Pays De La Loire: Loire, Coast and Heritage

The Loire crosses Pays De La Loire from east to west and is the region’s main river. Between Montsoreau and Chalonnes-sur-Loire, the riverbanks are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The river valley provides a unifying thread for a trip connecting historic places, landscapes and a range of cultural themes.

Discover Landscapes and Nature

The Atlantic coast and its beaches, navigable rivers, marshland and bocage countryside define the region’s varied character. Its remarkable wildlife and plant life includes habitats along the coast, as well as wetlands and rural landscapes. Those seeking nature experiences will find different ways to enjoy them here: on foot, by bicycle or on the water.

In the Brière Regional Nature Park, excursions through the protected wetland are available on foot, by bicycle, in a flat-bottomed boat or in a horse-drawn carriage. A special way to discover this watery landscape is to take a ride in a chaland, a flat-bottomed boat. Departures are possible from ports including Chaussée-Neuve, Tréhé, Fédrun, Rozé and Bréca; locations and operating times may vary by season.

Brière can also be explored on foot: the GRP Tour de Brière runs for 68 kilometres through ten communities in the nature park. Along the way, there are opportunities to spot spoonbills, grey herons, bluethroats, otters and coypus, as well as local cattle breeds. Check the latest route guidance before setting out, as temporary advisories may apply.

The Réserve de Brière has a viewing terrace and several birdwatching stations. The Maison de la Réserve may lend binoculars; confirm the availability of visitor facilities before you arrive. In Rozé, an 800-metre path leads from the lock area to an observatory. Access is free, while guided visits are paid; check this visitor information before travelling as well.

Heritage, Art and Regional History

Regional heritage highlights include the Loire châteaux, Fontevraud Abbey, Solesmes Abbey, the Gallo-Roman site of Jublains and Sainte-Suzanne. Fontevraud is also home to the Musée d’art moderne – Collections nationales Martine et Léon Cligman. Visitor services and cultural programmes are part of the site’s public offer; the programme may change.

Contemporary art is also part of the region’s cultural landscape, including FRAC, the green line of Voyage à Nantes and works by Buren. The open-air Robert-Tatin Museum offers a different perspective. In Montoir, a local museum explores the history of sailors from Brière, coastal navigation and local shipbuilders from the 16th century to the late 19th century.

Between Nantes and Clisson, a visitor route connects the Musée du Vignoble nantais, the Moulin du Liveau paper mill and medieval Clisson. In the wine-country setting, Château de Goulaine, a viewpoint over the Marais de Goulaine and other heritage sites also help guide the route. This offers different ways to experience the wine-growing landscape, nature and history on a trip.

Wine, Regional Specialities and Routes

The 118-kilometre Voyage dans le Vignoble runs from Nantes to Clisson through vineyards and past natural and heritage sites. Muscadet is a regional wine; other speciality drinks include Cointreau, Pommeau, cider, liqueurs and eaux-de-vie. Gros-plant is served with seafood. This variety offers a culinary way to experience the region, although not every speciality is intended for the same occasion.

Several routes combine different kinds of travel for cycling trips. The Vélobuissonnière runs for 250 kilometres along quiet roads and greenways between Alençon, Le Mans and Saumur. La Loire à Vélo is a 900-kilometre cycling route from Cuffy, near Nevers, to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins in Loire-Atlantique. Services along the route include bicycle and e-bike rental, luggage transport, maintenance and equipped rest stops; participating providers may change. Check the specific providers and arrangements for your trip.

TGV and TER trains connect cities along the Loire with coastal towns on the Atlantic. The regional Aléop network brings together trains, buses and boats for journeys around arrival cities and to regional heritage sites. Check current connections and timetables before travelling.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Trip

Start planning with what you would like to experience in Pays De La Loire.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Loire-Atlantique, Maine-Et-Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe, Vendée, Lorraine, Provence-Alpes-Côte D'azur, Normandy.

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