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PAYS DE LA LOIRE - PAYS DE LA LOIRE - PAYS DE LA LOIRE

PAYS DE LA LOIRE

The Pays de la Loire are a region of the Great West of France bringing together the departments of Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe and Vendée. The regional prefecture is Nantes.

Bordered to the west by the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean), it is bounded to the north by the regions of Brittany and Normandy, to the east by the Centre-Val de Loire with which it shares the natural region of Val de Loire and to the south by Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

The region owes its name to the main river that crosses it: the Loire.

Intertourism specialist in organizing trips to Pays-de-la-Loire since 1981

Intertourisme is a company specializing in organizing trips to the Pays-de-la-Loire. Our passion is to introduce our customers to the wonders of this unique and authentic region.

We are committed to offering unforgettable travel experiences by providing quality services so that each customer can enjoy a unique and personalized experience.

Our team works in close collaboration with local players to design circuits that meet the expectations and needs of our customers, while offering them the opportunity to discover the splendors of Alsace.

Whether you are looking for a family, couple or solo vacation, Intertourisme is the reference for tailor-made trips to Alsace.

Which places to visit in Pays-de-la-Loire?

The Pays de la Loire region, located in western France, is known for its majestic castles, elegant gardens, vineyards, and historic towns. Here are some of the places to visit in this region:

1. Nantes:

  1. Château des Ducs de Bretagne: A renowned medieval castle, housing a city history museum.
  2. Les Machines de l’Île: A unique amusement park with giant machines, including the mechanical elephant.

2. Angers:

  1. Château d’Angers: A 13th century fortified castle containing the famous Apocalypse tapestry.
  2. The City: The historic city center with its cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and markets.

3. Le Mans:

  1. The old town of Le Mans: With its Saint-Julien cathedral and its picturesque streets.
  2. 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit: For car racing enthusiasts, visit the famous circuit.

4. Saumur:

  1. Château de Saumur: A castle overlooking the Loire, housing the Museum of Decorative Arts.
  2. Cadre Noir: The national riding school, renowned for its horse breeding and equestrian shows.

5. The Loire Castles:

  1. Château de Chambord: The largest of the Loire castles, known for its impressive architecture.
  2. Château de Chenonceau: A castle spanning the Cher River, surrounded by elegant gardens.
  3. Château d’Amboise: A royal castle with a panoramic view of the Loire Valley.

6. Noirmoutier Island:

  1. The Passage du Gois: A submersible road at high tide leading to the island.
  2. Château de Noirmoutier: A medieval fortress offering a view of the island.

7. Terra Botanica, Angers:

A theme park dedicated to the plant world, with gardens, attractions and exhibitions.

8. Les Sables-d’Olonne:

  1. La Grande Plage: A magnificent beach of fine sand.
  2. Le Remblai: A lively seaside promenade.

9. Cholet:

  • Cholet Art and History Museum: A museum presenting the industrial and artistic history of the city.

10. The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud:

  • A royal abbey listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its architecture and royal tombs.

These suggestions offer a variety of cultural, historical and natural experiences in the Pays de la Loire region. Whether you are passionate about history, castles, wine or nature, this region has something to offer every visitor.

What monuments can we discover in Pays-de-la-Loire?

The Pays de la Loire region of France is rich in historic monuments, majestic castles, cathedrals and other remarkable architectural sites. Here are some of the monuments to discover in this region:

1. Château des Ducs de Bretagne, Nantes:

  • A medieval castle located in the heart of Nantes, with its moats, towers and ramparts. It houses the Nantes history museum.

2. Angers Castle, Angers:

  • This 13th century fortified castle is famous for its Apocalypse tapestry, an exceptional medieval work.

3. Saint-Pierre de Nantes Cathedral, Nantes:

  • A Gothic cathedral located in the center of Nantes, renowned for its stained glass windows and architecture.

4. Château de Saumur, Saumur:

  • Overlooking the Loire, this castle offers a panoramic view of the region. It also houses the Museum of Decorative Arts.

5. Château de Chambord, Chambord:

  • The largest of the Loire castles, Chambord is renowned for its unique Renaissance architecture.

6. Château de Chenonceau, Chenonceaux:

  • A castle spanning the Cher River, also called “Château des Dames”, known for its gardens and fascinating history.

7. Amboise Castle, Amboise:

  • Located on the banks of the Loire, this royal castle is associated with several kings of France, including Francis I and Charles VIII.

8. Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, Fontevraud-l’Abbaye:

  • A royal abbey listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which houses the tombs of several kings and queens of England.

9. Priory of Saint-Cosme, La Riche:

  • Former monastery which became the residence of the poet Pierre de Ronsard, this priory has beautiful gardens and troglodyte cellars.

These monuments offer an insight into the rich and varied history of the Pays de la Loire region, as well as its exceptional architecture. Each of them has its own history and architectural features, contributing to the beauty and cultural diversity of the region.

Which villages to visit in Pays-de-la-Loire?

The Pays de la Loire region of France is home to many charming villages, often nestled deep in the countryside or along rivers. Here are some of the villages to visit in this region:

1. Sainte-Suzanne:

  • Classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France”, Sainte-Suzanne has a charming medieval center with cobbled streets and half-timbered houses.

2. Montsoreau:

  • Located along the Loire, Montsoreau is a picturesque village with a castle overlooking the river.

3. Lavardin:

  • A small medieval village perched on a hill, offering a panoramic view of the Loir valley.

4. Candes-Saint-Martin:

  • This village is classified among the “Most Beautiful Villages of France” and is located at the confluence of the Vienne and the Loire.

5. The Arrow:

  • A historic town with a preserved city center, La Flèche is known for its collegiate church and its castle.

6. Le Croisic:

  • A charming fishing village on the Atlantic coast, offering narrow streets, colorful houses and a bustling port.

7. La Guérinière (Island of Noirmoutier):

  • On the island of Noirmoutier, La Guérinière is a coastal village with fine sandy beaches and typical charm.

8. Saint-Bertrand-de-Comminges:

  • Located in the Mayenne department, this village is dominated by an impressive church and offers a peaceful atmosphere.

9. Fontevraud-l’Abbaye:

  • Next to the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, this village has preserved its medieval character with its stone houses.

These villages offer an authentic experience of local life, with their preserved architecture, local markets and often magnificent natural panoramas. Explore their picturesque streets, discover their historic churches and enjoy the tranquil ambiance of the French countryside.

10 activities to discover the Pays-de-la-Loire as a family

Discovering the Pays de la Loire as a family offers many possibilities for fun, cultural and natural activities. Here are 10 activity ideas to enjoy this region with your family:

  1. Visit of Castles:
    • Explore the region’s emblematic castles such as the Château de Chambord, the Château de Saumur or the Château d’Angers.
  2. Bike ride along the Loire:
    • Take the cycle paths along the Loire for a family ride in the heart of nature.
  3. Terra Botanica Amusement Park, Angers:
    • Discover this theme park dedicated to botany with attractions suitable for all ages.
  4. Cruise on the Loire:
    • Go for a family cruise on the Loire to discover the region from another point of view.
  5. Day at La Baule Beach:
    • Enjoy a sunny day at La Baule beach, one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe.
  6. La Flèche Zoo:
    • Visit the La Flèche Zoo, which offers a wide variety of animals and activities for children.
  7. Picnic at Parc Balzac, Angers:
    • Enjoy a family picnic in Balzac Park in Angers, an ideal place to relax.
  8. Visit of Puy du Fou:
    • Go on a family adventure to Puy du Fou, a historic theme park offering epic shows.
  9. Boat trip on the Erdre:
    • Explore the Erdre River on a boat trip, a relaxing getaway in the middle of a green landscape.
  10. Family Fishing Workshop:
    • Take part in a family fishing workshop along the rivers or bodies of water in the region.

The 10 gems of Pays-la-Loire

The Pays de la Loire region is full of cultural, natural and historical treasures. Here are 10 gems to discover in this region:

  1. The Château de Chambord:
    • A Renaissance masterpiece, the largest of the Loire châteaux, with its spectacular architecture and vast gardens.
  2. Les Machines de l’Île, Nantes:
    • A fantastic universe where giant mechanical machines come to life, including the impressive mechanical elephant.
  3. Puy du Fou:
    • A unique theme park that offers grandiose historical shows in an exceptional natural setting.
  4. The Château d’Angers:
    • A 13th century fortified castle housing the famous Apocalypse tapestry and offering panoramic views of the city.
  5. Slot Machines, Le Croisic:
    • Traditional salt marshes where you can discover the salt harvesting process, with rows of windmills.
  6. The Manoir de l’Automobile, Lohéac:
    • An impressive collection of vintage cars and racing vehicles, ideal for car enthusiasts.
  7. Les Chantiers Navals, Saint-Nazaire:
    • A fascinating industrial site where you can visit shipyards and learn about modern shipbuilding.
  8. The Gardens of the Château de Villandry:
    • Magnificent gardens, renowned for their geometric flower beds, checkerboard vegetables and charming groves.
  9. The House of the Salt Marshes, Guérande:
    • A museum that explores the history and culture of the region’s salt marshes, with interactive exhibits.
  10. The Islands of Yeu and Noirmoutier:
    • Two islands off the Vendée coast, offering magnificent beaches, picturesque villages and a peaceful atmosphere.

Each of these nuggets offers a unique experience, whether culturally, historically or naturally, contributing to the richness and diversity of the Pays de la Loire region.

Contact us

 Address: 4 RUE ALEXANDRE DUMAS 78230 LE PECQ – FRANCE
Phone: +33(1) 75 26 12 82
Email: contact@intertourisme.com
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