The 10 things to do in the Pays de la Loire

Would you like to visit the Pays de la Loire? Discover the 10 essential things to do in this beautiful French region!

The Pays de la Loire has an exceptional heritage that deserves to stop you there a few days. Prepare your luggage and go to discover the cities, monuments and natural treasures of this territory. Visiting the Pays de la Loire in all its facets is obviously an excellent idea to discover a whole range of French culture, heritage and history.

And in the Pays de la Loire, there are for all tastes! Between the Atlantic, Châteaux de la Loire or the Loire Valley, you'll have something to do with it. Whether you’re lovers of history, nature or fierce, you’ll find things to do in the Pays de la Loire. To help you visit this exceptional region, we still listed the 10 must-sees of the Pays de la Loire.

1. Angers

If you plan to visit the Pays de la Loire, your first step should be the beautiful city of Angers. This fortified city was once the stronghold of County of Anjou . Located north of Maine, a long quiet river, it is a young, student and quite cosmopolitan city.

One of the must-see places in the Pays de la Loire is in this city, the Château d’Angers. This impressive bicolored castle will amaze you with its beautiful towers in slate and slender.

2. Black Island

Are you visiting the Pays de la Loire? So you don't have to miss out on the famous Blackoutier Island. This place will delight nature lovers. In particular, they should take a tour of the natural reserve of the Polder of Sevastopol.

But travellers will also discover the salt marshes, mills and different ports, the Château de Noirmoutier, the charming fishing houses as well as beautiful sandy beaches!

3. The Castle of Saumur

Southwest of Angers, you will find another must-see monument in the Pays de la Loire. Listed on the World Heritage List Unsco , the Château de Saumur is one of the most impressive fortresses of the Loire Castles.

Today museum, it will seduce you both by its majestic architecture and its fascinating collections. Also enjoy your visit to discover the cellars of the city. Saumur is known for its wines, but also for its famous Black Frame and its aristocratic dock houses.

4. The Abbey of Fontevraud

Near Saumur, you will find one of the largest medieval monastic cities in France. Inscribed to UNESCO World Heritage, this royal abbey was built in the 12th century.

Travelers will be able to walk on 13 hectares of green spaces, discover its Romanesque cuisines, cloisters and abbey itself. The tombs of King Henri II, Aliénor d’Aquitaine and Richard Cœur de Lion are also here. If you come to visit the Pays de la Loire, you should not miss this unique place with majestic architecture.

5. Les Sables d’Olonne

Tourist capital of la Vendée , Les Sables-d’Olonne are one of the must-see places to visit in the Pays de la Loire. Known to be the starting and finish point of the Vendée Globe, this city is ideal for relaxing on the beach or even taking surf lessons.

During your stay, take the time to lose yourself in its charming neighborhoods, including that of Penotte Island. But above all, you should taste some delicious canonnaise lobsters. Accompany them with a glass of fresh Musadet on the marina and you will enjoy a wonderful moment!

6. Old Mans

Especially known for its motor racing circuit, Le Mans nevertheless houses one of the historical wonders to be done in the Pays de la Loire: the Cité Plantagenêt, or Vieux-Mans.

This medieval district is definitely worth a visit! You'll walk here in charming paved streets. You can also discover the Cathedral of Saint-Julien, beautiful Gothic residences, shaded buildings, picturesque restaurants and artisanal shops. Travelers will live here a real journey in time!

7. La Baie de La Baule

If you come to visit the Pays de la Loire, don’t miss the longest place in Europe. The bay of La Baule attracts a lot of visitors, stretching over about 9km between Le Pouliguen and Pornichet.

Riders, joggers and cyclists walk her in the morning. The plagists take care of him all day. The evening is devoured to casino players. After all, La Baule is known to be a chic seaside town, including prestigious hotels, gourmet restaurants, vintage luxury villas and casinos are the spearhead!

8. The fortified city of Guérande

Guérande is one of the best preserved medieval cities in France. You will find a lot of things to do in the Pays de la Loire near Guérande. From its fortified ramparts to her salt marshes , passing through the Brière Regional Natural Park, Guérande and its surroundings offer many sites to explore!

In the city, you can visit the museum of the Saint-Michel Gate, the Saint-Aubin College or the Notre-Dame-la-Blanche Church. But don’t miss it in its picturesque restaurants and craft shops.

9. Le Puy du Fou

This theme park is among the most popular in France. The Puy du Fou offers its visitors a journey through the history of France thanks to a multitude of spectacular shows. If you are visiting the Pays de la Loire, don’t hesitate to take a tour of this famous park. Among his most famous and impressive shows are the "Vikings", the "Cinescenie" or the "Secret of the Lance".

10. The Castle of Dukes of Brittany

Among the most important places in the region, there is obviously the Château des ducs de Bretagne in Nantes. The latter is to be discovered for many reasons.

Ideal starting point to visit the Pays de la Loire, it houses one of the most important castles in France. Built in the 13th century, this fortress decorated with seven impressive towers today houses an exciting museum. The site is discovered both for its monumental architecture and its fascinating collections.

How to go to the Pays de la Loire?

The Pays de la Loire is accessible by car, by bus, by train or by air. You will have no trouble going to one of the main cities in the region. By plane, you can notably land at the Nantes Atlantic Airport and then reach your destination in the area by bus or train. To find the most suitable flight offer for your wishes, do not hesitate to use a flight comparison as Skyscanner .

By bus or train you can reach Nantes, Angers or Le Mans easily from Lyon , Bordeaux , Toulouse , Paris or Caen . Once on site, you can use local TERs to go to each of your destinations or to smaller cities. You can visit the SNCF, OUIBUS or Flixbus sites to find the best routes at the best prices.

Obviously, having your own vehicle is an excellent idea to visit the Pays de la Loire easily. By car from Paris or Bordeaux, Nantes is only 4h road with the A11 motorway. From Toulouse, count 6h and 8h from Lyon. From Brittany or Normandy , this beautiful region is only 2 or 3 hours Road.

Where to stay in the Pays de la Loire?

If you plan to visit the Pays de la Loire, you will necessarily ask in which city to stay. Fortunately, you will not miss options. In particular, you can opt for the cities mentioned above: Angers , Nantes , Le Mans , Saumur, Les Sables d’Olonne or Guérande. Cities of Pornic or Le Croisic are also charming places.

In terms of accommodation, the most classic will surely opt for a hotel room or a lodging. You can use one Compare hotels to find the one that suits you best. For more atypical or personal accommodation, you can also choose to stay in an apartment Airbnb .