Market days are an important feature of the towns around us, and details are given in our "housebook"
Montoire and the local area have a number of attractions which are well worth visiting while you are staying at La Chapelle. Some of these are described below.
Lavardin - picturesque village and ancient ruined chateau 3km from Montoire
Built on a rocky headland 45m above the River Loir the fortress dominates one of the most beautiful villages in France. The ancient church of Saint Genest has many old frescos and romanesque stone carvings which are well worth a visit. Concerts take place here from time to time. It also boasts the best retaurant for miles around - Le Relais d'Antan.
Website: http://en.lavardin.net/
Musikenfête - Montoire
Carrying on the work of the Folklore Festival is Le Musée Spectacle with musical instruments from different cultures around the world, including a beautifully renovated 15th century drum. All the pieces have been donated to the museum or acquired from groups who have performed at the festival since 1973.
Website: http://www.musikenfete.fr/
Chapelle St Gilles - Montoire
Dating from the 11th century and built by Benedictine Monks on a pilgrim route, the chapel is an exceptionally important site of mediaeval frescos.
The poet Pierre de Ronsard was prior of Saint-Gilles from 1566 until his death in 1585.
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pierre_de_Ronsard
International Folklore Festival - Montoire
The festivals aims to present culture from across the globe with the best traditional dance and music groups. The Festival takes place during the second week in August every year.
Website: http://www.festival-montoire.com/en/index/index
Maison Renaissance - Montoire
A beautiful early 16th century residence with a large park. The property of the Fredureau family, town bailiffs until the Revolution, it was occupied at the end of the 19th century by the landscape painter Charles Busson.
Website: http://www.likhom.com/site_adherent/Maison-Renaissance/montoire-sur-le-loir/france
Jardin du Plessis Sasnières - 5 kms from Montoire
A stunning 3.5 hectare contemporary garden planted around a lake with many rare and unusual plants, flowers, bark and foliage.
Website: http://www.jardin-plessis-sasnieres.fr/Home.aspx
Manoir de la Possonnière - 14 km from Montoire
Birthplace of the poet Pierre de Ronsard. A 15th century manor with Renaissance features. The gardens have ancient and modern roses, and other flowers and vegetables.
Website:
The market town of Vendôme
This attractive town (20 minutes north) sits astride the Loire river and is full of interesting history. The gothic abbey/church has exceptional architecture with amazing flying buttresses and its 12th century belfry stands majestically alongside. There are lots of good restaurants and the bustling market takes place every Friday morning.
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vendome
Some photos on this page are courtesy of http://www.montoire-sur-le-loir.net