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.

Created in the late 20th century, the Pays de la Loire is a relatively new region embracing parts of the old provinces of Anjou, Brittany, Maine and Poitou  to serve as an administrative zone of influence for its capital, Nantes. Further inland, Anjou is dominated by the historic city of Angers with its medieval castle, once home to the Plantagenet kings of England. Much of this area is rural, with a strong agricultural heritage, but every year, visitors flock to Le Mans, the capital of Sarthe, for its 24-hour motor race.

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 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 over 450 km of the Atlantic coastline, offering long, sandy beaches and islands such as the Ile de Noirmoutier and the Ile d’Yeu, contrasting with the lush green countryside River Loire flows. Angers, the capital of the historic province of Anjou, is at the region's heart, home to the feudal warlords and the Plantagenet kings of England. To the southeast is the Vendée, a peaceful holiday area popular with summer visitors.

A region of contrast, Pays de la Loire holds a hugely popular coastline stretch, including resorts such as Les Sables d’Olonne, alongside some of the lesser-known towns along the river Loire.

In contrast to the trendy, family-oriented resorts and beaches of the Vendée, the P ays 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 and plenty of chances to enjoy good food and historical treasures, Pays de la Loire is an unassuming and thoroughly relaxing location for a holiday.

Places of interest

Angers: Art town; medieval castle and  tapestries; cathedral.

Brissac: 15th-century castle.

Le Croisic: Small fishing port; Naval Museum.

Fontevraud: 11th-century Royal abbey.

Guérande: Walled city with historic centre.

La Baule: Holiday resort with lovely sandy bay.

Le Mans: The annual 24-hour car race attracting visitors from all over the world; car museum, old town, cathedral.

Le Puy de Fou: 15-16th-century castle, sonet- lumière production; popular theme park.

Les Sables d’Olonne: Fishing port and seaside resort.

Nantes: Major city with sightseeing and shopping opportunities; boat trips along the River Erdre.

Saumer: 13th-century castle; Cadre Noir National School of Horse Riding; wine cellars and Mushroom Museum.

Cuisine of the region

Beurre blanc: A buttery sauce that goes well with fish.

Rillauds d’Anjou: Muscadet sausages.

Curé Nantais and Port-Salut: Local cheeses.

Pâté aux prunes: A speciality of the Angers region and found in all good local bakers in July and August, this sugary pastry is filled with plums.