Trélazé

Day Trips

Begin your exploration at the UNESCO-listed Trélazé Slate Mines Park, delving into deep underground tunnels carved by miners centuries ago. Wander through the dimly lit galleries and imagine life in the heart of the quarry as natural light filters through fissures above. The hush of the subterranean world sets a mood of mystery and discovery.

Take a guided tram ride across the rolling slate heaps, learning about geological formations and industrial heritage. Stop at the onsite museum to inspect antique tools, detailed maps, and archival photographs that illustrate the quarry’s evolution. Enjoy a panoramic view from the top of the spoil tip, overlooking the Loire Valley and Angers in the distance.

Return to Trélazé to dine at a cozy bistro offering traditional Anjou cuisine. Sample local specialties such as rillauds and fouace, paired with a crisp Anjou white wine. Conclude the evening with a leisurely stroll through the town center, admiring softly illuminated historic facades.

Drive to Château de Serrant, a magnificent Renaissance castle nestled among sprawling vineyards. Join a guided tour to admire its ornate woodwork, grand staircase, and private art collection. Spend time wandering the formal gardens, marveling at sculpted hedges and fragrant flowerbeds.

Head to a nearby family-run vineyard for a tasting of Anjou wines, including dry Chenin Blanc and rich Cabernet Franc. Learn about the winemaking process during a cellar visit, sampling directly from oak barrels and stainless-steel vats. Enjoy a light picnic of local cheeses and charcuterie on a shaded terrace overlooking the vines.

Return to Trélazé and stop at a riverside café in Angers for light Moroccan-inspired tapas and a glass of rosé. Watch the sun dip behind the riverbanks as street musicians play soft melodies. Head back to your accommodation for a peaceful night’s rest.

Set off early to Terra Botanica, Europe’s first theme park dedicated to plants and biodiversity. Wander through exotic greenhouses showcasing giant water lilies, carnivorous plants, and tropical ferns. Try interactive exhibits that demonstrate the science of plant growth and sustainability.

Explore outdoor themed trails, including a medieval herb garden and a sensory garden designed for visually impaired visitors. Ride the Monorail for an aerial view of floral displays and water features. Pause for lunch at the park’s organic café, feasting on seasonal dishes made from locally sourced produce.

Return to Trélazé and join an evening concert or theatrical performance at the local cultural center. Enjoy artisanal cocktails or regional cider at the venue’s bar before the show starts. End your night with a nighttime stroll under lantern-lit walkways.

Rent bicycles in Trélazé and set out along the scenic Maine river towpath. Pedal through lush poplar groves and past historic watermills while feeling the gentle breeze off the water. Stop at viewpoints for photos of swans gliding on the river’s calm surface.

Continue your ride into Angers, pausing at the Loire à Vélo rest stops for refreshments and local pastries. Cross the Pont de Verdun bridge and explore the riverside park with shaded seating areas. Enjoy a packed picnic on the grass, sampling baguettes, regional cheeses, and seasonal fruit.

Return your bikes and head to a riverside brasserie for dinner on the terrace. Order grilled fish from local waters and pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. As dusk falls, watch rowers pass by under twinkling lights strung along the quays.

Travel to nearby Saint-Barthélemy-d’Anjou to visit the historic Cointreau distillery. Follow a guided tour through copper stills and oak barrels as you learn about the distillation of the famous orange liqueur. Smell the fragrant orange peels and spices used in the secret recipe.

Participate in a masterclass where you craft your own signature cocktail using Cointreau, fresh citrus, and herbal infusions. Sip your creation in the distillery’s elegant tasting room, accompanied by small bites of dark chocolate and candied orange peel. Browse the gift shop for limited-edition bottles and souvenir glassware.

Return to Trélazé for dinner at a modern farm-to-table restaurant renowned for its inventive cuisine. Try a dessert infused with Cointreau, such as crème brûlée with orange zest. Conclude the night with a digestif on the heated patio, gazing at starry skies.

Visit the bustling market in Angers’ Place Sainte-Croix, where local farmers display fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, and homemade pâtés. Chat with vendors about seasonal specialties and pick up ingredients for your cooking class. Soak up the lively atmosphere as musicians perform on nearby corners.

Join a hands-on cooking workshop led by a local chef in a historic kitchen. Learn to prepare classic dishes like rillettes de poulet, fouace brioche, and tarte Tatin using ingredients sourced from the morning market. Sit down with your fellow participants to enjoy the three-course meal you’ve created, accompanied by carefully paired regional wines.

Stroll back to Trélazé along cobblestone streets illuminated by lanterns. Stop at a wine bar for a final taste of Loire Valley reds, chatting with friendly locals who share travel tips. Return to your lodging for a restful night after a day of culinary discoveries.

Board a leisurely boat cruise on the Maine river, departing from Angers’ marina. Glide past riverside mansions, lush green banks, and historic water locks as your guide recounts local legends. Keep an eye out for herons and kingfishers perched along the reeds.

Disembark in the village of Bouchemaine to explore its quaint lanes and flower-lined squares. Enjoy lunch at a waterfront café, savoring freshly caught fish and ratatouille. Wander through art galleries featuring works by local painters before catching the return cruise.

Arrive back in Trélazé in time for sunset drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the valley. Sample a flight of Loire ciders while watching fishing boats drift home. Cap off your evening with a gelato from a popular local creamery.

Take a short train ride to Angers and visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts, home to masterworks by Rubens, Delacroix, and Botticelli. Admire the exquisite details of religious altarpieces and grand historical paintings. Pause in the sculpture garden to contemplate contemporary works amid flowering shrubs.

Head to the Galerie David d’Angers to view an exceptional collection of busts and relief medallions by the famed 19th-century sculptor. Continue to the Château d’Angers to marvel at the Apocalypse Tapestry, one of Europe’s largest medieval tapestries. Climb the fortress towers for sweeping views of the city and the Loire river.

Dine at a Michelin-recommended restaurant in Angers, sampling refined takes on Anjou classics such as pigeon rôti. Order a pairing of local reds and whites selected by the sommelier. Return to Trélazé under a star-filled sky, content after a day steeped in art and history.

Drive to the Château de Brissac and set out on a guided hike through its wooded estate. Walk along shaded trails that wind past deer meadows, hidden ponds, and centuries-old oaks. Learn about the castle’s folklore and royal visitors as you progress toward elevated viewpoints.

Reach a scenic picnic spot overlooking the vineyards of Brissac-Quincé and the distant spires of Angers Cathedral. Feast on a gourmet picnic basket filled with local cold cuts, cheeses, and fresh baguettes, washed down with chilled Anjou rosé. Resume your hike past limestone cliffs and secret grottos back toward the castle.

After returning to Trélazé, visit a charming tavern offering hearty country fare. Order a plate of confit de canard with roasted potatoes and a glass of robust red wine. End your evening around a crackling fireplace, sampling a selection of regionally produced cheeses.

Spend a relaxing morning at a nearby spa resort, indulging in thermal baths and hydrotherapy circuits designed to rejuvenate the senses. Unwind with a signature massage featuring local essential oils and plant extracts. Relax in the sauna and steam rooms before transitioning to a quiet lounge with herbal teas.

Enjoy a light spa lunch of fresh salads, fruit smoothies, and homemade granola in a serene garden setting. Book an afternoon facial or mud wrap treatment to nourish your skin with mineral-rich clay. Finish with a peaceful nap in a shaded relaxation pavilion surrounded by bamboo and water features.

Return to Trélazé for a memorable farewell dinner at a riverside gourmet restaurant. Savor a seasonal tasting menu that highlights Loire Valley ingredients, from freshwater fish to garden vegetables. Conclude your immersion in Anjou with a decadent dessert and a toast of sparkling Crémant de Loire.