If you’re looking for a weekend away but can’t decide on a city break or a relaxing stay in the country, then France’s Loir Valley could be just the answer.

With its enchanting forests, secret gardens, historic small towns and breathtakingly beautiful chateaux, the Loir is a perfect place for those looking for a peaceful getaway.

Standing at the gateway to this charming region of France is motor racing’s most famous city, Le Mans, so if you want to speed things up a little a visit to the Cité Plantagenet is an essential pit stop on a tour of Le Loir.

The river Loir is just 30 miles north of its more famous neighbour Le Loire but as the tour buses head for the sights of its bigger sister, a quiet, more intimate experience can be had in this delightful area. If it’s nature you’re looking for then a trip to the Forest Of Bercé near the village of Jupilles is a must.

The Bercé has a remarkable variety of flora and fauna and has been described as one of the most beautiful natural spaces in France. The forest is composed of oak trees, some of which are 300 years old, and you can see up to 65 species of birds and 1,000 species of fungi. The forest is perfect if you just fancy a short stroll but the miles of woodland paths lend themselves to a strenuous hike or a bike ride. Bicycles can be hired locally. If you enjoyed the forest then why not head to the gardens of Petit-Bordeaux in St Biez-en-Belin. The award-winning gardens, labelled “Jardin Remarquable” by the French Minister of Culture, are based on a traditional English garden – so much so you almost expect to find a host of Enid Blyton characters hiding behind the flowers.

And if it’s a magical experience you’re looking for then take a trip to the magnificent Château De Lude.

Dating back to the 10th century, this fairytale fortress was the first castle built on the banks of the river Loir, originally to defend Anjou from attacks first by the Normans and then the English during the Hundred Years War.

In 1751, Le Lude became the property of Joseph Duvelaër, head of the French East India Company, and it has remained in the same family for the past 260 years.

It is now looked after by the count and countess Louise-Jean de Nicolay who welcome you to look around their palatial home. You’ll be in good company – Henri IV, Louis XIII and our own Queen Mother all visited the stunning castle.

The dry moat provides a wonderful walkway around the chateau and it’s from here you can view the extensive terraced gardens situated along the riverbank or enter the castle via a spiral staircase which will take you to the old kitchens and above to the living quarters where you can experience life both above and below stairs.

If you’re finding the pace of the countryside a little slow, head to the city for something a bit more racy.

The rich history of Le Mans has sometimes been eclipsed by the annual, world-famous 24-hour race. But while the excitement of the roar of engines on race day is undeniably exhilarating, a walk around the old city can provide a comparable thrill in itself.

Indeed, the backdrop is so spectacular the city has featured in many Hollywood movies, including Cyrano de Bergerac starring Gerard Depardieu and Leonardo Di Caprio’s The Man In The Iron Mask.

At the heart of the city’s historic district is the immense cathedral of St Julien. The imposing structure is said to be the greatest Romanesque building in France and its 900-year-old stained-glass window, depicting the Ascension, is believed to be the oldest in the world.

When you’re strolling the cobbled streets of the old city it’s easy to imagine you’re on a film set. The Roman walls, which are some of the best preserved in Europe, surround restored medieval half-timbered houses. The buildings feature some incredible carvings and brickwork and it’s wise to keep an eye on the upper storeys where some of the most interesting sculptures can be found.

At the foot of the magnificent cathedral there is a food and bric-a-brac market where you can pick up everything from antiques and toys to some of the region’s finest meats and cheeses.

Unlike Britain, the fresh fruit and and veg in France is much cheaper in the markets and it’s a great place to watch locals, who are so passionate about food, barter as they search for the highest quality goods at the best prices.

The market is one of the best places to taste Rillettes, a pork speciality from Le Mans, which is similar to a pâté and widely eaten as an appetiser, in the many traditional restaurants in the city.

In addition, Le Mans also has some highly-rated modern eateries and I would recommend Le Plongeoir, in Grande Rue, where you can treat yourself to such exotic delicacies as antelope or stick to the more usual fare of frogs legs – toothpick recommended.

I spent three days in the locality, enjoying the food and relaxing atmosphere that best celebrates the region.

And I know that every time I enjoy a bottle of wine from Jasnieres, produced on the banks of the Loir, I’ll be transported back to my time there – with the image of the sun setting on the Roman walls of Le Mans at the forefront of my memory.

* Julia Mans stayed at Consulat de la Boirie (call 0033 243791725 or visit www.consulat-boirie.com), which offers B&B from 67-178 euros per room per night.

* For a range of ideas for holidaying in the Sarthe area visit www.tourisme- en-sarthe.com

* Brittany Ferries (www.brittany ferries.com or 0871 2441400) has return channel crossings from £75pp for a car and two passengers.