The Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire is a vast region where there is never any shortage of things to do and places to see. We have taken care to share our favourites with you in this article.

Its landmark towns and cities

Angers is one of the best-known cities in the Pays de la Loire, and with good reason. Despite its fortifications, do not be fooled by its venerable appearance: this is a city where every generation rubs shoulders. We particularly recommend a visit to the Château d'Angers, an absolute marvel. Next comes Le Mans, famous above all for its racing circuit. That said, we would urge you to look beyond the clichés: Le Mans is also home to a remarkable old quarter known as the Cité Plantagenêt. Explore this district with its cobbled lanes and delightful houses. Go and take a look, you will not regret it. We also suggest stopping off in Laval, just a few kilometres from Le Mans. It is a charming town crossed by the river Mayenne. Stroll through the town centre and discover the Parc de la Perrine. Right in the heart of town, it is a green haven, and you may well spot a few of its residents along the way. We will let that be a surprise. Finally, to round off this city tour, make a stop in Nantes. While we are here, allow us a small personal aside: a visit to the Machines de l'Île has the power to amaze absolutely everyone, children and adults alike. We speak from experience. The Machines de l'Île really is a must-see in Nantes, so take the time to enjoy it.

Its family activities

Describing the Pays de la Loire as a family region is simply stating a fact. Plenty of theme parks are open to young and old alike. There are two zoos: La Flèche zoo, in the Sarthe department, which also ranks fifth among France's best parks for its respect for animals and its modern facilities; and Doué-la-Fontaine zoo, also known as a Bioparc, in the Maine-et-Loire department, the second largest animal park in Europe. Staying with parks, there is the unmissable Puy du Fou, a theme park with a host of shows spanning the ages. We especially recommend the Viking show and the Cinéscénie, staged after dark on the park's lake. Finally, you can also pay a visit to Terra Botanica near Angers: a journey through the plant world within a preserved ecosystem. Wonderfully soothing and rewarding for the whole family.

Its historic sites

Let us begin this historical section with Fontevraud Abbey, one of the largest religious and medieval sites in France, set within 13 hectares of gardens. Everything can be visited, and everything deserves to be. History buffs will even be able to see the tombs of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart. After the abbey, you will not be far from Saumur and its château. Now a museum, it is remarkably well preserved and is one of the celebrated Châteaux of the Loire. Let yourself be won over by its intact, majestic architecture. The walled town of Guérande is also on our list. A compulsory stop in this medieval town, one of the best preserved in France. Take the opportunity to visit its salt marshes, its museums and the church of Notre-Dame-la-Blanche. We also recommend its little craft shops. And as great lovers of good food, we strongly encourage you to eat while you are there. Finally, to bring this step back in time to a close, go and visit Sainte-Suzanne. This exceptionally well-preserved medieval town lets you explore its keep, its castle, its old houses and its museums. A lovely walk awaits.

Its natural heritage

We will start with a Pays de la Loire essential: the island of Noirmoutier, a natural sanctuary just off the coast. A friendly tip: go for a walk in the Polder de Sébastopol nature reserve. There is plenty more to discover too, such as the salt marshes, the castle and the fishermen's cottages. Next, head to Les Sables-d'Olonne, one of the Vendée's best-known spots and, for those in the know, the start and finish of the Vendée Globe. Enjoy walks along its fine sandy beaches or through its narrow streets. On that note, we particularly recommend the Île Penotte quarter. And of course, do not forget to tuck into langoustines with mayonnaise for a full taste of the local terroir. Finally, in the Pays de la Loire you can also discover the bay of La Baule, which happens to be the longest beach in Europe. Stretching almost 9 km between Le Pouliguen and Pornichet, the bay of La Baule draws crowds of visitors. La Baule remains known as a chic destination that attracts a smart crowd, thanks in no small part to its many fine restaurants and its casino. Our tour of the Pays de la Loire ends here. We hope you have enjoyed discovering this region as much as we have, and we will see you in another region very soon.

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