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!
Its emblematic cities:
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.
His family activities:
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.
Its historical sites:
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.
Its natural heritage :
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!
The Hauts-de-France
The Hauts-de-France region is often misunderstood. A victim of its stereotypes with regard to the North, it contains many surprises and discoveries. So let’s start the 10th stage of this regiontrip without further ado!
A region surrounded by nature:
If you are a nature lover then you are in the right region 😉 The Sommes bay is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. It especially protects the ecosystem and is home to many species of animals. And if you take the time to walk around the Merquenterre park you can discover a lot of different bird species. In particular, migratory birds that you don’t see everywhere. If you are more of a marine animal, then go for a walk along the Pointe du Hourdel, you will surely see seals!
In the same spirit but offering a different landscape, the Opal Coast comes to mind. There are many tourist towns like Boulogne sur Mer but that’s not all. There are incredible landscapes, fine sandy beaches and the Caps Blanc-Nez and Gris-Nez are breathtaking! For those who love water sports or hiking, this is the place to be!
And to keep with the theme of water activities, here are some good places to go and enjoy them! Kitesurfing in Wimereux, water skiing and jet skiing in Amiens. Or kayaking or canoeing at the Saint-Laurent-Blangy water sports centre.
Its history :
The Hauts-de-France region has a strong and important historical past. It contains the history of France at different times. Numerous museums and memorial sites can be found throughout the region. Among the most famous is the Ring of Memory. It was built in 2014. The names of the 580,000 soldiers who fell on the battlefield in the Nord Pas de Calais are inscribed on it. This structure finds its originality in its form. It is suspended in the air and cantilevered over a hill.
Then you can visit the Louvres-Lens museum. It has a strong symbolism, that of representing the will of post-industrial reconversion of the Hauts-de-France. Where it was built on a former coal mine, there is all the symbolism. It is a beautiful cultural discovery for all ages.
To continue with the industrial heritage of the region you can also visit the pit n°9-9 bis. It is located in Oignies and includes the pit, the De Clercq garden city and the slag heap 110. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a good way for new generations to discover a relic of the past when we are now in the era of a particularly modern and connected world.
And this is the end of this historical tour of the region with the Dragon’s Cave. It is one of the most striking museums of the Second World War. Moreover, it is underground and located under the Chemin des Dames, in the Aisne. You will need 1h30 of visit and a coat! It is rather cold underground.
Its places of interest :
Our tour starts with the Notre Dame Cathedral in Amiens, a must-see. If you are in the Hauts de France you must visit Amiens and its nationally renowned cathedral. To continue with the big cities of the region, we stop in Lille. It is the capital of the Hauts-de-France. Small personal recommendation, go and lose yourself in the old Lille. It is a district full of history, small streets and small shops. It’s a very pleasant walk to discover the city. And on your way, take the opportunity to stop at La Grande Place or at the Hospice Comtesse.
We then move on from the towns to the villages with two unmissable events. Firstly, the village of Gerberoy. It is considered as one of the most beautiful French villages. What makes it special? Its hundreds of rosebushes! It’s original and atypical, that’s why we love it! The second village we are thinking of is a classic, a reference. It is of course Maroilles that we are talking about! Particularly known for its cheese! You can visit a cheese factory or taste some typical dishes! And if you really love the smell, we don’t judge you 😉 you can even bring one (or more) with you!
To conclude this paragraph rich in culture, we tell you about two particularly famous domains in the region. The domain of Compiègne and the famous domain of Chantilly. Let’s discover the first one. Compiègne is a city rich in monuments, historical and tourist sites! The Château de Compiègne must be on your list when you visit the region. For those who are passionate about history, you will discover the residence of Clovis and Napoleon III. It’s no mean feat! And now the famous one through the ages, notably known for its whipped cream which we admit we are crazy about… The Chantilly domain. But it’s not only its whipped cream that the domain is famous for. It is also very well known for its horse races, notably the Prix du Jockey Club and the Prix de Diane. And of course, its castle, completely restored, is a jewel of the region. You can visit it between a whipped cream tasting and a horse race 😉.
His personal touch:
A lot of culture, history and memories are condensed in this region but the Hauts-de-France region is not only that. It is also particularly well known Carnivals. One example is the Dunkirk carnival. A crowd of locals always gathers behind the Tambour-Major band for Mardi Gras. In Bailleul, too, there is a spectacular carnival with huge floats.
It is also a culinary repertoire that can make many people jealous. Mussels and chips to be enjoyed during the Lille street market. The ficelle picarde, an emblematic dish of Picardy. Carbonade, Bêtises de Cambrai and the list could go on and on. If you want to eat well, you should go to the Hauts-de-France region 😉.
And it’s also interesting family activities for young and old alike. The Nausicaa site in Boulogne sur Mer will plunge you into the heart of marine life. It is the largest aquarium in Europe and it is particularly well done. Thanks to its marine life awareness programme, you can learn while having fun!
We leave Hauts-de-France with our eyes, our stomachs (😉 ) and our heads full of memories. We hope that this article has made you discover the richness of this beautiful region. Until we meet again next week in another region of France, don’t forget to update your booklet. It is your vision of your region 😊 !
Normandy
Normandy is a vast region in which there are many things to discover. So let’s go ! Let’s head for the 8th stage of our regiontrip !
Its picturesque towns :
We start our walk with a first stop in Honfleur. This is the most important port in Normandy. Take time to stroll around the port and discover its beautiful houses. Then continue your journey towards the square: Deauville, Trouville, Cabourd and Houlgate. Very famous, the first two will not fail in their reputation. Why not stop to try your luck in the beautiful casino of Deauville !
Continuing on your way, Grandville is a must. Don’t miss the Place Cambernon, the Grande Porte and the tour of the ramparts. But that’s not all. There is plenty to do for both foodies and party-goers. Many restaurants and a well-known carnival are also part of the charm of this beautiful city.
Of course, you should also stop in Caen to discover its Vaugueux district and its castle. A stop in Rouen is a must. Yes, big cities are always on our list. We suggest you go and discover its medieval houses and the Gros Horloge belfry. You won’t be disappointed !
Finally, to finish off this tour of the towns and villages we love most, we’ll let you in on our little secret: the village of Gouville sur Mer. You’ll find lots of little huts with colourful roofs and a great walk to boot !
Its exceptional sites and its history :
Does the Bayeux Tapestry ring a bell ? Then take our advice and go and discover it. It is 69 meters long! Rather imposing but we assure you, it is worth the diversions! Then to continue in the memories of history it is possible to go to visit many museums and even the landing beaches. It is rather intimidating when you think about it to be in this place where many things happened, it is full of emotions and memories. If you are interested then make a stop there during your stay in Normandy.
Then, let’s go to the monuments you will tell me you already know but it is mandatory that they have a place in this article. It would be a sacrilege otherwise! First of all, I am talking about the Mont Saint Michel of course! Yes, some people will tell me that it is part of Brittany. Well, no! Sorry to disappoint some of you, but the Mont Saint Michel is indeed Norman and a must-see! Take the time to visit its narrow streets and its museum. And if you want to make a complete visit you can even go for a walk in the bay at low tide.
Let’s continue with another famous site, the cliffs of Etretat. To tell you the truth, this is a place that I particularly like. An exceptional landscape and a remarkable point of view await you there.
And to finish with this culturally enriching part, we are going to discover two more natural destinations. First of all, not always known but nevertheless exceptional: the Pays d’Auge. It is a must in Normandy and a beautiful representation of this region. Its cows, its half-timbered houses, its small thatched cottages. This is exactly what you think of when you think of Normandy. So if you want to recharge your batteries and take some time to relax, this is definitely the place to go.
And to end on a high note, let’s talk about a little paradise off the coast of Normandy : the Chausey Islands. Discover its turquoise water, its breathtaking landscape and its granite coasts. You’ll tell us all about it !
Its activities :
For those who are more looking for activities, especially family activities, don’t worry, Normandy has what you need !
First of all, visit the Cité de la Mer in Cherbourg. Between discovering the abysses and visiting the very first French nuclear submarine, you will be amazed, guaranteed. For a more natural spirit you can visit the natural park of Perche. This is the right destination to get your fill of fresh air. Many walks are available there. For those who are looking for a tropical experience, Normandy is the place to be. Come and discover Biotropica. You will discover animal species that we are definitely not used to seeing and all this in a heated greenhouse of 6000m2.
And finally, for the little (and big) gourmets, come and discover the biscuit house located in Sortosville-en-Beaumont in the Manche or the caramels of the Château de Beaumesnil and finally, the Camembert route !
This article does not contain all the treasures of Normandy, so I hope that it will make you want to come and discover the ones in the article and all the others !
Don’t hesitate to add to your booklet all the places and good addresses which could embellish the stay of your travellers. See you soon in another region of France !
Let's discover the Occitania
We start today a series of articles rather nice and fun, I announce, drum roll: a Régiontrip of France!
For our first step we’re going to Occitania!
Particularly known for its gastronomy, Occitania contains a diversity of landscapes, exceptional places, exciting activities and history. Let’s go together to discover all that this region has to offer.
Fortified towns and villages
We could not speak of Occitania without mentioning its numerous cities and villages that have remained fortified as in the Middle Ages.
Rocamadour in the Lot, Collioure in the Pyrénées-Orientales, Corde sur ciel in the Tarn and Ste Eulalie d’Olt in the Aveyron come to mind.
For those looking to explore the big cities, we will mention Toulouse in Haute-Garonne or Albi in the Tarn to the west and, closer to the sea, Aigues-Mortes and its saltworks in the Gard, Nîmes and Arles and their perfectly preserved arenas in the Gard and the Bouches du Rhône. Don’t forget to discover Montpellier and its beautiful Arc de Triomphe as well as its Saint-Pierre cathedral. Especially since you will be in the cradle of StyQR.
The historical wealth
Occitania is one of the most representative and conservative regions of our past. It is not surprising to come face to face with the Cathar castles or to visit the city of Carcassonne and its fortified ramparts. Remnants of man’s evolution in relation to hydraulics, the Pont du Gard and the Millau Viaduct are also visible in Occitania.
Outdoor activities
For nature lovers, we can say that Occitania is a paradise. Occitania contains all the landscapes that we can imagine. There are the mountains with the Pyrenees, the sea with the Mediterranean coast but not only, we also find a relatively present countryside side.
Numerous hiking and mountain biking trails are accessible and can lead to exceptional viewpoints such as the Pic du Midi, the Mont Canigou or the Cirque de Gavarnie in the Pyrenees. In the same spirit, it is possible to go canoeing in the middle of the Tarn or Aveyron gorges. For the more curious one can go and discover the underground secrets of the region by exploring the Gouffre de Padirac in the Lot department. Therefore, it is essential to recommend you Cirkwi, the perfect guide for all your excursions.
Family activities
In spite of the historical and conservative aspect of the region, it gathers all the family activities that can gather young and old. Many zoological parks are present in the region. There are also leisure centers and water parks, especially around natural lakes. Perfect for a weather that always lends itself to it in summer. For space and astronomy enthusiasts, the Cité de l’Espace located in Toulouse will meet all your expectations. And while you’re in the pink city, you might as well stroll along the Canal du Midi for a few hours. Finally, the Jazz in Marciac festival is the right compromise to enjoy a beautiful summer evening.
Gastronomic activities
What would this article be if we didn’t talk about gastronomy? The region’s reputation is based on its gastronomy and even more so on its diversity. First of all, the markets are an integral part of the weekly activity of the region. Each city has its own day, but all have one. Among the most beautiful in Occitania, we can name the market of Cahors, Revel or the market of the market halls in Sète. Then it is a good idea to eat in a restaurant supplied by local producers. Traditional dishes based on duck such as duck breast or foie gras for the western side of the region when we will eat rather seafood such as the brasucade of mussels but also the famous fougasse with fritons on the eastern side!
Our tour of Occitania ends here. I hope that you have learned more about this beautiful region and all that it has to offer and that it has made you want to discover it yourself!
Of course, don’t forget to list all the activities you miss in your welcome booklet so that your visitors don’t miss out on an enjoyable experience.
