Throughout history the French have looked on Anjou in the same way they look at areas like Berry.  They regard these areas as the depository of the rural soul of France a reflection of “la France profond”.  In addition they have coined the term “La Douceur Angevine”.  This means, literally the sweetness, mildness or tenderness of Anjou. The Loire, in general is not dramatic, if you want drama go to the mountains and gorges of the Tarn or if you want a beach type holiday, then, obviously you need a beach (and, perhaps another country!).  But, the Loire is the third most visited area in France, after Paris, and the Riviera, and for many people it is the countryside that they conjure up when they close their eyes and think of France.  The sky is always soft, often a fragile blue, its light is moist and delicate even in the dead of winter 

The landscape of the Layon is where the somewhat flat land of the Loire starts to become gently rolling.  “La Perriére” itself is situated above the valley of the Layon and offers panoramic views over the river and beyond. It is quite common to see both herds of deer and bison on the slopes opposite as there is an American Prairie theme park, and whilst not exactly Disney, local schoolchildren seem to spend enjoyable weekends playing red indians with the resident American Indian Chief.  Overlooking the valley is a terrace, ideal for dining in the evening whilst the fiery sun sets over the valley and then to continue with a few after dinner drinks, counting the frequent shooting stars visible in the dark sky with very little light pollution.

At the right time of year it is possible to see a variety of birds and animals, for example Hoopos, Buzzards, Otters, Coyapu, Foxes and Badgers. Hares, Pheasants and Partridge abound and we must admit it is possible you will be woken early by woodpeckers playing a drum solo outside your bedroom window!  We have also spotted storks on the nearby lake of  ‘Beaurepair’ which abounds with Ducks and Waders in Spring.   

To the average ‘Angevin’ food and wine are a very important part of life and restaurants of all types abound. The range of eating places in the towns of the region are tremendous and the vast majority produce food with that “savoir-faire” that the French seem to imbibe with their birth milk. What, however, a lot of visitors miss is the small village restaurants, producing superb, country food at amazing prices.  The downside is that, as there is no menu or rather there is a fixed menu,  with little or no choice,  people like vegetarians may well feel a touch aggrieved at not been catered for.  We have, however,  persuaded one local restaurant to make an effort and the results seem to be acceptable.

We arrived in this close knit agricultural community two years ago, admittedly, somewhat apprehensive about how we would be accepted, only to find ourselves treated with exemplary politeness and helpfulness. Now we find the people themselves are the most attractive part of an exceedingly attractive region. Although it is embarrassing now, to look back on our pathetic efforts in French,  it also makes us realise how patient and understanding they were as we proceeded to murder their language.

It is often said that people reflect the nature of the land around them and nowhere is this truer than in Anjou with the Angevins themselves a reflection of this warm and gentle land.