Cointreau Museum
Located in the town of Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou, this museum tells the story of the famous orange-flavored liqueur. Visitors can learn about the history of the Cointreau family and the distilling process, and even sample some of the delicious liqueur.
Château de Brissac
This stunning Renaissance castle is the tallest in France, with seven floors and over 200 rooms. Visitors can tour the castle's opulent interior, which features antique furniture, tapestries, and artwork, as well as the beautiful gardens surrounding the property.
Saumur
This picturesque town is situated on the banks of the Loire River and is famous for its elegant château and fine wines. Visitors can explore the town's historic center, which is filled with charming cobblestone streets and half-timbered houses, and enjoy a glass of wine at one of the many local vineyards.

Maine-et-Loire

WELCOME TO Maine-et-Loire

Entry Into Department

largest city
Angers
AREA
7,166 km2
POPULATION
815,000
official language
French

Popular

Geography and Tourist Attractions

Information about the canton's tourist attractions, including popular destinations, events, and activities.

Loire Valley

The Loire Valley in France is a region known for its stunning natural beauty, historic chateaux, and excellent wine. Located along the Loire River, the valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore charming towns and villages, admire breathtaking scenery, and sample the local cuisine and wine.

Anjou Wine Region

The Anjou wine region is located in the Loire Valley and is known for producing some of the finest wines in France. The region is famous for its dry whites, rosés, and reds, which are made from a variety of grapes, including Chenin Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Gamay. Visitors can tour local vineyards and wineries, learn about the winemaking process, and sample the delicious wines of the region.

Château de Brissac

Château de Brissac is a stunning Renaissance castle located in the Loire Valley of France. With seven floors and over 200 rooms, it is the tallest castle in France and features opulent furnishings, artwork, and gardens. Visitors can take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its fascinating history and architecture.

Political

Economy and Government

Maine-et-Loire has a diverse economy with a mix of traditional and modern industries. Agriculture plays an important role in the region's economy, with crops such as grapes, apples, and asparagus being major products. The region is also home to a variety of small and medium-sized enterprises in sectors such as food processing, machinery, and electronics. In recent years, the region has seen growth in the service sector, particularly in the areas of tourism, health care, and education.

Government:
Maine-et-Loire is a department of France, which is governed by a prefect appointed by the central government in Paris. The department is further divided into five arrondissements, each with its own sub-prefect. The departmental council is responsible for local governance and is composed of 46 elected officials. The council's main responsibilities include managing the department's budget, overseeing infrastructure projects, and promoting economic development. The council is led by a president who is elected by the council members. The current president of the departmental council of Maine-et-Loire is Christelle Morançais, who has held the position since 2017.

History

History and Culture

Maine-et-Loire has a rich history dating back to the Roman era. The region was later inhabited by the Gauls, who were conquered by the Franks in the 5th century. During the Middle Ages, the region was a center of power for the Angevin dynasty, which ruled over a vast territory that included parts of England and France. Many of the region's historic chateaux and fortresses date back to this period. In more recent times, the region played an important role in the French Revolution and was a center of resistance during World War II.

Maine-et-Loire is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its architecture, art, and cuisine. The region's chateaux and other historic buildings are important cultural landmarks, and the region is also home to a number of museums and art galleries. The cuisine of Maine-et-Loire is characterized by fresh, local ingredients and is famous for its wines and cheeses. The region also has a vibrant cultural scene, with numerous festivals and events taking place throughout the year, including music and dance performances, theater productions, and traditional fairs and markets. The region's people are proud of their cultural heritage and are known for their warm hospitality and love of traditional customs and celebrations.

HOTELS​

Château de la Mazure

Located in the heart of Anjou, this elegant 18th-century castle offers luxurious accommodations and amenities such as a pool, spa, and gourmet restaurant.

Hotel Saint-Pierre

Situated in the picturesque town of Saumur, this charming boutique hotel features beautifully decorated rooms, a garden terrace, and a cozy lounge with a fireplace.

Château de Verrières

Set in a stunning 19th-century castle surrounded by a park, this refined hotel offers stylish rooms, an outdoor pool, and a gastronomic restaurant serving regional cuisine.

RESTAURANTS​

Le Gambetta

Located in the heart of Angers, this Michelin-starred restaurant offers contemporary French cuisine made with fresh, local ingredients, presented in an elegant and modern atmosphere.

La Table de la Bergerie

Set in a charming stone farmhouse in the Loire Valley, this restaurant serves traditional French cuisine with a modern twist, using ingredients from its own organic garden and local producers.

La Table d'Antoine

Housed in a 17th-century building in Saumur, this restaurant offers classic French cuisine with a creative touch, using local and seasonal ingredients, and featuring an extensive wine list showcasing the best of the Loire Valley's vineyards.
Translate »
Scroll to Top