The Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire, a vast region with no shortage of activities and places to visit! We have taken care to give you our favourites in this article!

Angers is one of the most famous cities in the Loire region. And for good reason, all fortified, do not be fooled by its apparent age, it is a city where all generations mix. We particularly advise you to visit the Château d’Angers which is an incredible marvel.

Next best known for its motor racing circuit is Le Mans. However, we advise you to get over the preconceived ideas, Le Mans is also its incredible old quarter also known as the Plantagenet City. Discover this district where the streets are paved and the houses are adorable. Go for a walk, you won’t regret it!

We also advise you to stop in Laval. It is located a few kilometres from Le Mans. It is a charming town crossed by the Mayenne river. Take a walk in the city centre and discover the Parc de la Perrine. Located in the centre of the city, it is a real paradise of greenery. Moreover, you will probably be able to see some tenants there… We leave you the surprise!

Finally, to end this city tour, make a stop in Nantes. We take this opportunity to tell you a little personal anecdote, the visit of the Machines de l’Iles has the power to amaze everyone, children and adults alike. We have experienced it. Indeed, the Ile des Machines is a must-see place in Nantes. Take the time to discover it.

The Pays de la Loire can be described as a family region. Many theme parks are available for young and old.

There are two zoological parks, the zoo of La Flèche is located in the department of Sarthe. It is also ranked 5th best park in France for its respect for animals and its recent infrastructures. And the zoo of Doué la Fontaine which is also considered as a Biopark. It is located in the department of Maine et Loire. It is the 2nd largest animal park in Europe.

To continue in the spirit of parks, there is the inevitable Puy du fou park. It is a theme park. Numerous shows from different eras can be seen. We particularly recommend the Vikings show and the Cinescénie show which takes place at nightfall on the park’s lake.

Finally, you can also visit Terra Botanica near Angers. A plant journey through a preserved ecosystem. Very soothing and enriching for the whole family.

We start this historical section with the Abbey of Fontevraud. One of the largest religious and medieval cities in France. It is built on 13 hectares of gardens. Everything can be visited! And for the history buffs you can even see the tombs of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart.

After visiting the abbey, you will not be far from Saumur and its castle. It has been transformed into a museum and benefits from an excellent conservation. It is part of the list of the Châteaux of the Loire. Let yourself be seduced by its intact and majestic architecture.

The fortified city of Guérande is also on our list. An obligatory stop in this medieval town, one of the best preserved in France. Take the opportunity to visit its salt marshes as well as its museums and the church of Notre Dame-la-Blanche. We also recommend their small craft shops. As a great lover of gastronomy we strongly encourage you to eat there!

Finally, to end this journey back in time, visit Sainte Suzanne. It is an extremely well preserved medieval city where you can visit its keep, its castle, its old houses and its museums. A very nice walk in perspective.

We start with a must-see in the Pays de la Loire: the island of Noirmoutier. A natural sanctuary close to the coast. A little tip from a friend: go for a walk in the Polder de Sébastopol nature reserve. But there are also many other things to discover such as the salt marshes, its castle and its fishermen’s houses.

Then go for a walk in Les Sables d’Olonne. A very famous place in the Vendée. It is the starting and finishing point of the Vendée Globe, for those who know it well. Enjoy a walk on its sandy beaches or in its narrow streets. In this respect, we particularly recommend the Ile Penotte district. And of course, don’t forget to eat langoustines with mayonnaise for a complete immersion in the region!

Finally, in the Pays de la Loire, you can also discover the Bay of La Baule. It is the longest beach in Europe. Stretching over almost 9km, between Le Pouliguen and Pornichet, the bay of La Baule attracts many visitors. La Baule remains a place known for being chic and attracting the beautiful people. And for good reason, many gourmet restaurants and its casino have made it famous.

Our tour of the Pays de la Loire ends here. We hope you enjoy discovering this region as much as we did and we look forward to seeing you in the next region!
In the meantime, don’t forget to complete your booklet!