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Guide2 PaysdelaLoire round-up of events in the Loire valley and ideas for things to do this week-end

This weekend:

Wine, Vineyards, Wine Tastings

Domaine Pierre Chauvin in the Layon south of Angers holds three open days on Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

Also in Anjou, Petit Saint Vincent in Saumur-Champigny is holding an open days on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th April.

Clos des Cordeliers also in Saumur-Champigny, famous for its stoves in the vineyards to keep late frosts at bay, hosts a series of open day and vineyard tour over three days.

Le Moulin de Chauvigné at Rochefort-sur-Loire in Anjou also has three open days at the vineyard this weekend.

Caves Ackerman at Saumur's exhibition, Secrets of the Archives, - Secrets d'Archives - continues, tracing the history of the vineyard with a number of previously unseen exhibits from local archives. It’s the last chance to see the exhibition which runs till 30th April.

Football

There’s another Derby night for two of the Pays de la Loire clubs in Ligue 2 when Le Mans FC entertain Stade Lavallois as the visitors at the MMArena tonight. Le Mans will want to build on having picked up four points from six in their last two matches to further hoist themselves out of the relegation zone.

Elsewhere, Nantes are at home to Amiens and should be too good for a side already looking doomed to life in the National, whilst SCO Angers won’t find life easy making the long trip eastwards to face Metz.

All these matches kick off at 8 p.m. tonight.

Nantes Exhibitions and a new Memorial

At Nantes in Loire-atlantique, there's a major exhibition offering a historical perspective of the women of Nantes at work through the ages - Nantaises au travail which runs till 13th May. Also in Nantes, at the Jules Verne museum, there's 'A Table!’ on the theme of Jules Verne's culinary experiences on his worldwide and diverse voyages.

This weekend is the last chance to see a number of items not normally on display at the Musée des Beau Arts in Nantes with its exhibition entitled Trésors caches.

The new Monument to the Abolition of Slavery in Nantes was officially inaugurated on 25th March and is open to the public. Admission is free.

The Atlantic coast and nearby

At Guerande, in Loire-atlantique, an exhibition of local pottery is open at the Tourist Office and runs right through the summer - Les collections de faïences du pays de Guérande.

At Saint Jeans de Monts in Vendée, the month long Kids' Folies children's festival continues with entertainment and animations for toddlers to grandparents.

Le Mans and nearby

The two week long Europa Jazz Festival continues with a number of concerts at venues in and around Le Mans until 6th May.

Vide-greniers, Flea markets and Antiques

Springtime in France wouldn't be complete without the blossoming of Vide-Greniers galore. You can check for local Vide-Greniers using the links on our general events listing Vide-Greniers & Brocantes.

At St Jean de la Motte in Sarthe, there's the weekly flea market. 

Splashing about

With the rain and gales having subsided, if you fancy mucking about on the river this weekend, there’s the annual Fête des Bateaux de Loire at Le Thoureil in Anjou with shoreside entertainment and a chandlery market.

And finally...

If you’re thinking about a short break in Vendée during May or June, there are some great Vendée hotel offers under a new initiative : Printemps de l'Hôtellerie en Vendée - Springtime Hotels in Vendée.

Have a great weekend!

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