Montsoreau

Montsoreau is a village in the Maine-et-Loire department, in the Pays de la Loire region, situated at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers. Recognised as one of the Plus Beaux Villages de France, it is dominated by its 15th-century château, built directly on the rock beside the river, which now houses a contemporary art centre. The village retains typical troglodyte dwellings of the Loire Valley, with tuffeau stone houses carved into the hillside. The area lies within the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Nature Park and sits along the La Loire à Vélo cycle route, making it a popular stop for cycling tourists. The cobbled streets, troglodyte cellars and river viewpoints form the main heritage attractions of the village. Montsoreau is also known for its market and its proximity to other notable Loire sites such as Fontevraud Abbey and Saumur, famed for its wines and cavalry school. The region enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, ideal for riverside walks and exploring the surrounding vineyards, particularly those of the Saumur-Champigny appellation.