Doue-la-Fontaine

Doué-la-Fontaine, Maine-et-Loire, France, is a small town of less than 8,000 residents located in the heart of Anjou, a few kilometers from the great chateaux of the River Loire. Known as the rose capital of France, a "Festival of the Rose" is held in July of each year where in one park alone more than 800 varieties can be seen.

Doue-la-Fontaine is also the site of the oldest habitable "donjon" (the main tower within the walls of a medieval castle or fortress) in France, dating back to the year 900. Nearby are the troglodyte and mushroom caves. Four kilometers from the town, the Zoo of Doue La Fontaine is partly built within the network of the troglodytes sites and dwellings. Recently, a cave containing sarcophaguses was unearthed.

External link

For an exterior site in English, giving a history of the village and a collection of photos including a Carolingian residence and an ancient stone coliseum see: http://perso.wanadoo.fr/dlf49/text_htm/menu.html