Pays de la loire | French Holiday Travel Guide

The region known by some as the Western Loire comprises the departments of Loire-Atlantique, Mayenne, Sarthe, Maine-et-Loire and Vendée, and is blessed with a wonderfully diverse array of visual, cultural and culinary treats.


                    
                       View of Chinon and traditional Boat, Galupe ©yourfrenchholidays.com

From historic cities to glorious beaches, from splendid châteaux bestriding the majestic titular river to family-friendly theme parks, from horse-drawn caravan trails to seaside spas and summertime son-et-lumière shows, there is something for everyone in Pays de la Loire.

And let’s not forget the local produce, which is so reputed that the area is commonly known as the Garden of France.

Most crucially though, it’s the region’s proximity to the Channel ports makes it a perfect destination for UK visitors.

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Muscadet wine, produced around Nantes, is the perfectly crisp accompaniment to the coast’s endless bounty: quaffing a chilled glass or two in between mouthfuls of fruits de mer is pretty much a gourmet’s paradise (oysters, mussels, sardines and anchovies are special here, too).

The wines of Anjou and Saumur, ranging from fresh rosés to sparkling fizz, beg to be uncorked, either at dinner or on a tasting tour of the vineyards.

As for local food, specialities abound thanks to the richness of the soil: don’t miss out on Anjou pears or Saumur potatoes, Vendée ham or Sarthe rillettes (potted pork).

Fragrant fleur de sel from the Noirmoutier or Guérande salt marshes is often used to season à table. The sweet-toothed aren’t forgotten either – sable biscuits, brioches and Berlingots Nantais see to that.

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Water – be it the Loire itself or the Atlantic that runs along the region’s western edge – plays a big part in outdoor leisure activities.

Surfing and windsurfing enthusiasts head to Brétignolles-sur-Mer and St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, while sailors flock to the beaches of Les Sables d’Olonne.

Some of the region’s beautiful islands lend themselves to other forms of aquatic fun, such as waterskiing on Noirmoutier and diving off the île de Yeu, while seaside favourites like St-Jean-de-Monts are great for sand-yachting and inland navigable waterways perfect for a gentle boating break with friends or family.

With 100s of kilometres of bike and nature trails, biking and hiking are also popular, but for a more sedate time, indulge in some water-based treatments in one of the region’s six relaxing thalassotherapy centres.

7 Chateaux not to miss


Chateau de Chambord:

For sheer size and grandeur, glorious Chambord is hard to beat. With its Renaissance look, François 1’s not-so-humble hunting lodge took 20 years to build and sits in huge grounds. It also boasts 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases!

Chateau de Chenonceau:

Château de Chenonceau, otherwise known as Château des Dames, is actually a manor house near the village of the same name beside the Cher River. It’s probably the most romantic of all Loire châteaux, with elegant turrets, arches and stately avenues bordered by plane trees. And the reflection in the river that it straddles lends it yet greater aesthetic appeal.

Chateau de Blois:

100-bedroom Château de Blois was the residence of several French kings, and also the place where Joan of Arc went in 1429 to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims. It is like four castles in one, each created in a different architectural style including Renaissance, Classical and Gothic. Head inside to nose around Catherine de Medici’s private rooms, including the Chamber of Secrets where she kept a selection of poisons!

Azay-le-Rideau:

Much purer in its Renaissance styling is the château at Azay-le-Rideau, which sits strikingly on an island in the Indre River. This makes it an ideal place to stop off for a summertime son-et-lumière show for which the Loire region is well known.

Chateau de Cheverny:

When it comes to lavishness, Cheverney surely takes the prize. Currently inhabited by a direct descendant of the original owner, it’s interior is adorned with paintings by old masters, amazing tapestries, and even Louis XIV's commode.

Chateau de Villandy/Chateau de Chaumont:

If it’s a château’s gardens that you enjoy exploring, none come more highly recommended than those at Château de Villandry. With its water garden, ornamental flower gardens and vegetable gardens all laid out in formal patterns created with low box hedges, it’s truly breathtaking. Also noted for it garden design, albeit with a more modern approach thanks to its annual international garden festival, is Chaumont.

Finally, there are some castles that dominate towns, such as Saumur and Angers. The sturdy latter one was originally a fortress thanks to its strategic location.

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For culture vultures and lovers of the art de vivre, there is much to tempt in Pays de la Loire. Both Nantes and Angers boast excellent Musées des Beaux-Arts with fine temporary and permanent exhibitions, whilst those visiting the château in Angers shouldn’t miss the astonishing 100-metre, 14th-century Tapestry of the Apocalypse.

When on a day trip to the pretty seaside town of Le Croisic, stop in St-Nazaire to visit the submarines, boatyards or Airbus factory.

12th-century Fontevraud Abbey is Europe’s largest set of monastic buildings, while those seeking to set the pulse slight faster, should head to the Vendée Globe or Le Mans 24-hour sailing and car races.

8 places not to miss when on holidays in Pays de la Loire:

►The City of Nantes
►The Old quater at Le Mans
►The 'Cote Sauage' at Le Croisic
►Azay-Le-Rideau and the Light and sound show
►A river cruise down the Loire
►The Old quater in the town of Les Sables-d'Olonne
►Saumur's champane Cellars
►Chartes cathedral

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Nantes, the regional capital that was, until 1962, actually in Brittany, is a thriving cultural centre and student city with much to offer the casual visitor, including superb museums, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne and excellent shopping and dining options.

Le Mans in Sarthe is the Plantagenet city whose appeal extends beyond its famous 24-hour motor race – fans of cobbled streets and half-timbered houses will love in its irresistibly pretty old quarter.

Cholet has a rich textile history, while Angers – the former capital of ancient Anjou – sits proudly on the Maine River with its solid château-fortress keeping watch.

La-Roche-sur-Yon is Vendée’s capital, while Saumur is a city of 54 monuments, none more eye-catching or memorable than its dreamy white château.

                                                                The town of Saumur ©yourfrenchholidays.com

                    


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Aside from beach-based pleasures, the dazzling and brilliant historical theme park Puy du Fou near Cholet is the undoubted highlight of any family trip to Pays de la Loire.

With spectacular Cinéscénie shows, recreations of medieval villages, falconry displays, full-on jousting battles, hearty banquets, a Viking long ship and even a gladiatorial ring, it’s a guaranteed show-stopper packed with adventure.

The region has countless other themed parks, zoos and aquariums to keep kids happy. For instance, youngsters will love swinging through the trees, ape-style at the Monkey Forest adventure park or bombing down water slides at the Parc de l’Etang, just 20 kilometres from Angers.

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