What's On Today: Saturday, November 07, 2009

Visit this castle for a thousand years of history, architecture and vineyards, to see hundreds of tropical butterflies flying freely among the visitors. Don't miss the LU Collection - recalling the history of the world famous biscuit makers. Open from 22 March to 11 November - see website for opening times.

Weekly Saturday Brocante with 80 stalls in Place Viarme, Nantes from 08:00 to 13:00, Tel: 02 40 41 94 13.

The Machine Gallery is both a laboratory and an exhibition hall where the artist-machinists tell the story and bring to life the fabulous dream machine. The Giant Elephant weighing 40 tons and measuring 12 metres high, it can carry up to 30 passengers for trips along the river and in the town. The Workshop is where the Machines are created. This is the dream factory where, you'll see them come to life right before your very eyes .

Visit this fully restored castle in the centre of Nantes, which includes a Museum of Nantes history. Restaurant gift and bookshop. Access to the courtyard and ramparts free.

Sightseeing cruises on the Erdre from Quai de la Motte Rouge in Nantes. Call 02 40 14 51 14 for details.

Planetarium equipped with the latest digital technology allowing you to travel through the solar system in 3D. Closed Saturday and no admission for children under 5. 8 rue des Acadiens, Nantes.

The Museum offers a journey to the centre of Verne's work with books and original documents, games and films. Find it at 3 rue de l'Hermitage near The church of Sainte Anne. Opens 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00, closed all day Monday and Sunday morning. et les jours fériés.

One of the finest collections in France, from Italian Primitives to contemporary artists. You can see Ingres, de La Tour, and Courbet here before going on to find Chagall, Picasso, Chaissa and more. Based at 10, Rue Georges Clémenceau the museum opens from June 1 to September 1 from 10:00-18:00 - closed Tuesdays.

The museum, based at 12, Rue Voltair, houses collections of zoology, regional fauna and minerals as well as a live-house with all sorts of reptiles of different origins. Open 10:00-18:00 - closed Tuesdays.

See Thomas Dobrée's varied collection of over 10 000 treasures both beautiful and varied : paintings, etchings, porcelain, furniture and gold at 18, Rue Voltaire. Open Tuesday to Friday 13:30-17:30 and on Saturday and Sunday from 14:30-17:30.

In today's digital world of IT, take a look back at the printing trade in an authentic atmosphere, impregnated with the smells of lead and ink. You can operate the machines and use the old tools. Based at 24, Quai de la Fosse the Museum is open from 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:30 - closed Sundays.

The old Banana Warehouse at 21 Quai des Antilles is a place to hang out with family or friends, day and night! Take a walk, have a drink, discover an exhibition, enjoy a meal or dance the night away.

Visit to the LU tower at 2, Quai Ferdinand Favre to look over Nantes from a totally different perspective. Video of the LU biscuit factory's history is presented. Open every day.

Antiques Brocante at Salle de la Papinière in Suce sur Erdre. 09:00-19:00. Entry €3, children under 16 free entry. Tel: 06 07 30 50 93.

Brocante in Place Imbach, every Saturday with 50 stalls Tel: 02 41 21 54 92.

Dating from the 13th Centuary, this chateau and its gardens are open every day to visitors at 2 Promenade du Bout du Monde. Angers. Opening times - 2 May - 4 September 09:30-18:30 and 5 September to 30 April 10:00-17:30. Closed Christmas Day, New Years Day, May Day and 1-11 November.

Take a guided tour of Cointreau’s distilling and historic inheritance which ends with a tasting. Reservation only - Tel.: 02 41 31 50 50 cost: 9.50 euros. Or learn the art of cocktails from the barman cost 6.00 euros. Open all year 11:00-18:00, closed Sundays, Mondays, November 2 and April 30. ZI Saint Barthélemy d’Anjou, Angers.

Known as the Chateau under a Chateau this is a rare example of troglodytic building with battlements on top and miles of underground passages underneath. Visit the website for details of pricing and booking.

Visit these ancient undergound caves where sarcophagi were constructed. open 1 June to 1 October every day 14:00-19:00.

In the 52 hectare Ecoflant Forest the park offers 10 adventure trails in trees where you can perform acrobatic feats on over 100 very different facilities - for beginners and experienced sportpeople. The trail merges with the vegetation, and takes you on an 2-km course above ground. The Park offers a nocturnal trail, an orienteering circuit, a picnic area, bar and fast-food facilities, as well as games for children. full rates: 19€, children 15-17: 16€, children 4-14: 12€. In July and August 3 sessions every day at 09:30, 13:00 and 16:30. March–June and September-November 2 sessions at weekends 10:00 and 14:00. Sessions last 3 and a half hours.

Surrounded by a moat this Chateau 18Km north of Angers was designed as a fortress in 1468. But behind the drawbridge it tuns into a beautiful country house. Open February March October and November 14:00-18:00 - closed Wednesdays; April-June and September 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00, closed Wednesday and Thursday morning; July and August 10:00-18:00 every day.

Discover the beautiful gardens and a story of pumpkins when you visit this chateau in Feneu. Open April and May at weekends 14:00-18:00 and June-15 October 14:00-19:00 everyday except Mondays - all other times by appointment only.

Founded in 1101 Fontrevraud is one of the biggest monastaries in Europe. A number of exhibitions and concerts are also open to the public. Open 1 April to 31 May and 1 to 31 October 10:00-17:30; 1 June to 30 September 09:00-18:00; 2 November to 31 March 10:00-17:00. Closed 1 January, 1 May, 1 and 11 November, 25 December. Tel: 02 41 51 73 52.

Visit the vineyard situated on a hillside 40 km from Angers, which has been in the same family for 4 generations and covers 25 hectares. Producing Anjou blanc sec, Coteaux du Layon, Saumur méthode traditionnelle, Rosé de Loire, Cabernetd'Anjou Anjou rouge wines and grape juice. Open Monday-Saturday 08:00-18:00

Two ancient farms with dwellings cut into the rock in Louresse (49). Open dialy April 1 to November 1 09:30-19:00. November, February and March: Saturday and Sunday 14:00-18:00. Guided tours in English.

One of the most romantic in the region, this chateau stands on the confluence of the Loire and the Vienne rivers. Open from 3 March to 11 November - see website for times. 90 minute audio visual display on the story of the Loire.

English is spoken at this vineyard where free tastings take place. Guided tours available every day from May to September 09:30-12:30 and 14:00-18:00 or call to book a private tour for 10 or more people all year round except Sundays and Bank Holidays. Saint- Cyr-en-Bourg near Saumur Tel: 02 41 53 06 18

English is spoken at this producer who makes Saumur Brut and Cremant de Loire sparkling wines. Open daily in April from 10:00-12:00 and 13:30-18:00 and from May to September 09:30-18:30. From October to March opening times are 09:30-12:00 and 13:30-18:00. Closed 1 January, 1 May, 1 November, 11 November 25 December. Located at 20 rue Marceau, 49415 Saumur. Tel: 02 41 50 17 63

Underground display of Loire Valley churches, towns and castles in miniature carved in stone. Open 10:00-19:00 free entry.

Visit the regions oldest working distillery at 48 rue Beaurepaire, which still makes liquers and triple sec today. Open 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00.

The Cadre Noir equestrian display team, based at the National Equestrian School in Saumur, is open from 1 April to 11 October for visitors. See the website for booking arrangements and tariffs.

Visit the famous producer of sparkling wine from Saumur at 19 rue Leopold Palustre from 1 May to 30 September daily between 09:30-18:30 and 1 October to 30 April from Monday to Saturday 09:30-12:30 and 14:00-18:30. Tours, exhibitions, disbled access and free parking.

Visit the Bouvet-Ladubay cellars. Along its 5 miles long galleries excavated in the “tuffeau” stone, you will discover all about their wines. Open all year June 1 to September 30: Monday to Friday 08:30-19:00, Saturdays 09:00-19:00 and Sunday 09:30-19:00. October 1 aot May 31: Monday to Friday 08:30-12:30 and 14:00-18:00; Saturdays 09:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:00; Sunday 09:30-12:30 and 14:30-18:00.

Tours and tastings at this maker of Cremants de Loire open every day 1 April to 15 October from 10:00-12:30 and 14:00-18:30 and by appointment at other times of the year.

Chateau de Fesles is one of the oldest vineyards in Anjou. Visit the vineyard, estate and cellars and taste the wine with an expert. Open all year 1 April - 31 October Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00, Saturday and Sunday 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-18:00. 2 November to 31 March Monday to Friday 10:00-18:00. Closed 1 January, I May, 1 November, 11 November, 25 December. Tel 02 41 68 94 00

A garden and park open to the public, Floral displays of geraniums and fushias as well as many other plants and trees. Tel: 06 13 27 43 44.

This is a very imposing chateau built in the 16th century from granite. Open April 1 to October 1 from 14:00-20:00 every weekend. Group visits available all year round by appointment - call 02 43 05 94 86 for details.

An exhibition of paintings and sculptures with a 'sacred art' theme. Held in the Church de la Cropte. English spoken. Tel: 02 43 98 74 69.

Impressive abbey founded in the 11th Century with a moat and monastic gardens. Guided visits available 12 May to 16 September.

A permanent display of paintings, pottery, sculpture and post cards. Tel: 02 43 07 83 49.

Confectionery, biscuit and chocolate making all displayed by the local artisians. Free admission. Open from Monday to Saturday from 09:30 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 19:00. Free parking and disabled access.

Visit this beautiful chateau and Medieval hill town. The castle is open May to September every day 09:00-18:00 and from October to April from 09:30-12:30 and 13:30-17:30 - closed Mondays.

Asnières-sur-Vègre is often called the most beautiful village in Sarthe. A chateau, sixteenth and seventeenth houses, a thirteenth century Court of Justice, watermills, an ancient bridge, the parish church with its eleventh and fourteenth century wall paintings, these are some of the things which make up this pretty village.

Famous for its garden, the donjon de Ballon is an ancient fortress of the XIIth century at the gateway of the Maine Province. Its aim was to prevent the Normans from invading the Maine Province. House and garden open from 1 March to 30 September.

Brûlon is the birthplace of Claude Chappe, inventor of the telegraph, and presents a very rich and historical heritage with a feodal Motte and houses of character. Visit the Tourist Office at 2 place Albert Liébault.

Ancient priory and court of justice of Saint Vincent's Abbey in Le Mans, the priory is listed as a Historic Monument. It is also remarkable for its medieval hall, dormitory, the magnificent carpenter's work and the XVth century tithe barn.

The museum which houses all kinds of mechanical musical instruments including barrel organs, mechanical pianos, musical boxes and phonographs is open every Sunday 14:30-18:30 from March 1 to November 31 at 12 Grande rue, Dollon.

Designated as one of the "Small Cities of Character" the pretty village of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe boasts a Castel Postern dating from the 14th centuary which is still in excellent condition.

The museum is open Wednesday to Sunday 10:00-12:00 and 14:00-19:00 and contains bikes from all periods of history and is at 8 Rue de la Foret de Perseigne.

Find out everything there is to know about Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir wines. Open all year for groups with prior reservation and on Saturday and Sunday from 15:00-18:30 from 30 June-16 September to the public.

The Château du Lude is one of the most beautiful examples of architecture from the first French Renaissance. A superb, richly decorated Renaissance style house which is still occupied, it has magnificent gardens on the banks of the Loir.

Circuit Bugatti. As the title suggests, 3 days of peugeot car racing at LeMans.

24 hours of Le Mans Race Display, Production Car Display, Prototype Show and more at this museum at Place Luigi Chinetti, Le Mans, tel:02 43 72 72 24. Entrance adults 8 Euros, 12-18yrs 6 Euros and 7-11yrs 2 Euros. Open June to August 10:00-19:00 daily and September to May 10:00-18:00 except January.

See the 12th century Plantagenet Enamel which was used to decorate the tomb of Geoffrey the Hansome at Avenue de Paderborn, Le Mans.

Built between the 11th and 15th centuries, the building presents a variety of styles from Romanesque to Gothic. One of the largest cathedrals in France, Saint Julien has one of the most impressive collections of medieval stained glass windows.

The Museum which is near the Cathedral is housed in three splendid houses with carved wooden elevations near the Cathedral. A charming museum of ethnography and local history it is an essential complement to a visit to Old Le Mans.

Perched on a high point, the chateau offers an incredible viewpoint. Stroll through the subterranean passageways and take a journey back in time and relive the period of the conferences between the Kings of France and England and Thomas Beckett

The 16th century Chateau is surrounded by gardens with a maze. It also has a Renaissance staircase with carved panels, guardroom and a pigeon loft. It houses the Maine Ethnographic Museum. Opens - April to June and September Saturday and Sunday 14:30-18:00, July and August every day 10:00-12:00 and 14:30-18:00.

Overlooking the banks of Sarthe, Saint Pierre de Solesmes Abbey is the mecca of the Gregorian chant. Monastic life is dictated by the celebration of seven chanted religious services, from Matins at 05:30 to Complins. The Abbey can be found at 1 place Dom Gueanger, Solesmes (72).

Le Logis de Moullins in Saint-Rémy-du-Val is a unique IVth and IVIth Century architectural complex comprising a manor house, a castle chapel, an old monastery building and service quarters.

Founded by the Benedectine Abbey of Marmoutier in 1060, the priory "Saint-Hippolyte" of Vivoin is a major example of religious architecture in the Haut-Maine at Place des Tilleuls, Vivoin. It also houses a museum of life in the past run by the Haut Maine Rural Animation Centre.

Visit one of the best preserved Abbeys which was founded in 1229 and is set in 33 acres of parkland. Open every day 09:30-11:30 and 14:00-17:30 free entry. Tel: 02 43 84 22 29.

One of the finest examples of a Cistercian building in France. Built by Queen Berengaria it is surrounded by 14 hectares of parkland. Each year the former monks' dormitory is used for concerts. Route de Change, Yvre-L'Eveque (72).

Wild West theme park with themed attractions, mine train, mini farm and boating lake. Visit the website for map and opening times.

Built in 1580 this chateau has beautiful architecture and surrounding parklands and its elaborate interior makes it well worth a visit. Open everyday from May 1 to September 30 from 09:00-12:00 and 14:00-19:00. Guided tours in English.

Displays from prehistoric, roman and Renaissance eras. A village from the last century, aimed at young children. All year round except for Monday. Open from 10:00 - 19:00 April to September and 10:00 - 18:00 from October - March. Price is 8 euro for adults, free to children under 18 years old. Historial de la Vendée, Allée Paul Bazin. Tel: 02 51 47 61 61