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.

Parc Miniature Pierre et Lumière

Location: Situated on the D751 6km NW of Saumur (Carry on through St Hilaire-St Florent towards Chênehutte-les-Tuffeaux). Car Park.
General Info: Route de Gennes, St-Hilaire-St-Florent.  Tel No: (0)2 41 50 70 04.  French only website.
Description: Here it is possible to look at many of the most well-known sites of the Loire valley, carved out of tuffa stone by a Breton sculpturist. Castles, towns, villages and churches have been sculpted in the finest detail, with the most dramatic being a bas-relief of the nearby town of Saumur, 12 metres long by 2 metres high.
Our recommendations: As this is all underground, in galleries carved deep into the hillside, this is a good place to hold in reserve for visiting on days when either it is too wet or perhaps too hot to do anything else.  You can combine a visit here with the Mushroom Museum on a single ticket.
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.

         - 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