In the land of roses, troglodyte dwellings, grand châteaux and close to beautiful Saumur and Angers, Maison Forêt Rose enjoys a fantastic location in the Maine-et-Loire department of the Loire valley.
Beyond the garden gate a path leads into a private and enclosed 100-hectare forest of oaks, chestnuts, hornbeams and a variety of flora and fauna. Look out for deer roaming free, wild flowers and autumnal mushrooms, and eventually come across the tranquil fishing pond as you explore these wonderful surroundings.
Within a short drive, you will reach Doué-la-Fontaine (7km), a picturesque place with restaurants, food shops and a supermarket as well as the much-loved Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine, an incredible natural park home to over 1500 animals. On the edge of the town, the botanical garden, Les Chemins de la Rose, is a fine place to visit with over 13,000 roses and several summer events in their calendar.
The area is also famed for its troglodyte dwellings - Rochemenier Troglodyte Village is only 4km from your holiday home. History lovers also have Château de Montreuil-Bellay just 19km away and the amazing Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud around half an hour by car.
Of course, the enchanting Château de Saumur also awaits in beautiful Saumur (25km) by the banks of the Loire River. Spend time exploring this fine medieval town, home to the famous Cadre Noir equestrian school, sample Saumur’s sparkling white wine in atmospheric wine bars and dine out in excellent restaurants. There are canoeing and kayaking opportunities along the Loire River in the summer months as well as brilliant cycling routes including the Loire à Vélo trail.
Indeed, you could even follow the Loire à Vélo from Saumur towards the gorgeous city of Angers, passing river islands and stunning scenery of vineyards and Loire landscapes as you ride. Alternatively, it’s a 38km drive away and well worth a day trip for its culture, art, cuisine and exquisite historic architecture. Château d'Angers is home to the huge medieval Apocalypse Tapestry.
Elsewhere during your time in the Loire valley, discover the beauty of Candes-Saint-Martin (40km), one of France’s ‘Plus Beaux Villages’ by the banks of the Loire, soak up the historic charm of Chinon (60km) and its surrounding vineyards, venture to the great city of Tours (100km) and visit some of the region’s most iconic châteaux such as Château d'Azay-le-Rideau (82km) and Château de Villandry (80km), both around an hour away by car.
The Region
A region doesn’t get to be called “The Garden of France” without being pretty special, and the Loire Valley is just as luscious and beautiful as its nickname would suggest. There’s countless acres of beautiful woods, vineyards and farmland that produce some of France’s revered ingredients and delicacies, and a wealth of history and beautiful architecture that demands and rewards exploration. Whether you’re heading off with the family, friends, or both, our fantastic portfolio of Loire Valley villas and chateaux means you’ll find fantastic, comfortable and quirky accommodation no matter your preferences.