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Doué-en-Anjou

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City
—°8713
Doué-en-Anjou (France)
ℹ️

Practical info — Doué-en-Anjou

🌤 Weather — 5 days

📍 Nearby

Sights nearby

💡 Tips

  • Arrive early at the quarry-set Bioparc to beat the crowds and see the animals when they are most active in the cooler morning air.
  • The troglodyte villages and quarries have uneven ground, so sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential.
  • If visiting during the famous Rose Days in July, book your accommodation months in advance.
  • Many underground sites maintain a cool temperature of around 15°C year-round; bring a light jacket even in summer.

🍽 Food

🍽
Fouées

Enjoy these traditional wood-fired bread pockets stuffed with rillettes in a troglodyte restaurant.

🍽
Saumur Wines

Taste local Cabernet Franc or Chenin Blanc at nearby vineyard cellars.

🍽
Rose-flavored delicacies

Look for rose petal jam or rose-infused candies in local bakeries.

🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots

🛍
Rose products

Buy authentic rose water and cosmetics at specialized boutiques near the rose gardens.

🛍
Doué-la-Fontaine Market

Visit on Monday mornings for excellent regional cheeses and fresh produce.

🧘
Les Arènes de Doué

An ancient stone quarry turned amphitheater, beautifully serene when no events are on.

🧘
Chemins de la Rose

A vast and fragrant rose garden great for a peaceful afternoon walk.

Highlights of 2026

8

Doué-en-Anjou is a remarkable commune in the Maine-et-Loire department of western France, situated in the heart of the Anjou region. It was created in 2016 from the merger of Doué-la-Fontaine and seven neighboring villages. The town is globally recognized as the capital of roses, with its nurseries producing millions of rosebushes each year and hosting the prestigious 'Journées de la Rose' festival every July. Perhaps its most famous attraction is the Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine, the only zoo in the world established within an ancient shell-limestone quarry, providing a dramatic and ethical environment for endangered species. The town's unique geology has led to an extensive network of troglodyte sites, underground dwellings, stables, and cellars carved directly into the soft 'falun' rock. Visitors can immerse themselves in this subterranean world at 'Le Mystère des Faluns,' an artistic journey through massive caves. Historically, Doué-en-Anjou has a Carolingian castle remains (an 'aula'), dating back to the 9th century, making it one of the oldest stone buildings in France. Surrounded by the vineyards of the Saumur region, it is also a hub for wine tourism and traditional Anjou gastronomy, notably the famous 'fouée' bread cooked in wood-fired ovens.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C5571014171919161285
Rain mm816268546753515245838689

Geography

Population
8,089
Coordinates
47.19390, -0.27440

Facts

  • Total land area of 148.5 square kilometers.
  • Postal code 49700 in the Maine-et-Loire department.
  • Elevation ranges from 38 to 123 meters above sea level.
  • Produces over 7 million rose bushes annually.
  • Home to one of the oldest stone halls (aula) in France.
  • Features an 18th-century theater inside a troglodyte site.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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Sights in the town Doué-en-Anjou (7)

Les Perrières🏺 historical

Massive underground caves and limestone quarries that showcase the region's unique troglodytic architecture.

Mystère des Faluns🎭 culture

An educational and poetic journey through giant subterranean chambers filled with prehistoric sea fossils.

Église Saint-Pierre⛪ religious

The Église Saint-Pierre is a beautiful church in the commune of Doué-en-Anjou.

Église Saint-Maurice⛪ religious

The Église Saint-Maurice is a religious site located in Doué-en-Anjou.

Les Arènes📍 landmark

Les Arènes in Doué-en-Anjou are impressive historical event spaces and a tourist attraction.

Maisons troglodytiques📍 landmark

The Maisons troglodytiques are fascinating traditional cave dwellings in Doué-en-Anjou.

Troglodytes et Sarcophages📍 landmark

Troglodytes et Sarcophages is a unique attraction featuring caves and ancient tombs in Doué-en-Anjou.

Frequently asked questions

What are troglodyte dwellings?
In Doué, there are fascinating underground houses and villages dug directly into the tuff stone.
What makes the Bioparc de Doué special?
The zoo is set in old stone quarries, creating a unique rocky landscape for the animals.
Why is Doué considered the city of roses?
Because of the numerous rose nurseries and the 'Les Chemins de la Rose' garden with over 13,000 bushes.
When do the 'Journées de la Rose' take place?
This major rose festival takes place every year in July in the city's underground arenas.
What are the 'Arènes de Doué'?
A medieval amphitheater carved into an old stone quarry, now used for various events.
Doué-en-Anjou: where is it located?
Doué-en-Anjou is located in Pays de la Loire, France.
Doué-en-Anjou: what is there to see?
Highlights include Les Perrières, Mystère des Faluns, Église Saint-Pierre.
Doué-en-Anjou: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Doué-en-Anjou: why is it worth visiting?
Doué-en-Anjou is a remarkable commune in the Maine-et-Loire department of western France, situated in the heart of the Anjou region.
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