Community Festival in Grez-Neuville
Join the local community festival organized by the Grez-Neuville festival committee on June 13th and 14th, 2026.
Plizio Visual Lab
Try these traditional airy bread pockets baked in a wood-fired oven, often served in troglodyte restaurants nearby.
Pair your meals with local Anjou wines, especially the refreshing rosés or crisp whites available at local cavistes.
Look for these local pork belly delicacies at regional butchers, first-rate for a picnic by the river.
Check out the morning market for fresh vegetables from the Loire Valley and local artisan cheeses.
Visit a local 'cave' to buy Anjou wines directly from the producers or knowledgeable local merchants.
Explore this vast park covering the National Stud, offering peaceful trails under ancient trees.
Take a tranquil walk along the towpaths of the Oudon river, watching the gentle flow of the water.
Water temperature…
Join the local community festival organized by the Grez-Neuville festival committee on June 13th and 14th, 2026.
The Isle Briand Departmental Park invites you to experience an extraordinary day with its 'Folies du Lion' event.
Combine relaxation and exercise with walking and yoga sessions at Isle Briand Departmental Park on May 18th and June 15th.
Celebrate the Fête de la Musique on Friday, June 26th, 2026, in Le Lion d'Angers with live music and a festive atmosphere.
The Troupe Réunie pour la Poésie et la Liberté presents the play 'The Traveling Theater Chopalovitch' on July 5th, 2026, in Grez-Neuville.
A nature immersion for toddlers at the Isle Briand Departmental Park on July 20th, 2026, to discover local wildlife.
Enjoy a relaxing aperitif cruise aboard the restaurant boat L'Hirondelle, departing from the scenic Chenillé-Changé.
Enjoy a magical movie night under the stars at the Le Lion d'Angers racecourse on Friday, August 28th, 2026.
Discover the colorful world of birds at the fair organized by the Oiseau Club Vernois on Saturday, September 5th, 2026.
Hiking, cycling, and mountain biking tours organized by the Cyclo Tourisme Lionnais association.
Le Lion-d'Angers is an easy on the eye town in the Maine-et-Loire department, globally renowned as a premier destination for equestrian sports. The town's life is centered around the memorable Isle Briand estate, which houses a French National Stud farm and a world-class racecourse. Every year, it hosts the 'Mondial du Lion,' an international eventing championship for young horses that draws competitors and fans from across the globe. Geographically, the town is beautifully situated at the confluence of the Mayenne and Oudon rivers, providing lush green landscapes and numerous opportunities for river-based tourism and boating. The historic center features traditional Anjou architecture, with many buildings constructed from the region's distinctive light-colored tuffeau stone. Historically, it served as a vital crossroads between Anjou and Brittany. Today, while the horse industry remains the primary economic driver, the town also thrives on local commerce and its role as a regional service hub. Its commitment to preserving its natural beauty and sporting heritage makes it a unique cultural gem in the Pays de la Loire region.
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 5 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 14 | 18 | 20 | 19 | 16 | 13 | 8 | 5 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 53 | 61 | 48 | 64 | 55 | 49 | 50 | 43 | 74 | 73 | 76 |
Notable places around
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Start your morning in the heart of Le Lion-d'Angers at the local town hall, absorbing the peaceful morning vibe. A very short stroll brings you to the historic Saint-Martin Church, a perfect place to reflect. The air is fresh and the streets are quiet. As midday approaches, shift your focus to the equestrian soul of the town by visiting the famous Hippodrome. Enjoying a walk around the tracks builds an appetite. Next, the expansive Isle Briand Park offers nature's embrace, ideal for a serene break. The afternoon is dedicated to the region's rich equine history at the Haras national de l'Isle Briand. Here you can deeply appreciate the heritage of French horse breeding in a stunning setting. The majestic environment leaves a lasting impression. Conclude your walking tour at the Château de l'Isle Briand, just a stone's throw away. The late afternoon light perfectly illuminates the castle walls, offering a memorable and relaxing end to a day fully immersed in the local heritage.
In the morning, we start at the town hall, where your umbrella will be your best friend in the drizzling rain. At noon, Saint-Martin Church provides shelter from the inclement weather; its interiors are stunning. In the afternoon, we head towards the park and the stud farm, where the covered areas of the stables help you stay dry. In the evening, we finish at the castle before the rain takes over.
In the morning, we start in the biting cold at the town hall; it's worth dressing in layers against the frosty wind. At noon, the quiet interior of the church offers a bit of warmth before we move on towards the massive racecourse. In the afternoon, we take an invigorating walk through the bare trees of the park to the stud farm. In the evening, the sun sets early, around 17:00, behind the castle.
Kick off your cycling day at the Saint-Martin Church, enjoying the morning tranquility before hopping on your bike. A quick ride takes you straight to the Hippodrome, where you can cycle around the perimeter and soak in the expansive, open atmosphere of the racecourse. Midday brings you to the lush grounds of the Haras national de l'Isle Briand. Cycling through the estate paths is a joy, allowing you to easily explore the vast stud farm. Take your time to enjoy the crisp air and beautiful scenery along the way. After exploring the equestrian facilities, pedal over to the nearby Château de l'Isle Briand. The beautiful architecture makes for a fantastic backdrop as you rest and recharge. The flat paths make the cycling effortless and highly enjoyable. For the final stretch, take a scenic ride out to the Château de l'Hommeau. The changing landscape from town to countryside is refreshing. Watching the sunset hues over this historic rural castle provides a perfect, serene finish to your active day.
Cycling in the rain requires caution but offers a unique tranquility. We start at the church and pedal towards the stud farm, avoiding puddles. At noon, we use the covered areas of the castle for a break. The tour ends at Château de l'Hommeau as the rain drapes the landscape in a soft grey veil.
The frosty bike tour takes us through the winter landscapes of Anjou. We warm up in the church before cycling across the open grounds of the racecourse. The visit to the stud farm offers a welcome break from the cold wind. The tour ends at early dusk at the majestic Château de l'Hommeau.
Begin your driving itinerary at the picturesque Château de l'Hommeau, slightly outside the town center. After admiring its rustic charm, drive into the heart of Le Lion-d'Angers to visit the historic Saint-Martin Church, easily accessible with nearby parking available. Drive down to the vast estate of the Haras national de l'Isle Briand. The convenience of a car allows you to quickly transition from the town's religious heritage to its deep-rooted equestrian culture, giving you ample time to explore the expansive grounds. Head north towards Montreuil-sur-Maine, stopping briefly at the quaint Mairie to appreciate the local village layout. A short hop away is the Église Saint-Pierre, where you can enjoy a quiet moment admiring its charming, traditional architecture. Finish your road trip at the impressive Château de la Touche. Driving makes reaching this somewhat secluded estate easy. Enjoy the peaceful, rolling countryside surroundings as the day winds down, reflecting on a diverse tour of the region's highlights.
By car, we explore the region comfortably and stay dry. We visit castles and churches, making the most of the short distances from parking spots. At noon, the stud farm offers many covered options. In the evening, we reach Château de la Touche as the rain drums on the windshield, creating a cozy atmosphere.
The winter driving tour takes us through the frosty Anjou region. From the warm car, we enjoy views of castles and the distant river. Brief visits to churches and the stud farm refresh us. The day ends as darkness falls at Château de la Touche, which looks particularly festive in the evening twilight.
