Loire with kids

[huwp]

Staying near Saumur and need to keep a 4 and 2 year old entertained for two weeks. Apart from the tank museum, canoes on the river etc does anyone have any other ideas? Any motoring related attractions for example? The boys love their cars.

Huw

[Bonne Route]

How about a drive to Le Mans? Takes about an hour on some great roads - you can drive on the Armco-lined public roads part of the circuit and visit the museum inside the circuit (if it's open).

There is a zoo at La Fleche - again about an hours drive.

The chateau in Saumur is also worth a visit, as are the ones at Langeais (east of Saumur along the Loire), Usse, and Azay-le-Rideau.

In Saumur there is also Cadre Noir, one of the most prestigious horsemanship schools in the world, which does public displays.

HTH

[rednotdead]

Try the Zoo de Doue over in Doue La Fontaine. Great place as all the animal enclosures are in troglodytic dwellings so below ground level.

[huwp]

Thanks both.

Huw

[rlw]

For a stunning bit of history which might well appeal to the kids at some levels, go to Fontevraud and see the tombs of Richard 1st and his missus, William the Conquerors dad and brother. Its a brilliant place and not at all gloomy and the sarcophagi (sp?) are laid out in the middle of the most glorious chapel in full sunlight (on a nice day). Its a very thought provoking place.