Best Caves in the Loire  A major feature of the area around Saumur are the fascinating troglodyte caves (left) which offer lots of scope for a variety of visits for the whole family encompassing underground museums, mushroom caves, wine cellars, restaurants and even a zoo which are all given a different slant because of their unusual setting.

Mushroom museum (Musée du Champignon)

Location: On D761 300 km on the Saumur side of the Parc Miniature Pierre et Lumière. Car park.
General Info: Route de Gennes, St-Hilaire-St-Florent. Tel No: (0)2 41 50 31 55.
Description: A museum devoted to all things related to the humble mushroom!. If mushrooms are your thing then you will be rewarded with a fascinating insight into the techniques employed in growing them as well as seeing most of the different varieties actually being grown- both wild and cultivated types. As with the Parc Miniature Pierre et Lumière all of the museum is housed in vast galleries hewn out of the tuffa. It is possible to buy produce at the end of the tour.
Our recommendations: It is possible to get a combined ticket for the Mushroom Museum and the  Parc Miniature Pierre et Lumière.
For the children: Is part of the children orientated organisation called ‘Sur la piste se d’enfant Roy’ which means that there is a booklet available to aid childrens' enjoyment. May need adult help if in French.

Of perhaps specialist appeal, but could be a life-saver on poor weather days!

         - Mushroom Museum
         - Parc Miniature Pierre
           et Lumière
         - Rochemenier
         - Zoo de Doué

There are several websites that you may like to browse giving further information on caves in the region:

- Anjou Caves
- France For Freebooters

     - Top Attractions in the Loire
     - Top ten Holiday destinations in France