Attractions and Places To See around Béhuard - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Béhuard include a unique island village situated in the Loire River. Recognized as a "Petite Cité de Caractère" and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Béhuard offers a blend of historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Its distinctive setting on an island in the Loire, surrounded by two river branches, shapes its landscape and character. The area provides opportunities to explore historical landmarks, natural features, and cultural sites.
Best attractions and places to see around Béhuard
- The most popular attractions is Lake Maine, a lake that serves as a leisure park in Angers, offering many walking trails. It provides opportunities for cycling, running, and water activities.
- Another must-see spot is Bouchemaine, a settlement known for its abbey, which hosts art exhibitions. The town is designed for cyclists and pedestrians, offering views of the river.
- Visitors also love Lac de Maine Leisure Park, a trail and leisure park covering 220 hectares, created on former floodplains. It offers activities like swimming, sailing, and hiking, and is home to over 200 species of plants and animals.
- Béhuard is known for its historical landmarks, natural river landscapes, and cultural sites. Visitors can explore island trails, observe local flora and fauna, and discover traditional village architecture.
- The attractions around Béhuard are appreciated by the komoot community. With more than 450 upvotes and 45 photos, these spots are popular among outdoor enthusiasts.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
Bouchemaine
Highlight • Settlement
The abbey is open during exposure times.
Admission is free.
Information at. ville-bouchemaine.fr
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Lake Maine
Highlight • Lake
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The Bécherelle Stone
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Pointe de Bouchemaine
Highlight • Settlement
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Savennières
Highlight • Settlement
In the middle of town there is a small wine shop with a beautiful little tasting garden, which is where we tried it out.
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Tips from the Community
This 350 million year old monolith has only been a separate monolith from the rest of the cliff since around 1850.
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Very exotic, calm of nature, diversity of sites (Loire, hillsides, vineyards) Savennières charming village to discover
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Impressive standing stone on the banks of the Loire.
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PRICES Individual price adult: €9.50 Individual price child: from €0.00 to €0.00
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SCHEDULES From February 12 to April 30, 2022 From May 2 to June 4, 2022 Monday 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Tuesday 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Wednesday 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
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VISITS Free individual visits Individual guided tours Average duration of the individual visit: 2 hours free Group reception Free group visits Guided group tours Educational group visits Average duration of the group visit: 2h30 Languages available Spoken: French, German, English, Spanish, Italian, Dutch Panels: French, English Audio: German, English, Spanish, French, Italian
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On a rocky promontory overlooking the Maine, Angers Castle is an impressive monument with a very rich history. On these lands there were in fact a Neolithic burial, a Gallic oppidum, the heart of the Roman city and a vast Romanesque count's palace. In the 13th century, the mother of King Saint Louis, Blanche of Castile, had a gigantic half-kilometer enclosure built there punctuated by seventeen towers of shale and limestone. This fortress gives off a formidable impression of power and its elaborate military architecture makes it almost impregnable. However, the adaptations of the castle to the evolution of artillery, its use as a prison and barracks led to the disappearance of certain medieval buildings. From the top of the ramparts, on the walkway, the panorama of the city is absolutely unique. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Dukes of Anjou Louis I, Louis II and King René, close to the King of France, who were also Counts of Provence and claimed Italian territories, established their court in Angers. The buildings preserved inside the enclosure - the chapel, the chatelet and the royal residence - as well as the Apocalypse tapestry still testify today to the interest of these enlightened princes in architecture and works of art. Due to its dimensions - 100 meters long -, its age and its stylistic and technical virtuosity, the Apocalypse tapestry is an extraordinary masterpiece of medieval art, unique in the world. Commissioned at the end of the 14th century by Louis I, produced in record time, it is composed of six pieces each made up of fourteen scenes in two registers. The painter to King John of Bruges is the author of the cartoons for this priceless gem. A considerable work intended to impress those close to the prince, it illustrates the text of the Apocalypse of Saint John, the last book of the Bible. This tapestry is also a formidable document on the historical, social and political context of its creation, marked in particular by the Hundred Years' War. It belongs to the largest treasure of cathedral tapestries in Europe, comprising more than a hundred pieces, which is kept at the Château d'Angers. The Château d'Angers is also home to gardens exceptional in their diversity: the regular boxwood and yew garden, the vineyard, the vegetable garden, the rose garden, the hydrangea garden, the hanging garden and its medicinal, dyeing and evil plants … Some are also represented on the tapestry of the Apocalypse. These gardens, which combine history and innovation in a sustainable development approach, constitute a most pleasant place for walkers to breathe. To bring this unique heritage to life, the National Castle Estate regularly offers its visitors temporary exhibitions in the rooms of the royal residence or even in the gardens.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore around Béhuard?
Béhuard is uniquely situated on an island in the Loire River, offering a landscape of sandbanks and green islets. You can explore the riverbanks, observe diverse flora and fauna, and stroll along the peaceful beaches of the Loire. Nearby, you'll find Lake Maine and the Lac de Maine Leisure Park, which cover 220 hectares of former floodplains, providing opportunities for bird watching and enjoying nature.
Are there historical or cultural sites to visit in Béhuard?
Yes, Béhuard is rich in history and culture. The most significant landmark is the 15th-century royal chapel, Notre-Dame de Béhuard Church, perched on a rock. The village itself features picturesque, narrow streets lined with raised medieval houses, reflecting its architectural past and the Loire's influence. Béhuard is also a historic pilgrimage site, particularly for boatmen, with its spiritual importance dating back to the 5th century.
What kind of outdoor activities are available near Béhuard?
The area around Béhuard offers a variety of outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking and hiking on the island's numerous paths, including a towpath, or explore the nearby hiking trails. Cycling is also popular, with dedicated routes like those found in the cycling guide around Béhuard. The Lac de Maine Leisure Park provides opportunities for swimming, sailing, and picnicking.
Are there specific hiking trails I can explore around Béhuard?
Absolutely. You can explore trails like the 'Béhuard Island Loop' or 'On the Slopes of Savennières Trail,' both offering moderate difficulty. For an easier option, consider 'The village of Béhuard – Béhuard Village loop from Béhuard.' These and other routes are detailed in the hiking guide around Béhuard.
Can I go cycling near Béhuard?
Yes, the region is very cyclist-friendly. The nearby settlement of Bouchemaine is designed for cyclists and pedestrians, offering scenic views of the river. You can find various routes, including loops around Lake Maine or to Angers Castle, with options ranging from easy to difficult. Check the cycling guide around Béhuard for detailed routes.
Are there family-friendly attractions or activities in the area?
The Lac de Maine Leisure Park is an excellent family-friendly destination, offering activities like swimming, sailing, fishing, and picnicking. It's a great place for all ages to enjoy the outdoors. The village of Béhuard itself, with its unique island setting and historical charm, provides a pleasant environment for family strolls.
What is the significance of the Loire River to Béhuard?
The Loire River is central to Béhuard's identity. It's the only commune in the entire Loire River situated on an island, surrounded by two branches of the river. This unique setting has shaped its landscape, architecture (with raised medieval houses to cope with floods), and history, making it a UNESCO World Heritage site. The river also offers opportunities for traditional boat trips and peaceful strolls along its banks.
Where can I find unique local crafts or art?
You can visit Behu'Art, an exhibition gallery and boutique located in Béhuard. It showcases local designers from Maine-et-Loire, promoting artisanal work and the reuse of natural or industrial materials, offering a chance to discover unique local creations.
What is the Bécherelle Stone, and can I visit it?
The Bécherelle Stone is a significant monolithic rock, approximately fifteen meters tall, that historically served as a landmark for sailors. This 350-million-year-old monolith is located downstream from the confluence of the Maine and the Loire, facing the northern tip of Béhuard island. It is now used for climbing training and is accessible for visitors to see.
What is special about the village of Savennières?
Savennières is a charming village renowned for its excellent dry white wines, made from Chenin grapes grown on its shallow, schist-rich soils. It offers a lively atmosphere with several shops and a beautiful little tasting garden where you can sample local wines. It's a great spot to experience the Loire's ambiance and culinary delights.
Are there any running trails around Béhuard?
Yes, there are several running trails available. You can enjoy routes such as 'Stroll Around Béhuard Island' or 'On the Coteaux de Savennières,' both of moderate difficulty. Longer routes like 'The village of Béhuard – Savennières loop' are also available. Find more options in the running trails guide around Béhuard.
How can I experience the Loire River from the water?
To gain a unique perspective on the Loire's special atmosphere and ecosystem, consider taking traditional boat trips. These often depart from Angers or other nearby towns, offering a memorable way to explore Béhuard and its surroundings from the river itself.
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Most popular attractions around Béhuard
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