Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire covers the area of Western France to the south of Brittany and Normandy. It lies along the lower stretches of the river Loire, the longest river in France, downstream from the châteaux of the Val de Loire region.

Pays de la Loire is one of the regions created in the late 20th century to serve as an administrative zone of influence for its capital, Nantes. Whilst the great Loire châteaux lie in the Val de Loire region, the Pays de la Loire is home to many great monuments, such as the castles of Angers, Laval and Mayenne and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne at Nantes, the Royal Fontevraud Abbey and the old city of Le Mans. It also contains many natural parks, including the Brière and the Poitou marshes.

The region has become very popular with British visitors thanks to its proximity to the Channel ports. It includes 300 km of the Atlantic coastline that offers long, sandy beaches and islands such as the Ile de Noirmoutier and the Ile d’Yeu, contrasting with the lush green countryside that the River Loire flows through. At the region’s heart lies Angers, the capital of the historic province of Anjou, home to the feudal warlords and the Plantagenet kings of England. To the southeast is the Vendée, a peaceful holiday area very popular with summer visitors.

A region of contrast, Pays de la Loire holds a hugely popular stretch of coastline, which includes resorts such as Les Sables d’Olonne, alongside some of the lesser-known towns along the river Loire. Its culture spans from the stately elegance of its châteaux to the high-octane thrills of the Le Mans 24-hour race.

In contrast to the trendy, family-oriented resorts and beaches of the Vendée, the Pays de la Loire’s Mayenne area has a wonderfully ‘off the beaten track’ feel that gives intrepid visitors a chance to sidestep the crowds and explore its culture and heritage in relative peace. There’s much to discover, from the cave systems in the south to the Roman ruins in the north. The châteaux at Angers and Saumur are as majestic as their Loire Valley counterparts, and the towns are equally fascinating – Saumur is the capital of equestrian skill, and Angers has a rich cultural heritage.

With numerous walking and cycling trails that wind through unspoilt landscapes, as well as plenty of chances to enjoy good food and historic treasures, Pays de la Loire is an unassuming and thoroughly relaxing location for a holiday.