About
Pays de la Loire is a region in western France, stretching from the Atlantic coastline inland toward the valley of the Loire. It is a place of contrasts: quiet vineyards and river towns on one side, sandy beaches and fishing harbours on the other, with cities such as Nantes giving the region its urban centre.
What the region offers
- Loire Valley châteaux, set among the river landscapes that run through the region.
- The Atlantic coastline, with beaches suited to a relaxed seaside day.
- Nantes, a major city with its own cultural and street life.
- Vineyards, which give the inland countryside much of its character.
Because the landscapes change so much over a short distance, a visit can easily combine several kinds of day. A morning among vines or château gardens can be followed by an afternoon on the coast, or a stay in Nantes can be paired with excursions into the countryside.
Planning a visit
Pays de la Loire suits travellers who like to move between city, river and sea without long journeys. Some visitors base themselves in Nantes and explore outward, while others prefer to stay in a smaller town near the valley or the coast. Choosing one or two areas to focus on will make the most of the region, which is large and varied.
