Durtal Travel Guide

Discover the best things to do, see, eat, and buy in Durtal, France. Plan your trip with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, local culture, safety and health tips, and more.


The Ultimate Travel Guide to Durtal, France

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Pays de la Loire region of France, Durtal is a small medieval town that boasts of a rich history, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural landscapes. From its ancient castles and museums to its hiking and biking trails, Durtal is a place of endless wonder and beauty. Whether you’re coming for a weekend getaway or a week-long holiday, this ultimate travel guide to Durtal will help you make the most of your trip.

Introduction to Durtal

Located on the banks of the Loir River, Durtal is a charming town that is steeped in history. The town’s origins date back to the ancient Roman times, and many of its buildings have retained their medieval architecture. The town is famous for its imposing castle, which dominates the skyline and offers sweeping views of the surrounding area. Durtal is surrounded by lush green countryside, and the town is a gateway to some of the region’s most beautiful natural attractions.

List of Places to Visit in Durtal

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Château de Durtal: Built in the 11th century, this impressive castle is the town’s most famous attraction. It offers guided tours that take visitors through its history and architecture.
  • Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires: Housed in a 16th century building, this museum showcases the customs and traditions of the Pays de la Loire region.
  • Eglise Saint-Germain: This medieval church is known for its stunning stained-glass windows and intricate stonework.

Natural Attractions of Durtal: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • La Vallée du Loir: This picturesque valley is a paradise for nature lovers, with its rolling hills and meandering river.
  • Les Sablières de Daumeray: This tranquil forest offers miles of hiking and biking trails that wind through its sand dunes and pine forests.
  • Le Lac de Malagué: This scenic lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Durtal

  • La Loire à Vélo: This famous biking route runs along the Loire River and offers stunning views of the countryside.
  • Le Sentier du Grison: This hiking trail takes visitors through the Sablières de Daumeray forest and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Le Circuit des Moulins: This biking route takes visitors past several watermills and picturesque villages.

Best Things to Do in Durtal: Activities and Tours

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take in the stunning views of the countryside from up high on a hot air balloon.
  • Wine Tour: Take a tour of the region’s vineyards and sample some of the area’s finest wines.
  • Horse Riding: Explore the countryside on horseback and experience the region’s natural beauty up close.

Week-Long Itinerary for Durtal

Day Activities
1 Visit the Château de Durtal and the Musée des Arts et Traditions Populaires
2 Hike the Sentier du Grison and explore the Sablières de Daumeray forest
3 Take a hot air balloon ride over the Loire River valley
4 Visit the Eglise Saint-Germain and tour the town’s historic buildings
5 Relax and enjoy the picturesque views of La Vallée du Loir
6 Take a biking tour of the region’s vineyards and wineries
7 Horse ride through the countryside and enjoy the natural beauty of the region

Food and Drink Scene of Durtal

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rillauds: A traditional dish made with pork belly and often served with mashed potatoes.
  • Fouace: A sweet pastry that is traditionally eaten on special occasions, such as weddings and baptisms.
  • Rabelais: A local cheese that is made from goat’s milk and aged for several months.

Local Beverages

  • Anjou Wine: This famous wine is made from Chenin Blanc grapes grown in the region around Durtal.
  • Cointreau: This iconic orange liqueur is made from a blend of sweet and bitter oranges and is a staple in many cocktails.
  • Bière de la Loire: This local beer is brewed using traditional methods and features a crisp, refreshing taste.

Where to Stay in Durtal: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Château de Durtal: This historic castle has been converted into a luxury hotel and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Auberge de la Diligence: This cozy guesthouse is located in the heart of Durtal and offers comfortable rooms and a charming atmosphere.
  • Camping Municipal de Durtal: This popular campsite is located on the banks of the Loir River and offers a range of accommodations, including tents and cabins.

What to Buy in Durtal: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Porcelain Figurines: Durtal is known for its exquisite porcelain figurines, which make for an excellent souvenir or gift.
  • Cider: The Pays de la Loire region is famous for its cider, which is made from locally grown apples and has a crisp, refreshing taste.
  • Handmade Soaps: The region is known for its natural soaps, which are made using traditional methods and feature luxurious scents and ingredients.

Local Culture and Customs of Durtal

Durtal is known for its rich history and traditional way of life. Visitors should take care to respect local customs and dress appropriately when visiting historic sites and churches. The town is home to several festivals and events throughout the year, including the Fête des Remparts, a medieval festival that takes place every two years.

Best Time to Visit Durtal

The best time to visit Durtal is in the spring and summer, when the weather is warm and sunny. The town can be quite crowded during peak tourist season, so visitors who prefer a quieter experience may want to consider visiting in the fall or winter.

Do’s and Don’ts of Durtal

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Dress appropriately when visiting historic sites and churches.
  • Try the local cuisine and wines.

Don’t:

  • Smoke in public places.
  • Litter or damage natural sites.
  • Disturb the peace or tranquility of the town.

Safety and Health

Safety in Durtal

Durtal is a safe town, with very low crime rates. Visitors should take care to keep their valuables secure and be aware of their surroundings, especially when traveling alone.

Health in Durtal

The town has several pharmacies and medical clinics, and emergency services are available 24/7. Visitors should make sure they have adequate travel insurance and bring any necessary medications with them.

Getting to Durtal: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Durtal

The closest airport to Durtal is Angers-Loire Airport, which is located approximately 30 miles away. Other nearby airports include Tours Val de Loire Airport, Nantes Atlantique Airport, and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.

Bus Stations Near Durtal

Durtal is well-connected to other towns in the region by bus. The town’s bus station is located on Rue du Faubourg in the town center.

Other Options

Many visitors to Durtal choose to travel by car, as this offers the most flexibility and allows for easy exploration of the surrounding countryside.

How to Get Around in Durtal

The town is small enough to be explored on foot, and many of its attractions are within easy walking distance of each other. Bikes and cars are also available for rent from several local providers.

Where to Go Next from Durtal: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Angers: This historic city is just a short drive from Durtal and is home to several famous attractions, including the Château d’Angers and the Musée Jean Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine.
  • Le Mans: This city is famous for its legendary car race and is home to several historic attractions, including the Cathédrale Saint-Julien and the Musée de Tessé.
  • Tours: This charming city is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, and is a popular destination for wine tours and tastings.

Conclusion

Durtal is a hidden gem in the heart of the Pays de la Loire region of France, with its stunning natural scenery, rich history, and charming way of life. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or simply a relaxing getaway, Durtal has something to offer everyone. Plan your trip with this ultimate travel guide to Durtal and discover all that this beautiful town has to offer.