Pays de la Loire Holiday Guide
French Holiday Property Home > Holiday Guides > Region Guides > Pays de la LoireThe Pays de la Loire - a fascinating region to explore
The coastal parts of the Pays de la Loire region have a wealth of resorts to choose from, with some well known and lively, and others being almost undiscovered and tranquil. To add to the seaside choices, the region also possesses some beautiful islands. Inland, great heritage cities vie with historic towns and picturesque villages. Whether you choose to base yourself in one great city like Nantes, or to travel the region discovering monuments, art and architecture along the way, you are guaranteed a fascinating and fulfilling holiday.Top 5 things to see and do in Pays de la Loire
1. Visit islands off the coast and the seaside
There is nothing quite like the magic and romance of spending time on a beautiful island, and in the Pays de la Loire you even have a choice of islands to visit! Take the ferry from Fromentine to Ile d'Yeu, or wait for low tide and cross the causeway to enjoy the wild beauty of Noirmoutier.And if you are interested in lazing about and sunbathing or trying out surfing, windsurfing or body-boarding, the Vendée coast has some of France's best beaches. La Tranche sur Mer is particularly renowned for its water sports and a little further north at Les Sables d'Olonne, you have the region's largest seaside resort. The resorts of the fabulous Pays de la Loire coast lend themselves to activities and entertainment of all sorts, from gentle family-friendly bucket and spade holidays on long, golden sands, to exciting sports and a lively nightlife. Hotels, restaurants and other tourist facilities abound in this popular region.
2. Go motor racing
The name of Le Mans resonates with all motor sports fans, so time your holiday to coincide with one of the prestigious and exciting car or motorcycling events at this famous circuit and have the total "speed" experience of a lifetime. Spend time at the Musée de l'Automobile, situated at the race circuit, which has over 100 cars plus various film footage, photographs and other exhibitions.3. Doué Zoo - Biopark
Set in an old quarry, this zoo is one of France's finest and is remarkable in that you can see a vast range of animals in a very natural setting. The zoo includes Europe's largest aviary and 70 different species of animals.4. Cycle
The region is something of a Mecca for cyclists, with lovely, scenic cycling trails allowing you to indulge your enjoyment of the sport and to discover glorious countryside and beautiful towns and villages en route.5. Troglodyte dwellings
There are more cave or troglodyte dwellings between Saumur and Angers than anywhere else in France. Not only are there cave homes which you can visit, but also hotels and restaurants. At Rochemenier (near Saumur) there is a troglodyte village museum.Top 5 towns and cities in Pays de la Loire
1. Nantes
The great capital of the region, the city of Nantes deserves a protracted stay. It's a beautiful City of Art and History, with a wealth of architecture and culture and an atmospheric and charming old town. Main attractions include a Gothic cathedral, the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, gorgeous parks and gardens and excellent shopping and dining opportunities.2. Angers
Angers is another Art and History City that is just begging to be enjoyed. It is the capital of the Maine-et-Loire department and ancient capital of Anjou. It's long and turbulent history has left a legacy of monuments and architecture, which includes the Maison d'Adam, oldest house in the city, an amazing castle, where you can see the fabulous Apocalypse Tapestry, an abbey church and a superb Gothic cathedral.3. St Jean de Monts
Set along the stunning Vendée coast, St Jean de Monts is a seaside resort which really does offer something for everyone. The town is well developed, with every tourist facility you could hope for, and families with young children will find much entertainment to keep the kids happy even away from the lovely, long golden sands of the beaches. Choose to stay in hotels, gites, bed and breakfast establishments or on any one of the excellent campsites of the town and its environs.4. Saumur
Saumur is a picturesque mediaeval town that comes straight from the pages of a fairytale, with a magnificent chateau, ancient fortifications and a delightful old town. It's a great destination for horse lovers too, as the famous Cadre Noir, one of the most respected schools of equestrianism in the world, is based here.5. Sainte Suzanne
Leaving the cities and major towns aside, head for the little village of Sainte Suzanne, in the Mayenne department. This exquisite mediaeval village sits proudly atop a rocky hill, gazing out over pretty countryside, and is a treasure trove of charm and mediaeval character. It is also classified as one of the most beautiful villages in France.Food and drink in Pays de la Loire
This diverse region offers a wealth of gastronomic delights. The Atlantic coast offers up all the fresh fish and seafood you could wish to find, while other specialities of the region are pork rillettes from Le Mans, Buerre Blanc sauce, Port Salut cheese, Fleurs de Sel Guérande salt flowers and butter biscuits. Then there are mushrooms, prunes, the tarte tatin (a type of apple tart) and boudin blanc (sausage stuffed with chicken) which are also popular. The region's vineyards also produce some notable wines.How to get to Pays de la Loire
Depending on which part of the region you wish to visit, there are various options open to you for air travel. Fly to La Rochelle (Flybe, Ryanair, easyJet, Jet2) to arrive near the Vendée and the south-west, to Rennes (Flybe) for the north and north-west, or to Tours (Ryanair) for the eastern areas of the Pays de la Loire. If you prefer rail travel, there is a TGV stop in Nantes and a good rail network throughout the region.Holiday Guides to the Departments of Pays de la Loire
Loire-Atlantique Holiday Guide
The Loire-Atlantique department of the Pays de la Loire region sits along the west coast of France, just north of the Vendée. With a fabulous coastline, sunny summer weather and mild winters, the wonderful city of Nantes and an abundance of nature and wildlife, the department is tailor-made for holiday bliss.
Maine-et-Loire Holiday Guide
The Maine-et-Loire department of the Pays de la Loire region of north-western France is a rich source of heritage, with many superb chateaux, historic towns and monuments to discover. Its lush countryside is also a haven for horses, with horse lovers flocking to the town of Saumur to see some of the best displays of equitation in the world.
Mayenne Holiday Guide
Mayenne is the most northerly of the departments of the Pays de la Loire region of France. Largely rural and unspoilt by excessive tourism, the Mayenne is an idyllic destination for those who want peaceful holidays where they can enjoy nature's bounty, breathe fresh air and escape the crowds.
Sarthe Holiday Guide
The department of Sarthe is in the north-east of the Pays de la Loire region. Incorporating the famous motor racing town of Le Mans, the department is richly agricultural, and offers a delicious blend of town or country holiday options.
Vendée Holiday Guide
Hugely popular with holiday makers for many years, the Vendée department of the Pays de la Loire region needs little introduction for most. Benefiting from a lovely, sunny climate, fabulous coastline, charming towns and villages and a couple of utterly delightful islands to boot, this department has everything to offer for idyllic holidays.
