Pays de la Loire Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, food and drink scene, where to stay, and other helpful tips for your trip to Pays de la Loire, France.


Introduction to Pays de la Loire

France’s Pays de la Loire region offers visitors an unparalleled mix of culture, history, and natural beauty. Located on the western coast of France, Pays de la Loire boasts beautiful beaches, imposing chateaux, picturesque villages, and bustling cities. Visitors will find ample opportunities to hike, bike, kayak, and explore the region’s many gardens and parks. Whether you’re seeking history, nature, or relaxation, Pays de la Loire has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Pays de la Loire

Below we have created a list of some of the must-visit places in Pays de la Loire:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Château d’Angers: This imposing castle was built in the 9th century and is home to the famous Apocalypse Tapestry.
  • Puy du Fou: It is an award-winning historical theme park that features spectacular reenactments of significant events throughout history.
  • Musée Jules Verne: This museum showcases the life and works of the famous French writer Jules Verne.
  • Musée de Tessé: It is an extensive art museum featuring works from the 15th to the 20th century, which includes works by famous artists such as Monet and Renoir.

Natural Attractions of Pays de la Loire: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Île de Noirmoutier: It is an island located just off the coast with beautiful beaches, dunes, and marshlands.
  • Parc Naturel Régional de la Brière: This regional park features natural wetlands, canals, and lakes, attracting a diverse range of wildlife and providing excellent bird-watching opportunities.
  • Marais Poitevin: It is a vast wetland area with bustling waterways, quaint towns, and picturesque villages.
  • Montsoreau and its Loire Château: This stunning castle overlooks the Loire river and offers magnificent views.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Pays de la Loire

There are plenty of hiking trails and cycling routes in Pays de la Loire that offer the opportunity to enjoy nature and explore the region’s varied landscapes. Some of the best routes include:

  • The Loire à Vélo: This 900-kilometer cycling route follows the Loire River and runs through the heart of Pays de la Loire.
  • The GR3 Trail: This beautiful hiking trail crosses Pays de la Loire, offering hikers stunning views and varied landscapes.
  • The Vélodyssée: It is a 1,200-kilometer cycling route that runs along the Atlantic Coast and crosses Pays de la Loire, offering riders breathtaking coastal views.

Best Things to Do in Pays de la Loire: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the Château de Plessis-Bourré: This stunning castle is known for its unique architecture, and the tour guides provide fascinating insights into its history and construction.
  • Take a hot air balloon ride over Pays de la Loire: This allows visitors to enjoy stunning views of the region’s beautiful landscapes, including its lush fields, patchwork vineyards, and imposing chateaux.
  • Go wine tasting: Pays de la Loire is famous for its wines, including Muscadet and Anjou. Many wineries offer tours and tastings.
  • Attend a festival: From music to food, Pays de la Loire hosts many cultural and music festivals throughout the year.

Week-Long Itinerary for Pays de la Loire

Here is a sample itinerary for a week-long trip to Pays de la Loire:

  • Day 1: Explore Nantes, visit Machines de l’Île
  • Day 2: Visit Château de Plessis-Bourré
  • Day 3: Take a hot air balloon ride over the Loire Valley
  • Day 4: Tour the Château d’Angers and its gardens
  • Day 5: Visit the Puy du Fou theme park
  • Day 6: Explore the Marais Poitevin and take a boat trip through the canals
  • Day 7: Relax on the beaches of Île de Noirmoutier

Food and Drink Scene of Pays de la Loire

Pays de la Loire is known for its exquisite food scene, offering a range of delicious local produce and traditional dishes. Below are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fleur de sel: It is an artisanal salt produced in Guérande, used to season fresh seafood and vegetables.
  • Beurre blanc: This velvety smooth butter sauce is often served with fish from the Loire River.
  • Rillauds d’Anjou: Slow-cooked pork belly that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
  • Galette saucisse: A popular regional street food made with a buckwheat crepe, stuffed with a grilled sausage.

Local Beverages

  • Muscadet: A refreshing white wine made from the Melon de Bourgogne grape variety, grown in the Pays Nantais region.
  • Anjou wine: Made from the Chenin Blanc grape variety, this white wine is known for its floral notes and crisp acidity.
  • Cointreau: This orange-flavored liqueur is produced in Angers and is a key ingredient in many classic cocktails.

Where to Stay in Pays de la Loire: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

From luxurious châteaux to affordable hostels, Pays de la Loire offers a range of accommodation options to suit every traveler’s preference and budget. Some of the best hotels in the region include:

  • Hôtel Anne d’Anjou, Saumur: This historic hotel is located in the heart of Saumur, offering stunning views of Château de Saumur and the Loire River.
  • Château Le Breil, La Chapelle-Saint-Florent: This charming castle hotel features spacious rooms, a pool, and a breathtaking parkland setting.
  • Hôtel de la Cité, Nantes: Located in the heart of Nantes, this boutique hotel is steps away from many of the city’s major attractions.

What to Buy in Pays de la Loire: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Sand slippers: These colorful indoor shoes, made from quality materials, are unique to the Pays de la Loire region and make for a fun souvenir.
  • Muscadet wine: As mentioned earlier, Muscadet is a renowned white wine variety produced in the Pays Nantais region and makes an excellent gift.
  • Artisanal salt: Fleur de sel, a type of artisanal salt, is produced in the Guérande region and is a unique ingredient to bring home.

Local Culture and Customs of Pays de la Loire

The people of Pays de la Loire are friendly and welcoming. While French is the official language of the region, many locals speak English and are happy to help visitors. The region is also known for its traditional crafts, including basket weaving, pottery, and lace making. Visitors can explore local markets to find unique handmade souvenirs and gifts.

Best Time to Visit Pays de la Loire

The best time of year to visit Pays de la Loire is during the summer months from June to August. The weather is warm, and many of the region’s outdoor attractions are in full swing, including various festivals. However, visitors should expect crowds at many popular tourist destinations during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Pays de la Loire

Do:

  • Try the local cuisine and regional wines.
  • Visit local markets and explore the region’s traditional crafts.
  • Learn a few phrases in French to communicate with locals.

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothing while visiting churches and other religious sites.
  • Leave valuable possessions in your car when parked in unsecured locations.
  • Ignore street signs and pedestrian crossings.

Safety and Health

Safety in Pays de la Loire

Pays de la Loire is known for being a safe and welcoming region. However, as with any travel destination, visitors should take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety. These include avoiding poorly lit areas at night, not leaving valuable items in plain sight in your car, and being aware of pickpockets in crowded areas.

Health in Pays de la Loire

Visitors to Pays de la Loire do not require any specific vaccinations. The region has good healthcare facilities, and visitors can receive medical care at private or public hospitals if needed.

Getting to Pays de la Loire: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Pays de la Loire

  • Nantes Atlantique Airport is the main international airport serving the Pays de la Loire region.

Bus Stations Near Pays de la Loire

  • Nantes bus station serves the region with regular connections to other French cities.

Other Options

  • It is possible to reach Pays de la Loire by train from other cities in France or by renting a car and driving.

How to Get Around in Pays de la Loire

Renting a car is the best way to get around Pays de la Loire, especially if you wish to explore the region’s scenic countryside. Alternatively, visitors can also take local buses or hire taxis. The region also has a good cycling infrastructure, and visitors can rent bicycles to explore many of the region’s trails and routes.

Where to Go Next from Pays de la Loire: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Brittany: Just a short drive from Pays de la Loire across the Loire River, this region is known for its beautiful coastline and vibrant cultural scene.
  • Normandy: This region to the north of Pays de la Loire is known for its stunning beaches, cheese, and historical landmarks, including the D-Day landing sites.

Conclusion

Pays de la Loire offers a magnificent blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its stunning chateaux and quaint villages to its lush vineyards and beautiful coastline, there’s something to suit every traveler’s interests. We hope this guide has provided some inspiration for your next trip to this beautiful region of France!

Position of Pays de la Loire within France Position of Pays de la Loire within France Map of the local railway network Map of the local railway network Loire Valley Loire Valley Chateau de Montsoreau Chateau de Montsoreau The Great Elephant from Les Machines de l'île, Nantes The Great Elephant from Les Machines de l'île, Nantes Flooded Passage du Gois Flooded Passage du Gois Puy du Fou Puy du Fou


    Château-du-Loir
    Durtal
    Guerande
    Les Sables d'Olonne
    Lhomme
    Nantes
    Pornic
    Saumur