Situated in the western part of France, the Pays de la Loire region welcomes visitors from all walks of life. From the historic city of Le Mans, and after discovering the heritage of Mayenne, it's by following the Loire that you can enjoy the verdant landscapes that surround the wild river. Along the way, beautiful cities such as Saumur and Angers unveil their finest finery. And what can we say about Nantes, with its lively neighborhoods and abundant cultural programming? Finally, you'll find yourself stranded on the Atlantic coast, where you can explore the marshes and unspoilt islands by bike, while enjoying the beautiful beaches. Towns, heritage, leisure parks and varied landscapes, the Pays de la Loire region enchants at every turn.
1. The Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Nantes' landmark monument
The Château des Ducs de Bretagne is Nantes' must-see monument. Built for the most part in the 15th century, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne boasts a medieval and Renaissance style. Some parts were built between the 15th and 18th centuries. The most striking features are the ramparts and imposing towers. Its style is also reminiscent of the beautiful buildings of Brittany. After a stroll along the ramparts, we recommend a visit to the history museum, where you can learn more about the history of the city of Nantes in a fun and educational way.
Did you know that Nantes is one of the best destinations for cheap weekend breaks in France?
2. Les Machines de l'Île, a stunning urban project in Nantes
A must-see in Nantes, the Machines de l'Île are located on the Ile de Nantes, in the heart of former shipyards. They offer a dreamlike world, a blend of the worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. The public rides on the back of a giant elephant, while the carrousel invites them to plunge into the heart of a mechanical and poetic marine world. And to understand these incredible constructions, you can cross the aisles to the workshop terraces, where you can watch workers manipulating materials such as wood and steel. A wide-ranging cultural program is also on offer at the Machines de l'Île, making it a not-to-be-missed weekend trip to Nantes, for example .
3. What to visit in Pays de la Loire? The Bay of La Baule
What to visit in Pays de la Loire? Lovers of the marine atmosphere should head for the Bay of La Baule, which stretches from Le Pouliguen to Pornichet. This is where you'll find 9 km of beaches that delight walkers in winter and swimmers in summer. La Baule is a prestigious seaside resort, renowned for its hotels, casinos, villas and gourmet seafood restaurants. Along the beach, there's plenty to do, with horseback riders, joggers and cyclists making it their favorite terrain for strolls with breathtaking ocean views. Discover the must-sees and must-do's in La Baule!
4. What to visit in Pays de la Loire? The Château d'Angers, the town's landmark
The Château d'Angers, with its 17 towers of schist and tufa stone, is a must-see on any visit to the city. It was built in the 13th century under the regency of Blanche de Castille. Its massive walls long served as a deterrent to enemy attacks, and in the 14th and 15th centuries, it became the principal residence of the Dukes of Anjou. Once you've crossed the drawbridge, don't miss a visit to the interior of the fortress, its dwellings and gardens. The Château d'Angers also attracts many visitors who come to see the famous tapestry of the Apocalypse, a true masterpiece of medieval art .
5. Explore the wild banks of the Anjou Loire
The Loire is a river to be enjoyed at every moment, for its wild aspect, its fauna and flora. Visitors to the Anjou region can take part in long walks and bike rides along the banks. Between Bouchemaine and Champtoceaux, it's the ideal place to stop off in characterful villages and take part in a wine tasting session in a cellar. And then there's the Loire Angevine, with its pretty traditional boats to admire at sunset and, in summer, sandy beaches where you can picnic or simply soak up the sun.
6. What to visit in Pays de la Loire? Fontevraud Abbey
In the heart of the Loire Valley, just outside Saumur, lies a superb abbey, the Royal Abbey of Notre-Dame de Fontevraud. Built in the 12th century, it has a rich history: after 900 years of monastic life, it was converted into a prison during the French Revolution, reputed to be one of the most appalling in France. Today, the abbey is one of the most visited monuments in the Pays de la Loire region, and visitors can discover its key features, including the abbey itself, the cloisters and the Romanesque kitchens. Fontevraud is also home to the graves of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Richard the Lionheart and King Henry II Plantagenet. Fontevraud's gardens offer a peaceful stroll in a place that has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety.
7. What to visit in Pays de la Loire? Saumur and its castle
In the Maine-et-Loire region, Saumur's town center is a delightful place to stroll and relax on a café terrace. A true symbol of the town, the château is one of Saumur's must-sees. It proudly dominates the city and the Loire, and to see it from afar is a spectacle in itself. A palace castle for the Dukes of Anjou in the 14th and 15th centuries, it was later the residence of the city's governors, and later a prison and arms and munitions depot. In 1906, it was bought by the city to house the municipal museum. Visitors can admire the collections in the apartments of the Dukes of Anjou and in the abbey church. The second floor is devoted to decorative art, with furniture, tapestries and splendid ceramics. Another not-to-be-missed feature is the belvedere, where you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the Loire and the town.
8. Stroll through the Musée du Château de Mayenne
Europe's best-preserved Carolingian palace is home to the Musée du Château de Mayenne. It's a fascinating place for history buffs and children alike, as an interactive, fun-filled tour plunges visitors into the heart of 2,000 years of history, from the creation of the town of Mayenne to its situation today, via the importance of the river since Antiquity. The collections include superb Carolingian remains and the footprint of the old prison. It's an ideal place to gain a better understanding of life in the Middle Ages, with a variety of everyday objects on display.
9. What to visit in Pays de la Loire Notre-Dame-d'Avesnières basilica
Lovers of religious architecture won't want to miss this magnificent Romanesque building in Laval, which dates back to the 12th century. A place of pilgrimage, it has preserved its beautiful chevet. On the outside, the Gothic-Renaissance spire, designed in the first half of the 16th century, is immediately noticeable. Inside, many other treasures await the public, including modern stained glass windows by Max Ingrand, superb capitals, the miraculous statue of Notre-Dame and the polychrome wooden Christ dating from the 15th century.
10. What to visit in Pays de la Loire? The Plantagenet City, Old Mans
Prefecture of the Sarthe region, Le Mans boasts a remarkable historic center. The Cité Plantagenêt, or Vieux-Mans, covers 20 hectares of cobbled streets, superb half-timbered facades and Renaissance mansions. The whole is surrounded by a wall and overlooked by the superb half-Romanesque, half-Gothic Saint-Julien cathedral. The old town of Le Mans was renovated in the 1970s, and today it's aplace that offers a journey back in time, where you can enjoy wandering the streets and alleys, as well as stopping off at picturesque restaurants. Thanks to its rich heritage, Le Mans has been awarded the Ville d'Art et d'Histoire label and is even one of the best cities to telework in France . Discover our top 13 must-sees in Le Mans!
11. Plunge into the heart of the woods at Carnuta, Maison de l'Homme et de la Forêt
In the heart of the Sarthe region, the Maison de l'Homme et de la Forêt is a must-see for the whole family. It's afun, interactive museum in the village of Jupilles, where you can discover the forest world and better understand its relationship with man. First of all, you'll be seduced by its modern, original architecture, the work of two Parisian architects. Then, inside, you're taken on a journey through the Bercé forest, among centuries-old oaks, through models, games, sounds and films. There's a rich and varied program of events to entertain young and old alike.
12. What to do in Pays de la Loire? Family fun at La Flèche Zoo
The Pays de la Loire region is one of the best places to spend a family vacation, and for good reason. Welcome to La Flèche Zoo, home to over 1,600 animals and 160 different species , and one of the most popular zoos in France. The park is a lush environment made up of several zones, dedicated to specific groups of animals. Species include rhinoceroses, tigers, lions and white wolves, monkeys, elephants, hippos, sea lions, reptiles and birds. The animal park also offers children the chance to step into the shoes of a caretaker for a moment. And for those who want to prolong the pleasure, there are lodges where you can wake up to a view of the wild animals. Discover all our tips and tricks for organizing your day at La Flèche zoo.
Depending on where you are, you might also be interested in our tips and tricks for organizing your day at La Boissière du Doré zoo, another flagship zoo in the Pays de la Loire region!
13. A trip to Noirmoutier via the Passage du Gois
The most picturesque way to reach the island of Noirmoutier isvia the legendary Passage du Gois, at low tide. This submersible causeway in the Bay of Bourgneuf links Noirmoutier to the mainland. It can be used on foot, by bike or by car. Once on the island, you can explore its many treasures. Starting with the picturesque streets of downtown Noirmoutier, where you can indulge in a little shopping. Later, you'll reach the Bois de la Chaise, with its bourgeois houses and the Plage des Dames, recognizable by its old wooden pontoon. Further north, at the entrance to L'Herbaudière, the large wild beach of Luzéronde awaits walkers and bathers, and in the evening, the marina is a pleasant place to enjoy a drink, listening to the sound of boat masts.
14. What to do in Pays de la Loire? Take the boat to Ile d'Yeu
Ile d'Yeu is a small paradise in the Vendée region, accessible by boat and helicopter. Once you've arrived, the first thing to do is have a coffee in the harbor, overlooking the fishing boats. Then, leaving the bustle of the port behind, you cycle south-east to Plage des Sapins. Here, we take advantage of the pine forest to shelter from the sun and head for the ocean for a few good swims. Back on the bike, we head for Pointe des Cordeaux. This is where granite cliffs and heavenly beaches follow one another. Not forgetting the pretty Art Deco lighthouse. What's next?
15. What to do in Pays de la Loire? A visit to Puy du Fou
Le Puy du Fou is one of France's most popular theme parks in the Vendée region, offering an immersive experience in history and culture through grandiose shows featuring historical periods such as Roman Antiquity, the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.Visitors are transported on a journey through time thanks to breathtaking performances featuring talented actors, spectacular special effects and magnificent sets. The shows are also great to watch after dark, and it's worth noting that some of Le Puy du Fou's creations have won international awards. There's so much to do in the park that we recommend you read our tips and tricks for planning your day at the Puy du Fou.
16. Discover Le Croisic, a little pearl on the coast
Nestled by the ocean, Le Croisic is the little pearl of France's Atlantic coast. Its cobbled streets reveal colorful houses that bear witness to a rich history of fishing and trade. Let yourself be carried away by the waves that caress the cliffs, inviting you to contemplate. This little jewel marvels at its well-preserved authenticity and offers an escapade full of discoveries. A trip to Le Croisic promises to immerse you in an enchanting setting, blending tradition and marine beauty. Discover the 11 must-do activities in Le Croisic.
17. What to visit in Pays de la Loire? Pornic
Pornic is a charming stopover for a romantic weekend or a family vacation on the Atlantic coast. You'll be seduced by the charm of its town center, its port and its gentle way of life. Indeed, Pornic is an invitation to relax: stroll along the coast on foot or by bike, sunbathe on its magnificent beaches and coves, or enjoy seafood in one of the region's prettiest seaside resorts. Here are our top 15 must-do activities for a stay in Pornic.
18. A family trip to the Doué-la-Fontaine Biopark
A must-see in Maine et Loire, the Bioparc de Doué-la-Fontaine is an animal park dedicated to all aspects of animal conservation. If you're visiting the Pays de la Loire region as a family, don't miss the chance to see animals from all over the world. The park's strong point is that there is no training: the animals evolve at their own pace with the park's employees, who will help you discover these magnificent species through their animations. Visiting such a place takes planning, so don't forget to consult our tips and tricks for organizing your visit to the Doué-la-Fontaine park.
19. Discover one of the jewels of the Vendée coast: Les Sables d'Olonne
Did you know that the Vendée coast is one of the most beautiful places in France to discover by motorhome? To start with, we recommend you visit the town of Les Sables-d'Olonne, a must-see seaside destination in the Vendée . Here are just a few of the places to discover during your stay . You can enjoy the beaches and marshes, go hiking along the coast, take a boat trip, visit the Sables zoo, have an ice cream along the embankment, visit the town's various museums... In short, you won't be bored!
20. What to visit in Pays de la Loire? Château de Brézé
Château de Brézé is one of our picks for the most beautiful Loire châteaux to visit. Built in a U-shape, it is quite unique in that it is in facta château under a château: underground galleries house the 11th-century seigniorial dwelling. You can visit it both above ground and underground, following the troglodyte galleries. Stables, kitchens and other rooms have been dug to a depth of 9 m below ground level, allowing you to live 100% sheltered. Château de Brézé is an absolute must-see if you're doing the grand tour of the Loire châteaux!
