th century works on mythological, historical or religious themes and including both landscapes and portraits (C. Van Loo, J.-M. Nattier, N. Hallé). The collection of 20th century paintings offers a panorama of geometric abstract works, from Cubism to the present day, with works by A. Gleizes, G. Valmier, A. Herbin, F. Kupka, V. Vasarely, F. Morellet, M. Jouet, A. Nemours, J. Gorin, J. Dewasne, etc., illustrating all the major artistic movements of our time.

Get the taste of Angers!

At the very heart of the Val de Loire, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur make up the third biggest wine-growing region of France. Their wide variety of soils and selected grape varietals, specially chosen for the mild climate of Anjou, produce a great diversity of wines.
With 28 Appellations d'Origine Contrôlée, the vineyards of Anjou and Saumur offer a full range of wines, both in colour and in flavour.
Nor are the Angevins short of ideas on how to present their regional specialities and local fare to best advantage: rillauds (small chunks of belly pork cooked in their own fat), sander in a beurre blanc sauce accompanied by a Savennières white wine, blue chocolates known as quernons d'Ardoises, or greengage pie and desserts flavoured with Cointreau. Choose your menu!
Every week, in every quarter of Angers, B>discover the fresh produce, love of fine food and wine, tradition and savoir-faire offered by professionals, artisans, producers and farmers..

The Tiger's lair.

On retiring from political life after the signing of the peace treaties that brought the First World War to a close, Georges Clemenceau rented this fisherman's cottage in 1919.
It is located in the Vendée, the region of his birth and where he spent many summers.
Looking out to sea, the low-lying house has remained exactly as it was at the death of the man known as the Tiger. The entrance is reached by an alley of pines and firs. Each room and each object evokes the memory of this great statesman.

Cholet's best-loved park.

The park was laid out in 1980 and includes provision for both physical activities (sports facilities, swimming pool) and relaxation (a tree-lined walk).

This local park is very popular with all age-groups, and the facilities provide something for everyone.

It serves as the focal point for a whole neighbourhood, a mixture of detached houses, blocks of flats and public buildings (sports college).

Jumping for joy.

Meet the bounciest animal in the world at the Parc de La Possonière!
On the kilometre-long walk that is also a learning experience, you will be surrounded by kangaroos roaming free.

The park also features a video room providing more in-depth information about the kangaroo.

French formal gardens.

The Grand-Lucé gardens, redesigned and opened to the public in 1999, take their inspiration from 18th century texts.
The French-style gardens with their shaped box-hedges, green rooms and exotic garden culminate at the great staircase leading to the floral kitchen garden.
In the distance, the view opens out onto the landscaped park with its reflecting pool mirroring the image of the chateau, its crown of lime trees and its ha-ha, or sunken fence.
The adjoining forest covers 17 hectares, crisscrossed by rides dotted with statues.

Like a fish in water…

Embark for the shores of South Africa to meet the Cape penguins. Or, you can take our imaginary old submarine, the "Gulf Stream", to meet century-old sea turtles. Then pass through the tunnel, surrounded by a wealth of Atlantic-based fauna.

One of the Ocearium's brand new 2008 attractions is the "Lagoon", a large hall dedicated to tropical fish in which visitors are free to roam and explore.

Don't miss the 'Australian Shark pavilion' for a close-up vision of an impressive but obscure predator, the Australian grey nurse shark.

Representation of power, symbol of an emperor.

La Roche-sur-Yon has devised a new set of heritage signposts: the 5.5km Napoleon circuit takes walkers on a unique route around the town to discover its past and its unique sites by means of an explanatory route (parcours d'interprétation) marked out by distinctive signage consisting of plaques and bookstands.
The heritage walk guides visitors through the historic town centre (Pentagone and Quartier de la Gare) and explains how the town developed from its founding in 1804 up to the mid-19th century.
The walk is divided into three sectors:
the natural site and the old town;
the town under Napoleon;
the town's expansion from 1870 to 1940.
The Napoleon circuit was developed under the auspices of the Fédération Européenne des Cités Napoléoniennes launched by the towns of Ajaccio and La Roche-sur-Yon.
Encompassing a total of 25 European towns and cities, the Federation promotes exchanges of historical information on Napoleonic history, showcases Napoleonic heritage and organises cultural and educational campaigns.

Take a trip down the Mayenne and discover the Loire Valley.

Once upon a time the Mayenne was overrun by commercial activity. Nowadays, however, it has become a unique site where objects and creatures of ecological importance are preserved while at the same time allowing for a number of leisure pursuits.
Perfect for a walk or bike ride, the 85km towpath can be taken in sections but is suitable for a continuous cycle ride.

Open your eyes and enjoy the trip!

The visit will transport you to the shores of South Africa in company with the Cape penguins, or under the seas for an imaginary journey on our ancient submarine, the "Gulf Stream", for a close-up look at the sea turtles.
Or you could take a stroll in the direction of Bora Bora to admire its multi-coloured fish. No need to take the plane to Australia to enjoy a unique experience with the sharks, either.
Why not stop by and visit all these destinations and many more?