Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire, a vast region with no shortage of activities and places to visit! We’ve made sure to give you our favourites in this article!

Angers is one of the best-known towns in the Pays de la Loire region. And for good reason, as fortified as it is, don’t be fooled by its apparent old age: this is a town where all generations rub shoulders. We particularly recommend a visit to the Château d’Angers, an incredible marvel.

Le Mans is particularly well known for its motor racing circuit. However, we advise you to get over your preconceived ideas: Le Mans also boasts an incredible old quarter, also known as the Cité Plantagenêt. Discover this neighborhood of cobblestone streets and adorable houses. You won’t regret it!

We also recommend a stopover in Laval. It is located a few kilometers from Le Mans. Charming town on the banks of the Mayenne. Take a stroll through the town center and discover the Parc de la Perrine. Located right in the center of town, it’s a veritable paradise of greenery. In fact, you’ll probably be able to see a few of the tenants… We’ll let you be surprised!

Finally, to round off this city tour, make a stop in Nantes. We’d like to take this opportunity to share a little personal anecdote with you: a visit to the Machines de l’Iles has the power to amaze everyone, children and adults alike. We’ve been there, done that. Indeed, the Ile des Machines is a must-see in Nantes. Take the time to discover it.

It’s true that Pays de la Loire is a family region. Numerous theme parks are available for young and old alike.

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

Continuing in the park spirit, there’s the must-see Parc du Puy du fou. It’s a theme park. Numerous shows through the ages are on view. We particularly recommend the Vikings show and the Cinescénie show, which takes place at nightfall on the park’s lake.

Or take a trip to Terra botanica near Angers. A plant journey through a preserved ecosystem. Very soothing and enriching for the whole family.

We begin this historical paragraph with Fontevraud Abbey. One of France’s largest religious and medieval cities. It is set in 13 hectares of gardens. Everything can be visited! And for history buffs, you’ll even be able to see the tombs of Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart.

After visiting the abbey, you’re not far from Saumur and its château. It has been converted into a museum and is in excellent condition. It is also on the list of Châteaux de la Loire. Let yourself be seduced by its intact and majestic architecture.

The fortified town 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 the salt marshes, museums and Notre Dame-la-Blanche church. We also recommend their small craft stores. As great lovers of gastronomy, we strongly encourage you to eat there!

Finally, to take you back in time, visit Sainte Suzanne. It’s an extremely well-preserved medieval city with a dungeon, castle, old houses and museums. A beautiful walk in prospect.

We start with a must-see in the Pays de la Loire region: the island of Noirmoutier. A natural sanctuary close to the coast. A friendly tip: take a walk in the Polder de Sébastopol nature reserve. But there’s a lot more to discover, too, like the salt marshes, its castle and its fishermen’s houses.

Then take a stroll around Les Sables d’Olonne. A well-known Vendée landmark. The start and finish of the Vendée Globe, for example, can be found here. Stroll along its sandy beaches or wander through its narrow streets. We particularly recommend the Ile Penotte district. And of course, don’t forget to try the langoustines with mayonnaise for a complete immersion in the local cuisine!

Finally, in the Pays de la Loire region, you can also discover the Bay of La Baule. In fact, it’s the longest beach in Europe. Stretching for almost 9km between Le Pouliguen and Pornichet, the Bay of La Baule attracts many visitors. La Baule is still known as a chic place that attracts the beautiful people. And for good reason, with its many gourmet restaurants and casino.

Our tour of the Pays de la Loire ends here. We hope you enjoy discovering this region as much as we do, and we look forward to seeing you in a future region!
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