Between history and nature, discover the region of the Pays de la Loire and explore together the most beautiful villages in the Pays de la Loire!
South of the Brittany and of Normandy , the Pays de la Loire is a territory with a thousand secrets. Often renowned for its vineyards, it is the place of predilection of lovers of great vintages. However, the main attraction of the region obviously lies in its impressive castles . From its medieval fortresses to its imposing Renaissance buildings, it houses the most emblematic forts of the country. We therefore selected the most beautiful villages in the Pays de la Loire, for an unusual visit. So, why don't you take a little tour of these incredible places to visit without delay? Here we go!
1. Montsoreau
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Viktor Goloborodko
Literary enthusiasts inevitably know this village of Pays de la Loire. It is the emblematic place of the eponymous novel by Alexandre Dumas. But it is not for nothing that the famous writer was inspired by this commune.
Indeed, its sumptuous castle and fortifications date back to the 15th century. And this place is worth visiting for its incredible architecture. But also its unlike atmosphere. In recent years, it has even been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A must for history lovers.
2. Vouvant
Photo credit: Shutterstock – JAS Photo
The only fully fortified commune that has been preserved in the hexagon, this village of Pays de la Loire will immediately seduce you. Moreover, he has been considered one of the most beautiful in the country since 1988. It was born of the famous legend of Mélusine, and is emblematic of the regional myths.
In addition, he inspired many painters through the centuries thanks to his sumptuous landscapes.
3. Lassay-les-Châteaux
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Rolf E. Staerk
In the heart of the Normandy-Maine Regional Park, this village of Pays de la Loire has a rich natural heritage. Beyond its fabulous environment, it is characterized by splendid French gardens. Also, at the foot of his fortress, you can even explore his magnificent emblematic rose garden.
It is therefore a true setting of greenery, and a must for history lovers!
4. Behuard
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Chbo91
The peculiarity of this village of Pays de la Loire is to be the only island in the region. It is in the middle of two arms of the eponymous river. It is therefore in a most atypical setting that you can visit this commune. It has only a few hundred inhabitants, but is rich in its exceptional character.
Its chapel attracts hundreds of tourists every year, and its fortifications are an extraordinary place of discoveries.
5. Sainte-Suzanne
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Jp.morteveille
Overlooking the beautiful valley of the Erve, this village in Pays de la Loire is one of the most beautiful of the hexagon. It is renowned to be the medieval city that challenged Guillaume the Conqueror . Also, its 11th century fortress is one of the most emblematic of the Middle Ages.
Nevertheless the town is not only known for its eponymous castle. It is indeed one of the oldest megalithic monuments in the region: the Dolmen des Erves. The village is therefore a must for culture lovers!
6. Fresnay-sur-Sarthe
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Imladris
A former fortified city, this village in the Pays de la Loire is strong from the exceptional vestiges of its history. It still has a large number of ramparts, as well as some castle towers that dominated the commune before.
However, this is not the only feature of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe. Because this small hamlet is also characterized by the incredible panorama it offers on the eponymous river. Between nature and history, he will quickly seduce his many travelers!
7. Saulges
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Chatsam
In the heart of cliffs, this small village in Pays de la Loire has only three hundred souls in the year. The course of water that runs along also includes several exceptional caves. Beyond its certain charm, Saulges is therefore strong in its archaeological and natural heritage.
He attracts specialists from all over the world, and seems to have not yet delivered all his secrets. Also, its very wild setting makes it a place for hiking and discovering enthusiasts.
8. Vivoin
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Christophe Bazile
With its agricultural tradition, this village in Pays de la Loire is located on the banks of the Sarthe. Very rural, it is characterized by traditional buildings and atypical architectures. His church and Priory dating back to the 11th century have resisted the times. Rich in its local customs, this village is a real place of discovery for travellers.
It represents particularly the regional traditions and the rich history of the region. Vivoin promises you a visit of the most immersive in Pays de la Loire!
9. Piriac-sur-Mer
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Christian Musat
On the Atlantic coast, this village in Pays de la Loire is a renowned seaside resort. Small traditional fishing port, it charms travellers thanks to its splendid sandy beaches. Nevertheless, the commune is not limited to its beautiful seafront. Indeed, its paved and constantly flowery streets give it an undeniable charm.
Between sumptuous hortensias, historic buildings and groaning roses, you will feel like a leap in time.
10. Montmirail
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Gentil Hibou
The Fears of History inevitably know this famous village in Pays de la Loire. Its medieval castle was the emblem of a series of very popular films. But fiction often joins reality, since the eponymous fortress is one of the most famous of the hexagon.
Built in the 11th century, it was the scene of multiple conflicts of territory and religions. In addition, the surrounding Sarthian commune is strong in its rich cultural heritage. Each year, it welcomes many medieval festivities.
11. Asnières-sur-Vègre
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Elena Dijour
This village in Pays de la Loire is characterized mainly by its medieval city. It is considered one of the most beautiful communes in the region. On the banks of the Sarthe, it has an exceptional charm, and offers a magnificent natural setting. But it is probably its atypical architecture that gives it an undeniable stamp. It is actually shared between its Renaissance-style houses and medieval fortifications.
Marked by the various centuries, it has a unique cultural heritage of its kind. It is also known to be a flowery city. Also, the murals of his church are most impressive. Needless to say, he will immediately seduce you with his particular atmosphere!
12. Fontaine-Daniel
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Tsaag Valren
While most villages in the Pays de la Loire are characterized by their history, some have an extraordinary setting. This is the case of Fontaine-Daniel, which has an exceptional surrounding nature. A truly flowery city, it will plunge you into the heart of regional traditions.
Between its beautiful gardens and its shaded shores, this commune invites you to relaxation and relaxation.
13. Crucial
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Rolf E. Staerk
At the gates of the Breton coast, this village in Pays de la Loire is a charming small fishing port. It is located at the border of the region, on the wild shores of the Atlantic. Often considered Breton, it is still part of the magnificent peninsula of Guérande.
Nevertheless, its splendid seafront and its atypical architecture will seduce you. You can stroll between its historic private hotels and its old houses. On the docks, you can be drunk by the particular atmosphere of the coastline and the scream.
14. Batz-sur-Mer
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Pack-Shot
At the tip of the guerrilla peninsula, this small village in Pays de la Loire is a haven of peace. Travellers are usually charmed by its fabulous sandy beaches and impressive cliffs. At the gates of the Atlantic, it obviously invites relaxation and rest. On the seafront, you can go to the exceptional coastal climate.
You can of course taste the local specialties , and better discover the extraordinary culture of the region.
Among the many villages in the Pays de la Loire, what is your favorite?
Loading comments ...