Small town of just ten thousand inhabitants, Doué-en-Anjou occupies a strategic position in the heart of the Anjou wine region. Although not directly located on the banks of the Loire, it serves as an ideal gateway to explore three remarkable Loire appellations.
To the east lie the wines of Saumur, known for their elegant whites and structured reds. To the west are the famous sweet wines of the Coteaux du Layon, made from Chenin Blanc grapes. Finally, to the southeast is the young and promising appellation of Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame, where a new generation of talented winemakers produces remarkable red wines.
Doué-en-Anjou thus serves as a welcome stop on the Anjou wine route, offering visitors a great starting point to explore these varied terroirs.
Beyond its wine appeal, Doué-en-Anjou offers various attractions for all tastes.
Families will especially appreciate the BioParc, a unique zoo set in the unusual setting of former quarries. This zoological park, the only troglodytic zoo in the world, is home to over 1,800 animals in an exceptional natural environment.
Heritage enthusiasts will not be disappointed either. They can visit the romantic ruins of the Collégiale Saint-Denis, explore the fascinating troglodytic dwellings at the Perrières site, or admire the remarkably preserved arenas. Although these arenas do not date back to the Gallo-Roman period, their originality makes them particularly interesting.
The Doué-en-Anjou region also features charming villages. Among the closest are Montreuil-Bellay, with its imposing medieval castle, and Le Puy-Notre-Dame. This latter village, in addition to its architectural heritage, is an ideal stop for tasting wines from the Saumur Puy-Notre-Dame appellation.
Thus, Doué-en-Anjou offers a unique blend of wine heritage, natural beauty, and history, making this small town an essential stop for those wishing to discover the riches of Anjou.
Interested in a wine tasting near Doué-en-Anjou? Within a fifteen-kilometer radius, you can sample the famous sweet wines of Bonnezeaux and the finest reds of Puy-Notre-Dame! Not to mention what the surrounding vineyards have to offer, including the full range of Anjou wines (reds, whites, and rosés!). You don’t have to look far from Doué’s city center to taste some wine. Visit Domaine Mélaric, Domaine des Sablonnières, or a bit further south, Domaine Bodineau. For wines from Bonnezeaux and Layon, the Domaine de la Famille Bonnin will welcome you with an array of delicious nectars! Finally, you can head about ten kilometers further south for a tasting at Domaine de la Paleine in Puy-Notre-Dame.
