The Pays de la Loire is not just famous for its landscapes, it is renowned for its 'cavescapes' and the locals make the most of the cool caves carved out of limestone rock. Most of these troglodyte locations are in the Saumur region. Secret worlds which conceal wine cellars, restaurants, museums, art galleries and even luxury accommodation!

Elaborate houses colonise the cliffs overlooking and alongside the many caves that invite you to explore. Stop by the 'Mushroom Museum' where you learn how mushrooms are cultivated in an interactive environment that lets you see, feel, touch and taste them deep within the limestone caverns.

Even the animals are happiest surrounded by rocks. The Bioparc at Doué la Fontaine is set in a former tuffeau quarry. Visitors will love the lush vegetation and waterfalls where wildlife feels at home in environments adapted for each species.

Those who prefer 'still life' should visit the 'Cave aux Sculptures', home to 16th century statues carved into the limestone or explore 'Pierre et Lumière' where you feel like a giant amongst a series of minutely accurate, tiny monuments: The cathedral of Tours seems made of illuminated, sheer, lace; part of a fairytale landscape.

At the Château of Brézé, you will find a castle under a castle as the labyrinth of underground caves reveals an incredible underground fortress - the largest of its kind in Europe.
The Village Metiers d’Art at Turquant presents a modern twist on cave-life. Underground is a hive of activity as artists and craftsmen in subterranean studios showcase ceramics, sculptures, jewellery, glass-blowing  - a 'gold mine' of treasures.

In the Sarthe, you can visit the picturesque villages of the viticulteurs like Chahaignes and Marçon. Many of these wine growers offer tastings and visits to their caves where they share their passion for their craft and you can learn about lesser known wines like Jasnières and Côteaux du Loir.

Thrill-seekers should check-out the 'Grottes de Saulges' in the Mayenne, where intrepid adventurers can descend into the bowels of the earth and marvel at cave paintings.

Caves have become more luxurious since prehistoric times and provide relaxing and indulgent surroundings for dining and recharging your batteries. The caves at Marson (just south of Saumur) are an example of one of the traditional restaurants serving oven-baked fouées and  home-made rillettes in candle-lit caverns. To complete the 'immersion' experience, why not take an unusual break in a troglodyte B&B, gîte or the 4-star hotel and residence, the Demeure de la Vignole, that even has an underground pool for all weather swimming.

A night in a cave never sounded so good!

For information:

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  village-metiers-art
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