The population of Chênehutte swelled with miners and sailors. Then, with the demise of the river as a main source of transport, the village settled down to become the sleepy riverside hamlet of today.
GROWING MUSHROOMS
Although the sailors and miners have long gone, the mines are, nonetheless, still ‘working’, proving the ideal environment for growing
mushrooms. Most of France’s white closed-cup champignons de Paris are grown around here. You can even dine in the caves. The darkness and constant, cool temperature are also ideal for producing the famous sparkling wines of Saumur.
It is a pleasant 6km drive upriver to Saumur and les Caves Buvet Ladaubay.
Enjoy some jovial sampling with the locals before stocking up on this regional essential. XIV Century Saumur Castle is best seen from Pont Cessart.
Bristling with slender turrets and spires, the castle dominates the town and river from a heavily fortified outcrop.
The original castle was contemporary with the
priory at Chênehutte, dating back to X Century.
Chênehutte and Trèves
Chênehutte is twinned with
Trèves and Cunault, two neighbouring medieval
villages six kilometres downriver . There is a market in Cunault on Sunday. Both villages resonate with the history of Anjou, where catholic and protestant dynasties have battled down the centuries for the French and English crown.