What to do around La Chevalerie?

The best family outings in Anjou

Staying at La Chevalerie means enjoying a calm environment while being ideally located to discover the most beautiful tourist sites of Maine-et-Loire.

Within 30 minutes, you can visit a Loire Valley château, take a boat trip on the Louet River, explore Terra Botanica, or stroll through a charming village. Expanding your search a little further, the Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine, Puy du Fou, Pornic, and the Beauval Zoo promise unforgettable days out.

For several years, we have been welcoming families from all over France. One question comes up very often:

"What do you advise us to do with our children?"

We therefore created this page to share our best ideas for outings, those that we truly recommend to our travelers.

Below you will find a summary to quickly choose an activity, followed by advice classified according to the age of the children, your preferences and the weather.

📍 Quickly find your next outing

👶 You are travelling with a young child (2 to 6 years old)

Go directly to Part 2 of this guide.

You will find there, among other things:

• 🦘 Kangaroo Garden
• 🌿 Terra Botanica
• 🦁 Bioparc of Doué-la-Fontaine
• 💦 AquaVita
• 🎠 Loopiland
• Ouistiti Company
• 🌳 Maine Lake Park
•  

👦 Are your children between 7 and 12 years old?

Go to Part 3 .

You will discover there:

• 🚣 Louet Évasion
• 🌲 Sport Anjou Nature
• 🌳 Tree climbing
• 🏎️ Karting
• 🚴 Loire by Bike
• 🌹 The Rose Trails (with family activities)
• 🎭 Puy du Fou

🧑 Are you travelling with teenagers?

On to Part 3 .

We recommend:

• 🎭 Puy du Fou
• 🎮 Speed Park
• 🎳 Bowling
• 🐼 Beauval Zoo
• 🦓 Wild Planet
• 🚣 Louet Évasion
•  

🌿 Do you love nature?

See Part 4 .

You will find there:

• 🌸 Maulévrier Oriental Park
• 🌳 Maine Lake Park
• 🚴 Loire by Bike
• 🚣 Louet Évasion
• 🌊 Pornic

🏰 Do you love heritage?

See Part 4 .

We recommend:

• 🏰 Château de Serrant, Angers and Saumur
• 🏡 Béhuard
• 🍇 Savennières
• 🏡 Rochemenier troglodyte village
• 🍄 Mystery of the Faluns

🐾 Do you like animals?

Find in Parts 2, 3 and 4 :

• 🦁 Bioparc of Doué-la-Fontaine
• 🦒 La Flèche Zoo
• 🦜 La Boissière-du-Doré Zoo
• 🦓 Wild Planet
• 🐼 Beauval Zoo

🌧️ Looking for an idea for when it's raining?

On to Part 5 :

• 💦 AquaVita
• 🎠 Loopiland
• Ouistiti Company
• 🎮 Speed Park
• 🎳 Bowling
• 🎬 Cinema
• 🏛️ Museums

☀️ Are you looking for an activity in hot weather?

Find out more in Part 5 :

• 🏊 La Chevalerie's indoor heated swimming pool
• 🚣 Louet Évasion
• 🌊 Pornic
• 🌳 The banks of the Loire
• 🌸 Maulévrier Oriental Park

👶 Activities with children aged 2 to 6

Young children need to alternate between periods of discovery, play, and rest. There's no need to plan overly busy days: a single enjoyable activity is often enough to leave them with wonderful memories.

Here are the outings we most often recommend to families staying at La Chevalerie with young children.

🦘 Kangaroo Garden

👶 Recommended age: 2 to 10 years old

🚗 Travel time: approximately 45 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 2 hours

💶 Budget: Economical

❤️ Why we recommend it

Children love watching the kangaroos roam in semi-freedom. This visit is ideal for a first encounter with animals and is not too tiring.

💡 Our advice

Opt for a visit in the morning, when the animals are most active.

🌿 Terra Botanica

👶 Recommended age: 4 years and up

🚗 Travel time: 25 minutes

⏱️ Duration: full day

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

Terra Botanica is a favorite park for many families staying at La Chevalerie. Younger children enjoy the playgrounds, activities, and attractions tailored to their age.

💡 Our advice

Bring a small stroller if your child still has difficulty walking. The park is large.

🦁 Bioparc of Doué-la-Fontaine

👶 Recommended age: 3 years and up

🚗 Travel time: 55 minutes

⏱️ Duration: full day

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

The route is pleasant, shaded, and allows for observation of the animals in large enclosures. Children remain captivated throughout the visit.

💡 Our advice

Plan a picnic or take advantage of the on-site dining areas.

💦 AquaVita

👶 Recommended age: all ages

🚗 Travel time: 30 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 2 to 4 hours

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

Swimming pools, paddling pools, water games and a river allow you to spend a pleasant time with your family, whatever the season.

💡 Our advice

An excellent solution when the weather is uncertain.

🎠 Loopiland

👶 Recommended age: 1 to 10 years old

🚗 Travel time: 30 minutes

⏱️ Duration: approximately 2 hours

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

Children can climb, run, slide and expend energy safely.

💡 Our advice

Bring socks to access the play structures.

Ouistiti Company

👶Recommended age: 2 to 12 years

🚗 Travel time: 30 minutes

⏱️ Duration: approximately 2 hours

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

A covered space perfectly suited to young children, particularly appreciated when the weather is less favorable.

💡 Our advice

Weekdays are generally quieter than weekends.

🌳 Maine Lake Park

👶 Recommended age: all ages

🚗 Travel time: 25 minutes

⏱️ Duration: as you wish

💶 Budget: Free

❤️ Why we recommend it

A simple but very pleasant outing for running, playing, picnicking or simply enjoying a moment in the great outdoors.

💡 Our advice

Perfect for a quiet half-day between two more important visits.

❤️ La Chevalerie's advice for younger children

With children aged 2 to 6, we recommend planning only one major activity per day .

The afternoon can then be devoted to a quieter moment: enjoying the indoor heated pool at La Chevalerie, observing the animals on the property, playing outdoors or simply relaxing.

Our experience shows us that this rhythm is the one that best suits young children… and their parents!

👦 The best activities with children aged 7 to 12… and teenagers

From the age of 7, children seek more adventure, experiences, and activities in which they can fully participate. It's also the age when full days become a real pleasure. Teenagers, on the other hand, appreciate more athletic activities, thrills, and unique experiences.

Here are the outings we most often recommend.

🌹 The Paths of the Rose

👶 Recommended age: 4 years and up

🚗 Travel time: approximately 45 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 2 to 3 hours

💶 Budget: Economical

❤️ Why we recommend it

Much more than a rose garden, Les Chemins de la Rose offers a fun walk through a magnificent landscaped park. Depending on the season, a treasure hunt or games allow children to discover the site while having fun.

💡 Our advice

This visit is ideal in spring and early summer, when the roses are in full bloom.

🚣 Louet Évasion

👶 Recommended age: 6 years and up

🚗 Travel time: 20 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 2 to 3 hours

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

Exploring the Louet by electric boat, paddleboard, or canoe is an activity that children love. They become active participants in their outing while enjoying an exceptional natural environment.

💡 Our advice

Choose a late afternoon route when the river is calmer and the light is beautiful.

🏡 Rochemenier troglodyte village

👶 Recommended age: 5 years and up

🚗 Travel time: approximately 45 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 2 hours

💶 Budget: Economical

❤️ Why we recommend it

Discover a genuine village carved into the rock. Children are often fascinated by these troglodytic dwellings, which bear witness to a unique way of life in Anjou.

💡 Our advice

An original visit that perfectly complements the discovery of the Loire castles.

🌳 Adventure Park – Treetop Adventure

👶 Recommended age: 7 years and up

🚗 Travel time: approximately 30 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 2 to 3 hours

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

Zip lines, suspension bridges and treetop courses offer a good dose of adventure in complete safety.

💡 Our advice

Start with the easiest routes to gain confidence before increasing the difficulty.

🌲 Sport Anjou Nature

👶 Recommended age: 7 years and up

🚗 Travel time: 30 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 2 to 3 hours

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

Children love a challenge. The various activities offered provide an excellent opportunity to share a wonderful time as a family.

💡 Our advice

Bring comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear.

🏎️ Karting des Ponts-de-Cé

👶 Recommended age: 7 years and up

🚗 Travel time: 30 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

An activity that is very popular with children who love speed and thrills.

💡 Our advice

Book your time slot during the school holidays.

🚴 Loire by Bike

👶 Recommended age: 8 years and up

🚗 Travel time: 15 minutes

⏱️ Duration: depending on your route

💶 Budget: Free (excluding bike rental)

❤️ Why we recommend it

The trails are accessible and allow you to discover the Loire landscapes in complete tranquility.

💡 Our advice

The sections between Béhuard and Savennières towards Angers are particularly pleasant for families.

🧑 Teenagers' favorite activities

🎭 Puy du Fou

👶 Recommended age: from 6 years old (ideally from 10 years old)

🚗 Travel time: 1 hour 20 minutes

⏱️ Duration: full day

💶 Budget: Higher

❤️ Why we recommend it

Puy du Fou impresses teenagers and adults alike. The shows are of exceptional quality and the day flies by incredibly fast.

💡 Our advice

Download the park's app to plan your day and minimize waiting time.

🎮 Speed Park Angers

👶 Recommended age: 8 years and up

🚗 Travel time: 30 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 2 to 3 hours

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

Bowling, electric go-karting, laser tag, billiards and arcade games all in one place: it's hard to get bored.

💡 Our advice

Perfect for evenings or when it's raining.

🎳 Beaucouzé Bowling Alley

👶 Recommended age: 6 years and up

🚗 Travel time: 25 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 2 hours

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

A sure bet for sharing a good time with the family, whatever the age of the children.

💡 Our advice

The slopes fill up quickly on weekends: remember to book.

🦓 Wild Planet

👶 Recommended age: 4 years and up

🚗 Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes

⏱️ Duration: full day

💶 Budget: Medium

❤️ Why we recommend it

A safari by car remains a unique experience that is very popular with teenagers.

💡 Our advice

Take some time to observe the animals before continuing the tour on foot.

🐼 Beauval Zoo

👶 Recommended age: 5 years and up

🚗 Travel time: 2 hours

⏱️ Duration: full day

💶 Budget: Higher

❤️ Why we recommend it

If you're staying at La Chevalerie for several days, Beauval Zoo makes for an exceptional day trip. The giant pandas, the diversity of species, and the facilities make it one of the most beautiful zoos in the world.

💡 Our advice

Leave as soon as it opens and bring good shoes: the visit is long.

❤️ La Chevalerie's advice for big kids

From the age of 7, children enjoy more active days. However, we advise you to alternate sports activities with quieter moments.

For example :

• a day at Terra Botanica, followed by an afternoon at the swimming pool;
• a canoe trip on the Louet, followed by a quiet evening at the gîte;
• a day at Puy du Fou, then a stroll the next day to Béhuard or Savennières.

This pace allows everyone to fully enjoy the holidays without feeling like they are rushing from one activity to another.

🌿 Nature, heritage, animals and a day by the ocean

Anjou is not just about its major tourist attractions. It is also a region where you can take the time to discover charming villages, remarkable gardens, castles, Loire landscapes and preserved natural areas.

Here are the places we regularly recommend to our travelers when they want to get off the beaten track.

🌿 The most beautiful nature walks

🌸 Maulévrier Oriental Park

👶 Recommended age: 5 years and up

🚗 Travel time: approximately 1 hour

⏱️ Duration: 2 to 3 hours

💶 Budget: Economical

❤️ Why we recommend it

Europe's largest Japanese garden offers a peaceful stroll amidst maple trees, waterfalls, and traditional bridges. It's a relaxing place, popular with both families and couples.

💡 Our advice

Opt for a visit in spring or autumn to fully enjoy the colours of the garden.

🌳 Maine Lake Park

👶 Recommended age: All ages

🚗 Travel time: 25 minutes

⏱️Duration: Flexible

💶 Budget: Free

❤️ Why we recommend it

A large natural space where you can walk, picnic, play with children or simply enjoy a quiet moment by the water.

💡 Our advice

Perfect for a quiet half-day between two more important visits.

🚴 Loire by Bike

👶 Recommended age: 8 years and up

🚗 Departure possible nearby

⏱️ Duration: depending on your route

💶 Budget: Free (excluding rental)

❤️ Why we recommend it

One of the most beautiful cycling routes in France crosses Anjou and runs alongside the Loire through magnificent landscapes.

💡 Our advice

The route between La Possonnière, Béhuard and Savennières is particularly pleasant.

🏰 Castles and heritage

🏰 Serrant Castle

👶 Recommended age: 6 years and up

🚗 Travel time: 15 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 2 to 3 hours

💶 Budget: Economical

❤️ Why we recommend it

Located just minutes from La Chevalerie, the Château de Serrant is one of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley. Its grounds are as delightful as the interior.

💡 Our advice

Combine this visit with Béhuard or Savennières for a very nice half-day.

🏡 Béhuard

👶 Recommended age: All ages

🚗 Travel time: 20 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 1 to 2 hours

💶 Budget: Free

❤️ Why we recommend it

Classified among the Most Beautiful Villages of FranceBéhuard charms with its authenticity, its flowery alleyways and its exceptional location on the banks of the Loire.

💡 Our advice

At the end of the day, the lights on the Loire are magnificent.

🍇 Savennières

👶 Recommended age: All ages

🚗 Travel time: 20 minutes

⏱️ Duration: 1 to 2 hours

💶 Budget: Free

❤️ Why we recommend it

Renowned for its great white wines, Savennières is also a charming village where it is pleasant to stroll.

💡 Our advice

Even if you don't visit the cellars, take the time to explore the narrow streets and the views over the Loire.

🐾 Large animal parks

Families staying for several days at La Chevalerie often ask us which animal park to choose. Here are the ones we recommend based on your preferences.

🦁 Bioparc of Doué-la-Fontaine

⭐ Our top pick for a first visit.

A remarkable park where animals roam freely in vast natural spaces. It's one of the most popular outings for our travelers.

🦒 La Flèche Zoo

Ideal for families who want to discover one of the most beautiful zoos in France with many activities throughout the day.

🦜 La Boissière-du-Doré Zoo

More intimate, this park is particularly suitable for families with young children.

🦓 Wild Planet

A safari by car is a unique experience that children really enjoy.

🐼 Beauval Zoo

An exceptional excursion if you're staying several days at La Chevalerie. The giant pandas and numerous other animal species more than justify the trip.

🌊 Fancy a day by the ocean?

Pornic

👶 Recommended age: All ages

🚗 Travel time: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

⏱️ Duration: Full day

💶 Budget: Economical

❤️ Why we recommend it

When temperatures rise, or if you're looking for a change of pace, Pornic is an excellent day trip idea. Between the old port, family-friendly beaches, the coastal path, and the ice cream parlors, there's something for everyone.

💡 Our advice

Start your day at Fontaine aux Bretons beach, then head to the port for lunch before a walk along the coastal path. The beach disappears at certain high tides.

❤️ Advice from La Chevalerie

We often recommend that our travelers alternate long days of sightseeing with quieter activities.

For example :

• a day at the Bioparc followed by an evening at the pool in La Chevalerie;
• a stroll in Béhuard after visiting the Château de Serrant;
• a day in Pornic between two cultural visits.

This pace allows you to fully enjoy your vacation without turning it into a race against time.

💶 Our ideas for free or budget-friendly outings

Not all holidays require a large budget.

Here are some outings that we regularly recommend:

• Béhuard
• Savennières
• The banks of the Loire
• Loire à Vélo
• Maine Lake Park
• Walks through charming villages
• Local markets
• Picnic areas along the Loire River

These simple moments are often among the most beautiful memories.

❤️ Advice from La Chevalerie

After several years of hosting families, we noticed one thing:

The most satisfied travelers are not necessarily those who do the most sightseeing.

These are the ones who take the time to enjoy each day.

Our advice is simple:

Alternate long outings with quieter moments.

A day at Terra Botanica can be followed by an afternoon at the swimming pool.

An excursion to the Bioparc can give way to a quiet evening on the terrace of the cottage.

A stroll in Béhuard can end at a good restaurant or a guinguette (open-air café).

Holidays are also for slowing down.

🌿 Why choose La Chevalerie?

By staying at La Chevalerie, you will enjoy:

✔ a central location for visiting Anjou;

✔ of family-friendly accommodation;

✔ of an indoor heated swimming pool;

✔ of animals that children like;

✔ a calm and natural environment;

✔ Personalized advice to help you plan your stay.

We are always available to guide you towards an activity that suits your desires, the weather or the age of your children.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What is the must-do activity for a first visit?

Terra Botanica is often the first activity we recommend to families. The Bioparc is also an excellent choice.

What activities are suitable for young children?

The Kangaroo Garden, AquaVita, Loopiland, Ouistiti Compagnie and the Bioparc are particularly popular with families with young children.

What to do when it rains?

AquaVita, Loopiland, Ouistiti Compagnie, Speed Park, the Beaucouzé Bowling alley as well as the cinemas and museums of Angers offer many possibilities.

What is there to do for free around La Chevalerie?

You can discover Béhuard, Savennières, the banks of the Loire, the Parc du Lac de Maine or take the Loire à Vélo routes.

How much time should I allow for Terra Botanica?

We recommend a full day to fully enjoy the attractions, gardens and entertainment.

Is it possible to visit the ocean during the stay?

Yes. Pornic is about 1 hour 30 minutes from La Chevalerie and makes an excellent day trip.

See you soon at La Chevalerie!

We hope this selection will help you prepare for your stay and fully enjoy Anjou.

If you have any particular requests, please don't hesitate to ask us for advice before or during your stay. We'd be delighted to share our favorite spots and ideas for family-friendly outings.