Are you visiting Angers for a bucolic day out?
Discover the hidden village of Béhuard! Situated between 2 arms of the Loire, it's the only inhabited island commune in the region! We enjoyed its flower-filled medieval streets and peaceful strolls along the Loire.
Here's our guide to the must-see places in the Pays de la Loire village of Béhuard , with 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 Béhuard worth a visit?
Yes, the village of Béhuard, classified as a Petite Cité de Caractère, is well worth a visit for its picturesque setting, historic church and unspoilt nature.
For us, it's one of the most beautiful villages around Angers.
1. Explore picturesque alleyways
We were charmed by the authenticity of Béhuard and its maze of narrow streets lined with raised medieval houses. Checkered gables, elaborate dormers and sculpted cornices tell the architectural story of this unique island village.
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2. Visit the charming church
Erected on a rock in the 15th century, Notre-Dame de Béhuard dominates the island. This double-aisled church, built on the orders of Louis XI after his miraculous rescue from a shipwreck, is dedicated to the Virgin, protector of sailors.
Did you know? In May 1975, 15 valuable religious objects were stolen from the church. There was no news of the treasure until 2003, when someone happened to recognize the silver Madonna donated by Louis XI in an auction catalog at the Hôtel Drouot in Paris. It was returned to Béhuard and is now hidden in a safe place. It is only visible during the Assumption.
- Opening hours: daily, 9am to 7pm
- See the latest news on the official website here
- Don't miss the high viewpoint from the top of the church, with its panoramic view of Béhuard!
3. Discover the village's natural heritage
We appreciated Béhuard's unique island character, stretching over three kilometers in length. We particularly liked the village's flower-filled lanes and the banks of the Loire, whose sandbanks and shores create a varied ecosystem.
For an unforgettable experience, we recommend discovering Béhuard from the water. Many traditional boat trips are organized from Angers.
4. Understanding the impact of flooding on the village
As you stroll along, you'll notice that the houses are elevated. They bear witness to the ingenuity of the inhabitants in the face of the vagaries of the Loire and its many floods. Look out for one of the houses in the center (photo below), which even has a flood height scale! When water invaded the village in the old days, everyone travelled on flat-bottomed boats, the "plates": the inhabitants, the provisions and even the cows! You can find these plates at the festival dedicated to them here on the first Sunday in September.
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.
5. Learn more about the village's history
Inhabited since ancient times, the island was first a Gallic place of worship before being evangelized in the 5th century. Its history is marked by devotion to the Virgin Mary (whose statue can be found in the town and other icons in the church) and royal visits. Indeed, Louis XI, having had the church built on a rock, returned on several occasions to stay in the perched village, as another way of keeping watch over the Anjou he coveted! In the 19th century, Béhuard became a popular vacation spot, as evidenced by the beautiful houses lining the church.
6. Venturing out into nature
We found Béhuard's walking trails particularly pleasant. The island offers a number of walking trails to discover its many facets. The towpath offers views over the Loire and is a reminder of the old canal-boating days. The undergrowth and marshes are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. These trails, accessible to all, allow you to appreciate the island's tranquility and its changing landscapes as the seasons go by.
- Opening hours: Every day of the year
- Price: Free
- See the latest news on the official website here
WHERE TO STAY IN Angers
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Downtown, to enjoy the city, its restaurants and beautiful architecture.
Hôtel L'Oisellerie - see photos and availability
Hotel 21, Foch - prices, pictures and availability
In the surrounding countryside, for greater peace and quiet
Hotel Château des Forges - see photos and availability
7. Combine Béhuard with Savennières
Just a 5-minute drive away, the village of Savennières can easily be combined with the village of Béhuard. The superb manor houses and presbytery, built by the Angevin aristocracy in the 18th century, are not to be missed, as is the church, considered one of the oldest in the region. Savennières is also renowned for its winemaking tradition and exceptional white wines!
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities
Other attractions near Béhuard
Visit Angers
Just 30 minutes from the village of Béhuard, the vibrant city of Angers awaits you!
Among our favorites are the Apocalypse Tapestryat the Château d'Angers and the plant sculptures at Terra Botanica. Find out more in our article What to do in Angers.
Explore Château de Brissac
Just a 30-minute drive from Béhuard, this seven-storey château, nicknamed the "Giant of the Loire", is well worth a visit! With its 70 hectares of landscaped grounds and 204 living rooms, you'll never be bored!
Meet the winemakers
What better way to end a stroll than with a little wine tasting? The village of Béhuard is fortunate to be surrounded by numerous estates within a few minutes' drive, such as Château de Bellevue, Domaine FL and Château Soucherie, offering wine tastings.
For more ideas, see our article on the Wine Route.
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How to get to Béhuard + parking
Where is Béhuard
- In the Pays de la Loire region
- Driving time from Angers = 30min
- Driving time from Saumur = 1h
How to get there
You can also reach the village of Béhuard:
- By car: The village is easily accessible from Angers via the D111, which runs alongside the Loire. Situated between 2 arms of the Loire, be careful not to miss the entrance from the bridges!
- By public transport: Béhuard is served by the Irigo n°39 suburban bus line from Angers, with a stop directly on the island. You can also take the train to Savennières-Béhuard station, then walk or bike to the island in just 30 minutes.
- By bike: The island is accessible via the "La Loire à Vélo" itinerary, offering a picturesque and ecological approach. Find out more about this itinerary in our dedicated article.
Parking in Béhuard
Béhuard is an entirely pedestrian village, so you'll need to park in the free parking lot outside town.
Useful tips for visiting Béhuard
How long and when?
Allow 1 hour to explore all the nooks and crannies of the village and, above all, to have time to stroll around! Béhuard is all the more beautiful in the summer months, between May and September, but this is also the time when most tourists flock to the Loire, even if Béhuard remains an unspoilt village.
The village is also particularly famous for its Marian Festival, held every August 15 and marked by processions celebrating the Virgin, protector of sailors and travelers. In summer, services are held outdoors, as this photo attests.
Tour directions, map and difficulty
The village of Béhuard is small and easy to explore. So there's no particular direction to follow. We recommend good walking shoes for the cobbled streets and the occasional incline.
Visiting with children
We didn't spot any specific attractions for children, but they should enjoy the bucolic stroll.
Restaurants
We haven't tried out any of Béhuard's restaurants yet, but here are the ones we've spotted:
- Restaurant l'Audacieuse: refined, creative cuisine in a picturesque setting.
- Restaurant La Guillemette: a village canteen with fresh produce served in a beautiful beamed room or on a lovely shaded terrace.
- Restaurant La Croisette: with its "guinguette" atmosphere, to admire the sunset at the end of the day.
Otherwise, check out our gourmet addresses in Angers!
Hotels
Although the village of Béhuard doesn't have any hotels, we have spotted a few B&Bs: see the best accommodations.
Alternatively, take a look at our selection of great hotels in Angers!
PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley
The castles of the Loire Valley
Other places to explore
Practice
SHE MADE THE TRIP Claire
