Make the most of the weekend
in the Ancenis region!
Yippee, it's Friday!!! So switch off your computer and get ready for a great programme of activities in the Pays d'Ancenis! Whether you're with your partner or your family, we've got some à la carte suggestions for a real break that'll recharge your batteries!
Weekend for two
From Riaillé to Oudon, water, cycling and good food!
They live in Nantes and were looking for a romantic getaway in the heart of nature. Claire and Arthur found what they were looking for, between ponds, countryside, hillsides and the islands of the Loire. They tell you all about their weekend:
Day 1
Lock-keeping tour
This morning we arrive in the heart of the Upper Erdre Valley. We enjoy the soothing silence of nature around the Provostière pond before setting off on a two-hour walk. It's an opportunity to watch the birds from the ornithological observatory, but above all it's a chance to chat, exchange ideas and talk... just the two of us!
Lunch in an inn
At the Auberge de l'écluse restaurant, in a former lock-keeper's house overlooking the Provostière pond, we'll savour home-cooked cuisine combining local flavours, refinement and seasonal produce.
Afternoon at the mill
Head for Pannecé, for a guided tour of the last working mill in the Pays d'Ancenis dating from the 17ᵉ century, the Moulin de la Garenne. Here we discover the various stages in the processing of wheat grain and leave with our bag of flour under our arm.
Romantic dinner
We head for Le Cellier, to the restaurant Le Clos du Cellier, where Nathalie, the chef, prepares modern gourmet cuisine using excellent local seasonal produce. Arnaud, the oenologist, enhances the meal with a perfect wine and food pairing.
Night at the Manoir
We stay in Le Cellier for the evening, in a charming bed and breakfast, the sumptuous Belle Époque Manoir, "Belle Couronne". Early in the morning, we take in the enchanting panorama of the Loire and vineyards.
Day 2
Boat cruise on the Loire
After an early wake-up call at the Manoir, we'll head off to the Cellier market to stock up on local produce for our picnic lunch.
Lunch on the boat
Board the Saint-Nicolas, a pleasure boat on the Loire, for a Robinson Crusoe-style picnic cruise. Giovanni, our guide, will show us his favourite spots, out of sight of the tourists. A truly special experience!
Afternoon in the saddle
Off we go to Oudon, to L.A. Kayak, a bike hire company. We hop on our bikes for a 4-hour loop along the banks of the Loire at the foot of the hills.
A well-deserved wine tasting
We headed for the Domaine des Génaudières to take in the breathtaking views of the vineyards and the Loire in the company of Brigitte, who gave us a taste of her best Loire Valley wines, the famous Malvoisie and the latest Muscadet, the cru Champtoceaux.
From Joué-sur-Erdre to Loireauxence (Varades), delicacies by the water
Mathieu and Emilie live between Angers and Ancenis. They like to take advantage of weekends to reconnect with nature and breathe deeply.
Day 1
Gourmet market
We arrive late morning in the peaceful country village of Joué-sur-Erdre. We start by doing some gourmet shopping in the village for our lunchtime picnic at the Marché des 4 vents, a local producer offering organic produce (meat, vegetables, fruit, cheese) and at Sophie and Yohann Gaillard's bakery.
Picnic on the grass
We're picnicking in a green setting facing Lac de Vioreau. Here, all we have to do is enjoy the lapping of the water and the rustling of the leaves. We savour the moment... and the picnic!
Our hearts sway between the two
Once there, we can set off for a ten-kilometre walk around the lake, or opt for a dinghy or catamaran to discover the full extent of the water. We opt for a bit of physical exertion and set off around the lake!
Country-style dinner
We'll sit down to dinner at the charming Auberge de l'Ecluse in Riaillé, a former lock-keeper's house overlooking the Provostière lake.
A night in a bed and breakfast
We've set our sights on La Petite Buchetière in Riaillé, a cosy bed and breakfast situated in the peace and quiet of the countryside, just a few metres from the River Erdre, between forests and ponds. We've fallen under the spell of its landscaped walled garden, terrace and covered swimming pool.
Day 2
Heading for the banks of the Loire
We set off on an early morning stroll around the Provostière pond.
Lunch at the winery
Off we go to the Maison des vins in Ancenis-Saint-Géréon, where we meet Maxime and Emilie and taste a Coteaux d'Ancenis Malvoisie as an aperitif. Conquered, we decided to extend the moment with a tasty lunch of homemade terrines and tartines.
A romantic palace
We headed for the Palais Briau in Loireauxence (Varades). Italian-inspired and as romantic as you could wish, it overlooks the Loire Valley. The owners tell us all about the fascinating history of this residence, which has preserved its period furniture.
Need some advice on planning the perfect romantic weekend away?
Family weekend
Fancy a family break to calm your spirits? With activities for the little ones, visits for the grown-ups and a breath of fresh air in the great outdoors for everyone? Here are a few ideas.
A weekend by bike
Cycling is the ultimate holiday experience! Just for a weekend, you'll have the feeling that you've really disconnected from the world, that you've rediscovered your freedom as you cycle along. Along the banks of the Loire, on the voie verte or even better on La Régalante, our safe, signposted itineraries are particularly suitable for families.
A weekend of visits
Weekends are also great for learning new things, as long as they're a bit fun for the kids! We couldn't agree more! So we'd definitely recommend a visit to our Tour d'Oudon, whose interactive tours are particularly popular with families. You can also stop off at the Moulin de la Garenne in Pannecé, the last remaining working mill in the area. The miller will show you all about his skills, and you'll even leave with a little bag of flour under your arm! Want to get your little ones interested in art? The MAT and its temporary exhibitions of contemporary art will be right on your doorstep!
A weekend on the water
Is it getting hot out and you're in the mood for some fresh air? Head for the beach! Ours are located on the shores of Lake Vioreau and around the Chêne lake in Oudon. Swimming is permitted and supervised in summer. Picnic tables and play areas complete the décor. And if you want to do more than just laze on your towel, there are plenty of water sports on offer: canoeing, kayaking, yawling, paddle boarding...
