holiday - Visit Pays de la Loire

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THE Loire
The Atlantic coast,
AN OCEAN p.4
OF PLEASURE
Pays de la Loire
The Loire River:
LET THE Pays de la Loire
weave their spell over you!
Whatever you’re looking for in a holiday, our region has it – a whole range of
tourist attractions that won’t fail to leave you spellbound.
Surrender to the enchantment of Val de Loire, listed as part of UNESCO World
Heritage, and set off in discovery of its exceptional historical sites – Fontevraud
Abbey, Château d’Angers, the Dukes of Brittany’s château in Nantes, and a host
of other wonders…
Travel the “La Loire à Vélo” cycle path, the perfect way to follow this majestic
river down to the Atlantic Ocean, with its 450 km of seafront, the Yeu and
Noirmoutier Islands, its endless stretches of fine sandy beach and its wild inlets.
A SAGA
THROUGH p.16
THE AGES
Nantes, Angers, Le Mans...
URBAN p.28
DREAMS
And discover it greatest natural treasure – creativity! Borne witness to by the
fantastic Machines of the Isle of Nantes, the Puy du Fou theme park in Vendée,
and the stunning “Nuit des Chimères” (“Nights of Fantasy”) festival in Le Mans.
Travel a region born under the sign of water - the Rivers Mayenne, Sarthe and
Erdre, and so many more… In Pays de la Loire, there’ll always be another river
along your way.
If you stay in Pays de la Loire, you can do anything – except, of course, get bored!
So have a good stay!
Jacques Auxiette
President of the Pays de la Loire Regional Council
In the land of rivers,
NATURE
IS ACTIVE
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Events calendar
For more information
& Useful contacts
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An ocean
of pleasure
1- Piriac-sur-Mer: Castelli Point
2- The pleasure of sand-yachting on the vast
beaches of Pays de la Loire
3- La Turballe: Pen Bron Dunes
4- In the salt marshes of Guérande and
Noirmoutier, the “white gold” is harvested
by hand
5- The Pays de la Loire beaches are especially
popular with visitors
6- Family holidays
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Invigorating, elegant, wild: the Pays de la Loire coast is as rich
and varied as its history. From north to south, from La Baule to
Les Sables-d’Olonne, you will discover scenery that is as diverse
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as all the ways there are for enjoying your holidays.
For more details:
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A breath of fresh air
FROM LA BAULE
TO PORNIC
Clic
Clap
1- Fishery on the Côte de Jade
2- The beautiful beach of Pornichet, in La Baule Bay
3- La Turballe, a very lively fishing port
4- The appealing streets of Piriac-sur-Mer
5- Saint-Nazaire : La Courance beach
•T
he Jacques Tati feature film, “Les vacances de
Monsieur Hulot” (1951) was shot in Saint-Nazaire
on Monsieur Hulot beach (Saint-Marc).
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laude Sautet’s feature film, “César et Rosalie” (1972)
partially took place in Noirmoutier.
•T
he Xavier Durringer’s feature film “La Conquête”
(2011) partially took place in La Baule.
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ascal Rabaté’s “Ni vendre ni à louer” (2011) was shot
in Nantes, Le Croisic and the surrounding area .
All your holiday dreams come true
along the Loire-Atlantique coast!
Live them wherever your mood or
inspiration takes you – to the beach
A tip: take the bridge to Saint-Nazaire. From this elegantly
curved span 62 m above the Loire River, you’ll take in a panoramic
view of the estuary, the city, the shipyards and the open sea.
Once you’ve arrived, be sure to take a “world tour” on board the
Escal’Atlantic “ocean liner” to re-live the prestigious era of these
great vessels. And get a close-up view of the ocean depths in
the Espadon submarine. Saint-Nazaire’s industrial heritage is
well worth a stop. Attractions include the shipyard and the cruise
ships under construction; Airbus, for a spectacular close-up
of the A380 jumbo jet; and the Port Authority terminals, the
crossroads of a global network of shipping lines. These flagships
of the region’s industrial base, like other regional enterprises
are all part of the “Visitez nos entreprises en Pays de la Loire”
network. Finally, you’ll want to visit the many beaches – no fewer
than 20 – and the old customs road that runs along creeks and
cliffs. Saint-Nazaire is definitely a city to explore!
or off exploring a rich and authentic
heritage.
Piriac-sur-Mer
La Turballe
Le Croisic
Batz-sur-Mer
La Baule
Pornichet
Guérande
Le Pouliguen
St-Brevin-les-Pins
Pornic
Atlantic
Ocean
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An invigorating walk along
the Côte de Jade
For beach activities and water sports, visit Saint-Brevin-lesPins, which features vast expanses of hard sand for sailing,
kitesurfing, sandyachting and speedsailing enthusiasts! If
you’re into nature and quiet, head for Pierre Attelée forest,
the only dune forest of the Loire-Atlantique. Pine trees, green
oaks and mimosas grace the beach, and the Pays de la Loire
coastline offers a wide array of settings. Pornic is a perfect
illustration. It’s not surprising that this pretty little fishing port
perched on a rock attracts so many admirers, with its beaches
and inlets, wharfs and boats, picturesque lanes intersected by
steps, a covered market, a casino, an 18-hole golf course, and
more. The town overflows with life from dawn to dusk! Along
the coast, be sure to walk along the winding old customs trail.
Stopping at charming creeks and wild beaches, you’ll enjoy an
extraordinary view of the coast and the town. Breathe it all in,
admire it: you’re in the heart of the Côte de Jade, so-named for
the colour of the water that is unique to this place.
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Lose your heart to the Côte
d’Amour
First stop: the most beautiful beach in
Europe. Far more than a promise, this
Côte d’Amour jewel forms a superb
white-sand curve of coast bordered by an
embankment that stretches as far as the
eye can see. And to top it off, enjoy the
wonderful basin created by the ocean at
high tide. The first town is Le Pouliguen
and its breathtaking view of the bay from
Penchâteau peak. Next is La Baule, a chic
and renowned seaside resort adorned
with Belle Epoque villas and awash in
exuberance: luxury boutiques, promenading
celebrities, a casino and spa, sailing,
golfing, horseback riding, inviting restaurants,
trendy brasseries, and effervescent cafés
and terraces. Eventually, you’ll calmly slip
into Pornichet, a resort that reserves
special welcome for kids and beloved by
parents and children alike.
After the opulence beloved by the stars,
you’ll cross natural landscapes in all their
peaceful beauty, leading you to Piriac-surMer. Not to be missed, this tranquil “Small
City of Character” is an authentic fishing
village. From there, you’ll set off to
La Turballe and its lively harbour scene,
a summit of French fishing and a kingdom
of the anchovy and sardine. And don’t
miss its cousin, Le Croisic, a charming
seaside resort and lively fishing port!
Farther on, between the salt marshes
and the ocean, take some time to unwind
in Batz-sur-Mer, a village bordered on
one side by a wild coastline reminiscent
of Brittany. The spell is never broken
– it only grows and grows as you cross
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sites as magical as the salt marshes of
Guérande. Since the Iron Age, the area
has owed its fortune to this mix of land
and sea, where the delicate fleur de sel
is harvested. It’s an area for exploring
on foot, full of treasures to discover for
people of all ages. The medieval town of
Guérande stands watch at the gateway
to the marshes. It’s always a thrill to stroll
in the shadow of the fortifications in this
beautifully preserved city full of art and
history, while admiring the lovely houses,
the Saint-Michel gate, the collegiate
church of Saint-Aubin, and other sites.
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For more details:
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THE VENDÉE
coastline
Visit our
ENTERPRISES
1- Vendée is renowned for its large sandy beaches
2- Try your hand with a catamaran in Saint-Jean-de-Monts
3- The dunes on the Vendée coast
4- Les Sables-d’Olonne: the departure point for the famous
Vendée Globe race (2008)
5- Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and its beach cabanas
Airbus, Lactalis, Cointreau ... behind these illustrious
brand names is a galaxy of know-how you can discover
on a factory visit. The 70 companies of the “Visitez nos
entreprises en Pays de la Loire” network open their doors
to you for a fascinating – and sometimes – surprising
visit. A chocolate factory, a brewery, the Saint-Nazaire
shipyards... take your pick from a whole
host of enterprises to visit.
www.visiteznosentreprises.com
The Vendée coast offers a
Welcome, sea lovers!
sun-kissed holiday in harmony with
Les Sables-d’Olonne: a long, sunny, fine-sand beach, a pine forest,
a port abuzz with top-level sailors. This is the renowned sailing
capital, point of departure for the legendary Vendée Globe
(around-the-world solo sailing race), whose 2008 edition held a
huge audience in suspense! More than 1,000 boats dock at the
marina, presenting a sensational line-up to visitors dreaming of
ocean voyages. Between the city and the beach, the embankment
bustles with life all year long. Not to mention the golf course, casino,
thalassotherapy spa, the Shellfish Museum and Ste-Croix Abbey,
which exhibits the most important works of artists Gaston Chaissac
and Victor Brauner, as well as a fine selection of modern artworks.
nature. Savour a well-deserved rest
on its vast beaches or in the shade
of the pines, take a whirl at water
sports, or cycle to your heart’s
content with the free, fresh wind
in your hair.
The benefits of the sea never wane... and they’re worth enjoying all
the way to the southern end of Vendée. In Jard-sur-Mer, for
example, the 7 km of coast are perfect for boardsports, while a
magnificent cove provides just the right conditions for safely and
easily mooring your boat. In La Tranche-sur-Mer, life is lived intensely
and in harmony with the ocean and nature. Families who love the
sun and water swear by its 13 km of fine-sand beaches.
They’re also taken with La Faute-sur-Mer and L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer.
A listed regional nature reserve, the Aiguillon Bay is an excellent
spot for observing migrating birds and the unusual sight of bouchot
mussels being cultivated on wooden poles.
Please see page 50 for tourist office
contact information
La Barre-de-Monts
Notre-DameSaint-Jeande-Monts
de-Monts
St-Hilaire-de-Riez Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Brétignolles-sur-Mer
Les Sables-d’Olonne
La Faute-sur-Mer
Jard-sur-Mer
L‘Aiguillon-sur-Mer
La Tranche-sur-Mer
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Atlantic
Ocean
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Fun for the whole family
Smell the refreshing sea air? Breathe it in and get ready for
an invigorating stay! La Barre-de-Monts, Notre-Dame-deMonts and Saint-Jean-de-Monts are resorts where the
holiday spirit reigns supreme. St-Jean-de-Monts is a place
where the entire family can indulge in a host of attractions,
including 20 km of gently sloping beaches with ample
lifeguard stations in an exceptional wooded setting.
And for the adults? Golf, thalassotherapy spa treatments,
fishing parties and sand yachting! Unless, of course, you’re
tempted by one of the many cycling circuits along the coast
or in the inland countryside.
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The luminous coast
And how about setting course for the “Côte de Lumière” to take full
advantage of the great outdoors? Some ten fine-sand beaches lie
along the 12 km stretch of dunes, bordered by proud sea-pines. First
stop: Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, where you can swim, gather shellfish,
explore caves, and much more. Then, via the Sion coast road – a listed
heritage site overlooking inviting and
spectacularly shaped inlets – you’ll
come to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie.
This smart sea resort, a popular
destination for sardine fishing, is
always friendly and lively to the great
delight of its many visitors. Wrap up
your journey at casual, family-friendly
Brétignolles-sur-Mer, a perfect spot
for surfers in the know.
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For more details:
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Yeu and Noirmoutier:
island to island
Unique to
PAYS DE LA LOIRE
1- Noirmoutier: Bois de la Chaise regattas
2- Les Dames Beach in Noirmoutier
3- The Old Château on the island of Yeu
4-The Gois Causeway links Noirmoutier and
the mainland
5- Port-Joinville on the island of Yeu
Le Gois Causeway
At low tide, this submersible 4.5-km causeway links
the mainland and Noirmoutier... which means it is in
service twice a day for pedestrians and vehicles, but
for just 2 to 3 hours. Every year, it is the setting for an
exciting race against the tide. The “Foulées du Gois”
pit contestants against the onrushing sea. And the sea
always wins, while those lagging behind finish the race
with their feet in the water.
Exploring an island means adding an
exotic touch to your trip. So set off
to discover the isles of Noirmoutier
and Yeu, both cradled by the Atlantic,
yet so different in character. While
Ready to play the Swiss Family Robinson for a day? Cast off car
and tie, put on a windbreaker and a pair of sturdy shoes, hire a
bike and get away from it all. Take in nature’s theatre of migratory
birds, rare flowers, megaliths and imposing cliffs! Let your gaze
wander over the 14th century Old Castle, the little picturesque
ports and the fishing hamlets with their small white cottages
and brightly painted shutters.
the first looks towards the south, the
second evokes Brittany. But they do
have one thing in common:
a tendency to enchant all comers.
Seafood naturally plays a starring role in the island’s cuisine,
including tuna rillettes and pâté and smoked fish. Another island
speciality is prune tart. Simply delicious!
To get to Yeu, take the ferry from Fromentine or Saint-GillesCroix-de-Vie; the crossing takes 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Nantes
Noirmoutier
Yeu
Fromentine
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Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Atlantic
Ocean
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Noirmoutier: mimosas and sandy beaches
Noirmoutier is a large peninsula stretching out toward the sea.
Along its coasts, some rocky, some sandy, 50 km of beautiful
beaches welcome you with open arms. Sometimes called “the
Dutch beauty” because two-thirds of its land is below sea level,
the island has been accessible by car since 1971 over a toll-free
bridge. But it can also be reached by the 17th-century Le Gois
Causeway that is also a boon to the many shellfish gatherers
when the tide is low.
Between polders and mills, mimosas and small woods, inlets, little
ports and old sailing ships, the island boasts a delightful variety of
sights. Constant surprises await you whether you’re walking, riding
a horse or, even better, cycling. Renowned for its delicious potatoes,
Noirmoutier also features several oyster farms and its salt marshes
are more brimming with life than ever. The new generation of salt
marsh workers wants nothing more than to share its secrets. Must
buys: coarse sea salt, fleur de sel and Salicornia (grass wort).
The island of Yeu: both wild
and welcoming
After sampling Noirmoutier’s many
charms, set your course for the island
of Yeu. You’ll be glad you did, since this
most distant of the Atlantic isles warmly
welcomes its visitors.
Two very different coastal areas co-habit
this 10 km by 10 km granite island.
The hilly, rocky southwest will certainly
remind you of islands off the coast of
Brittany. The northeast, however, has
a gentler landscape, with a line of sand
dunes providing safe, lovely beaches that
are ideal for families.
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For more details:
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Explore the wildlife
The pleasures of fishing
A lush oasis beside the sea? That’s the zoo in Les Sables-d’Olonne, where you can observe 200 animals
in a natural setting. Don’t miss the feeding of otters, pandas, penguins and wolves. More thrills lie in
store at the Océarium (aquarium) in Le Croisic where sharks swim in a million litres of sea water at
the Australian shark pavilion. Want even more excitement? Then spend a night on the savannah at
Port-Saint-Père as part of the Planète Sauvage package tour, “Bivouac au Safari”. The incredible diversity
of life here also awaits you at the zoos in La Boissière-du-Doré, Doué-la-Fontaine, Château-Gontier
and La Flèche.
Fishing has always been a way of life in Pays de la Loire and the
region offers a wide choice of plans for families wanting to add the
pleasures of fishing to the delights of the open sea. Head for
La Turballe, Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie or Les Sables-d’Olonne!
Memorable catches and thrills are in store to nourish – or awaken –
your passion. And if your sea legs are a little wobbly, the delights of
gathering shellfish along the kilometres of coast are just as rewarding.
Indulge in the ocean air
How about heading to the open sea with the
family, taking time for a trip to the islands or
along the coast? There’s nothing like an
excursion at sea to enjoy the coast from a
unique perspective. Some superb old sailing
ships invite you to combine boating with a
trip back in time. You can choose from the
O’Abandonado, an old tramp boat from 1916, to
sail around Noirmoutier island; the Aigue Marine
in Talmont-Saint-Hilaire; or the Grand Norven, a
former sardine sloop, in Piriac-sur-Mer.
Live the adventure
for yourself!
Diversivie de
Famille*
At Château de Talmont, your children will
find themselves set down in the midst
of medieval society, among lords, knights
and troubadours. At the appropriately
named “Château des Aventuriers” (Adventurers’ Castle), located in the Vendée town
of Avrillé, they’ll follow in the footsteps of
the great explorers, or take a fascinating
journey into history. At the Daviaud
Vendée marsh ecomuseum, they’ll
discover a working salt marsh. And for
aspiring knights, the Tiffauges castle is
a fabulous training camp. Watch out for
catapult tossing!
Days among the trees
Are your into tree-climbing? If not, you’ll
become an avid fan once you’ve tried one of
the many acrobatic courses in a local forest.
An original way to exercise and enjoy a
leisure activity. The courses are equipped to
enable you to skim through the trees in line
with your agility (always with protective gear,
of course!). Swing from branch to branch like
a monkey, drop on pulleys, and climb up and
down on rope ladders.
Glide down canals
If you like boating, welcome to paradise! Take
a traditional barge to discover the labyrinth of
canals in Brière Regional Nature Park near SaintNazaire and La Baule. That way, you won’t miss
one iota of the many attractions in these unspoilt
landscapes to take your breath away. Further
down, between the sea and the mainland,
the Vendean Breton Marsh spreads across 45,000
hectares of wetlands and polders, criss-crossed
by hundreds of canals and channels. In southern
Vendée, cradled by the The Marais Poitevin
Interregional Park , the art of living just above the
water is made possible by punts (flat-bottomed
boats). Kilometres of canals provide cool shade
under the ash, poplar and speckled alder trees.
Fun along the way!
A yummy break?
All these heightened emotions build up an appetite. Fortunately, you’ll never stay hungry for long
– not in Pornic, where La Fraiseraie regales food lovers of all ages with its homemade ice cream, nor in
La Baule, birthplace of “Niniche” – a colourful sweet on a stick. The Vendée is also famous for its
brioches and, further south, its “gâche” (plaited brioche). Do you like your treats crispy? Then SaintMichel-Chef-Chef, “capital” of the celebrated St-Michel “galette”, is the place for you! And don’t leave
without tasting the “quernons d’ardoise” in Anjou and the delicious “petits sablés” shortbread biscuits
in Sablé-sur-Sarthe. Some of these producers, such as La Fraiseraie, are members of the “Visitez nos
entreprises en Pays de la Loire” network – so don’t hesitate to drop by.
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In Anjou, curiosity is anything but a fault! Especially when it comes to
discovering the heritage, landscapes and know-how of the Loire
Valley and having fun along way. Châteaux, gardens, museums, boats,
natural sites... the 19 places bearing the “Entrez dans la cour des
Grands” label welcome future scientists in a host of thrilling visits.
And for the “Grands” from 6 to 12, there are 20 Loire-Atlantique
sites that see to it that discovery has never been more entertaining
through exciting adventures for the whole family.
*The good life for families
Leisure parks
See page 47
For information about other family activities, go to:
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Take the time
to revitalise
1- Thalassotherapy Spa in La Baule
2- Thalassotherapy centre in Pornic
3- The famous “bouchot” mussels from the bay
of L’Aiguillon
4- Spoonbills in the Guérande salt marches
5- Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez : the Vendée corniche
Your largest
playground: the sea
Breathe deeply – you’re on the Atlantic
Are you passionate about water sports
Sailing under a good star
coast! It’s amazing how great a change
and the beach? Then the Atlantic coast
of pace makes you feel! Switch into
has everything you could ask for: the
“holiday mode” to thoroughly embrace
perfect combination of water, wind and
relaxation, of both body and mind, and
sun, and all the activities that go with it!
Here, sailing is buoyed by the currents of the Vendée Globe race
and some of the greatest names in sailing. Beginners, veterans
and enthusiasts of all stripes happily sail here, solo or with the
family. From La Baule to Les Sables-d’Olonne, the islands, inlets
and wide bays create a safe environment for light sailing. Ready
to cast off?
And why not take a nautical excursion?
let yourself be lulled by ocean breezes?
Start by adopting a few key words:
Lighthouses, châteaux, herons, fish, shorelines and landscapes...
everything looks new from the water. Discover a different
perspective from the Loire, the coast, around the islands or from
the marshes on a boating excursion in Pays de la Loire. On the
programme: the discovery of a preserved environment along
selected routes in the company of knowledgeable and
passionate professionals. From a one-hour trip to a whole day
of discovery, in a sailboat or a canoe, oars in your hands or swim
fins on your feet, the adventure is experienced in complete
safety and the excitement is guaranteed.
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pleasure, relaxation, serenity, daydreams.
Bathed in well-being with
thalassotherapy
In Pays de la Loire, you can choose from no less than
six thalassotherapy spas: La Baule, Pornichet, Pornic,
Saint-Jean-de-Monts and Les Sables-d’Olonne. More than
enough choices to take full advantage of the invigorating
and beneficial qualities of a good fitness treatment!
The best in thalassotherapy awaits you, with something
special to top it off: the fresh sea air of the Atlantic coast.
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Savour the shellfish for two
Start with some oysters straight from the shell at the
counter of a hut in the off-beat port of Bec, not far from
Bourgneuf Bay – the purest oysters in France, according
to experts at the Ifremer Sea Research Institute. Between
Loire-Atlantique and Vendée, this land of bountiful
oysters yields 9,000 tonnes a year. The must for mussels
is the Aiguillon Bay. This magnificent nature reserve is
the kingdom of “bouchots” (wooden poles), a traditional
way of cultivating mussels that produces 15-20% of all
mussels in France.
Contemplation among the birds
No need to be a birdwatcher to enjoy the soothing
company of birds. At the Aiguillon Bay, one of their
favourite haunts, you can observe majestic sea birds by
simply taking up a position on the beach before high tide.
They are also partial to the Guérande Peninsula and its
salt marshes, the Traict du Croisic wetland, Grand-Lieu
Lake and, further on, Brière Regional Natural Park.
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The sea air suits you
so well
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Inhale, exhale! In Pays de la Loire,
you have 450 km of coastline and old
customs paths with spectacular
panoramic views for revelling in the
healing properties of ocean air. You
can never say enough about the
benefits of the sea. So make the most
of it! Iodine, sun, the delightful coastal
trails and the cosy inlets of Pornic,
Piriac and the island of Yeu all conspire
to take good care of you. It would be
such a shame to pass it up.
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Sand yachting: transported by the wind
The region abounds in favourable winds and large stretches of sand. What more do
you need for a sublime sand-yachting experience? Beginners, old hands and even the
very youngest (on specially adapted yachts) have a ball on the beaches of Saint-Brevin,
Saint-Jean-de-Monts, Notre-Dame-de-Monts, Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez, La Faute-sur-Mer
and L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer.
The thrill of surfing
Looking for a good spot for surfing, windsurfing or kitesurfing? Then look no further
to take on the waves! The best await you in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie, Brétignollessur-Mer, Les Sables-d’Olonne, Saint-Brevin-les-Pins and Saint-Michel-Chef-Chef.
The Sauzaie site, in Brétignolles-sur-Mer, even hosts a World Surfing Championship
event (Vendée Surf Pro, Pays de la Loire WQS****) in April.
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1- The pleasures of boating
2- World Surfing Championship - La Sauzaie in
Brétignolles-sur-Mer
3- Discovering Ile Dumet by ocean kayak
4- Sand-yacht in Saint-Brevin-les-Pins
To find out more about boating:
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The Loire River:
a saga through
the ages
1- The Loire in Ancenis
2- Château de Montsoreau, to discover on
a trip in a traditional “gabare” on the Loire
3- Riding along the banks of the Loire to
Saumur
4- "La Loire à Vélo", a cycling itinerary along
the Loire
5- A boat excursion, another way to explore
the Loire
6- The small town of Paimbœuf in the Loire
estuary
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The Loire is said to be Europe’s last untamed river.
Alternately angry and violent, docile and familiar, wide and very imposing! It is intimately interwoven with
France’s history and lends its name to Pays de la Loire. The river winds through the region from Montsoreau
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near Saumur to Saint-Nazaire, eventually merging with the ocean. Between these two towns lie 200 km
of intriguing landscapes, including majestic castles and famed vineyards.
For more details:
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Val de Loire,
between nature
and culture
Unique to
PAYS DE LA LOIRE
1- Ferme de la Fosse
2- Mushroom-growing in the caves of Saumur
3– The cave village of Rochemenier
4– In Souzay, on the “La Loire à Vélo” itinerary, a passage through the cave
dwellings has been specially created
The Montsoreau flea markets
Every second Sunday of the month, collectors in the
know jostle on to the quays alongside the simply
curious, to sort through old books, bibelots, lacework
and furniture... And, as usual, on 8 May, flea-market
fever takes over the whole town!
Along the path of the Estuary
Well before you get to the Atlantic, you can
see how near the coastline is. In Nantes,
Trentemoult and Paimboeuf, the river’s
influence combines happily with that of
the ocean, with fishermen’s huts and
reedy marshes both in evidence... From
Saint-Nazaire bridge, you can take one last
Young and old alike, immerse
yourselves in the secret world
of the troglodytes
admiring look at the majestic River Loire.
INVITEZ-VOUS
DANS LE PATRIMOINE MONDIAL,
1
www.valdeloire.org
2
1
2
A river at one with nature…
1- The Loire Estuary
2- Family outing on the banks of the Loire
3- Trentemoult, an old fishing village, an unusual place
and a must stopover
4- Common terns
An idea of the Loire from on high
The Loire and its valley, from Château de Saumur as far as
the river’s mouth – panoramic views to take your breath
away, including Champtoceaux, the Tour d’Oudon, and the
Folies Siffait in Cellier.
18
3
4
The Loire rewards you with a magical and
ever-changing spectacle. Endless stretches
of fertile grassland on the right bank and
hillsides dotted with buildings and covered
with vineyards on the left. And in its waters,
sandbanks and sixty or so little-explored
islets, underscore the river’s identity before it
flows into the ocean. The movement of the
tides is already perceptible in Nantes.
The greatest site of any in France to be on the
UNESCO World Heritage list invites you into
the very heart of a unique living landscape,
famed for its remarkable wealth of fauna and
flora, and its subtle changes of light.
Tuffeau mining led to the emergence of
settlements hewn out of the rock itself,
leaving underground amenities transformed
by the hand of man – wine cellars, mushroom
beds, restaurants and dwelling places. The
troglodytes created a fascinating secret world
for themselves. Plain settlements were laid
out around yards cut into the substratum,
sometimes at the location of former quarries.
The finest examples are to be found in
abundance around Doué-la-Fontaine. Don’t miss
the zoo there either, which houses over 600
animals, including red pandas, Cape penguins
and Sumatran tigers.
3
Cellars that whet the appetite
The subterranean network – Europe’s largest – that criss-crosses Anjou is also
the kingdom of mushrooms...the Paris variety. Three-quarters of total national
production are grown in its tuffeau galleries. Rendezvous at Saumur’s Musée du
Champignon (Mushroom Museum) or at the Saut aux Loups restaurant in Montsoreau, to find out everything you need to know about the delicacy and sample their
“galipettes” – fat garnished mushrooms cooked in a bread oven and a real treat for
the taste buds! In Rou-Marson, Grézillé and Louresse-Rochemenier, you will find
warmly welcoming troglodytic restaurants serving “fouaces”, those far-famed
bread rolls baked in traditional ovens and garnished with rillettes and goat cheese...
The troglodytic hamlets of Louresse-Rochemenier and Ferme de la Fosse bear living witness to plain settlements, but the most amazing site has to be Château de
Brézé, which boasts the deepest moat in Europe and, yet more curious, a second
castle buried away beneath the earth – a real fortress! The hillside settlements lie
on the steep slopes of the Loire’s banks, between Saumur and Montsoreau. Imagine cliffs peppered with doors and windows and traversed by flights of steps, all
visible from the road. These days, they accommodate wine cellars and restaurants
well worth the visit, along with gites of character and mushroom beds...
4
For more details:
19
Clic
THE loirE,
ever-generous
“Royal River”
Clap
•A
large number of scenes in Jacques Demy’s film,
“Peau d’âne” (1970) were shot at Le Plessis-Bourré
Château in Anjou.
• Many scenes in Bertrand Tavernier’s
“La Princesse de Montpensier” (2010)
were also filmed at the same château in Anjou.
•H
enri Helman’s telefilm “Louis XI“ (2011)
was shot on location at Le Plessis-Bourré
and Le Plessis-Macé châteaux,
and Fontevraud Abbey
the Abbey of
Fontevraud,
a monument on
the move
1- View from the chevet of the abbey church
2- The Grand-Moûtier Cloister
3- Interior of the Roman kitchens
4- Recumbent statues of Plantagenet kings
A Journey down centuries
of history
The Val de Loire boasts many treasures
The Loire châteaux are famous
on the list of UNESCO World Heritage
throughout the world. Saumur in
Sites. The leading sites in the Loire Valley
particular, with its enthrallingly rich
include the château and “Cadre Noir”
historic centre, is a real experience for
(French National Riding School) in Saumur,
those who visit it, while Montsoreau
the château in Angers and in Nantes,
boasts one of the earliest of the Loire’s
and the Abbey of Fontevraud.
fortresses, later to become a stately
Set amidst the Saumur-Champigny
residence.
vineyards, the abbey towers above the
magnificent Loire-Anjou-Touraine Natural
Park just a few kilometres from Saumur
and the Loire River.
1
Winds of time
1
2
3
These testimonies to the past, along with their many
fellows – all of them conserved with the greatest of
care – provide the itinerary for an incredible journey
across time. Discover the towns and villages lying
alongside the river. Clinging to hillsides or built right up
against its banks – Le Thoureil, Montjean-sur-Loire and
Saint-Florent-le-Vieil amongst them, bearing witness
to a legendary tranquillity and art of living. Their lustre
and charm owe a great deal to tuffeau, a delicate
white stone of princely elegance.
1- The famous Château de Montsoreau
2- Le Thoureil, a charming little village on the banks
of the Loire
3- St-Florent-le-Vieil overlooks the Loire
20
The Abbey of Fontevraud is one of Europe’s greatest monastic
centres. Located at the border of the Anjou, Touraine and
Poitou regions, it bore witness to numerous power struggles
over seven centuries. The most powerful abbey in France on
the eve of the Revolution, it was spared destruction in 1804
when it became a prison until 1963!
Today, the grande dame still has surprises in store for the
visitor discovering it for the first time. Its sheer scale and the
prodigious diversity of its architecture, fashioned over the
centuries (12th to 20th), are simply dazzling. While wandering
through the cloister, dormitories and Roman kitchens, you
can easily imagine life as lived by the monks. This journey
into history will take you back in time to, among others, the
Plantagenets. The large abbey church houses the tombs of
three members of this royal dynasty: Henri II, Richard the
Lionhearted and the famed Eleanor of Aquitaine. People
come from far and wide to pay tribute to the Plantagenets,
who left their mark on the Middle Ages, especially in this
region. And why not take advantage of your stay to follow
their trail to Le Mans and visit the Cité Plantagenet
(the Old City)?
A cultural centre, too!
2
The Fontevraud Abbey has become a
vibrant cultural and historical centre that
hosts concerts, seminars, exhibitions
and an outdoor cinema. Its artists
in residence include many musicians
attracted by the site’s exceptional
acoustics, scriptwriters and animated
film directors.
Portrait gallery
3
With the Musée Ephémère (ephemeral
museum), Jean Genêt, Robert d’Arbrissel,
Eleanore of Aquitaine are among the
leading figures connected with the
abbey you’ll discover in an intimate,
hospitable atmosphere.
To find out more about the leading
sites in the Val de Loire, go to:
www.loire-chateaux.org
4
21
All cyclotourists are welcome along
our coastline… There’s nothing like a
Landscapes are
all the more
beautiful by bike
ST-NAZAIRE
Oudon
Liré
Champtoceaux
Paimbœuf
St-Brevin-les-Pins
Montjean-sur-Loire
ANCENIS
Savennières
St-Florentle-Vieil
ANGERS
fine bit of pedalling with views over
the Atlantic thrown in if you want to
see life in azure. Share all the joys of
the moment with your loved ones,
www.loire-a-velo.fr
NANTES
wonders to be experienced inland…
ORLÉANS
Cuffy
St-Mathurin-sur-Loire
Vélocéan, a taste of the
Atlantic
TOURS
St-Rémy-la-Varenne
Chalonnes-sur-Loire
then set off in discovery of the many
Amboise
Gennes
Cunault
From Piriac-sur-Mer to Moutiers-enRetz, your route takes you through
landscapes as exquisite as they
are varied. A total of over 50 km of
safe and perfectly adapted cycle
paths wind between ocean and
salt marshes, among rocky spurs,
salt plains and verdant farmland…
Surrender to the magic!
SAUMUR
Le Pellerin
Montsoreau
Fontevraud l’Abbaye
Chinon
“La Loire à Vélo“, a key link in the “EuroVéloroute
des Fleuves” chain set to connect the Atlantic
to the Danube, is a dream itinerary for all fans of
cycling and scenery. To enjoy with your partner,
4
3
as a family or in the company of friends, the
route takes you through the Loire Valley and all it
has to offer – exceptional surroundings, châteaux,
Vendée up with the leading riders
gourmet eating and unique light... Over 800 km
Discover the many treasures Vendée has to offer while reaping all
the benefits of cyclotourism. Over 600 km of laid-out routes await
you, along with as much fresh air as you can breathe! Between
Barre-de-Monts and Saint-Jean-de-Monts, in particular, bicycling
itineraries lead you into a breathtaking environment between sea,
sand dunes and pine forests. From Noirmoutier to Sables d’Olonne,
from Longeville-sur-Mer to L’Aiguillon-sur-Mer, pedal onwards to
the rhythm of the ocean waves ... Then, en route for the Marais
Poitevin!
to explore between the Cher and Saint-Brévinles-Pins on the ocean shore, with unrestricted
views of the Loire landscapes listed as UNESCO
World Heritage.
5
Happiness on wheels
Pedal at your ease while marvelling at the magnificent
natural scenery that harbours the Loire Valley’s finest
treasures. Specially laid-out itineraries marked-out in
both directions, cycle tracks, greenways (40% of the
route), and little country roads are all yours to enjoy…
A route with few ups and downs ensuring comfort
whatever your level of expertise – altogether perfect,
whether you want to live your dreams of getting
away from it all on short excursions or throughout the
length of your holiday.
1
22
Cycling adventures in Noirmoutier and on
the Isle of Yeu
2
Exclusive services on offer in the realm
of “the little queen”
The Loire’s landscapes are the rich heritage of over 2000
years of history and lack nothing to satisfy your curiosity,
in whatever direction your interests lie. Added to which, “La
Loire à Vélo” puts a whole range of exclusive services at your
disposal, designed to ensure your wellbeing as a cyclotourist.
- some twenty SNCF railway stations accessible by bike,
- a network of renters and repairers covering the entire route,
- personalised welcome at tourist offices,
- Cyclopédia® multimedia guide with GPS to find your way
about and discover “La Loire à Vélo” in Anjou,
- “turnkey” stays, with everything ready and arranged
for you…
Over 100 labelled
lodgings
Hotels, guestrooms and campsites
offering a special welcome to
cyclotourists, with services including
enclosed parking areas, repair
equipment on hand, and specially
designed restaurant service…
And – what could be better? –
transfer of your baggage from one
stop-off point to the next.
6
On the Isle of Yeu, bicycle renters will be waiting on the pier to
welcome you, and a laid-out path along the coast takes you
right round this little jewel of an island in dream conditions. In
Noirmoutier, on the other hand, you can mount your bike and set
off on spellbinding excursions through villages, marshes, dunes,
forests and polders…
Bikes: families and sports fans
are asking for more!
1- A stroll through the heart of the vineyards
2- Saumur – View over the Loire
3- Exploring the Marais Poitevin Interregional Park
4- A walk in the Pays de St-Jean-de-Monts pinewoods
5- The Isle of Yeu
6- Towpath alongside the Mayenne Canal
Routes across flat country are ideal for families out for a ride.
They love the Mayenne towpath, for example, a fine combination
of pastoral tranquillity and preserved heritage. The canal from
Nantes to Brest, on the “Eurovéloroute de la côte Atlantique”
(which connects North Cape in Norway to Sagres in Portugal), is
also an all-round winner. As for more energetic practitioners eager
for more adventurous geography, they can be seen flocking to the
Mancelles Alps to enjoy the thrills and spills of mountain-biking!
23
1- Nantes, “The Rings” by Daniel Buren and
Patrick Bouchain
2- “La Villa Cheminée” by Tatzu Nishi
3- Saint-Nazaire: the inauguration of ESTUAIRE
2009, the contemporary art biennial, by the
Royal de Luxe troupe
4- Erwin Wurm’s “Le Bateau Mou” at Le Pellerin
5- Cave craft boutique in Turquant
6- “L’Arbre-Serpents”, a work by Niki de SaintPhalle, at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in
Angers
Cultural trends
in Pays de la Loire
When art becomes
spectacular
Machines de l’Ile: a fabulous
bestiairy
In the warehouses of its former shipyards, Nantes
houses an extraordinary world that would have
made Jules Verne feel at home. Its most famous
ambassador is a 12-metre tall elephant that will
take you on a “gigantesque” walk along the wharf
on its back or in its steel and wood belly. A mad
adventure? No more than the fabulous doings
you’ll discover when you visit the Machines
Gallery! There you’ll see the following projects
being built: an enormous carousel nearly 25metres high, populated by mechanical sea
creatures, including a 12-metre long sea serpent,
and the first branch of the Heron Tree, a steel
sculpture that one day will rise 28 metres high in
the centre of the city.
3
1
Nantes <>Saint-Nazaire Estuary: the incredible biennial
An arts adventure in three “episodes”, with the epilogue planned for 2012. Each edition
gives artists from around the world an opportunity to create ephemeral works to be on
display between Nantes and Saint-Nazaire for the duration of the three-month event.
But they don’t all vanish: many remain.
ST-NAZAIRE
Lavau-sur-Loire
Cordemais
Paimbœuf
Frossay
St-Brevin-les-Pins
Couëron
Indre
Le Pellerin
NANTES
5
Troglodyte talent in Turquant
Exploring a fascinating land
2
24
4
Estuaire’s approach is to create an artistic and festive exploration of this unique
region, between land and sea, combining natural spaces and industrial sites. Created
on-site, the works of art, fascinating in themselves, play with landscape, perspective
and environment. They can be admired on foot, by bike or boat, from the river bank
or the channel, in the cities or the ports, in the water or on it. Picture a monument
that is spread out over 60 km, forming an itinerary open year round. That’s the
Estuary effect on its permanent collection totalling fifteen works to date. Each one
leads you to an unusual place or a remarkable site on the estuary, such
as Daniel
ANGERS
Buren’s iconic rings
on
the
Ile
de
Nantes
that
now
mark
the
entrance
to
the Banana
ANCENIS
warehouse with their stunning, luminous perspective, Kinya Maruyama’s “Jardin
étoilé” in Paimboeuf and Tatzu Nishi’s “Villa cheminée”. The aim of this open-air
museum is to bear witness to the creative vitality of the Nantes – Saint-Nazaire
metropolis. And clearly this enthusiasm is contagious if you look at the success of
the 2009 edition. Attendance grew by 37% at the various sites – and there were
150,000 people for the opening festival alone, organized by Royal de Luxe. Make a
date to be on hand in 2012.
www.estuaire.info
This small town near Saumur nestled against the Loire is ambitiously bringing its vast cave
dwellings back to life. Welcome to Turqu’Art, a crafts colony with 100% troglodyte creations!
Gold leaf specialists, jewellery makers and leather workers are eager to share their expertise
around the arts of fire and stone. A picturesque underground restaurant and unusual
lodgings carved into rock complete the picture.
6
Contemporary art à la carte
SAUMUR
In Pays de la Loire, contemporary art displays great diversity and fits perfectly into its surroundings. Fascinating stops await you.
Don’t miss “L’arbre aux serpents” by Niki de Saint-Phalle at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Angers, put the “geometric abstraction”
TOURS
to the test at the Musée d’Art et d’Histoire in
Cholet, and savour a cultural brunch at l’Espal in Le Mans. Walking through the
Amboise
park at the Musée de Tessé, you’ll marvel at a giant hourglass created by Jean-Bernard
Métais: 28 tons of sand inexorably flows
through this 5.5-metre glass parallelepiped initially installed in Paris to mark the arrival of the new millennium. As for the artwork
exhibited by the Pays de la Loire Frac (Regional Contemporary Art Fund) collection, you’ll see pieces just about everywhere,
including the Sarthe Cultural Centre and at La Garenne-Lemot in Clisson, as well as in Carquefou, near Nantes, the collection’s
official “home” since 2000.
Fontevraud l’Abbaye
Chinon
To order the contemporary art
brochure: page 49
For more details:
25
Mayenne, the Carolingian
Mayenne
Mamers
Flit over to Goulaine
Ste-Suzanne
Laval
Le Mans
Le Plessis-Bourré
Le Lude
Owned by the family of the Marquis de Goulaine for over 1,000 years, the
eponymous château has two unusual features: a tropical butterfly conservatory
and a large collection of LU** posters and antiques. While its façade typifies the
austerity of Breton fortified castles, the interior evokes the splendour of Loire
châteaux. The furnishings and interior design are well worth a visit.
In this charming small medieval city on the river you’ll
find one of the very rare Carolingian châteaux of France.
It is beautifully preserved and is classified as an
“Archaeological Site of National Interest”. It houses
the Mayenne Archaeological Museum that displays
objects discovered during excavations in a
wonderfully innovative way.
Become lords and ladies of
the manor for a night
Who hasn’t dreamt of being a special guest at a prestigious
home? In Pays de la Loire you can enjoy that pleasure for a night,
a weekend, or longer, thanks to the “Bienvenue au Château”
bed and breakfast network. Château, manor or a superb
townhouse... choose from some fifty private residences all rich
in history, and which their owners – genuine lords and ladies of the
manor – are honoured to share with you.
r
Loi
Angers
Blaison Gotier
Loire
St-Nazaire
Nantes
Brissac
Saumur
Montsoreau
Montsoreau: you
could write a book
Goulaine
Cholet
Montreuil-Bellay
Atlantic
Ocean
The château overlooking this
picturesque “Cité de Caractère” (“Small
Town of Character” label) is one of the
most romantic monuments along the
Loire River, a graceful blend of fortress
and delightful château. Its popularity
owes a great deal to the Alexandre
Dumas classic novel, “La Dame de
Monsoreau”.
La Roche-sur-Yon
Diversivie de
Fontenay-le-Comte
Terre-Neuve
The fortresses of Angers, Nantes and Saumur proudly
Châteaux
*
tower above Pays de la Loire. And you’re welcome to visit
Aim high at Brissac
100 other, often still occupied, châteaux, too. Conducted
France’s tallest château boasts seven
storeys! It remains the primary residence
of the 13th Duke of Brissac, who
invites you to visit his 204 sumptuously
decorated rooms. On the tour you’ll see
gold-leaf ceilings, precious furniture,
a Belle Epoque theatre and medieval
kitchens. A wine-tasting in the vast
cellars and a tour of the park bring
the visit to a pleasant close.
by owners eager to share their much loved heritage, a
tour of these châteaux is bound to be fascinating.
And you can even spend the night at some of them!
Travel back in time in
Montreuil-Bellay
An exquisite sight amongst the vineyards,
this is the last of the 32 walled towns
that once graced Anjou during the Middle
Ages. From its rocky promontory, this
town, built by Foulques Nerra in the
11th century, has preserved its medieval
character, with its imposing château
and fortified centre.
Savour the
gardens at Le Lude
Originally a medieval fortress,
the Château du Lude is one of the
finest examples of French Première
Renaissance architecture.
The terrace and south façade open
onto a series of formal gardens and
a vegetable garden, which leads into
an English-style landscaped park that
extends to the banks of the Loir River.
Fairytale land at
Le Plessis-Bourré
A broad, water-filled moat, double drawbridge,
fortified gates: welcome to the 15th century!
This fairytale castle, which served as a film set
for Peau d’Ane (Donkey Skin), Fanfan la Tulipe
and, more recently, Le Bossu (The Hunchback),
is also high on drama with its richly furnished
rooms and grandiose architecture. Highlight of
the show: the ceiling in Guards Room painted
with cartoon-like characters whose identity
remains a mystery.
26
Storm
Sainte-Suzanne!
Precious moments at Terre-Neuve
Overlooking a Fontenay-le-Comte hillside since 1580, the Château de Terre-Neuve is still occupied.
Its architecture and furnishings reflect the elegance of country estates during the Renaissance.
Interior features include a splendid sculpted stone coffered ceiling, a fireplace used for alchemy,
rare furniture and paintings (see page 35).
* The good life in châteaux. ** Popular French biscuits made in Nantes
It’s hard not to feel like a knight while
exploring the ramparts, dungeon and
alleys of this distinctly medieval town!
Don’t miss the breathtakingly panoramic
view of Coëvrons from the 14th and
15th century ramparts, which have
remained nearly intact. A character all of
its own, that has led the little town to
be officially labelled as one of France’s
most beautiful villages.
Experience naive
art in Laval
The Old Château, built on a rocky
outcrop in the 11th century and
modified in the 16th, overlooks the
river and offers a sweeping view of
old Laval. The château houses one of
the world’s finest museums of naive
art and a reconstruction of artist
Douanier Rousseau’s studio.
For more details:
27
Nantes, Angers, Le Mans...
Urban dreams
1- “La Nuit des Chimères” in Le Mans
2- The Doutre district in Angers
3- Place Travot in Cholet
4- Shopping in Angers
5- Saumur: half-timbered houses in
the Saint-Pierre district
6- Nantes, Passage Pommeraye
2
1
6
Nantes, Angers, Le Mans, Laval, Saumur... these cities offer everything you expect from a dynamic urban
centre. Each one has its own particular appeal that you’ll be happy to discover while strolling on their river
banks and in their parks, visiting their heritage sites, or taking in the contemporary scene on the terrace of a
3
4
5
café, or in the lively neighbourhoods by night. And when you feel you’ve done them all, they serve as perfect
points of departure for fascinating day trips.
For more details:
28
29
Urban
adventures
Clic
Clap
1- The banana warehouse in Nantes, a fashionable place to stroll
2- Château des Ducs de Bretagne in Nantes
3- Le Mans
4- Biking at the foot of the Château d’Angers
5- Angers, the Saint-Maurice ascent
6- Angers, detail of a tufa façade
• Jean-Loup Hubert’s film, “La Reine Blanche” (1991) was shot in Nantes
and Trentemoult
• Claude Chabrol’s film, “La Demoiselle d’Honneur” (2004) was partially
shot in Nantes and the surrounding area
• Le Mans was the setting for “Molière” by Laurent Tirard (2007) and “Jean
de la Fontaine” (2007) by Daniel Vigne
• Part of Mathieu Amalric’s “Tournée” (2010) was filmed in Nantes and
Saint-Nazaire
• Scenes of Abdellatif Kechiche’s “Venus Noire” (2010) were shot
in the old Nantes courthouse before it was converted to a hotel.
• “Les Petits Ruisseaux” (2010) by Pascal Rabaté was entirely filmed
in Mazé and Angers.
As a city known the world over for its 24 Hour
Race, Le Mans needs no introduction. While a
fascinating museum is devoted to this famous
car race, depicting its most glorious moments
since the late 19th century, the Cité Plantagenêt
(Old City) has many other attractions.
It boasts, for example, the region’s largest number of half-timbered houses, and the St-Julien
Cathedral, a Romanesque and Gothic masterpiece. An urban jewel, the town’s historic heart
features magnificent mansions and is ringed by
a remarkable 3rd century Roman wall, the best
preserved in Europe. To find out all about the
city and its region since the very first human
occupation in prehistoric times, a visit to the
Carré Plantagenêt Museum is a must – if only
for the building that boldly incorporates an old
printworks into its contemporary architecture.
In the summer, “La Nuit des Chimères” (The
Night of Dreams) shows off this exceptional
heritage. This free hologram and light show
highlights the cathedral, the Roman wall and a
selection of buildings in the old city.
Laval
Le Mans
1
Angers
Saint-Nazaire
Nantes
Saumur
3
Cholet
La Rochesur-Yon
2
Nantes: an effervescent city
Firmly rooted in the contemporary world, Nantes clearly has
the wind in its sails! During your stay, it will also unveil its
prestigious maritime and river history. Start by exploring the
homes of 18th century shipowners on Ile Feydeau and its
port. A short distance away you’ll see the cathedral and the
château of the Dukes of Brittany, which served as both a
residential palace and defensive fortress. Its imposing granite
towers and tall façades give it an impressive aspect. Inside,
the museum presents the history of Nantes in an entertaining,
appealing way. A visit is highly recommended for understanding
this city shaped by history.
30
Both by day and by night, you’ll enjoy walking around the medieval
Juiverie and Bouffay districts. Along the Loire River, follow the
trumpeting sound of the Great Elephant to the Machines de l’Ile, worthy
heirs of Leonardo de Vinci and Jules Verne. A few steps away, at the tip of
Nantes island, discover the Hanger à Bananes (converted banana
warehouse), a popular boardwalk where a seaside resort ambiance infuses
the café and restaurant terraces well into the night.
And you ain’t seen nothing yet! With the Voyage à Nantes coming up
in 2012, all these cultural and patrimonial riches will be bubbling over
to provide a truly out-of-the-ordinary experience.
And if you follow the Loire to the estuary, you’ll come to Saint-Nazaire
where ocean liners are built. You’ll discover this modern city bordered by an
exceptional coastline (see page 7).
Angers and Le Mans: a
happy street scene
Charming architecture, refined cuisine,
renowned vineyards, festivals and
monuments, superb parks and gardens:
Angers surprises visitors with the wealth
of its heritage and the quality of its
lifestyle. Take a walk through history in
its historic centre. On the “comfort” circuit,
you can easily visit the main tourist and
cultural highlights. Wander around the
old city and admire the magnificent view
of the Maine River from the château.
This imposing fortress, flanked by 17
towers, houses the famous Apocalypse
tapestry. And do take the time to visit
the Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin,
the oldest church in Angers – whose
restoration required 20 years.
Other highlights: the Beaux-Arts, Jean
Lurçat and Cointreau museums, and Le
Quai, a new theatre in a contemporary
building reflecting Angers’ rich and
diverse culture. And the Musée du Génie,
opened in 2009, with 1,000 sq.m of exhibit
space devoted to historical discovery
through the prism of military engineering.
For outdoor activities, summer in Angers
is a strollers’ paradise. From mid-July to
mid-August your walks could well lead
you to one of the free concerts of the
Tempo’Rives Festival in the La Doutre
district. By bike, opt for the “Loire à vélo”
itinerary that takes you on a 40-km tour
of the city. By water, don’t hesitate to
embark on a river shuttle that will whisk
you on a mini-cruise to Bouchemaine,
the lower Angers valleys and Béhuard for
just a few euros.
5
4
6
For more details:
31
Unique to
PAYS DE LA LOIRE
Urban
adventures
1- Laval illuminated
2- Saumur is dominated by its château that overlooks the Loire
3- La Roche-sur-Yon, Place Napoléon
4- Cholet, the textile museum
The Maulévrier Greyhound Track
In Maulévrier, one of the finest greyhound race tracks
in France has reopened thanks to the passion of a
committed fan. Here the show literally goes to the dogs!
Watching greyhounds charge with elegance after a
decoy moving around the track at 60 km/hour is exciting
indeed. Bettors and friends of these exceptional dogs
take note: five to six races are scheduled each year,
from late March to mid-November.
In Pays de la Loire, tourism is inclusive
Because holidays should be a special time for everyone,
the region makes every effort to welcome people with
disabilities. A “Tourism and Handicap” label identifies
accessible accommodations, tourist attractions and
leisure activities for those requiring adaptations for
motor, visual, hearing or psychological impairments.
In Pays de la Loire, over 150 facilities bear the label,
including more than 100 lodgings.
Laval
Le Mans
Angers
Saint-Nazaire
Nantes
Saumur
Cholet
Examples of adapted facilities:
La Rochesur-Yon
• disabled individuals can easily follow a well-marked
path on the “comfort tour”, certified for 4 disabilities,
in Angers that links the major tourist and cultural sites
• the community of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie offers
many adapted facilities, including an access ramp in the
beach’s bathing area, accessible toilets, beach cabins,
swimming pool, etc.
Laval and Saumur: dreams written in stone
Those with a romantic bent will enjoy a trip to Laval. What a
pleasure to wander through the narrow lanes of the old city,
all tufa limestone and granite, and the Perrine garden! For an
even better perspective of the city, take a boat from the Halte
Fluviale (river port and water sports centre), not far from the old
boat wash-houses. And be sure to follow the towpath and stop
at Notre-Dame-d’Avesnières, a Romanesque basilica.
If it’s pulsing city life you’re seeking, Laval has its share of cosy
cafés – on Rue du Pont de Mayenne – and tempting boutiques.
On Saturday morning, don’t miss the traditional market bursting
with colours and flavours! In July and August, Les Rendez-vous
de l’été (summer cultural programme) invites you to discover the
rich heritage of the Pays de Laval.
Other great surprises await you in Saumur! A white city
illuminated by the incomparable radiance of tufa stone,
Saumur alternates between sparkling, offbeat and delectable.
Overlooking the Loire, the château seems to keep watch over
the city. This 13th century fortress, transformed into a country
estate, shares features with the nearby Touraine region. As you
walk the old city’s cobblestone streets, no less than 54 listed
monuments meet your gaze, including half-timbered homes,
handsome mansions and churches. In a city always ready to
make a splash, competitions, parades and galas punctuate the
seasons. A must during your stay: the French National Riding
School and its famous “Cadre Noir”.
32
See page 50 for tourism
offices contact data
1
Cholet and La Roche-sur-Yon: ready-to-wear
and pedigreed horses
Sometimes a legacy is born in the recent past. Such is the case
with the “city of handkerchiefs”, still very attached to the textile
industry. To celebrate its heritage, Cholet has converted a former
laundry, built in a handsome brick style, into a museum. Another
interesting site is the Musée des Métiers de la Chaussure
(Shoemaking Museum), with more than 1,000 models on display.
But the city is also very in tune with the times. A ready-to-wear
stronghold, it has become a centre of factory outlet stores, which
sell brand name clothing at discount prices. With more than 50
stores and nearly 180 brands, the “Marques Avenue”
(brand avenue) complex and the “Circuit des marques” spearhead
the movement. And the city centre recently offered itself an
irresistible asset with the opening of Les Arcades Rougé. This
new venue is much more than a shopping centre. It incorporates
housing, stores, a hotel, cinemas and restaurants.
2
On a more traditional note, the Musée
d’Art et d’Histoire provides an in-depth
look at the historic Vendée wars. And
to cool off, try Glisseo, a huge water
and ice sports complex.
While travelling through Vendée,
stop at La Roche-sur-Yon. Built by
Napoleon, whose equestrian statue
sits enthroned in the city centre, the
Vendée capital is laid out around a
central square, from which radiates a
series of arrow-straight roads.
3
Be sure to visit the Vendée stud farm,
known for the various breeds of horses
boarded there and its fine collection of
horse-drawn carriages. In fine weather,
the “Cafés de l’Eté” festival lends the
city a festive air all summer long to the
sound of free, open-air, world-music
concerts. And year-round, the cultural
arts organisation, Scène Nationale du
Manège, puts on a highly professional,
eclectic programme of music, theatre
and dance productions.
4
For more details:
33
La Ferté-Bernard:
Venice of the West
The Marais Poitevin Interregional Park
The Fontenay-le-Comte area is the ideal base for exploring this exceptional
wetland that extends over 100,000 hectares. The most renowned is the
marshland crossed by the Sèvre Niortaise River and its tributaries, a network
of canals just right for exploring by “plate” (the typical marsh boat) beneath
a luxuriant canopy of greenery. And there’s also dried wetland devoted to
raising livestock and growing cereals. They both feature excellent trails for
hiking or all-terrain biking through a beautifully preserved landscape.
This is a perfect place for a
charming boat ride. Crisscrossed
by canals, this medieval grande
dame is truly a “small Venice of the
West”. What to see: Notre-Damedes-Marais Church, one of the most
beautiful religious buildings in the
Sarthe département.
La Flèche:
flowers
everywhere
Children will love its wonderful zoo
and you will surely appreciate its
pretty, flower-bedecked streets
along the Loir River, bordered by
mansions and slate-roofed houses.
Foussais-Payré and Vouvant:
cities of distinction
Don’t leave the Fontenay area without a stop at
Foussais-Payré on the banks of the Vendée River.
Nestled in the heart of picturesque hedgerows bordering
the forest, this Renaissance city is home to a jewel of
local Romanesque art – the church with its remarkable
sculpted gate. The only one to rival it is the one in
Vouvant, which is also well worth the detour. A medieval
city perched high in the Mervent-Vouvant forest massif,
Vouvant will win your heart with its flower-filled, narrow
streets overlooked by the austere Mélusine Tower.
Diversivie
Buissonnière*
In the land of “Small
Towns of Character”
Sarthe and Mayenne boast no fewer than 17 “Small
Towns of Character”, including Brûlon, Le GrandLucé, Montmirail, Saint-Calais, Lassay-les-Châteaux,
Chailland, and especially Asnières-sur-Vègre. One of
the most beautiful villages in Sarthe, this small town
features shaded river banks, picturesque bridges,
manors and charming homes dating from the 15th and
17th centuries.
Thousand-year-old
Fontenay-le-Comte
La Mine Bleue:
a dizzying
drop
A town listed as a Ville d’Art et d’Histoire (Artistic and Historical Town), this is the old,
powerful capital of the Bas-Poitou region that François I called “the Fountain of good
spirits”. It boasts a rich, first-rate architectural heritage.
Try plunging 130 m in this
funicular down the shaft at
La Mine Bleue in Noyant-laGravoyère: it’s much more
fun than an amusement
park attraction and it’s sure
to make a real impression!
Enjoy this amazing
immersion in the mining
world of the 1930s.
It is also the only preservation sector in Vendée... which covers 86 hectares with no less
than 1,700 buildings.
Ready to walk in the footsteps of Rabelais? Then follow the guide: the “Mille Ans
d’Histoire” pedestrian circuit will take you back in time, past sumptuous mansions on
elegant squares and arched homes set in shady gardens. In the meticulously restored old
part of Fontenay, the grid of streets has been the same since the Middle Ages, and their
names (Drapers Road, Tanners Road and Goldsmiths Road) testify to their history.
In the lovely Place Beillard is the majestic Notre-Dame Church with its spectacular view
from the top of the bell tower. Here you are at the heart of the Renaissance, when the
splendour of Fontenay-le-Comte was at its height. And here are some of its finest
examples: the Quatre Tias Fountain, the city’s symbol, the Sénéchaussée, and further on,
the Château de Terre-Neuve a treasure of the prestigious past (see page 26).
All these marvels will surely give you a “Pantagruel-esque” appetite for local history.
So head for the Fontenay-le-Comte Museum located in the former 19th century
presbytery. Although the city is a thousand years old, it has maintained its liveliness
with festivals (such as Les Ricochets, street arts in the summer) and other events that
ensure a vibrant cultural life.
Medieval town of
Châteaubriant
What to see: the Old City with its 17th century
houses, the Romanesque Saint-Jean-de-Béré
church, and the château built in a medieval and
Renaissance style.
Clisson: Italian style
After the Vendée wars, the city was rebuilt in
the Italianate style, with tile roofs, arcades and
umbrella pines. Highly recommended: ruins of
the château; walks along the shaded banks of
the Sèvre Nantaise River; the covered market,
which harkens back to the flourishing 15th
century markets; and Garenne Lemot Park.
34
Jublains: a major
Gallo-Roman site
Flower-bedecked
Château-Gontier
This is the largest Gallo-Roman site in the
Greater West region of France. It includes
ancient baths, a theatre with tiered seating
and a fortress. The virtual tour and giant model
of the city in the archaeological museum will
stimulate children’s’ imagination!
The river flows through this charming, flower-filled
capital of Sud-Mayenne, creating a lovely setting. What
to see: the river port; the 11th century Romanesque
church, the romantic Jardin du Bout du Monde (Garden at
the End of the World); and hills, alleys and small squares
surrounded by medieval homes and town houses.
*The good life off the beaten track
Cossé-le-Vivien:
museum of the
strange
You have to see the Tatin Museum!
The work of artist Robert Tatin’s lifetime,
this highly unusual site drew its
inspiration from a variety of sources,
including South American culture and
the artist’s apprenticeship with surrealists.
Mervent-Vouvant Forest, right,
but where is Mélusine?
According to legend, a fairy has always lived somewhere in
the middle of the 5,000-hectare Mervent-Vouvant Forest
Massif. But this, the largest forest in the Vendée, is above
all the favourite haunt of wildlife, led by majestic deer. And
that’s easy to understand because this magnificent natural
site owes its appeal to its superbly hilly landscape and the
water courses that cross through it. It offers a host of sports
and leisure possibilities: hiking, riding and all-terrain biking,
climbing, water sports, and more.
For more details:
35
In the land
of rivers,
nature is active
6
1- Water-skiing on the Mayenne
2- The banks of the Sèvre
3- Saint-Georges-de-Montaigu
4- Pays de la Loire and its many rivers are
paradises for canoers. Here, the Sèvre
Nantaise.
5- Pays de la Loire boasts a host of parks and
gardens to discover
6- Riding in the Alpes Mancelles, at the heart of
the Normandie–Maine Regional Natural Park
2
1
The Mayenne, the Sarthe, the Erdre... in Pays de la Loire, there’s always a river along your route and always
a route taking you to the many outstanding highlights to be enjoyed in the region. So take advantage of
the great outdoors and choose your favourite leisure activity. Float gently on the water or paddle your way
along, gently pedal or race along the bike trails, take a relaxing walk or an invigorating hike, play a round of
3
4
5
relaxing or professional golf... In Pays de la Loire there are plenty of ways to plunge into nature.
For more details:
36
37
Once upon a time
there were five rivers
River tourism all hands on deck!
Nantes is the Estuary port and the link
Take some time this summer to enjoy the
between the Atlantic and the Loire
water, languorously gliding down a cool river
tributaries. Trentemoult and Couëron are
when the weather turns hot – a dream that’s
the last two maritime ports encountered
easy to realise in Pays de la Loire! Just imagine
as you head up the Loire, as well as the first
a network of 375 km of navigable rivers that
bases on a river run: floating moorings, new
can satisfy all your desires for aquatic
and original stopovers, are installed in the
adventure. Here, you’ll be completely
centre of the city. Boaters reach the port
surrounded by nature on rivers bordered by
on the Erdre in the heart of Nantes through
untamed country. And nothing is easier than
a tunnel, and continue on their way via
hiring a boat for two, for a family or among
the Nantes to Brest Canal.
friends. You don’t even need a license.
1
2
François I said of the Erdre: “It’s the most beautiful river in
France”. Gaze upon these winding, wooded banks, elegant
châteaux, imposing bodies of water flanked by charming villages!
What’s the best way to enjoy it all? Take a Bateaux Nantais
excursion or hire an electric boat for a ride down the river in
Nantes, Sucé-sur-Erdre or Nort-sur-Erdre.
The first thing to do is to go to a houseboat rental base.
A team of professionals will take you through the essentials
of river navigation. Then you’ll be shown around the boat
and told how it operates. They’ll also teach you how
to navigate, go through the locks with the help of the
lock-keepers (the children will have fun lending a hand),
and how to moor at your chosen villages.
Between Maine and Anjou, the Loir runs
through pleasantly bucolic countryside
perfect for cycling. Valleys, wooded
hillsides and vineyards succeed each other
in peaceful harmony. The region enjoys
a particularly rich and varied architectural
heritage. Take in the curious cave dwellings
and quaint villages, like Vaas, Le Grand-Lucé
and Luché-Pringé.
1
Mayenne
ne
3
Before taking the helm
Ma
ye
n
Cutting a luxuriantly green swath, the Sèvre Nantaise offers a
splendid show. Its valley marks the border between the Vendée,
Anjou and Poitou regions. The fields framed by hedgerows and
deep valleys, infused with the memory of Gilles-de-Rais, are lush
havens for hikers, mountain bikers and canoers.
Main location for hiring houseboats
Laval
Rivers navigable in hired houseboats
Le Mans
Oudo
n
Canal
4
Brest
rth
e
La Suze-sur-Sarthe
La Flèche
St-Nazaire
LO
IR
Nantes
E
Saumur
Pornic
Cholet
Sèv
re N
anta
ise
St-Jean-de-Monts
Bordered by pretty little villages, the Mayenne is one of the
loveliest navigable waterways in western France. Wilder in the
north, with steep, verdant banks, it calms down after Laval.
Between Mayenne and Daon, its restored towpath is a real treat
for walkers. The river’s tributary, the green-hued Oudon, is far
less docile. Near Angers, the Basses Vallées Angevines
(Lower Angers valleys) offer many hiking trails, with a great
diversity of flora and fauna and beautiful landscapes.
38
Loir
Angers
Nort-sur-Erdre
Sucé-sur-Erdre
La Baule
2
Sa
Châteauneufsur-Sarthe
Grez-Neuville
Erdre
de N
ante
sà
Sablé-sur-Sarthe
Daon
ChenilléChangé
Châteaubriant
Segré
The Sarthe flows not far away. From the Alpes Mancelles in
the north to the Anjou in the south, it runs through a myriad of
landscapes, including steep hills covered with Alpine plant life,
hedgerows, dense forests and peaceful villages... Be sure to visit
the Solesmes Abbey, famous for its Gregorian chants, Sablé-surSarthe dominated by its château, Malicorne-sur-Sarthe, a delightful
town renowned for its lovely earthenware, the Maison de la
Rivière (river museum), in Châteauneuf-sur-Sarthe, and more.
Entrammes
Château-Gontier
Home comforts on the river
And now, make yourself at home! You’re the captain of a handsome boat with all the
amenities of a holiday house: spacious cabins, sheets and duvets provided, bathroom with
toilet and shower, fully equipped kitchenette and more. Everything is designed for your
comfort on board – not to mention the sun deck and sliding sunroof so you can enjoy the
scenery and sun!
Lay
La Roche-sur-Yon
1- Solesmes,
a must destination for connaisseurs of
Les Sables-d'Olonne
Gregorian chants
2- River cruising aboard a Fontenay-le-Comte
barge
5
1- Château de Bazouges-sur-le-Loir
2- The port of Nort-sur-Erdre
3- Château de Malicorne-sur-Sarthe
4- The Sèvre Nantaise valley in Vendée
5- Canoeing on the Mayenne
Damvix
Hiring a boat
Boats sleep from 2 to 12 people and are specially equipped for your safety on board. Five
boat-hire companies offer their services so that you can navigate as you wish along the
various Pays de la Loire waterways. Three are located on the Sarthe, Mayenne, Oudon and
Maine rivers and two on the Erdre river and the Nantes to Brest Canal.
For more information on water sports:
39
Nature in
its pure state
Unique to
PAYS DE LA LOIRE
1- T
he port of Bréca in Brière
2- Herons are easy to spot in the region
3- Galloping through the Mervent-Vouvant forest massif
4- Flowering rush
5- Alpes Mancelles
6- The Marais Poitevin Interregional Park
Fire on the water’s surface
A boat trip to the heart of “Green Venice” (Poitevin
marsh) is always magical... especially if your boatman
suggests setting the surface of the water on fire.
Witchcraft? No, it’s simply a question of chemistry:
sometimes pockets of methane form deep in the
water as the vegetation decomposes. When you
know where to them, you just have to stir the water
with a paddle to bring the gas to the surface...
and set it on fire with a lighter.
Touring bird country...
In Pays de la Loire, respect for the
environment and nature goes without
Answer the call of the forest!
saying. Visitors longing to get away
Pays de la Loire has beautiful forests that are very often accessible
to hikers, cyclists and mountain-bikers. Enjoy leisurely exploring the
woods on marked trails, which encourage you to protect nature.
In Sarthe, the region’s most wooded département, the Bercé Forest
boasts one of Europe’s most beautiful oak groves, including
350-year-old trees. That’s also the home of the Carnuta, a captivating
new museum dedicated to the relationship between people and the
forest. The Perseigne Forest provides a panoramic view from the
belvedere at its highest point (340 m). Endowed with a lovely lake,
the Sillé-le-Guillaume Forest features a botanical trail and nature
excursions. In Loire-Atlantique, Le Gâvre National Forest is
crisscrossed with walking and bridle paths. The majestic MerventVouvant Forest, near Fontenay-le-Comte, is adorned with large lakes
that are perfect for fishing (see page 35).
from it all will find just what they’re
looking for at the three regional natural
parks, The Marais Poitevin Interregional
Park , beautiful forests and thirteen
regional natural reserves with carefully
preserved treasures!
Magical Brière! Skimming the waters on a
flat-bottomed boat is the best way to discover
this maze of canals and shallow expanses of
water. France’s second largest marsh (after
Camargue’s) and listed as a Regional Natural
Park for the past 40 years, Brière is a favourite destination for
water birds and a wintering site for numerous species that are
fascinating to observe. It is also, of course, a fragile area that
must be protected. Cyclists will enjoy riding through traditional
villages with thatched cottages, like the charming hamlet of
Kerhinet.
For more information about the parks:
www.parc-naturel-briere.fr
3
www.parc-loire-anjou-touraine.fr
www.parc-naturel-normandie-maine.fr
www.parc-marais-poitevin.fr
www.rnr.paysdelaloire.fr
1
2
Straddling Normandy
and Pays de la Loire, the
Normandie-Maine Regional
Natural Park wonderfully
combines two typical
landscapes: magnificent forests (Sillé and
Perseigne) and lush hedgerows. The land
rises in the Alpes Mancelles, which has
Alpine-like vegetation. The park is ideal
for sports and outdoor activities such as
mountain-biking. For a big breath of fresh
air, enjoy a walk in this wooded and
wild-looking landscape. Or go canoeing to
revel in the unique view afforded by the
Sarthe’s otherwise inaccessible banks.
The Loire-Anjou-Touraine
Regional Natural Park,
which spans the Loire Valley
between Tours and Angers,
harbours a richly diverse
natural, cultural and historical heritage.
One of the most authentic ways to explore
the park is by canoe or kayak. In 2008, the
Maison du Parc (tourist and nature centre)
opened its doors in Montsoreau. Cycling
enthusiasts can follow the course of the
river and make a stop at the Maison de la
Loire (museum) located in Saint-Mathurinsur-Loire.
4
5
The Marais Poitevin Interregional Park, a “Grand Site de France”®, can also be
very pleasantly explored by boat or canoe. It boasts a well-preserved network of
canals running alongside the Sèvre Niortaise, the Lay and their tributaries, and with a
remarkable rich variety of flora and fauna.
Getting away from it all also guaranteed by bicycle – and for the whole family! Over
300 km of marked-out itineraries take you to such picturesque villages as Damvix,
and to the Maillezais and Nieul-sur-l’Autise abbeys – all of them essential stop-offs if
you want to understand the Marais Poitevin!
6
For more details:
40
41
So who wants to hit
the green?
1- Nantes Erdre Golf Course
2- The Bretesche Golf Course in
Missillac
3- Cholet Golf Course
4- Saint-Jean-de-Monts Golf Course
facing the sea
Golf can be by the seaside...
Walk, trot, gallop –
to your heart’s desire!
Stud farms, the prestigious Ecole
A sport designed for vast verdant expanses, golf naturally
thrives in the landscape along the Atlantic shores, such as in
Saint-Jean-de-Monts, which offers splendid ocean views, La
Baule’s 220-hectare course or the Pornic golf course with
its host of contrasts. Seasoned players and beginners alike
are guaranteed a warm welcome and total relaxation. Even
if you’re just passing through and want to try out a new
course, it’s an invitation you can’t refuse!
Nationale d’Equitation, heart-stopping
races and shows, trails that everyone will
love – Pays de la Loire just might be
the horse’s most noble conquest.
… or in the countryside
1
The quintessential “great outdoors” activity, golf is at its
best in Pays de la Loire. Some of the courses follow the
Loire, the Sarthe, the Mayenne or the Yon Rivers. Others
span the rolling hills in the countryside or even close to big
cities. You can golf amidst the trees (at the Monjoie course
in the heart of the Baugé forest), along the river banks (at
Laval, in the Mayenne valley) or on an island in the middle of
the Loire River (at the Île d’Or course in La Varenne ). And if
you want the ultimate, play a round at the Sablé-Solesmes
Golf Course, which is called the Pays de la Loire’s “most
beautiful”.
2
1
A region always in the running
Pays de la Loire has more racecourses and races, and breeds
more trotters than any other region in France. Get ready for
unforgettable experiences that will thrill the entire family!
Excitement guaranteed and a full programme in Les Sablesd’Olonne and Pornichet during the summer racing season, in Craon
for the famous “Festival des 3 Glorieuses” (three-day racing event),
and in Le Lion-d’Angers for the Anjou Loire Challenge, the world’s
longest race.
... but always with passion!
Everyone in the saddle
As you can see, there’s something for everyone in this land
where more than 15,000 certified players live and some
thirty courses are open all year round. And everyone’s more
than welcome, whether you’re an avid or occasional player,
a beginner or a pro. Each course offers its own irresistible
appeal, in terms of both setting and technical challenge.
In Pays de la Loire, 23 riding centres bearing the “Centre de tourisme
équestre” (equestrian tourism centre) quality label hand you the
reins and organise accompanied horseback excursions. Whether
riding in a forest, through vineyards, near the ocean or along the
banks of the Loire, all riders are sure to find just the type of route
they were seeking. Interested in walking, hiking, cycling, riding
lessons or other excursions? You’ll also find a digital regional
topographical guide on the website.
2
3
4
Mayenne
Mamers
Laval
Le Mans
Château-Gontier
Sablé-sur-Sarthe
3
Châteaubriant
La Flèche
Segré
From passion to pleasure: unique events
Loir
Angers
Blaison Gotier
La Baule
St-Nazaire
Lo
ire
Saumur
Nantes
Cholet
St-Jean-de-Monts
La Roche-sur-Yon
Atlantic
Ocean
Nesmy
Les Sables-d'Olonne
Your first stop: the Ecole Nationale d’Equitation (French National Riding School) and
its famed Cadre Noir in Saumur. Its horse shows set the international standard for the
equestrian arts, triumphing on every continent. Behind the scenes, welcome to 300
hectares, 50 km of bridle paths, 16 outdoor arenas, 7 indoor arenas, 400 horses – a great
opportunity to watch the riders and their mounts train or rehearse. To learn more about
breeding, visit the Haras National (national stud farm) of Le Lion-d’Angers, with the
Mondial du Lion in October, together with its world championships for young horses, a must
before going on to international competitions. Also, don’t miss l’Officiel de France Jumping
International, held in La Baule in May. And if you like extravaganzas, head over to Puy du
Fou and its Equestrian Academy. Europe’s largest stables for entertainment purposes, the
Academy features dressage with 160 horses trained in all disciplines. And be sure to visit
the stud farm in La Roche-sur-Yon.
5
1- Riding on the beach in
Saint-Brevin-les-Pins
2- The Alpes Mancelles are
pure delight for riders
3- A performance at the
Cadre Noir de Saumur
4- The Craon races are
famous in the horse world
5-The Cornelière Bed &
Breakfast in Mervent
welcomes both riders and
horses
For more information on horse-riding:
Fontenay-le-Comte
43
42
4
On the Wine Route
Golden
wines
LAVAL
The art of winegrowing is one of the finest treasures in Pays de la Loire.
Every visitor will find something to savour among the sweet, dry,
CHÂTEAU-GONTIER
CHÂTEAUBRIANT
The one thing they have in common: qualities that are sure to please
In the land of Muscadet
ANGERS
ANCENIS
3
SAINT-NAZAIRE
everyone. The Val de Loire Wine Route offers a large bouquet of flavours,
Honour to whom honour is due. Your wine tour starts in
greater Nantes, one of France’s major white wine-producing
regions. Muscadet, its unrivalled star since the 16th century,
is made from a single grape, the Melon de Bourgogne, and is
both fruity and fresh. Among its four varieties, the most wellknown is the celebrated Sèvre et Maine “Sur Lie”, a legacy of
the era when winemakers reserved a barrel of their best wine
for important occasions. Your Muscadet tour includes a stop
at the Maison des Vins de Loire (a showcase for Loire wines)
on Place du Commerce in Nantes.
NANTES
The Loire Valley
Wines Route
CHOLET
Wines of Touraine
Wines of Nantes
Wines of Anjou and of Saumur
4
Océan
Atlantique
LA ROCHE-SUR-YON
LES SABLES- D'OLONNE
FONTENAY-LE-COMTE
This is the largest winegrowing area in the Val de Loire, with
20,000 hectares and a perfectly temperate climate. Here, the
patchwork of vineyards produces a wide-ranging variety of
white, red, rosé, sparkling, dry and semi-dry wines. There are
more than 28 appellations in all, including such exceptional
ones as Layon, Savennières, along the banks of the Loire
River, and red Anjou, to the south.
5
Mellow Layon and Aubance
• Le Pallet
At the Musée du Vignoble Nantais (wine
museum), discover the interesting story of
winemaking – from vine to wine.
1
6
Loir wines are undeservedly little-known. Yet Ruillé-sur-Loir
and Lhomme produce a delicious white wine called “Jasnières”.
Whether in La Chartre-sur-le-Loir, Marçon or Chahaigne,
Coteaux du Loir wines are definitely worth trying.
Delightfully fruity and aromatic, they combine elegance,
richness, complexity and a long finish. And you’ll find the
reds just as seductive.
44
Savennières
Anjou
Coteaux du Layon, Quarts-de-Chaume,
Bonnezeaux, Anjou-Villages
Saumur, Saumur Champigny,
Cabernet de Saumur
Coteaux de l’Aubance, Anjou-Villages Brissac
Anjou Coteaux de La Loire
Rosés d’Anjou, Rosés de Loire et Cabernet d’Anjou
• Doué-la-Fontaine
This town is known for its roses and cave
dwellings.
• Montreuil-Bellay
A pleasant stopover in the middle of vineyards
and the last of Anjou’s 32 walled towns dating
from the Middle Ages.
• Fontevraud
Witness to a great moment in history, the Royal
Abbey in Fontevraud alone is well worth a visit.
• Montsoreau
This is where the Anjou section of the Wine
Route ends, along the banks of the Loire River.
• Clisson
Italian architecture and a walk along the shaded
banks of the Sèvre Nantaise River.
• Champtoceaux
On the picturesque Liré route, lovely views
of the Loire River from Champtoceaux or La
Varenne.
Heading back towards Angers, Savennières, located on the
right bank of the Loire, produces two appellations that are
highly regarded among connoisseurs: Coulée de Serrant and
Roche aux Moines, complex white wines with a pronounced
fruity taste.
Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir: not to be
missed!
• St-Philbert-de-Grand-Lieu
Be sure to see the 9th century Carolingian
abbey-church, a major monument of pre-Roman
art, and Grand-Lieu Lake, the largest lake in
France in winter and a nature reserve.
• Vertou
La Chaussée des Moines, a river ford built in
the year 1000, is an ideal place to stroll on the
banks of the Sèvre Nantaise.
Pure, fruity Savennières
Naturally sparkling, the wines made from grapes grown on
tufa-rich soil enjoy growing conditions comparable to those
in the Champagne region. With over 15 million bottles shipped
each year across the globe, the Saumur region is one of
France’s major production centres for fine sparkling wine.
SAUMUR
colours and landscapes from the Nantes region to Montsoreau.
Anjou and Saumur: an embarrassment of
riches!
Fine sparkling Saumur
LA FLÈCHE
SEGRÉ
sparkling white, red or rosé wines bearing the prestigious AOC label.
The French poet Joachim du Bellay described the wine from
this area as “the divine nectar that makes Anjou famous”. The
sweet Coteaux du Layon and the voluptuous Bonnezeaux
are yours to savour! Not to mention the sublime Quarts de
Chaume with its iridescent hue and princely smoothness; it
is also a “vin de garde” (wine for ageing) par excellence. The
Coteaux de l’Aubance promises equally mellow, nervy wines,
with aromas of flowers, dried apricot and vanilla.
LE MANS
2
7
In Vendée, a fruity nose and summer wines
Mareuil wines, made from Pinot noir, Gamay, Cabernet franc and Négrette grapes, dominate
production in the Vendée area. These varieties produce lively wines with a fruity nose and
an often remarkable blackcurrant aroma. The less well-known but high quality Pissote wines,
from the Fontenay-le-Comte region, and Vix wines have a generous nature and soft, flowery
aromas. Lastly, Brem wines are light and very fruity; with touches of apple for the whites, and
a more sustained finish for the reds.
Some 160 wine cellars on your route
A warm welcome awaits you in the Val de Loire wine cellars, and even more so in the 160
Pays de la Loire domains, which are committed to opening their doors to a pleasurable
experience. The signatories of the “hospitality quality” charter will be delighted to welcome
you and share their passion for winegrowing and wine.
1- The Savennières vineyards bordering
the Loire
2- Cave dwellings in Anjou
3- Autumn colours in the Saumur
Champigny vineyards
4- White, red, rosé... an ample choice
5- Wine-tasting in Varrains cellar
6- The Cointreau distillery is where the
celebrated liqueur is produced
7- The Coteaux d’Ancenis vineyards
• St-Florent-le-Vieil
A brief stop is a must to see the abbey-church,
the old city with its narrow, winding streets, the
vestiges of the town wall and, above all, the
view of the Loire River.
• Chalonnes-sur-Loire
On the way to the Layon, pretty countryside
with steep hills planted with grapevines frames
this peaceful river.
• St-Lambert-du-Lattay
A visit to St-Lambert-du-Lattay is highly
recommended to see the fascinating museum of
winegrowing and Anjou wine.
Want to prolong your winetasting?
www.vinsvaldeloire.fr
The Loire wines have their own houses.
Don’t hesitate to stop. You’ll find a warm
welcome and expert advice at the
Maison des Vins de Loire in Nantes,
and the Maisons des Vins de Loire in Angers
and Saumur.
Alcohol abuse is harmful to your health. Consume
it in moderation.
• Thouarcé
Cross the Layon River to reach this picturesque
town, see its windmills and taste Bonnezeaux
wine.
45
Parks and gardens:
immerse yourself in
colour – and scents!
Happy days
at the leisure park
1- Le Puy du Fou
2- Terra Botanica
3- Escal’Atlantic
Get away from it all and get to know
yourself again while having a great and
This is clearly a region with a green touch!
instructive time – there’s nothing like
And its horticultural bent goes way, way
a visit to a leisure park! Young and old
back. Benefiting from a rich history and
alike can’t get enough of them. Among
cooperative climate, Pays de la Loire has
the finest in the Pays de la Loire Region
become France’s top region for potted
we may mention Terra Botanica, Puy du
plants, bedding plants, ornamental shrubs
Fou and Escal’Atlantic. Prepare yourself
and lilies of the valley. Terra Botanica, the
for an experience to remember…
first theme park dedicated to the plant
At Puy du Fou, all the magic of history…
kingdom, could only flourish in this fertile
Day and night alike, the Grand Parc provides a thousand and
one opportunities for wonderment and thrills! There’s the
enchantment of the famous Cinéscénie, the world’s biggest
stage, of course, but there’s also a host of sights and sounds
to enthral you during the day. New in 2011 is “The Sign of
Triumph”, reliving the madness of Roman circus games in
a Gallo-Roman stadium… Other attractions include villages
that bring the past back to vibrant life. Even the park’s hotels
provide their guests with a fabulous journey back in time…
land. For everyone who loves parks and
gardens, here’s a brief overview that should
stimulate your senses!
1
1
1- T
he Oriental Park in Maulévrier
2- G
ardens at the Gaston Allard Arboretum
in Angers
3- Park of the Château de Courtanvaux
Gardens vibrant with life
The choice, just like the luxuriant, meticulously selected
plant life, is abundant in Pays de la Loire. From north to
south and east to west, there’s something for everyone!
Seeking the exotic? A change of scenery is guaranteed
at the Parc Oriental de Maulévrier that plunges you into a
bamboo forest worthy of Japan, and at the Parc Floral et
Tropical de la Court d’Aron. Or perhaps you have a penchant
for château life? If so, you’ll be enchanted by Le Lude, Craon,
Brissac, and many others. Romantic souls will especially
appreciate the Garenne-Lemot park with its Italian air.
For a completely different experience, visit the Marais,
Petit-Bordeaux, Manoir de la Massonière and Pellerine
gardens, which radiate a deliciously intimate charm.
For science buffs, the Jardin des Plantes de Nantes and the
Angers Arboretum exhibit beautiful botanical collections.
In Chemillé, Camifolia uses a fertile imagination to present
more than 350 medicinal and aromatic plant species.
While the Chemin de la Rose, and its amazing tunnel of
scents, the medieval garden in Bazoges-en-Pareds, and the
Jardin des Olfacties have created their own magical worlds.
In short, these parks and gardens are all exceptional and
well worth a visit!
46
Terra Botanica, near Angers…
Opened in 2010, there’s nowhere else like it in Europe – an eco-responsible park
that combines entertainment and education, cultivating a passion for vegetable
life over 11 hectares! Wandering through a landscape dotted with gardens, aquatic
areas and greenhouses, you’ll have a choice of some forty different attractions
and activities with interactivity and multidimensional presentation the order of the day.
On the programme: 4D projections, storytelling, games, excursions on the water or into the woods,
huts on stilts, and a lot more besides...
2
A fantastic cruise at Escal’Atlantic!
Set off aboard the world’s most prestigious steamships, a truly unforgettable scenic voyage
through all the grandeur of nature, at the Saint-Nazaire submarine base. On course for discovery
of the great sea routes! The programme for the voyage also includes a wealth of activities,
encounters, lectures and concerts…. With, in 2011, tribute to two queens of the sea, Normandy
and France, with presentation of remarkable archive films, items of furniture and silversmithery
and more besides…
2
For more details:
3
3
47
YOU’LL FEEL MORE ALIVE, DANCE MORE,
DREAM MORE – IN PAYS DE LA LOIRE THAN
ANYWHERE ELSE.
La Folle Journée
Dozens of classical music
concerts are played in Nantes
and a ten other cities in Pays
de la Loire. February.
www.follejournee.fr
Les Nuits
de la Mayenne
A theatre festival with
performances in some 12
locations all over Mayenne.
A cheerful blend of theatre
and heritage.
From mid-July – mid-August
www.nuitsdelamayenne.com
Le Mans
24-Hour Race
Le Mans 24-Hour Race in
mid-June is the key event of the
year for enthusiasts of highpowered race cars on the world’s
longest circuit. And don’t miss
the 24-Hour Motorcycle Race in
late-September.
www.lemans.org
Cadre Noir
in Saumur
Galas and public performances
by this famous corps of horse
trainers take place from April to
October and include equestrian
acrobatics, academic riding,
“airs” (sauts d’école) and trick
riding.
www.cadrenoir.fr
Le Puy du Fou
in Vendée
A French history theme park
recreates vanished worlds and eras
(April – September). In the evening,
Cinéscénie®, a stage production
of epic proportions, recounts 700
years of history (June – September).
www.puydufou.com
Special events rates
The Pays de la Loire Region in association with the SNCF offers
special events rates (TER) for getting to the various cultural and
sports events in the region via train or coach.
Be sure to make use of the ForfaiTER to get to summer events.
(See “How to get to Pays de la Loire” on the flap)
48
For more information about these and many other events:
www.ter.sncf.com/paysdelaloire
www.paysdelaloire.fr
Festival Premiers Plans (cinema)
Angers - January
Made in Angers
(tours of local businesses)
Angers - February-March
Anjou Wine Fair
Chalonnes - Late February
March / April
Festival de Pâques
(music festival)
Fontevraud - Holy Week
Carnivals
Nantes: April
Cholet: April
International Virtual
Reality Festival
Laval - April
Kid’s Folies (children’s festival)
Saint-Jean-de-Monts - April-May
Le Mans Europa Jazz Festival
Le Mans - April-May-June
May / June
Pornichet 100% Ludik
(100% fun for the whole family)
Pornichet - May
Festival de l’Abbaye de l’Epau
(classical music)
Yvré-L’Evêque - May
Les 3 Eléphants
(rock music festival)
Laval - Late May
Descente de la Loire en Chanson
(cultural, music and artistic troupe)
Towns along the Loire River
Late May – early June
Les rencontres du Fleuve
(travelling arts and environment festivals)
From Le Fresne-sur-Loire to
Saint-Nazaire
Early June
Festival International de St-Jazz-sur-Vie
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie - June
La Chalibaude
(theatre and dance street festival)
Château-Gontier - Late June
Festival les Orientales
(oriental music)
Saint-Florent-le-Vieil
Late June – early July
Festival d’Anjou (theatre)
Angers - Mid-June – mid-July
Les [F]estivales
(music events)
La Roche-sur-Yon
Late June – mid-September
July / August
Tour de France
First stages in Vendée
1 stage in Sarthe
Early July
La Nuit des Chimères
(spectacular light show in the Old City)
Le Mans - July & August
RDV du Végétal
(The world of plants and horticulture)
Anjou - July - mid-September
Festival de Poupet
(eclectic music)
Saint-Malo-du-Bois - July & August
Musique baroque en Vendée
(baroque music festival)
Saint-Sulpice-le-Verdon - July & August
La Déferlante
(live street shows and music)
10 beach resorts on the Atlantic Coast
July & August
Autrefois Challans (traditional fair)
Challans
July-August
Les Journées internationales
de la Rose (international rose show)
Doué-la-Fontaine - Mid-July
Subscr
ibe
For more information
and to plan your trip
Travel planning:
• Online express service
Go to www.paysdelaloire.co.uk, where you can immediately access over 20,000 addresses and order and download brochures
of your choice.
• Order by post
Choose the brochures you wish to receive and fill out the coupon below.
Le Carrousel de Saumur
(horse show)
Saumur - Late-July
Tempo rive
(summer world music festival)
Angers - Mid-July – late-August
• Stay informed with our PaysdelaLoire.com newsletter, which includes the best features from our website, including special offers,
our favourite places and lots of holiday ideas. You’ll receive it every month by e-mail.
Sign up for the newsletter on www.paysdelaloire.co.uk or return the coupon below.
Pays de la Loire tourist map
A road map featuring a wide
range of key attractions
(châteaux, museums, parks, gardens, and more) to help you make
the most of your stay in the Pays
de la Loire.
Bilingual (French / English)
Les Renc’Arts
(street performances)
Pornichet - July & August
Les Ricochets
(street arts)
Fontenay-le-Comte - July & August
Les Escales (world music)
Saint-Nazaire - Early August
2011
GUIDE DÉCOUVERTE
COURTS SÉJOURS ET VISITES EN PAYS DE LA LOIRE
30
September / October
Les Rendez-Vous de l’Erdre
(jazz and boating)
Nantes - Early September
Nautisme maritime et fluvial
en Pays de la Loire
Découvrez et pratiquez
les activités nautiques en Pays de la Loire
Les Accroche-cœurs
(street arts festival)
Angers -Early September
D E S
L I E U X
D’ A R T
C O N T E M P OR A I N
2010/11
« La Loire à Vélo »
A guide to the network of cycling
trails and services along the
“Loire à Vélo” route.
Document in French and in
English
Abbaye de Fontevraud
La Cité Idéale
(Dinners, shows and movies in the open air)
July - August
Festival de Musique Baroque
(baroque music festival)
Sablé-sur-Sarthe - Late August
G U I D E
R É G I O N A L
Pays de la Loire
Discovery Guide
Unbeatable ideas for stopovers
and special offers for visiting the
region.
French only
Sea and River-Based activities
in Pays de la Loire
All the addresses you need to
enjoy water sports in Pays de
la Loire.
Bilingual (French / English)
Riding in Pays de la Loire
A guide for discovering, watching
and participating in riding activities
in Pays de la Loire.
French only
La Gamelle Trophy
(mountain-biking)
Sillé-le-Guillaume
Late September
Les Embuscades
(rural comedy festival)
Cossé-le-Vivien
Late September – mid-October
Ci t’as la trouille !
(“wild” Halloween events)
Saint-Jean-de-Monts
Late October – early November
Les Utopiales
(science fiction festival)
Nantes
Late October – early November
November / December
Festival des 3 Continents
(cinema festival)
Nantes - Late November
Christmas lights and markets
Nantes, Angers, Laval,
Le Mans, Saumur, Cholet, Brissac,
Tiffauges - December
For more details:
Guide to Contemporary
Art Venues
A practical guide to 30
contemporary art venues with
permanent exhibitions in Pays
de la Loire.
French only
Nantes <> Saint-Nazaire
Estuary
List of artworks to see and boat
tours
Bilingual (French / English)
Golf Courses in Pays de la Loire
A guide to the 32 golf courses
in Pays de la Loire for both club
members and visiting golfers.
Bilingual (French / English)
Parks and Gardens
A brochure presenting the parks
and gardens in Pays de la Loire.
French only
Visit our Businesses in Pays
de la Loire
Some 75 companies invite you
in for a tour to learn about their
special expertise.
French only
Fine Dining in Pays de la Loire
More than 65 fine restaurants
in Pays de la Loire bearing either
a “Cuisineries Gourmandes” or
“Restaurateurs de France” quality
label.
Bilingual (French / English)
The Loire Wine Route
A map to guide your discovery
of Loire wines and
the winegrowing region.
Bilingual (French / English)
Public Transportation Travel
guide
A guide for getting around in
Pays de la Loire by train.
French only
Février / Juillet 2011
Guide du voyageur
en région des Pays de la Loire
Villes & Pays
d’Art &
d’Histoire
Petites CItés
de Caractère
Séjours - Loisirs
EVENTS
CALENDAR
January / February
Pays de
la Loire
en
Pays de la Loire
Être bien
chez nous,
c’est
naturel !
Cities of Character and Cities
and Regions of the Arts and
History
A guide to the small Cities of
Character and Cities and Regions
of the Arts and History in Pays
de la Loire.
Bilingual (French / English)
Bienvenue à la ferme
This guide acquaints you with all
“Bienvenue à la Ferme” network
members in Pays de la Loire
EDITION 2011
www.bienvenue-a-la-ferme.com/pays-de-la-loire
Bienvenue au Château
A guide to some 136 châteaux
and other country manors
offering upmarket bed and breakfast accommodations
in Western France.
Bilingual (French / English)
Fontevraud Abbey
An introduction to the Royal
Abbey of Fontevraud
Trilingual (French / English /
German)
Tick the boxes for the 3 brochures you wish to receive
Choose a maximum of 3 brochures
Pays de la Loire tourist map
“La Loire à Vélo”
Pays de la Loire Discovery Guide
Sea and River-Based Activities in Pays de la Loire
Riding in Pays de la Loire
Bienvenue au Château
Guide to Contemporary Art Venues
Parks and Gardens
Visit our Businesses in Pays de la Loire
Fine Dining in Pays de la Loire
The Loire Wine Route
Fontevraud Abbey
Nantes <> Saint-Nazaire Estuary
Golf Courses in Pays de la Loire
Public Transportation Travel Guide (TER)
Cities of Character and Cities and Regions of the Arts and History
Bienvenue à la ferme À renvoyer à l’adresse indiquée
au verso de ce coupon
49
The main
tourist offices
in the Pays de la Loire
Useful
contacts
Société publique régionale
des Pays de la Loire
Pays de la Loire Tourist Board
1 Place de la Galarne – BP 80221
F - 44202 Nantes cedex 2
Tel. (0033) 2 40 89 89 89
Fax : (0033) 2 40 89 89 85
E-mail : infotourisme@spr-paysdelaloire.fr
www.paysdelaloire.co.uk
AMBRIÈRES-LES-VALLÉES
Tel. (0033) 2 43 04 90 25
otsiambrieres@wanadoo.fr
FONTENAY-LE-COMTE
Tel. (0033) 2 51 69 44 99
www.tourisme-sudvendee.com
ANCENIS
Tel. (0033) 2 40 83 07 44
www.pays-ancenis-tourisme.fr
FRESNAY-SUR-SARTHE
(Alpes Mancelles)
Tel. (0033) 2 43 33 28 04
www.ot-alpes-mancelles.com
ANGERS
Tel. (0033) 2 41 23 50 00
www.angersloiretourisme.com
ANGLES
Tel. (0033) 2 51 97 56 39
www.angles.fr
BATZ-SUR-MER
Tel : (0033) 2 40 23 92 36
www.ot-batzsurmer.fr
BAUGÉ (Baugeois)
Tel. (0033) 2 41 89 18 07
www.tourisme-bauge.fr.st
Loire-Atlantique Tourisme - Agence de Développement
et de Réservation Touristiques
Tel. (0033) 810 044 001
www.ohlaloireatlantique.com
BEAUPRÉAU (Centre Mauges)
Tel. (0033) 2 41 75 38 31
www.tourisme-centremauges.com
BEAUVOIR-SUR-MER
Tel. (0033) 2 51 68 71 13
www.otsi-beauvoir.com
Comité Départemental du Tourisme de l’Anjou
Tel. (0033) 2 41 23 51 51
www.anjou-tourisme.com
BLAIN
Tel. (0033) 2 40 87 15 11
http://otsi.blain.free.fr
Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Mayenne
Tel. (0033) 2 43 53 18 18
www.tourisme-mayenne.com
BRÉTIGNOLLES-SUR-MER
Tel. (0033) 2 51 90 12 78
www.bretignolles-sur-mer.com
BRISSAC-QUINCÉ
(Brissac-Loire-Aubance)
Tel. (0033) 2 41 91 21 50
www.ot-brissac-loire-aubance.fr
Sarthe Développement
Tel. (0033) 2 43 40 22 50
www.tourisme-en-sarthe.com
CHALLANS
Tel. (0033) 2 51 93 19 75
www.otsi-challans.com
Comité Départemental du Tourisme de la Vendée
Tel. (0033) 2 51 47 88 20
www.vendee-tourisme.com
Chalonnes-sur-loire
(Loire-Layon)
Tel. (0033) 2 41 78 26 21
www.loire-layon-tourisme.com
CHÂTEAUBRIANT
Tel. (0033) 2 40 28 20 90
www.tourisme-chateaubriant.fr
Site web Atout France
www.franceguide.com
CHÂTEAU-D’OLONNE
Tel. (0033) 2 51 21 09 67
www.lechateaudolonne.fr
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50
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the monthly newsletter.
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CHÂTEAU-DU-LOIR
(Loir et Bercé)
Tel. (0033) 2 43 44 56 68
www.ot-loir-et-berce.org
tElEphone.........................................................................................................................................................................................................
Société publique régionale
des Pays de la Loire
C/O MPS – CS 60445
67412 ILLKIRCH CEDEX
FRANCE
LE LOROUX-BOTTEREAU
(Loire Divatte)
Tel. (0033) 2 40 03 79 76
www.tourisme-loiredivatte.fr
LE MANS
Tel. (0033) 2 43 28 17 22
www.lemanstourisme.com
gorron
Tel. (0033) 2 43 08 48 30
otsi@gorron.fr
LE POULIGUEN
Tel. (0033) 2 40 42 31 05
www.tourisme-lepouliguen.fr
GUÉMENÉ-PENFAO
Tel. (0033) 2 40 79 30 83
tourisme.guemene@wanadoo.fr
LES ESSARTS
Tel. (0033) 2 51 62 85 96
www.tourisme-paysdesessarts.com
GUÉRANDE
Tel. (0033) 2 40 24 96 71
www.ot-guerande.fr
LES HERBIERS
Tel. (0033) 2 51 92 92 92
www.ot-lesherbiers.fr
JARD-SUR-MER
Tel. (0033) 2 51 33 40 47
www.jard-sur-mer-vendee.com
LES SABLES-D’OLONNE
Tel. (0033) 2 51 96 85 85
www.lessablesdolonnetourisme.com
L’AIGUILLON-SUR-MER
Tel. (0033) 2 51 56 43 87
www.laiguillonsurmer.fr
LA BAULE
Tel. (0033) 2 40 24 34 44
www.labaule.fr
LA BERNERIE-EN-RETZ
Tel. (0033) 2 40 82 70 99
www.mairie-labernerie.fr
LA CHAPELLE-DES-MARAIS
(Brière)
Tel. (0033) 2 40 66 85 01
www.parc-naturel-briere.fr
LA CHÂTAIGNERAIE
Tel. (0033) 2 51 52 62 37
www.paysdelachataigneraie.org
LA FAUTE-SUR-MER
Tel. (0033) 2 51 56 45 19
www.lafautesurmer.com
LA FERTÉ-BERNARD
Tel. (0033) 2 43 71 21 21
www.la-ferte-bernard.com
LA FLÈCHE (Pays Fléchois)
Tel. (0033) 2 43 94 02 53
www.tourisme-paysflechois.fr
LA MOTHE-ACHARD
Tel. (0033) 2 51 05 90 49
www.achards-tourisme.com
LA PLAINE-SUR-MER
Tel. (0033) 2 40 21 52 52
www.laplainesurmer.fr
L’ILE D’YEU
Tel. (0033) 2 51 58 32 58
www.ile-yeu.fr
LONGEVILLE-SUR-MER
Tel. (0033) 2 51 33 34 64
www.longevillesurmer.com
LUÇON
Tel. (0033) 2 51 56 36 52
www.tourisme-lucon.fr
MACHECOUL
Tel. (0033) 2 40 31 42 87
www.ccmachecoul.fr
MAILLEZAIS
(Vendée-Sèvre-Autise)
Tel. (0033) 2 51 87 23 01
www.maraispoitevin-vendee.com
MAMERS (et Saosnois)
Tel. (0033) 2 43 97 60 63
www.tourisme-mamerssaosnois.com
MAYENNE (Pays de Mayenne)
Tel. (0033) 2 43 04 19 37
www.paysdemayenne-tourisme.fr
MESQUER-QUIMIAC
Tel. (0033) 2 40 42 64 37
www.mesquer-quimiac.com
NANTES
Tel. (0033) 2 72 64 04 79
www.nantes-tourisme.com
NOIRMOUTIER-EN-L’ILE
Tel. (0033) 2 51 39 80 71
www.ile-noirmoutier.com
CHÂTEAU-GONTIER
(Sud Mayenne)
Tel. (0033) 2 43 70 42 74
www.sud-mayenne.com
LA ROCHE-SUR-YON
(Pays Yonnais)
Tel. (0033) 2 51 36 00 85
www.ot-roche-sur-yon.fr
CHEMILLÉ
Tel. (0033) 2 41 46 14 64
www.ot-chemille.fr
LA TRANCHE-SUR-MER
Tel. (0033) 2 51 30 33 96
www.ot-latranchesurmer.fr
OLONNE-SUR-MER
Tel. (0033) 2 51 90 75 45
www.olonnesurmer.fr
CHOLET
Tel. (0033) 2 41 49 80 00
www.ot-cholet.fr
LA TURBALLE
Tel. (0033) 2 40 23 39 87
www.laturballe.info
PAIMBOEUF
Tel. (0033) 2 40 27 53 82
www.paimboeuf.fr
CLISSON (Vallée de)
Tel. (0033) 2 40 54 02 95
www.valleedeclisson.fr
LAVAL
Tel. (0033) 2 43 49 46 46
www.laval-tourisme.com
PIRIAC-SUR-MER
Tel. (0033) 2 40 23 51 42
www.piriac.net
doué-la-fontaine
Tel. (0033) 2 41 59 20 49
www.ot-douelafontaine.fr
LE CROISIC
Tel. (0033) 2 40 23 00 70
www.tourisme-lecroisic.fr
PORNIC
Tel. (0033) 2 40 82 04 40
www.ot-pornic.fr
NOTRE-DAME-DE-MONTS
Tel. (0033) 2 51 58 84 97
www.notre-dame-de-monts.fr
PORNICHET
Tel. (0033) 2 40 61 33 33
www.pornichet.fr
POUZAUGES
Tel. (0033) 2 51 91 82 46
www.paysdepouzauges.fr
PRÉ-EN-PAIL
Tel. (0033) 2 43 03 06 10
PRÉFAILLES
Tel. (0033) 2 40 21 62 22
www.prefailles.fr
SABLÉ-SUR-SARTHE
(Pays de Sablé)
Tel. (0033) 2 43 95 00 60
www.tourisme.sablesursarthe.fr
SAUMUR (Le Saumurois)
Tel. (0033) 2 41 40 20 60
www.saumur-tourisme.com
SILLÉ-LE-GUILLAUME
Tel. (0033) 2 43 20 10 32
www.tourisme.sille-le-guillaume.fr
ST-BREVIN-LES-PINS
Tel. (0033) 2 40 27 24 32
www.mairie-saint-brevin.fr
ST-gildas-des-bois
Tel. (0033) 2 40 01 40 10
www.tourismesaintgildasdesbois.fr
ST-GILLES-CROIX-DE-VIE
Tel. (0033) 2 51 55 03 66
www.stgillescroixdevie.com
ST-HILAIRE-DE-RIEZ
Tel. (0033) 2 51 54 31 97
www.ot-sthilairederiez.com
ST-JEAN-DE-MONTS
Tel. 0 826 887 887
www.saint-jean-de-monts.com
ST-LYPHARD
Tel. (0033) 2 40 91 41 34
www.saint-lyphard.com
ST-MATHURIN-SUR-LOIRE
(Loire Authion)
Tel. (0033) 2 41 57 01 82
www.ot-loire-authion.fr
ST-NAZAIRE
Tel. (0033) 2 40 22 40 65
www.saint-nazaire-tourisme.com
ST-PHILBERT-DE-GRAND-LIEU
Tel. (0033) 2 40 78 73 88
www.ot-stphilbertdegrandlieu.fr
STE-SUZANNE
Tel. (0033) 2 43 01 43 60
www.sainte-suzanne.com
TALMONT-ST-HILAIRE
Tel. (0033) 2 51 90 65 10
www.ot-talmont-bourgenay.com
VALLET
Tel. (0033) 2 40 36 35 87
www.cc-vallet.fr
2-star, 3-star and 4-star
tourist offices
44 LOIRE-ATLANTIQUE
49 ANJOU
53 MAYENNE
72 SARTHE
85 VENDÉE
To get
to Pays de la Loire
By plane:
THE KEY TO DISCOVERING
THE PAYS DE LA LOIRE
Nantes-Atlantique Airport
Tel. (0033) 2 40 84 80 00
www.nantes.aeroport.fr
Angers Loire Airport
Tel. (0033) 2 41 33 50 20
www.angers-loire-aeroport.fr
Parc Naturel Régional /
Normandie Maine
Pontmain
By car:
- A 11: Paris-Le Mans-Angers-Nantes
- A 81: Le Mans-Laval
- A 85: Tours-Saumur-Angers
- A 83: Niort-Nantes
- A 87: Angers-Cholet-La Roche-sur-Yon
- A 28: Tours-Le Mans-Alençon
Tourist Office
BY TRAIN:
Museum
Frequent daily TGV (high-speed trains) service from
Paris, Lille and Lyon to the major cities in Pays de la
Loire.
Example: Paris-Nantes > 2 hours
Over 200 stations and stops served by the Pays de la
Loire train (TER) and coach network, with many TGV
connections.
SNCF/information-reservations
Tel. 3635 or Contact TER (from France):
0 810 324 324 (price of a local call)
www.voyages-sncf.com or www.ter-sncf.com
Amusement park
Small Towns of Character
Historic building (château, notable religious buildings)
Forêt
de Sillé
Pays des Coëvrons
Golf course
From May 1 to September 30, 2011, and for just €40, this pass allows up to 5 people
to travel for two consecutive days on all train and bus lines in the Pays de la Loire regional network*. Purchase the ForfaiTER ticket at counters or regional ticket distributor
at Pays de la Loire train stations.
* ForfaiTER can be used from points in Pays de la Loire to the stations in Redon, Vitré, Alençon, Nogentle-Rotrou, Château-du-Loir, Saumur, Cholet, Bressuire, Niort and La Rochelle. It is valid for all regional
coaches and for 2nd-class and TER trains, and 2nd class Corail cars.
www.ter-sncf.com/paysdelaloire
Sablé-sur-Sarthe
Châteaubriant
Mesquer-Quimiac
St-Molf
La Chapelle- Missillac
des-Marais
St-Gildasdes-Bois
Herbignac
Treffieux
St-Lyphard
Nort-sur-Erdre
Ecouflant
Guérande
Ancenis
Savenay
Rocheservière
La Barre-de-Monts
Challans
Soullans
St-Jean-de-Monts
Apremont
Port-Joinville
G. Arnaud, P. Baudry, S. Bourcier, Ph. Caharel, E. Caracciolo, P.A Coumes, F. Douaud, D. Drouet, G. Durand ; A. Escudier, Ch.
Favreau, A.S Flament, P. Gérard, V. Joncheray, J.P Klein, A. Laurioux, J.B Leroux, L. Massillon, B. Schoch, N. Souto ; H. Thai
Thuc, M. Thiery; J.D Billaud / Nautilus-Nantes ; S. Bonniol / Visuelles ; P.B Fourny, S. Laval, B. Warion / Région Pays de la
Loire ; D. Darrault / Abbaye de Fontevraud ; J.C Druais / CDT 53 ; P. Gérard, B. David / OT Nantes Métropole ; V. Jacques ;
Gino Maccarinelli / Estuaire ; C. Sagorin / Turquant ; Château Les Briottières, Terre Neuve, Château de Talmont ; Ad’hoc, G.
Moussé / Ville du Mans ; OT Ile d’Yeu ; OT Laval ; CEMJIKA / Vallée de la Sarthe ; Maine Anjou Rivières ; Golf Nantes Erdre ;
Golf La Bretesche ; Nautilus Pornichet ; Les Nuits de la Mayenne ; A. Klose, H. Champollion / SNTP ; Ch. Lepetit / Océarium
du Croisic ; E.N.E / A. Laurioux, Haras Nationaux ; G. Arnaud / Terra Botanica ; Puy du Fou ; La Jeune Ariane ; P. Joubert /
Ignis Communication, Relais Thalasso La Baule ; Delmas / Thalasso Alliance Pornic ; Village troglodytique Rochemenier,
Ville de Fontenay-le-Comte, Ville de la Roche-sur-Yon ; Ville de Cholet ; E. Lizambard ; Tepacap.
This document is not binding. The Tourist Board cannot be held responsible for any errors contained in this publication.
This publication has been produced by the Société publique régionale
des Pays de la Loire (Pays de la Loire Tourist Board) on behalf
of the Pays de la Loire Regional Council .
Société publique régionale des Pays de la Loire
Campus Régional - 1, place de la Galarne - BP 80221 - F-44202 Nantes cedex 2
Tél. +33 (0) 240 89 89 89 - Fax +33 (0) 240 89 89 85
www.spr-paysdelaloire.fr
Ile d'Yeu
St-Hilaire-de-Riez
St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie
Atlantic Ocean
L'Aiguillon-sur-Vie
Brétignolles-sur-Mer
Asnièressur-Vègre Louplande
Parcésur-Sarthe
Malicornesur-Sarthe
Champagné
Sargé-lès-Le-Mans
St-Calais
Yvré-l'Evêque
Mulsanne
Ecommoy
St-Biez-en-Belin
Le Grand Lucé
Bessé-sur-Braye
Forêt
de Bercé Poncé-sur-le-Loir
Mayet
Chenillé-Changé
La Chartre-sur-le-Loir
La Flèche
ChâteauneufSegré
Champigné
sur-Sarthe
Luché-Pringé
Château-du-Loir
Le Lion -d 'An gers
Durtal
Pays de la Vallée du Loir
Ecuillé
r
Clefs
Loi
Le Lude
Le Plessis-Macé
Feneu
Angers
Champtocésur-Loire
Echemiré
Baugé
Coëx
St-Sulpice-le-Verdon
Les Brouzils
Mallièvre
Chavagnes-en-Paillers
Les Epesses
Les Lucs-sur-Boulogne
Les Herbiers Le Puy du Fou
Palluau
La Flocellière
St-Mesmin
Mouchamps
Aizenay
BRETAGNE
Pouzauges
Chantonnay
Bazoges-en-Pareds
A11
Le Mans
A81
SARTHE
VANNES
A11
CENTRE
Angers
LOIRE-ATLANTIQUE
Tours
ANJOU
ORLÉANS
Nantes
A85
A87
A83
VENDÉE
La Roche-sur-Yon
A83
Les Essarts
La Roche-sur-Yon
PARIS
A28
MAYENNE
Rennes
Laval
Les Landes Mortagne
-Génusson sur-Sèvre
Sainte-Hermine
La Châtaigneraie
Sainte-Pexine
Thiré
Nesmy
La Mothe-Achard
Mareuil-surVouvant
MoutiersOlonne-sur-Mer
Lay-Dissais
Faymoreau
les-Mauxfaits
Forêt de Mervent
Sables-d'Olonne
Château-d'Olonne
Foussais-Payré
Avrillé
Le Champ-St-Père
Talmont-St-Hilaire
St-Cyr-en-Talmondais
Pouillé
St-Hilaire-la-Forêt
Le Bernard
Luçon
Jard-sur-Mer
Longeville-sur-Mer
Fontenay-le-Comte
St-Vincent-sur-Jard
The Marais Poitevin Interregional Park
La Tranche-sur-Mer
Angles
Nieul-sur-l'Autise
ChailléSt-MichelLa Faute-sur-Mer
les-Marais
en-l'Herm
Maillezais
L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer
Brem-sur-Mer
Les
Montaigu
Legé
Notre-Dame-de-Monts
Photos credits:
Cover : Mayenne Valley (photo J.D Billaud / Nautilus) ; Noirmoutier (photo V. Joncheray) ; Saumur (Ph. Caharel) ; Le Mans
(G. Moussé – Ville du Mans)
Brûlon
Vibraye
Nantes
Beauvoir-sur-Mer
PROMOUVOIR
LA GESTION DURABLE
DE LA FORÊT
Le Mans
St-Christopheen-Champagne
St-Georges-sur -Loire
St-Mathurin-sur-Loire
Savennières
Montjean-sur-Loire
Vigneux-de-Bretagne
Blaison-Gohier
Blaison
Gotier
Le Croisic
Oudon
La Possonnière
St-Jean-desSucé-sur-Erdre
St-André-des-Eaux
Béhuard Mauvrets
Le Thoureil
Batz-sur-Mer
ChalonnesSt-Florent-le-Vieil
Les RosiersSt-Nazaire
St-EtienneCarquefou
sur-Loire Denée
Brissac-Quincé
Le Pouliguen
sur-Loire
de-Montluc
Paimbœuf
La
Varenne
Baule
La
Le Fu ilet
Gennes
BeaulieuParc Naturel Régional /
Ch ênehutteSt-Brevin-les-Pins Frossay
Pornichet
sur-Layon
St-Sébastien-sur-Loire
Loire-Anjou-Touraine
Trèves-Cunault
Sainte-Christine
Sautron
St-Michel-Chef-Chef
Le Loroux-Bottereau
Allonnes
LouresseSaumur
St-Herblain
Beaupréau
La Plaine-sur-Mer
Rochemenier
Loire
La Boissière-du-Doré
Port-St-Père
Montsoreau
Préfailles
Forges
Turquant
Vallet
Aubigné-sur-Layon
FontevraudHaute-Goulaine
Chemillé
Pornic
La Bernerie-en-Retz
Doué-laLe Coudray- Brézé l'Abbaye
Les Moutiers-en-Retz
Macouard
Fontaine
Clisson
Vihiers
Bourgneuf-en-Retz
Gétigné
St-Philbert-deNoirmoutierMontreuil-Bellay
Cholet
Grand-Lieu
Le Puyen-l’Ile
Maulévrier
Machecoul
Notre-Dame
Tiffauges
Piriac-sur-Mer
La Turballe
La Ferté-Bernard
Ballon
Oudo
n
Avrillé
Ponchâteau
Parc Naturel
Régional de Brière
La Meillerayede-Bretagne
St-Denis-d'Anjou
D aon
Nyoiseau
Noyant-La-Gravoyère
Blain
Ile de Noirmoutier
PEFC/10-31-1087
Meslaydu-Maine
Château-Gontier
Craon
Nozay
Beaumont-surSarthe
Pays du Perche Sarthois
Montfort-le-Gesnois
St-Pierre-sur-Erve
Saulges
Parné-sur-Roc
Cossé-le-Vivien
Forêt du Gâvre
Vivoin
Ste-Suzanne
Laval
TGV high-speed-train station
Derval
Silléle-Guillaume
Montmirail
Regional Nature Park
and The Marais Poitevin
Interregional Park
Guémené-Penfao
ForfaiTER, the smart summer pass.
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
UNESCO World heritage
Site Boundary
Park / garden
Mamers
Villaines-la-Juhel
Jublains
Town/area known for its art / heritage
By bus, train, coach or tramway... with a single click, destineo.fr
works out the best itinerary for your travels in Pays de la Loire.
Arçonnay
Chailland
Boat-hire marina
Forêt de Perseigne
St-Pierre-des-Nids
La Pellerine
Zoo / Aquarium
Pré-en-Pail
Lassay-les-Châteaux
Mayenne
Thalassotherapy center / seawater spa
(To call from abroad, dial 00 33, followed by the
telephone number without the initial ‘0’)
Text: Partie de Campagne - Scritto - Designed by: Nouveau Monde DDB , France.
Printed by: IMAYE GRAPHIC
Brochure printed on paper from sustainably managed forests.
Ambrièresles-Vallées
Gorron
La Rochelle
Poitiers
Niort
BORDEAUX
A10
POITOU-CHARENTES
2 new websites
to discover
the Loire Valley
Pays de la Loire
Cave dwellings
Angers
Saumur
ORLÉANS
Nantes
RE
LA
Château BLOIS
Royal de Blois
ANGERS
ST-BREVINLES-PINS
TOURS
Château
et Jardins
Château
de Villandry du Clos Lucé
Cadre
Noir de Saumur
Château
des Ducs de Bretagne
SAUMUR
Château
d’Azay-le-Rideau
Abbaye de Fontevraud
Forteresse Royale
de Chinon
ATLANTIC
OCEAN
Château Royal
d’Amboise
Château
de Langeais
Château
de Saumur
NANTES
Château de
Sully-sur-Loire
Domaine National
de Chambord
Château de Cheverny
Château d’Angers
LA LOIRE
ST-NAZAIRE
I
LO
Domaine de
Chaumont-sur-Loire
Château
de Chenonceau
Château de Valençay
Cité Royale de Loches
www.loire-chateaux.org
www.loire-a-velo.fr
Everything you’ll need to plan your visit
(detailed itineraries, accommodations
bearing the “La Loire à Vélo” label,
all-inclusive stays, etc.).
“La Loire à Vélo”, a superb network
of bike trails!
800 km to ride with your other half, with your
family or with friends between Cuffy in the Cher
and Saint-Brevin-les-Pins beside the Atlantic.
A route that alternates bike trails and littletravelled roads, inviting you to explore and
experience a great escape (see page 23).
Practical information on the
châteaux, major events and
suggested itineraries for effectively
planning your visit.
Prestigious sites to discover
or rediscover
The Loire Valley has a truly remarkable
heritage of monuments. 19 Loire
châteaux among the most magnificent
of all await you. Come see them for
yourself (see page 22).
Great Loire
Valley sites
"La Loire à Vélo"
Itineray
Cuffy