Liré brings together the literary heritage of Joachim du Bellay, parkland, religious tradition and wine culture. The places and activities each have a different focus: the museum explores the poet’s life and work, while the park combines wooded areas and views of the château with memories of his birthplace. There is also a chapel with a centuries-old tradition, as well as experiences centred on wine and farming.

Joachim du Bellay and La Turmelière

The Musée Joachim Du Bellay is housed in Le Grand Logis, a 16th-century residence with a small turret. Against this Renaissance backdrop, the poet’s life and work are presented. Visitors can also try Renaissance calligraphy using a real goose feather. A visit to the museum thus combines learning about the poet with a hands-on writing activity.

The ruins of Joachim du Bellay’s birthplace in Parc de la Turmelière offer another way to connect with his literary heritage: they are a destination for walks. The park itself covers 40 hectares and is wooded. It contains a pond and a small island, from which there is an unobstructed view of the château. The museum and the ruins therefore offer two different perspectives: one presents the poet’s life and work, while the other is a historic site to visit on a walk.

Landscape and navigation

Liré offers a typical Loire Valley landscape. From the slopes, visitors can admire panoramic views over the Loire. This panorama creates a distinct landscape experience alongside the park’s wooded areas.

At Coulée Saint-Joseph, the focus is on navigation in the landscape. Visitors use an orienteering map to find checkpoints. The numbered maps are punched using punches attached to posts. The activity is clearly defined: the map, checkpoints and punching the map are all part of the task. This differs from a walk in the park, where the ruins of the birthplace are a destination.

Chapel and Rogation tradition

The Chapelle Notre Dame de Beaulieu is a 14th-century chapel in Liré. It was originally dedicated to Saint Mark. As a place of pilgrimage, it was associated with the protection of crops and agricultural property. The annual Rogation ceremonies continue a tradition that is several centuries old. Those interested in religious and agricultural customs will find a different theme here from that of the poet’s museum or the park.

Wine and farm visits

At Domaine du Moulin Giron, Nadine and Quentin welcome visitors to the wine cellar. They talk about the estate’s wines and offer tastings of its products. The Domaine is a family-run business that has been operating for five generations. Visit arrangements may vary, so it is best to arrange a visit to the wine cellar in advance.

The Ferme pédagogique de la Turmelière offers guided tours by appointment. During these visits, guests can see the animals up close, pet them and feed them. Visits therefore take place as part of a guided tour. Unlike the wine experience, the focus here is on interacting with the animals.

When looking for a holiday rental for a stay in Liré, these different themes can help guide your travel plans: literature and the Renaissance, landscape, Rogation traditions or wine. The guided farm tour must be booked in advance; prior arrangements are also recommended for the wine cellar.

Discover more destinations: Bécon-Les-Granits, Brissac-Quincé, Longué-Jumelles, Saint-André-De-La-Marche, Martigné-Briand, Rochefort-Sur-Loire, Brain-sur-l'Authion, Champtocé-Sur-Loire.

Go to the main travel overview: Maine-Et-Loire.