Maine-et-Loire

Maine-et-Loire is a department in west-central France forming part of the current region of Pays-de-la-Loire and is surrounded by the departments of Ille-et-Vilaine, Mayenne, Sarthe, Indre-et-Loire, Vienne, Deux-Sèvres, Vendée, and Loire-Atlantique. It has a varied landscape with forested ranges of hills in the south and north separated by the valley of the Loire. The area has many navigable rivers such as the Loire, Sarthe, Mayenne, Loir, and Authion and the highest point is Colline des Gardes.

Maine-et-Loire is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. Originally it was called Mayenne-et-Loire, but its name was changed to Maine-et-Loire in 1791. It was created from part of the former province of Anjou. Its present name is drawn from the former province of Maine and the Loire River, which runs through it. The horsemen of the Cadre Noir in Saumur, the chateaux of the Loire valley, and the royal abbey at Fontevraud with its Plantagenet tombs are all major attractions.

Maine et Loire is traversed from east to west by the majestic valley of the Loire, with its rich orchards, nurseries and market gardens. The highest altitudes are found in the south-west but elsewhere the surface is low- hence the department is almost entirely made up of the basin of the Loire. Maine et Loire has a temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The agriculture of the department is very prosperous and there are cereals, chiefly wheat, oats and barley in excess of its needs. Extensive areas in the Pays de la Loire are under hemp, and the vegetables, melons and other fruits of that region are of the finest quality. Good wine is produced at Serrant and other places near Angers, and on the right bank of the Layon and near Saumur the sparkling white wine is a rival to the cheaper brands of champagne. Cider is also produced and the cultivation of fruit is general.

Cotton goods, hempen and other coarse fabrics, and similar industries take place at Angers which also manufactures liqueurs, rope, boots, shoes and parasols. Cholet, in the south of the department, is an important industrial centre known for shoes, textiles and electronics and Saumur, besides its production of wine, makes beads and enamels.

Angers is the capital of the Maine-et-Loire. This historic town sits on a plateau above the River Maine, one of the River Loire's tributaries which runs through the department. The town’s château contains one of the region’s top treasures, a medieval tapestry covering a staggering 101 metres which portrays the end of time as told in the Bible. In the city there is also the cathedral of St Maurice from 14th century- it is considered to be one of the best surviving French gothic portals.

Segré is a small town with a relaxing atmosphere. Fishing and canoeing are both popular activities on the river. There is also a fantastic archaeological museum that is well worth a visit.