'La Joie du Muguet' – more commonly referred to as 'Le Muguet' – is a comfortable, country cottage standing in its own, private garden amidst farmland. The cottage has its entrance off a quiet farm road which provides access for four properties – Le Muguet (Lily of the Valley), Le Verger (The Orchard), La Vieille Vigne (The Old Vine) and Le Petit Verger (The Little Orchard), all set well apart. Seasonal farm vehicles also use this little roadway.

The property was originally a market farm growing fruit and flowers, specialising in Lilies of the Valley (Le Muguet) – a traditional crop in this part of the Loire Valley where bunches of Lilies of the Valley are still given on May Day to bring good luck and joy (La Joie). As they give you a bunch of Lily of the Valley on May Day, French people wish you 'La Joie du Muguet'. In the garden today, depending on the time of year, you will find Lilies of the Valley and other flowers, pears, apples, plums, peaches and walnuts and visitors are encouraged to help themselves.

FAMILIES OR COUPLES can choose their own style of holiday at La Joie du Muguet - relax in privacy sitting on the terraces or in the shade of fruit trees, enjoy the entirely private solar-heated pool with its shallow end that's perfect for children - or enjoy all sorts of activities: table tennis, fishing, golf, horse riding, cycling, sailing, walking, shopping at local markets, zoos, activity centres, museums or visit the renowned châteaux and vineyards - or enjoy a mix of both relaxation and activity.

WHAT'S THERE. With a kitchen sensibly equipped for a family and a Barbecue, you can choose to self-cater or you can eat out at one of the many restaurants in the surrounding towns and villages all of which welcome children. As for sleeping arrangements, Bedroom 1 suits a couple. Bedroom 2 is just right for a couple and 2 children - or four singles, and room for a Z-bed or travel cot too (which we provide). The main beds are 6'6" long, with comfort guaranteed by IKEA medium mattresses with separate thick memory-foam toppers - really appreciated by all our visitors!
The property can accommodate a sensible maximum of 6 people + a baby. If you are a group of 6 adults you can either sleep 2 in one bedroom and 4 in the other (the French kingsize (160cm) converts into 2 x 80cm singles if wished). The property doesn't feel at all crowded with 6 adults but please remember that although there is a toilet and washbasin downstairs the 2 bathrooms are each ensuite to an upstairs bedroom. Do contact us to discuss your needs or to clarify any information on this site or our own website


WHAT TO DO? NOYANT, 4km away, and much larger than Auverse, has a good range of shops including a supermarket and a good, Friday market and several restaurants and cafés. In case of need, the pharmacies and health centre are excellent. Baugé 15 min away is even bigger and has a pretty Château. Within a 30min drive from the cottage you can reach beautiful gardens, water activities, horse riding, golf*, tennis, fishing , bowling and ice skating. Pretty places nearby include Gizeux, Le Gédénieau, Breil, Linières Bouton, Mouliherne, Le Lude, which is on the river Le Loir, and of course the beautiful town of Saumur on the river La Loire. Tours and Angers are 1 hr away.

*Golf: although there are several other courses in the locality, from the real beginners to the 'social' golfers just looking for a nice round in good company on a 9-hole course, we would recommend Montjoie at Clefs (near La Fleche) - set in attractive woodland, 30 minutes away. You can hire there a bag of clubs, with balls, tees and a trolley - for two people the total with green fees is only 40 euros.
Four other good things 1. There is a driving range (balls provided - 2€) to get your eye in; 2. There is a small bar/clubhouse; 3. The course is not too challenging - no par 5s; and 4. The others there will be as unpretentious as you and will (a) probably lose as many balls as you and (b) certainly NOT tut or patronise your occasional imperfection. You may, however, have to respond graciously to friendly badinage about Monsieur Justin Rose, the Olympics or British golf generally.