The Surrounding Area
Loudun is in an ideal base for visiting the Loire Valley and the local attractions of La Vienne region.
Along the Loire valley there are the famous chateaux; the vineyards of Chinon and Saumur have some of the finest wines in France and there are numerous local wine producers both small and large who welcome visitors.
The zoo at Doué Le Fontaine is very unusual, set in the shelter of an old quarry giving the zoo animals shade and quiet. It is committed to helping species that are endangered in their own environment.
The zoo has the largest aviary in Europe. It is also interesting to learn how the quarry developed as the local tuffeau stone was extracted.
Futuroscope is about 40 minutes away by car and is a huge attraction within the Vienne. Visitors travel from all over Europe to visit this futuristic theme park. The parc was founded by M. Rene Monory (minister for education at the time), a neighbour of ours who sadly passed away in 2009.
Vallée des Singes is further, about 90 minutes drive, but it is worth spending a whole day there. It is a conservation centre for endangered primates. The monkeys live free on islands in family groups alongside different species they could encounter in the wild but not compete with, often living at different levels within the forest canopy.
The L’Abbaye Fontevraud is just down the road. It is famous as the last resting place of King Richard the Lion Heart and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Founded by Robert l’Arbrissel it unusually included a nunnery and monastery together. After the revolution it became a prison but is now being beautifully restored. L’Abbaye has been designated the ambassador site for the Loire Valley World Heritage by UNESCO. It is open all year except some public holidays and frequently hosts attractions, concerts and animations.
Along the Loire valley there are the famous chateaux; the vineyards of Chinon and Saumur have some of the finest wines in France and there are numerous local wine producers both small and large who welcome visitors.
The zoo at Doué Le Fontaine is very unusual, set in the shelter of an old quarry giving the zoo animals shade and quiet. It is committed to helping species that are endangered in their own environment.
The zoo has the largest aviary in Europe. It is also interesting to learn how the quarry developed as the local tuffeau stone was extracted.
Futuroscope is about 40 minutes away by car and is a huge attraction within the Vienne. Visitors travel from all over Europe to visit this futuristic theme park. The parc was founded by M. Rene Monory (minister for education at the time), a neighbour of ours who sadly passed away in 2009.
Vallée des Singes is further, about 90 minutes drive, but it is worth spending a whole day there. It is a conservation centre for endangered primates. The monkeys live free on islands in family groups alongside different species they could encounter in the wild but not compete with, often living at different levels within the forest canopy.
The L’Abbaye Fontevraud is just down the road. It is famous as the last resting place of King Richard the Lion Heart and Eleanor of Aquitaine. Founded by Robert l’Arbrissel it unusually included a nunnery and monastery together. After the revolution it became a prison but is now being beautifully restored. L’Abbaye has been designated the ambassador site for the Loire Valley World Heritage by UNESCO. It is open all year except some public holidays and frequently hosts attractions, concerts and animations.