In and around Bressuire

Château of Bressuire   Dating back to the Middle Ages and at one time boasting 38 towers, this national monument has a rich history, including being taken at one time by the English and later recaptured in a blood-thirsty battle. It is host to regular exhibitions and festivals. Nearby, is the 10th century chapel of Saint-Cyprien which has a crypt supported by a single pillar and several ancient frescoes www.tourisme-bocage.com

Coulée Verte  Several hectares of natural parkland teeming with wildlife, stretching out in both directions from the base of the Château, along the river Dolo. The area encompasses two lakes (Chaize and Bellefeuille), several old water mills and a sculpture park where exhibits are displayed amongst apple trees

Day trips

Puy du Fou  A 100-acre theme park where historic battles are spectacularly re-created. Chillingly realistic with impressive horsemanship. Features a full-size Roman amphitheatre and Cinéscénie, an evening pageant with 2,000 actors, grand firework display and computerised water jets  www.puydufou.com

Futuroscope A futuristic theme park which uses modern technology to provide  lifelike experiences. Simulated rides let you experience exciting thrills and spills whilst still strapped safely in your seat! Dance  with robots,  walk with dinosaurs or swim underwater with the aid of 3D effects and giant screens   www.futuroscope.com

Pescalis  A coarse-fisherman’s paradise. Several well-stocked lakes set in 375 acres of attractive parkland with picnic areas, restaurants & children's play area  www.pescalis.com

Loire Valley  Acres of vineyards and many elegant châteaux with charming gardens, many open to public. Try  Montreuil Bellay, Chenonceau or Ussé (where the story of Sleeping Beauty is said to have originated) www.experienceloire.com

Marais Poitevin   Take a punt along one of the many canals  & waterways in this attractive area known as ‘Green Venice’ because of an abundance of emerald-green duckweed floating on its many waters www.maraispoitevin.fr

Nantes A cosmopolitan city with several fine galleries & museums and some impressive architecture including the Château  des Ducs de Bretagne. Take the tourist train or stroll along ‘les allees’, a maze of cobbled streets in the old quarter flanked by pavement cafes

www.nantes-tourisme.com

Château de Bressuire

Entrance to Coulée Verte

Château de Chenonceau

Pescalis

Amphitheatre at Puy du Fou

Bressuire - Convenient for many tourist attractions