NEED TO KNOW

■ NIGEL HEATH used the Petites Cités De Caractère booklet to plan his three-day tour, mostly on minor roads, taking in Lassay Les Chateaux, Mayenne, Chateau Gontier and Angers, mostly linked by the Mayenne River.

■ He stayed for two nights at Le Rideau Mine near Thorigne d’Anjou – call 0033 02.53.61.19.13 or email lerideaumine@gmail.com

■ Lassay Les Chateaux, which offers some bed and breakfast accommodation is an hour and three quarters drive south from the Caen Oustram ferry port served by Brittany Ferries.

■ For further information on ferry travel, Brittany Ferries package holidays or to book a trip, see brittanyferries.com or call 0330 159 7000.