Pays de la Loire (all)

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?

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 for its...
Nantes
Nantes is a city of western France famed for its quality of life. Settled on the banks of the mighty...
Les Sables d'Olonne
Les Sables-d’Olonne is a stunning seaside resort town in France where travellers can explore a bustling promenade and special events...

What to see & do in Pays de la Loire (all)

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 find...
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 Great Restaurants in Nantes
Many great restaurants in Nantes source regional ingredients to create seasonal French classics with a contemporary twist. As you might...

Where to shop & what to buy in Pays de la Loire (all)

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...
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...

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 open museum night,...
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Useful information

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 like? How can I get from the airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug do I need?...
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