Pays de la Loire (all)
What you need to know before you go
Pays de La Loire lies in the west of France, stretching from Sarthe to Loire-Atlantique on the Bay of Biscay. The region has a varied landscape of beaches, marshes and granite coasts, though it’s most popular for the lush vineyards of the Loire Valley.
The valley’s must-visit wine areas are the Nantais and the Anjou-Saumur. Other popular sites include the Château de Saumur, a hilltop medieval fort with a city museum, and the 7-storey Château de Brissac. While you’re in the Loire Valley, you should also pay a visit to the Royal Abbey of Our Lady of Fontevraud, a UNESCO World Heritage site near Saumur.
Top destinations in Pays de la Loire (all)
Where will you go next?Nantes
Nantes is a city of western France famed for its quality of life. Settled on the banks of the mighty Loire River, 50 km from the Atlantic Ocean, it’s a kind of ‘surf and turf’ city that links bountiful agricultural...La Baule-Escoublac
La Baule (La Baule-Escoublac, to give it its full name) is a chic seaside resort on the Côte d 'Amour in the south of Brittany. Located on the Guérande peninsula and bathed by the Atlantic Ocean, it's particularly renowned...
What to see & do in Pays de la Loire (all)
Featured stories & fun stuff10 Best Things to Do in Nantes
Nantes is the capital city of the Pays de la Loire Region in the west of France. It's a lively and pleasant city that offers a good range of things to see and do. The long history of the city...11 Best Things to Do in Pays de la Loire
Pays de la Loire (lands of the Loire River) is a region in the west of France. It's named after...10 Best Family Things to Do in La Baule
Looking for fun places in La Baule to take your kids? The coastal town of La Baule offers plenty of...10 Things to Do in La Baule on a Small Budget
Thinking of things to do in La Baule on a small budget? We’ve compiled top choices for a great but...10 Things to Do in Nantes on a Small Budget
Nantes is home to a wide variety of activities and fun things to do that you don't have to break...10 Best Family Things to Do in Nantes
Nantes is a fun-filled destination with things to do for the whole family, no matter what you and your...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Nantes
Nantes is a stunning destination for couples, as it offers a wealth of experiences from spas to parks and museums...10 Best Museums in Nantes
Nantes is packed full of history and a thriving culture, and you can explore it all by visiting the resident...
Where & what to eat in Pays de la Loire (all)
10 Best Local Dishes from Nantes
The best local dishes from Nantes epitomise French cuisine that’s celebrated all over the world. Some of them are also popular must-tries when visiting the city. Nantes’ location in the Loire estuary makes for unique dishes, and you won’t...10 Best Local Restaurants in Nantes
The best local restaurants in Nantes allow you to discover fantastic regional cuisine. The city has a bunch of excellent...10 Best Local Restaurants in La Baule
La Baule is a coastal resort in the Loire-Atlantique region that’s packed with excellent restaurants dedicated to authentic local...
Where to shop & what to buy in Pays de la Loire (all)
10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Nantes
The best places to go shopping in Nantes range from huge and modern malls to tiny local shops around the city centre. They all add up to the impressive shopping landscape of this charming city on the banks of the...10 Best Markets in Nantes
Nantes is a lovely city with one of the best performing economies in France, but you'll still find local markets that let you shop like a resident. These local markets offer a wide variety of different items, with vibrant fresh...
Where to go & what to do at night in Pays de la Loire (all)
10 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Nantes
Looking for things to do after dinner in Nantes? The fun continues way after the sun goes down and the city's lively nightlife can be found everywhere. From old warehouses repurposed as clubs and bars to dignified period buildings housing glam cocktail joints, Nantes's after-dark scenes are well-varied. Get a dose of art and culture at a late...
Useful information
Les Sables-d'Olonne
Les Sables-d'Olonne is one of the brighter stars on France’s Coast of Light (Côte de Lumière). Located roughly between Saint-Nazaire and La Rochelle, it’s noted for its busy fish markets, bustling nightlife and superb beach. As with most...Nantes Travel Essentials
Our Nantes Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help planning your trip to one of the most popular destinations in France. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather...
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