Oudon is a charming medieval village on the banks of the Loire. Its 15th-century keep, one of the best preserved in the region, dominates the valley, making it a pleasant stop-off point on the Loire Valley châteaux route. We were seduced by the peacefulness of this town, which blends historical heritage with the gentleness of Anjou.
Here's our guide to attractions in Oudon, Pays de la Loire, and useful tips for planning your visit.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is the village of Oudon worth a visit?
Yes, the village of Oudon is well worth a visit. We found this village very appealing, with its octagonal keep offering a remarkable panorama of the Loire and its tributaries. Its well-preserved architectural heritage, peaceful streets and proximity to Nantes and Angers make it a pleasant stopover on the banks of the river.
It's one of the most beautiful villages on the Loire!
1. Climb to the top of the Donjon d'Oudon
The Donjon d'Oudon is the undisputed symbol of the village. We loved the allure of this 34-meter-high, 15th-century octagonal tower, one of the best-preserved keeps in the Loire Valley. Climb the 148 steps to the summit terrace, where you'll enjoy a breathtaking view of the confluence of the Loire and Hâvre rivers. The guard room and interior chapel also provide an insight into the history of the site, once owned by the Counts of Brittany.
- Opening hours: open July to August from 10am to 6pm, April to October from 10am to 6pm or 2.30pm to 6pm.
- Price: full price (€6.90), concessions for 4 to 14 year olds (€4.90), free for children under 4.
- Visit the official website for more info here.
WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
2. Discover the small river port
The small river port of Oudon is one of the village's most charming spots. We enjoyed looking at the few fishing boats and pleasure craft. The atmosphere is peaceful. From the quayside, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the river and the silhouette of the Donjon d'Oudon in the background.
3. Explore the sculpture symposium
Just a stone's throw from the château, an open-air sculpture trail awaits you. We found this initiative to be particularly successful: the contemporary works of art are carefully integrated into the landscape, creating a singular dialogue between artistic creation and natural heritage. Stroll from one sculpture to the next, along an itinerary that winds through the town and its surroundings. This symposium is an original way to discover the village.
OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
- Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
4. Stroll downtown
The center of Oudon is a pleasant place to discover on foot, with its narrow, unspoilt streets. Houses stand side by side with local shops in a calm, authentic atmosphere. We enjoyed the ride.
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5. Visit the chapel and former chaplaincy
The Oudon chapel and the adjoining buildings of the former chaplaincy form a discreet but touching heritage ensemble. We were impressed by the sobriety of these premises, which bear witness to the village's charitable and social functions over the centuries. The former chaplaincy, linked to the practices of assistance and welcome specific to these places, is a reminder of the central role these buildings played in the life of local rural communities.
6. Kayaking, canoeing or boating
The Loire and Hâvre rivers are ideal for gentle water sports. We recommend renting a kayak, canoe or rowboat from the local water sports center in season, so you can explore the river at your own pace. Ask at the tourist office for prices and times. You can opt for a supervised outing or go off on your own, depending on your level and preferences. Sailing on the Loire River allows you to appreciate Oudon from a different angle: from the water, the dungeon and port quays take on a whole new dimension. It's also an opportunity to observe the fauna along the banks of the Loire, with herons and kingfishers in the lead.
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
7. Discover the former home of Alphonse Fouschard
The history of this house is inextricably linked to the generosity of a local benefactor, Alphonse Fouschard, who bequeathed his entire estate to the commune of Oudon, including his own house. It then became a hospice, then a retirement home, before finding a new vocation today: the main building houses rental accommodation, while the associated former chapel houses the municipal library. We found this place a touching symbol of a civic legacy.
8. Hike or cycle the Loire Valley
The area around Oudon is ideal for both hiking and cycling. We enjoyed the signposted trails along the Hâvre valley and the banks of the Loire, accessible to all levels and of varying lengths. What's more, Oudon is a natural stopover on the Loire à Vélo, one of Europe's most famous cycle routes, which links Cuffy in the Cher department to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins over a distance of almost 900km. You'll pass through landscapes of vineyards, boires and wet meadows that are characteristic of this part of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The village is on the route des vignoble nantais.
- Signposted footpaths around the Hâvre valley and the banks of the Loire River
- The Loire à Vélo route is signposted and accessible all year round.
- Bike rental available in Ancenis
- Visit the official Loire à vélo website for more information here.
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Other attractions in and around Oudon
We have identified other activities and places to discover in the village and its immediate surroundings:
- The local market in Oudon to discover local produce on Sunday mornings.
- Fishing on the banks of the Loire, a traditional local activity
- The confluence of the Loire and Erdre rivers, a remarkable natural site on the outskirts of the village
Ancenis
Ancenis, the neighboring town of Oudon, can be reached in less than 10 minutes. It boasts a rich winegrowing and medieval heritage, with its castle and Muscadet wine cellars. It's also the ideal starting point for Loire à Vélo excursions or a day out exploring the surrounding vineyards.
Saint-Florent-le-Vieil
Perched on a promontory overlooking the Loire, Saint-Florent-le-Vieil is a pretty village. Its abbey church, narrow streets and river views make it a must-see destination just a short distance from Oudon.
Champtoceaux
Listed as one of France's most beautiful villages, Champtoceaux offers a spectacular view over the Loire. Its flower-filled lanes and unspoilt natural setting make it an ideal excursion from Oudon, ideally combined with a stopover on the Muscadet wine route.
How to get to Oudon + parking
Where is Oudon
- In Maine-et-Loire (49), on the banks of the Loire River
- Nantes: about 35min drive
- Angers: about 50min drive
- Ancenis: less than 10min drive
How to get there
The most practical way to reach Oudon is by car. The village is accessible from the N23 (Nantes-Angers axis). You can easily rent a car here.
Aléop bus routes also serve the area from Ancenis and Nantes. then allow 1 hour for the journey. For cyclists, Oudon is directly accessible via La Loire à Vélo.
Parking in Oudon
Free parking is available in the town center, near the donjon and the banks of the Loire. Parking is easy and there are spaces for the disabled and PRM.
Useful tips for visiting Oudon
How long and when?
Allow 1 to 2 hours for a tour of the village, a climb to the keep and a walk along the banks of the Loire. Spring and autumn offer the softest light on the river. Summer is the best time to visit, although it attracts more people to cycle routes and water sports activities.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
We recommend you start at the dungeon, to enjoy the panoramic view from the very beginning of your visit, then head down towards the port and the banks of the Loire. Then take the sculpture tour. The village is compact and easy to get around on foot. The ascent to the dungeon involves 148 steps: bring comfortable shoes.
Visiting with children
Oudon is the perfect place for a family visit. Children can enjoy the Donjon d'Oudon, but the climb requires them to be mobile. However, the view of the Loire rewards the effort. The sculpture symposium route will also arouse their curiosity. Last but not least, water sports activities - kayaking, canoeing or rowing - will delight young and old alike.
Restaurants
We haven't tried any of Oudon's restaurants yet. There are a number of restaurants in the village, such as Restaurant Villa Saint-Germain and Restaurant Hâvre de Paix, both of which have a good reputation. Otherwise, Ancenis offers more choice around its market and town center.
Visit Oudon in winter
In winter, Oudon takes on a more sleepy atmosphere. The dungeon is closed and the village rarely visited. But there's nothing to stop you from admiring the low-angled light over the Loire.
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
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