Caves in the Doué region
Falun, a stone with a remarkable composition and nature, is one of the treasures of Doué-la-Fontaine. Simultaneously hard and crumbly, the qualities of this rock soon inspired the region’s first inhabitants who started to dig into the subsoil beginning in the 6th century in order to create sarcophagi (which have since been uncovered and are now visible to the public). This extractive work would only accelerate with time, creating truly astonishing places that those with curious minds will be delighted to visit. Some locations like Rue des Perrières, a street with caves which are still inhabited today), are perfect examples of the underground past of Doué-la-Fontaine.
The coulée verte: a green path for personal and environmental well-being
The location of Les Rives du Douet on the outskirts of town offers a twofold advantage: ease of access to municipal services and the peace and quiet of a natural environment. Set apart from the noise pollution of main thoroughfares, the campground is set up along the Douet, a waterway popular for fishing, and the Coulée Verte.
Over and above being a great area for walking, the Coulée Verte also creates a transition between the town and the surrounding countryside. Appealing to families out for a walk, as well as sportsmen and women, walkers and joggers in training, this footpath is like an invitation to restful strolling. It’s also a great starting point for a hike along a heritage tour route or for a ride along one of the Loire by Bike loops. The Coulée Verte is a place where all non-motorized forms of travel intersect. Continue on a little farther to the aquatic centre if you want to lounge about and unwind. With that in mind, we also offer a variety of wellness sessions: yoga to free your mind, “sylvotherapy” for the healing power of trees and laughter yoga for a beneficial escape from reality.
Douet river
The Celtic origin of its name means “Spring” or “Fountain”. The aptly-named fountains of Doué are still visible in the town centre. In other words, the source of the waterway is in Doué-la-Fontaine. Passing a few hundred metres from the campground, it also serves as a great fishing hole. Surrounded by the Coulée Verte, it is popular for Sunday strolls as the days grow warmer. The locals enjoy ambling and picnicking along the river as well as getting together with the kids to take advantage of the return of the sun. It has been nicely developed all the way to the nearby aquatic centre, where it resumes its natural, winding course until the point where it flows into the Layon.
Once upon a time, there was a rose…
One man in particular left his mark on the history of Doué-la-Fontaine when he launched a business which is still alive and well today: Baron Foullon, lord of Doué, Minister of War under King Louis XV and Intendant of Finances under Louis XVI. This was Doué-la-Fontaine’s most prosperous period. The baron developed Anjou’s royal plant nurseries and had his castle built in Soulanger, on the site of the present-day rose garden. It was thanks in particular to his gardener Chatenay that he began to cultivate roses, a sector which is still the jewel in Doué’s agricultural crown today. Our region is dotted with various parks, gardens and other sites which are living testimonials to this history.
