Doué-en-Anjou, also known as Doué-la-Fontaine, is a town in the Maine-et-Loire department of western France. It is best known for two things that shape its character: its rose cultivation, which has earned it the nickname the rose capital of France, and a network of underground caves carved into the local tuffeau stone.
What to see and do
- The rose gardens and nurseries: Roses are grown here on a large scale, and the town's identity is tied closely to them. Visiting in the flowering season gives the clearest sense of why the town is named as it is.
- The underground caves: The pale tuffeau stone of the region was quarried over many years, leaving a network of galleries beneath the town. The caves offer a cool, quiet contrast to the open streets above.
- The surrounding Anjou countryside: The town sits in a landscape of gentle hills and farmland typical of the Loire valley area, suited to a slow day of walking or driving.
Planning your visit
Doué-en-Anjou works well as a stop of a few hours or as a base for exploring the wider Maine-et-Loire area. Because the caves and rose gardens are the main attractions, it is worth checking current opening arrangements before you travel, as these can vary by season. The town suits visitors who enjoy gardens, local heritage and quieter places rather than large crowds.