Pays de la Loire places to visit and attractions
Below you can explore some of the most popular highlights and places of interest in the Pays de la Loire region. See also our Pays de la Loire travel guide.
Angers (Maine-et-Loire)
Most famous for its castle, Angers also has a cathedral and many other interesting historical monuments, numerous parks and gardens... See Angers guide
Angers Cathedral (Maine-et-Loire)
The cathedral in Angers is the earliest example of Angevin gothic architecture in France See Angers Cathedral guide
Apocalypse Tapestry (Maine-et-Loire)
The Apocalypse Tapestry is a remarkable 14th century tapestry, 100 metres long, telling the biblical story of the apocalypse See Apocalypse Tapestry guide
Asnieres-sur-Vegre (Sarthe)
The small town of Asnières-sur-Vègre is especially picturesque in the area around the bridge and river See Asnieres-sur-Vegre guide
Aubigne-sur-Layon (Maine-et-Loire)
The small village of Aubigne-sur-Layon is very pretty, especially in late spring and summer when the many flowers in the town are in bloom See Aubigne-sur-Layon guide
Batz-sur-Mer (Loire-Atlantique)
The resort at Batz-sur-Mer is much quiter and smaller than many nearby, ideal if you prefer to avoid excessive crowds! See Batz-sur-Mer guide Advertisement
Bauge (Maine-et-Loire)
Bauge is a small traditional town with a small castle - and a very interesting apothecary! See Bauge guide
Beaumont-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe)
It is the countryside around Beaumont-sur-Sarthe that is the main attraction, but the town itself has several places of interest See Beaumont-sur-Sarthe guide
Brem-sur-Mer (Vendee)
Brem-sur-Mer is a small resort with a long beach to the north of Les Sables d'Olonne See Brem-sur-Mer guide
Bretignolles-sur-Mer (Vendee)
Bretignolles-sur-Mer is one of the smallest Vendee resorts - still has a big beach though! See Bretignolles-sur-Mer guide
Briere Regional Natural Parc (Loire-Atlantique)
Away from the beaches, Briere Regional Natural Parc is the second largest marsh area in France. Start exploring at Kerhinet. See Briere Regional Natural Parc guide
Chateau d'Angers (Maine-et-Loire)
The mighty fortified walls of Chateau d'Angers form an interesting contrast with the more 'beautiful' castles of the Loire region. See Chateau d'Angers guide
Chateau d'Olonne (Vendee)
Chateau d'Olonne is a very small resort, well placed for exploring the coast and visiting Sables d'Olonne See Chateau d'Olonne guide
Chateau de Brissac (Maine-et-Loire)
The Chateau de Brissac is the tallest castle in France, has more than 200 rooms and extensive parkland to explore! See Chateau de Brissac guide
Chateau de Montreuil-Bellay (Maine-et-Loire)
The Château de Montreuil-Bellay is an impressive 15th century castle surrouned by medieval ramparts and furnished n period style See Chateau de Montreuil-Bellay guide Advertisement
Chateau de Saumur (Maine-et-Loire)
The Chateau de Saumur stands in an impressive location with views across the Loire river See Chateau de Saumur guide
Chateau de Talmont (Vendee)
The Chateau of Talmont is a ancient castle, now in ruins, in the Vendee department See Chateau de Talmont guide
Chateau de Tiffauges (Vendee)
The Chateau de Tiffauges is a 12th century castle in Vendee, known for its medieval re-enactments See Chateau de Tiffauges guide
Chateau du Lude (Sarthe)
The Chateau de Lude and its lovely gardens are the closest of the Loire Chateaux to Paris See Chateau du Lude guide
Chateau Plessis-Bourre (Maine-et-Loire)
The most unusual feature of Chateau Plessis-Bourre is the way it combines medieval and renaissance architecture, and has been unchanged for hundreds of years See Chateau Plessis-Bourre guide
Cholet (Maine-et-Loire)
Cholet is a pleasant town in the Maine et Loire department. See Cholet guide
Clisson (Loire-Atlantique)
Clisson has a medieval castle, and an interesting architectural style having ben largely re-built in Italian style about 250 years ago See Clisson guide
Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin (Maine-et-Loire)
The Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin in Angers combines 1500 years of religious architecture with an impressive display of religious artwork See Collegiate Church of Saint-Martin guide
Evron (Mayenne)
The highlight here at Evron is the Abbey of Notre Dame, in particular the very ancient abbey church See Evron guide
Fontenay-le-Comte (Vendee)
With some interesting 18th century townhouses to see, Fontenay-le-Comte is also home to the Chateau de Terre-Neuve See Fontenay-le-Comte guide
Fontevraud Abbey (Maine-et-Loire)
The Fontevraud Abbey has a great deal to see: it is one of the largest abbey complexes in France and most visited abbeys in France See Fontevraud Abbey guide
Fresnay-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe)
The traditional market hall and remains of a medieval castle, and the river and bridge, are among the sights to enjoy here at Fresnay-sur-Sarthe See Fresnay-sur-Sarthe guide
Guerande (Loire-Atlantique)
Guerande is one of the most interesting towns in Pays-de-la-Loire, with its medieval fortifications intact and an attractive historic centre See Guerande guide
Ile d'Yeu (Vendee)
Explore the Ile d'Yeu on foot or by bike to see scenic coastline, beaches and a medieval castle See Ile d'Yeu guide
Jade Coast (Loire-Atlantique)
Pornic, a traditional port town with an attrcative harbour, is well placed to explore the Jade Coast See Jade Coast guide
Jard-sur-Mer (Vendee)
Jard-sur-Mer is a very pleasant, if quite small, Vendee resort with a harbour and a beach See Jard-sur-Mer guide
Jublains (Mayenne)
Here in Jublains you can visit the roman ruins of the ancient city that once stood here See Jublains guide
La Baule (Loire-Atlantique)
La Baule-Escoblac is a very pleasant and popular resort with a long sandy beach - a toch of the French riviera in the north-west! See La Baule guide
La Faute-sur-Mer (Vendee)
Here at La Faute-sur-Mer you can explore the nature reserve and peninsula - or relax on the long beach! See La Faute-sur-Mer guide
La Ferte-Bernard (Sarthe)
The medieval character and picturesque setting make La Ferté-Bernard one of our favourite towns in this region See La Ferte-Bernard guide
La Roche-sur-Yon (Vendee)
La Roche-sur-Yon has an attractive town centre around the gardens of the Place Napoleon and the Church Saint-Louis See La Roche-sur-Yon guide
La Tranche-sur-Mer (Vendee)
La Tranche-sur-Mer is a small resort, but very pleasant and with an enjoyable promenade behind the beach See La Tranche-sur-Mer guide
La Turballe (Loire-Atlantique)
Less developed than some resorts here, the centre of activity in La Turballe is the long sandy beach See La Turballe guide
Lassay-les-Chateaux (Mayenne)
Small town with two 15th century castles and a popular public garden See Lassay-les-Chateaux guide
Laval (Mayenne)
The castle, the river and the historic centre make the substantial town of Laval very interesting to visit See Laval guide
Le Croisic (Loire-Atlantique)
One of the nicest fishing harbour towns in the region, Le Croisic is a lovely place to stroll around See Le Croisic guide
Le Mans (Sarthe)
Le Mans is best known for its famous car race, but also has a very lovely medieval centre to explore See Le Mans guide
Le Pouliguen (Loire-Atlantique)
If you visit the beach resort of Le Pouligueun be sure to follow the path that leads to the coastal caves See Le Pouliguen guide
Les Jardins des Renaudies (Mayenne)
Les Jardins des Renaudies is a pretty garden in north-west France See Les Jardins des Renaudies guide
Les Moutiers-en-Retz (Loire-Atlantique)
The small town of Les Moutiers-en-Retz is best known for the nearby beach which attracts many summertime campers See Les Moutiers-en-Retz guide
Longeville-sur-Mer (Vendee)
At Longeville-sur-Mer you will enjoy the lively market in the town as well as the sandy beach See Longeville-sur-Mer guide
Lucon (Vendee)
Lucon is a quiet Vendee town, usually visited for its imposing cathedral and public gardens See Lucon guide
Luçon cathedral (Vendee)
Luçon cathedral is a small cathedral with element in the roman, gothic, classical and neo-gothic styles See Luçon cathedral guide
Maillezais abbey (Vendee)
The ruins of the Maillezais abbey are on the edge of the marshes of the Marais Poitevin See Maillezais abbey guide
Mayenne (town) (Mayenne)
Quite a small town, the highlight of a visit to Mayenne is the nearby walk along the banks of the river See Mayenne (town) guide
Montsoreau (Maine-et-Loire)
Montsoreau, listed as a 'most beautiful villages in France', also has an interesting troglodyte vilage to explore See Montsoreau guide
Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits (Vendee)
The village of Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits in Vendée has a large medieval market hall and a roman style church to visit See Moutiers-les-Mauxfaits guide
Nantes (Loire-Atlantique)
One of the largest towns in France, Nantes has many monuments, museums and places of interest to discover including the famous 'elephant' on the island. See Nantes guide
Nieul-sur-l'Autise (Vendee)
Highlights in Nieul-sur-l'Autise include the Abbey of Saint-Vincent and a traditional watermill See Nieul-sur-l'Autise guide
Noirmoutier (Vendee)
On Noirmoutier island you can find lots of sandy beaches and a traditional port town See Noirmoutier guide
Notre-Dame-de-Monts (Vendee)
The resort of Notre-Dame-de-Monts is one of the quiter resorts of the Vendee coast See Notre-Dame-de-Monts guide
Parcé-sur-Sarthe (Sarthe)
Parcé sur Sarthe is a classified petites cites de caractere and has an attractive 15-16th century centre. See Parcé-sur-Sarthe guide
Piriac-sur-Mer (Loire-Atlantique)
The fishing harbour and traditional granite houses in Piriac-sur-Mer create an interesting diversion from the long sandy beaches nearby See Piriac-sur-Mer guide Pornic (Loire-Atlantique)
Pornic is one of the liveliest and most vibrant harbour towns along the Jade Coast See Pornic guide
Pornichet (Loire-Atlantique)
The emphasis in Pornichet, immediately south of La Baule, is most certainly based around the long and sandy beach See Pornichet guide
Port Bourgenay (Vendee)
The small resort of Bourgenay has a port and a popular beach See Port Bourgenay guide
Sables d'Olonne (Vendee)
The lively town of Sables-d'Olonne is our favourite resort on the Vendee coast See Sables d'Olonne guide
Saint-Brevin-les-Pins (Loire-Atlantique)
The beach at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins is the main attraction and we also enjoyed exploring the dunes and forest See Saint-Brevin-les-Pins guide
Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie (Vendee)
The port town of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie is an attractive and traditional town, very lively in summer See Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie guide
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez (Vendee)
Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez is the beach resort next to Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie See Saint-Hilaire-de-Riez guide
Saint-Jean-de-Monts (Vendee)
At Saint-Jean-de-Monts you will enjoy the extensive sandy beaches and one of the livelier resorts on the Vendee coast See Saint-Jean-de-Monts guide
Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard (Vendee)
Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard is a small resort in Vendee where you can visit the house and gardens of Georges Clemenceau See Saint-Vincent-sur-Jard guide
Sainte-Suzanne (Mayenne)
The medieval village and the castle in the pretty village of Sainte-Suzanne still retain much of the original town fortified walls See Sainte-Suzanne guide
Saulges (Mayenne)
The principal attraction in Saulges is the caves, occupied in prehistoric times See Saulges guide
Saumur (Maine-et-Loire)
The town of Saumur, in the shadow of the famous castle, is a lovely historic town along the banks of the Loire River See Saumur guide
Solesmes (Sarthe)
Solesmes is known for its Abbey Saint-Pierre, an important benedictine abbey that has helped introduce gregorian chant to the world See Solesmes guide
Talmont-Saint-Hilaire (Vendee)
The small town of Talmont-Saint-Hilaire is mainly known for the Chateau de Talmont, where various events take place during the summer season. See Talmont-Saint-Hilaire guide
The Jardin Extraordinaire of Nantes (Loire Atlantique)
The Jardin Extraordinaire de Nantes has been created in an old quarry and features cliffs, waterfalls and luxuriant planting. See The Jardin Extraordinaire of Nantes guide
Vouvant (Vendee)
The pleasant village of Vouvant still retains part of a medieval castle and an ancient stone bridge See Vouvant guideFor more information see the Pays de la Loire guide
Tourist attractions to visit in Pays de la Loire
The following sites have received official "tourist classifications"...
Villages classified as "most beautiful villages"
Montsoreau: See tourist guide
Sainte-Suzanne: See tourist guide
Vouvant: See tourist guide
National Monuments
Chateau d'Angers: See tourist guide
Fontevraud Abbey: See tourist guide
Georges Clemenceau house
Towns classified as Recommended Detours
Chateau-Gontier
Fontenay-le-Comte: See tourist guide
Guerande: See tourist guide
La Fleche
Montreuil-Bellay
Regional Natural Parcs
Briere: See tourist guide
Secteur Sauvegardé (protected historical town centre)
Chateau-Gontier: See tourist guide
Fontenay-le-Comte: See tourist guide
Guerande: See tourist guide
Le Mans: See tourist guide
Nantes: See tourist guide
Saumur: See tourist guide
Towns of Art and History
Angers: See tourist guide
Evron: See tourist guide
Fontenay-le-Comte: See tourist guide
Guerande: See tourist guide
Jublains: See tourist guide
Laval: See tourist guide
Le Mans: See tourist guide
Mayenne: See tourist guide
Nantes: See tourist guide
Sainte-Suzanne: See tourist guide
Saulges: See tourist guide
4* Towns in Bloom
Angers: See tourist guide
Aubigne-sur-Layon: See tourist guide
Carquefou
Chateau-Gontier
Chenille-Change
Cholet
Cogners
Coudray
Coulaines
Juvigne
La Baule: See tourist guide
La Cropte
Nantes: See tourist guide
Notre-Dame-de-Monts
Pornichet: See tourist guide
Saint-Jean-de-Monts: See tourist guide
Saint-Loup-du-Gast
Zoo or wildlife park
Fauconnerie du Puy du Fou (falconry)
Natur'Zoo de Mervent
Parc zoologique de Doué-la-Fontaine
Parc zoologique des Sables-d'Olonne
Planète sauvage (parc)
Spaycific'Zoo
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