Other Attractions - Page 1
Puy du Fou - The Greatest Show in the World.
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Relive French history from the Viking Invasions, the Middle Ages to World War II as if you were there. On a stage of over 20 hectares, you enter the story along with the actors through a 1200 seat theatre, high quality sound systems and a barrage of special effects.
Nearly two hours of intense emotions and 700 years of history, a giant fresco which has already attracted more than 8.5 million viewers. In 2009, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Grand Parc, Puy du Fou created new spectaculars: 'The Fountain': A ballet of water and baroque music around the giant fountain. 'The Organ of Fire': The new night show of the Great Park takes you on a magical journey. 'New Dream': Cinescenie is a large-scale special effects stage. Time to venue: 60 mins. Location: 30 rue Georges Clemenceau, 85590 Les Epesses |
Les Geants du Ciel - See Birds take Flight
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Definitely one for the children, at Les Geants du Ciel in the hillside old town of Chauvigny in the Deux-Sevres, see displays of falconry with birds of prey including eagles, eagle owls, vultures, black kites and hawks. Also taking to the air are varieties of storks and macaws.
The show, which lasts about 45 minutes, is held in an open-air amphitheatre with view over the town. The birds soar around the towers of the old town as well as over the audience. After the show you can see the birds in their aviaries with information about where they're from and their habits. Time to venue: 60 mins. Location: Les Geants du Ciel |
Saumur Chateau - Historical City
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In the early part of the 13th century, Philip II of France made Saumur part of his royal domain. It changed hands several times until 1589 when the Protestant King Henri IV gave the castle to Duplessis-Mornay.
In 1621 the castle was converted into an army barracks and again nearly two centuries later it was converted into a state prison under Napoleon Bonaparte. In the first part of the 20th century, the city of Saumur acquired the castle and began a restoration program to house the museum of decorative arts. In line with the Saumur area's equestrian tradition and its famous "Cadre Noir", the castle also serves as a Museum of the Horse. The castle has a dungeon and watchtower, and houses the Musee de la Figurine-Jouet, a collection of very old toys and figurines of soldiers, kings of France, and clowns. The Chateau de Saumur has been listed as a historique monument by the French Ministry of Culture since 1862. As of 2008, there are a total of 46 buildings and structures in Saumur which are designated a historique monument. Most of the monuments are built in the lovely soft local stone known as tuffeau. Amongst the most important monuments are the great Chateau de Saumur itself which stands high overlooking the town, and the nearby Chateau de Beaulieu which stands just 200 metres from the south bank of the Loire river; designed by the renowned architect Jean Drapeau, it is recognised for its light and elegant architecture. Amongst the other Monuments Historiques are the church of Saint-Pierre in the Place St Pierre in the centre of Saumur, and the Chateau de Briace which is located on the north side of the river. Time to venue: 60 mins. Location: Saumur Castle, 6-18 Rue De Lorraine, 49400 Saumur |
La Vallee des Singes - Open Air Monkey Park
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Almost as soon as you arrive at La Vallee des Singes you are handed a zippable bag, advised to place all your belongings in it and hang on to it tightly - because you never know when a pesky monkey might swing down and grab something!
La Vallee des Singes or Valley of the Monkeys, is a large 15 hectare monkey and ape park where many of the 350 primates who live here travel freely through the trees and along ropes strung between them, or are enclosed on large islands which allows them to move as they please. Time to venue: 90 mins. Location: Le Geureau, 86700 Romagne, Vienne |
Le Tasting Room - Loire Wine Tours & Tastings
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Fancy learning all about the wines of the Loire region, spending the morning with us here at le Tasting Room. We'll introduce you to the different styles and grape varieties of the region, shattering a few myths and unravel the mysteries of appellation as well as tasting a range of 6 different wines.
The Loire valley is the most diverse of France's viticultural regions, producing wines ranging in style from bone dry to lusciously sweet. You'll discover what gives the wines their identity, and gain the knowledge that will enable you to purchase wines from the region with confidence. This tasting is designed for those with little or no wine knowledge, or those who are interested in learning more about the region. Time to venue: 90 mins. Location: 37 Chemin du Lavoir, Cumeray, 49350 St Georges des Sept Voies |
Crocodile Planet - Reptile Zoo
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Set in a big glass dome which is 20 metres high and covers 5,000 m2. There are six tanks sheltering a collection of approximately 200 species coming from all the different continents, species include crocodiles, alligators, caimans and gavials.
Time to venue: 60 mins Location: Crocodile Planet, 86320 Route du Fond d'oreau |