Attractions and Places To See around Vaas - Top 13
Best attractions and places to see around Vaas are found in the Sarthe department, a region shaped by the Loir river and its historical architecture. This area, part of the Loire Valley, features a mix of natural riverine landscapes and significant historical sites. Visitors can explore various points of interest, from ancient castles to scenic river views, making it suitable for those interested in history and outdoor activities.
Best attractions and places to see around Vaas
- The most popular attractions is Vaas Bridge over the Loir, a bridge that offers views of the town and the Loir river. This spot is often adorned with flowers, enhancing its visual appeal.
- Another must-see spot is Château and gardens of Le Lude, a castle and gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the Loire Valley's grand châteaux, still inhabited by a family.
- Visitors also love La Chapelle-aux-Choux, a settlement located at the borders of Maine, Anjou, and Touraine. This village is crossed by the Loir and its tributaries, historically featuring wheat mills along its banks.
- Vaas is known for its historical castles, scenic bridges, and charming settlements. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, including family friendly activities Vaas.
- The attractions around Vaas are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 30 upvotes and over 40 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
Château and gardens of Le Lude
Highlight • Castle
The château is one of the few of its size still inhabited, by a family that has lived there for 260 years. It overlooks the Loir Valley and is open to visitors from April 1st to October 31st and during school holidays. A unique feature: you can even try your hand at an escape game!
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Vaas Bridge over the Loir
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Château du Lude
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Château du Fort des Salles
Highlight • Monument
The castle, which is very rarely visited, is private and is under rehabilitation. Right next door, you will find a pretty little body of water and a municipal campsite.
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La Chapelle-aux-Choux
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Tips from the Community
Fort des Salles is one of the most little-known castles in Sarthe. Dating from the Middle Ages, it was probably built during the reign of Henry II Plantagenet. The castle, which is very rarely visited, is private and is under rehabilitation. Right next door, you will find a pretty little body of water and a municipal campsite.
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Located halfway between Tours and Le Mans, the Château and Gardens of Le Lude are part of the Loire Valley's grand châteaux route. They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The château is one of the few of its size still inhabited, by a family that has lived there for 260 years. It overlooks the Loir Valley and is open to visitors from April 1st to October 31st and during school holidays. A unique feature: you can even try your hand at an escape game!
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Located at the gates of Anjou, this magnificent building is one of the Loire castles, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. It is one of the last still inhabited by a family, whose generations have succeeded one another for more than 250 years.
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This pretty little village is located on the borders of Maine, Anjou and Touraine. In addition to being crossed by the Loir, there are also two of its tributaries, the Fare and the Meaulne. Wheat mills once inhabited its banks.
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Very beautiful castle with interiors worth seeing.
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From this bridge, you will have a view of the city of Vaas. The bridge is often adorned with flowers by the city, which makes it even more pleasant to admire.
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Le Lude is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the great castles of the Loire. The castle has belonged to the same family for 20 years, which is rare in French castles.
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Beautiful view of the Loir, the village, a weir and small houses with access to the river.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly attractions around Vaas?
Yes, several attractions around Vaas are suitable for families. The Château and gardens of Le Lude offers an engaging experience with its historical setting and even an escape game. The Vaas Bridge over the Loir provides pleasant views and is often adorned with flowers, making for a nice stroll. Additionally, the charming village of La Chapelle-aux-Choux, with its riverine setting, is also considered family-friendly.
What historical sites can I visit near Vaas?
The region around Vaas is rich in history. The most prominent historical site is the Château and gardens of Le Lude, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Loire Valley's grand châteaux, still inhabited by the same family for centuries. Another notable historical castle is the medieval Château du Fort des Salles, though it is private and undergoing rehabilitation.
What natural features can I see around Vaas?
The Loir river is a central natural feature of the Vaas area. You can enjoy views of the river from the Vaas Bridge over the Loir. The village of La Chapelle-aux-Choux is also notable for being crossed by the Loir and its tributaries, offering scenic riverine landscapes.
Are there cycling routes near the attractions around Vaas?
Yes, there are numerous cycling opportunities. You can find various routes for touring bicycles, road bikes, and mountain bikes. For example, there are routes like the 'Château and gardens of Le Lude – Château-du-Loir loop' for touring bikes, or the 'Château-du-Loir – Château du Lude loop' for road cycling. Explore more options on the Cycling around Vaas, Road Cycling Routes around Vaas, and MTB Trails around Vaas guide pages.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions in Vaas?
Visitors particularly appreciate the scenic views from the Vaas Bridge over the Loir, especially when it's adorned with flowers. The historical significance and well-preserved interiors of the Château and gardens of Le Lude are also highly praised, with many noting its beauty and the unique experience of visiting an inhabited castle.
Can I visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Vaas?
Absolutely. The Château and gardens of Le Lude is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see attraction in the Loire Valley. It's one of the grand châteaux that offers a deep dive into French history and architecture.
Are there any lesser-known or hidden gems to explore?
While undergoing rehabilitation, the medieval Château du Fort des Salles is one of the lesser-known castles in Sarthe. It offers a glimpse into the region's past and is located near a small body of water and a municipal campsite, providing a more secluded experience away from the main tourist routes.
What is the best time to visit the Château and gardens of Le Lude?
The Château and gardens of Le Lude is typically open to visitors from April 1st to October 31st, as well as during school holidays. Visiting during these periods ensures you can explore the château's interiors and its beautiful gardens.
What kind of architecture can I expect to see in the Vaas area?
The Vaas area showcases a blend of historical architecture, primarily featuring castles and traditional settlements. You'll find grand structures like the Château and gardens of Le Lude, medieval remnants at the Château du Fort des Salles, and charming village architecture in places like La Chapelle-aux-Choux, which historically featured wheat mills along its riverbanks.
Can I find viewpoints to admire the scenery around Vaas?
Yes, the Vaas Bridge over the Loir serves as an excellent viewpoint, offering picturesque vistas of the town and the Loir river. It's a popular spot for appreciating the local landscape.
Are there any villages or settlements worth exploring near Vaas?
The village of La Chapelle-aux-Choux is a charming settlement located at the borders of Maine, Anjou, and Touraine. It's notable for being crossed by the Loir and its tributaries, and historically featured wheat mills, offering a glimpse into the region's past and rural beauty.
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