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.

Zoo de Doué - excellent day out + good value.

Location: Situated to the SW of the town of Doué, best approached by taking the D960 bypass round the town.
General Info: Route de Cholet, 49700 Doue-la-Fontaine.  Tel No: (0)2 41 59 18 58.  Open every day from the start of the French February school holidays to the end of the Toussaint holidays in November. Summer 9.00-19.30. Winter 10.00-18.30.
Description: This zoo is perhaps one of France's best and is a fabulous day out. As you head down to the entrance you wonder what awaits you, but all is revealed when you realize that the zoo is sited in an old quarry with much evidence of troglodytic dwellings. This makes it ideal for a hot, sunny day as there is lots of shade provided by the great variety of trees, bamboo and acacias. The more than 500 animals have lots of space to roam in their enclosures and there are many opportunities to watch the animals being fed and listen to talks throughout the day (although these are only in French).
Our recommendations: Buy some food to feed the animals when you arrive and don’t forget to visit the museum at the far end of the zoo to find out more about animals, plants and their environment.
For the Children: A perfect day out for children. You’ll have to drag them away!

         - 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