Jazz, Equestrian Magic, Car Racing and More in the Western Loire!
For immediate release
Summer is just around the corner and the Western Loire is gearing up to celebrate warm weather and good times with a host of exciting events taking place throughout the region between then and now. For everyone from jazz-fans to horse-lovers, racecar enthusiasts to flower aficionados there is something for every interest. A great excuse to explore the region, these fun festivals and exhibitions provide an offbeat way to add flavor to any vacation.
July
is an especially big month for the Western Loire as the 9th
and 10th will see the heroes from the Tour de France passing
through with stops in Angers and Châteaubriant. A visit
to cheer on the cyclists presents the perfect opportunity to
see some of the treasures that these lively cities have to offer.
While in Angers, visitors can explore the Apocalypse tapestry,
commissioned by the Duke of Anjou in 1373 to tell the story
of the Apocalypse, or learn the mystery behind Cointreau production
at the Cointreau distillery. Also on the itinerary of the cyclists,
and definitely worth a visit, is the Château du Lude,
an architectural masterpiece that has tales to tell after having
survived everything from the 100 Years War to the French Revolution,
with a myriad of illustrious guests in between.
A sure date to keep for anyone who has ever thought about car-racing
is June 12th and 13th, two days of the most extraordinary motor
racing in the world at Le Mans, home to the 24-hour Racetrack.
With around 200,000 spectators expected for this event, it is
guaranteed to be nothing short of spectacular. 
On
the calmer side of the track, visitors are encouraged to relax
and smell the flowers as the Western Loire celebrates the month
of gardens in June. Sixty-six parks and gardens open their gates
to visitors when they are in full bloom! After a day spent strolling
through the gardens and soaking up the sunshine, visitors can
dance away the evening along the River Erdre where the sea air
will come alive with free jazz concerts between August 27th
through the 29th.
On to the famed Cadre Noir of Saumur, horse-lovers will find themselves in equestrian-heaven where events dedicated to equestrian magic are always taking place. High School dressage, sport and trick riding are all part of a memorable show that will take place on several dates from April through September. For a special treat, equestrian-lovers should save the weekend of July 22nd to the 25th , for the opportunity to attend the prestigious festival, Carrousel.
As always, children are not forgotten in the Western Loire and the Great Park at Le Puy du Fou brings history to life with extraordinary shows and events that will delight the whole family, from chariot racing in the Gallo-Roman stadium, to Viking Raids in the Fortress of the year 1000!
Also
worth remembering, is the exciting news that the section of
the Loire River from Chalonnes-sur-Loire to Montsoreau has now
been added to the UNESCO world heritage list, making this beautiful
expanse of land full of hillside vineyards, troglodyte homes
and limestone villages a protected area worth exploring!
For more information on these events or to learn about other exciting happenings in the region, visit the Western Loire's website at www.westernloire.com.
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Region Highlights - Gastronomy, Sports and Leisure, Art & Culture, Pays De La Loire Hotels, and Directions to the Western Loire.
