Montjean Sur Loire: An Intimate Escape to the Riverside
France is usually depicted as a country with endless rows of vineyards and lavender fields, phenomenal gastronomy, the romantic city of Paris, or the rustic chalet and mountain lifestyle found in the French Alps. The truth is there’s more to this delightful country than these vistas that a typical tourist would often imagine.
Going deeper in the countryside reveals a pastoral scene evoking visions of warm, lazy summers where you bike through fields and sloping coastal roads. The picturesque commune of MontJean Sur Loire is the perfect backdrop painting these idyllic summer sceneries linked to an ancient river with a rich and storied past.
A life shaped by the river
Sitting between the Angers and Nantes, the river is an integral part of life for the coastal village of Montjean Sur Loire and has served as an artery for trade and commerce since the Middle Ages. The banks of Loire have become a quiet spectator to the changing times and the village’s colorful history.
Montjean Sur Loire’s roots can be traced down to as early as the 14h century, under the barony of Rene de Montjean. The municipality has also played an important role in transporting goods across regions on its rivers and railways—with lime and charcoal production as the commune’s earliest known industries.
Discovering MontJean sur Loire’s interesting local architecture
The ancient village is abundant in natural beauty and features the last vestiges of the French medieval period. When visiting, you should check out its churches and old castle ruins dating back from the 1800s. The Chapel of Saint-Meen served as a focal point for pilgrimage in the early 20th century, as devotees believed that its water source could heal scabies. Meanwhile, the Pyramidal Tomb of Edmond Heusschen is also one of the village’s notable structures. Here in this tomb lies the Belgian engineer who helped the town achieve prosperity in the 1850s.
Exploring Loire’s nautical history
It’s not hard to fall in love with the city as you get to explore one of Montjean Sur Loire’s most famous tourist spots. The Cape Loire showcases the best of what the region offers, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Ligurian tradition and heritage. You can ride the boat Cape Verde, a self-propelled barge dating back from the late 1920s that has been classified as a historical monument since 1994. Visitors can find themselves enjoying a sunny spring or summer afternoon walking along its gardens or take a closer look at the lives of sailors with Cape Verde’s permanent exhibition and cockpit.
Boarding the traditional boat L’Aquila or the Ligeriade II lets you enjoy a panoramic view of the riverscape. The boat ride also comes with a guided tour and lets you learn about Loire’s fascinating stories, as well as flora and fauna endemic to the region.
Go on a sight-seeing adventure in the lime kilns of Loire
Apart from its mesmerizing waters, visitors can go biking along the banks of Loire and get acquainted with its lime kilns. Cyclists may commence their journey by following the route of Loire a Velo, where they are treated to the region’s charming landscapes. The cycling route is best enjoyed during warm summer months and provides a relatively easy and secure path, perfect for all ages. You can take a brief pit stop in many of its quaint riverside villages.
Experience mouthwatering regional cuisine
What better way to fully understand local culture and identity than through the city’s palate. Cafes and restaurants run aplenty in this region, giving you a sample of the river’s bountiful harvest. Gourmands can dine into delectable seafood, cremet d’anjou, and plum pate, accompanied by local wines such as Malvoisie or Muscadet. All these are even made more special while dining outside with the spectacular view of the Loire banks.
Vibrant festivals and activities
Some of Loire Valley’s highly-anticipated events include the “Fibres en musique” Festival or “Festival of Fibers in Music” that celebrates the local hemp industry through the form of street entertainment, alongside workshops, conferences, and an eco-organic and artisanal market. Guests can chance upon this unique festival around August. In July, sculptors from all around flock together in celebration of Le Symposium de Sculpture, which features local artisans bringing life to metal, stone, and wood while recognizing the region’s exceptional artistry.