Attractions
Here are some attractions and things to do near Chateau de Challain. Please feel free to contact our wedding coordinator, Cynthia, or our travel agent, Carrie, if you would like to do/see/tour any sites in the area. Thanks!
For things to do in Paris, check out the Paris link.
Loire Valley
Loire Valley, France
The Loire Valley (including Western Loire) is known as the valley of the Kings and is considered the garden of France and the Cradle of the French Language. It is also noteworthy for the quality of its architectural heritage, in its historic towns such as Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Nantes, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours, but in particular for its world-famous castles, such as the Châteaux d'Amboise, Château de Chambord, Château de Villandry and Chenonceau.
The landscape of the Loire Valley, and more particularly its many cultural monuments, illustrate to an exceptional degree the ideals of the Renaissance and the Age of the Enlightenment on western European thought and design. The Loire Valley is an outstanding cultural landscape of great beauty, containing historic towns and villages, great architectural monuments, its many châteaux, and fine wines.
On December 2, 2000, UNESCO added the central part of the Loire River valley, between Maine and Sully-sur-Loire, to its list of World Heritage Sites. In choosing this area that includes the French départements of Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire, and Maine-et-Loire, the committee said that the Loire Valley is: "an exceptional cultural landscape, of great beauty, comprised of historic cities and villages, great architectural monuments - the Châteaux - and lands that have been cultivated and shaped by centuries of interaction between local populations and their physical environment, in particular the Loire itself."
Vineyards flank the Loire along much of its length, though the Loire wines do not rank with those of Burgundy or Bordeaux. But for relaxation between visiting the chateaus and hearing the history of noble pleasures, try the excellent wines and regional dishes so graciously offered today.
Vines were first planted in the Loire Valley by the Romans, then grown assiduously by the monks who established important abbeys here, and their wines were drunk enthusiastically by the kings, queens, and courtiers who made the Loire Valley their playground. In recent years, the Loire vineyards have made great efforts to improve their wines and to promote those that have always been revered. Restaurants in the Loire area will have a good list of local wines, and there are signs everywhere for "degustations", or wine tastings at the vineyards themselves. These local wines go perfectly with the regional cuisine, which, like the climate of the Loire, is gentle, agreeable, and never extreme.
Angers
Angers, Loire Valley, France
Here are a few things to know and to do in Angers:
Angers, Ancient capital of Anjou, is the gateway to the western Loire Valley. A civilized town with an old quarter rich with museums, cafes, and elegant shops, it is dominated by the impressive walls and 17 towers of its formidable 13th-century Chateau. Built by Louis IX (St. Louis, R. 1226-1270) within the space of 2-years, this colossus of granite and black schist is approached by a drawbridge across a broad dry moat, now bright with flowers. From the battlements (leveled off at their present height in the 16th century in order to accommodate cannon), there are fine views of the town and river. Within the Chateau is Anger's pride, the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
Apocalypse Tapestry - No other treasure in Angers can rival the magnificent Apocalypse Tapestry, which is displayed in the chateau. Woven in the 14th century to a commission by Duke Louis I of Anjou, this extraodinary tour de force was torn up for blankets and doormats in the chaos of the Revolution. Miraculously, 338 feet of the tapestry (originally 440 feet long, divided into 70 huge panels) survived and have been exquisitely restored. Their glowing red, blue, and gold threads illustrate surreally dramatic scenes from the Apocalypse of St. John in the Book of Revelations.
Catherale St. Maurice - The Cathedrale St. Maurce has an elaborate facade, tall vaulted nave, and 12th century stained-glass windows.
Maison d'Adam - The Maison d'Adam is a fine half-timbered, 15th-century building.
Hotel Pince and the Musee des Beaux-Arts - They contain a classical and Oriental collection. They are two Renaissance palaces in the old quarter house museums.
Abbaye de Toussaint - This place displays the work of the 18th sculptor David d'Angers.
Hopital St. Jean - One of the oldest surviving hospital buildings in France. It displays "Le Chant du monde", a modern tapestry by Jean Lurcat, inspired by the Apocalypse Tapestry.
Nantes
Nantes, Loire Valley, France
Here are a few things to know and to do in Nantes:
The Loire meets the sea just beyond the great estuary city of Nantes. It's wealth was derived from its maritime activity. Now one of the most popular places to live in France, Nantes is undergoing a renaissance. The huge 15th century chateau is being extensively renovated.
Palais Dobree - This 19th-century neo-Gothic palace houses a rich private collection of art, furniture, tapestries, and manuscripts.
Quartier Greslin - Located in the center of town, this 19th-century location is a feast of neoclassic facades and wrought-iron balconies, belle epoque shopping arcades, and art nouveau cafes. Don't miss the celebrated brasserie, La Cigale, opposite the theater.
Normandy D-Day Landing Beaches
Caens, Normandy, France
Caens is a good starting point to the Normandy Landing Beaches. You can get to Caens from Angers via TGV Train (2+ hours). From Caens, you should rent a car. With a car it is easy to make a detailed tour of the Calvados countryside, spending as much time as desired at the many memorials, museums and battle sites. There are also tours you can sign up for if you do not wish to rent a car.
The D-Day Beaches are in a maritime province about 150 miles west of Paris, easily reached in two hours and ten minutes on the main rail line (French National Rail site). The beaches are on 40 miles of contiguous coastline (battlefield map) that can be explored in two or three days of good weather, depending on how absorbed you become by the museums and memorials. If you're curious, like many are, I can tell you first-hand that Normandy retains powerful, present-day reminders of the battle. It also carries the sacred honor as the burial grounds for thousands of war dead.
Normandy shares its D-Day identity with the world and the many visitors who arrive each year to pay tribute. Because of the D-Day affiliation, and a history shared with nearby Britain, many Americans find Normandy more familiar than some other French destinations. The local cuisine features heavy farmhouse dishes, excellent cheese and varieties of apple cider and brandy. The hearty northern fishing towns, dressed in an informal uniform of the trademark broad-stripped shirts, have a robust and pleasing character. People in the fishing towns seem more concerned about boats, traps and nets than the worldwide tourist trade.
