City: Pays de la Loire
Top Things to do in Pays de la Loire
Top Hotels in Pays de la Loire
- 1. Chateau du Boisniard
- 2. Hotel & Spa Les Roches Noires
- 3. Hotel La Villa en l'Ile
- 4. Atlantic Hotel & Spa
- 5. Hotel Voltaire Opera Nantes Centre
- 6. Radisson Blu Hotel, Nantes
- 7. Hotel Anne d'Anjou, The Originals Collection
- 8. Golden Tulip Nantes Carquefou
- 9. Hotel Anne d'Anjou, The Originals Collection
- 10. Hotel les Embruns
10 Sights & Landmarks in Pays de la Loire That You Shouldn't Miss
Pays de la Loire (French pronunciation: [pe.i də la lwaʁ]; Breton: Broioù al Liger, meaning Loire Country) is one of the 18 regions of France. It is one of the regions created in the 1950s to serve as a zone of influence for its capital, Nantes, one of a handful so-called "balancing metropolises" (métropoles d'équilibre)¹.
Restaurants in Pays de la Loire
1. Chateau d'Angers
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,745 reviews
The apparent austerity of this shale and limestone fortress, which the young king Louis IX had built on the edge of his kingdom in the 13th century, contrasts with the tranquil grounds inside the castle walls and the pleasant residence of the Dukes of Anjou, composed of buildings constructed at the end of the Gothic era. To transform and embellish the castle into a more welcoming home for the Anjou court, terraces and gardens were laid out, galleries built and the gateway erected. The star attraction within the walls of the Château d’Angers is the Tapestry of the Apocalypse or woven in 1375. With its 104 metres in length, it is the largest medieval tapestry anywhere in the world. Open: > 2nd May to 4th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 5th September to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December.
Reviewed By walterc2016 - Neston, United Kingdom
Whilst we had heard of the well known Bayeux tapestry it came as a complete surprise to discover the much larger Apocalypse Tapestry of Angers. Commissioned by Louis 1 Duke of Anjou in 1375 it is some 100 metres long and depicts scenes from the book of Revelations. It is housed within the Castle that itself is impressive and awe inspiring along with stunning gardens. It is a must visit if you are in the area.
2. Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,547 reviews
This Gothic cathedral features a high nave and many tombs, including that of François II.
Reviewed By johnmN5785EK - Lyon, France
The construction of Nantes Cathedral, officially called La Cathédrale Saint-Pierre-et-Saint-Paul (or simply Cathédrale Saint-Pierre in the vicinity) took more than 400 years to complete. Begun in 1434, it took 457 years to finish, finally reaching completion in 1891. Since 1862 it has been listed as a historic monument in France. The striking white stone is especially impressive and the rich colors of the stained-glass windows make for a striking contrast. The architecture in this classic Gothic cathedral, with the imposing main nave and aisles, great organ and the immense inner column all combine to create a Gothic atmosphere inside the cathedral and make it even more memorable than others, such as Note Dame and Quimper. The beautiful Tomb of Francis II, the Duke of Brittany, and his second wife, Marguerite de Foix the parents of local heroine Anne of Bretagne, with its haunting sculptures of white Carrara marble is considered to be a French renaissance masterpiece. Also noteworthy is the tomb of Gen. Juchault de Lamoricière, a Nantes native and a great African campaigner; sculptor Paul Dubois completed the tomb in 1879. The cathedral's crypt, dating from the 11th century, shelters a museum of religions. The Cathedral was bombed heavily on June 15th, 1944; this necessitated a prolonged restoration which was almost completed in January 1972 when a disgruntled labourer started a massive conflagration with a blow torch. The restoration is nearing complete; an attempt was made to reconstruct the decor of the west façade to the state it was originally in the fifteenth century. This restoration proceeds on the other facades. The cathedral's crypt, dating from the 11th century, shelters a museum of religions. All in all well worth a visit.
3. Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,592 reviews
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany houses the Nantes History Museum, displaying more than 850 historic objects with multimedia installations in a contemporary layout. The former ducal palace also holds temporary exhibitions and cultural events all year round. Besides, the rampart walk offers a number of viewpoints of the fortress. The night-time illuminations further reveal the architectural complexity of the site. A restaurant and a gift shop are as well at your service.
Reviewed By KEinSF - San Francisco, United States
Take a few hours to learn the history of Nantes from the medieval to WWII - the castle interior tour takes you through all the important events in the history of this fascinating city. There are guides in different languages in the entrance and in every room there are information boards written in multiple languages. Learn about the role of Nantes in the slave trade and about the Lu biscuit factory. Sadly you cannot buy the biscuits in nantes anymore ! Although there is a small elevator to all exhibition floors, there are many steps and narrow doorways. The walk around the ramparts is a must, with great views of the cathedral and the tower that marked the entrance to the Lu biscuit factory. The chateau is the best attraction in Nantes!
4. Abbaye Royale de L'Epau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
L’Abbaye Royale de l’Épau constitue l’un des plus beaux exemples de l’architecture cistercienne en France. En 1229, Bérengère de Navarre, veuve de Richard Cœur de Lion, décide de fonder cette abbaye aux portes du Mans, où elle sera enterrée un an plus tard. À la Révolution, l’abbaye, presque désertée par les moines depuis le XVIIIème siècle, est vendue comme bien national à un industriel. Transformée alors en exploitation agricole, l'abbaye a connu de nombreuses vicissitudes avant son rachat par le Département de la Sarthe en 1958. Un vaste programme de restauration, toujours en cours, lui donne un second souffle faisant de l'abbaye un des hauts lieux culturels de la Sarthe. L’abbaye accueille également les séances de l’assemblée départementale dont elle est le siège depuis les années 70. Dernièrement, les recherches du Père Michel Niaussat, moine cistercien écrivain, mettent en lumière le caractère royal de l’édifice. L’abbaye de l’Epau devient Abbaye Royale de l’Epau en mars 2017.
Reviewed By rayraynewby - Bury St. Edmunds, United Kingdom
An interesting attraction just outside Le Mans but very easy to get to by public transport. It was very quiet on the day I visited and was I given a tablet guide in English which was very helpful. There is a small cafe serving very good cakes and sandwiches. The abbey contains the tomb of Queen Berengaria, the wife of Richard The Lionheart. They also had a display in the grounds of photographs of families from around the world which I also found very interesting.
5. La Nuit des Chimeres
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 747 reviews
Reviewed By livarot49 - Westcliff-on-Sea, United Kingdom
We came across this night by accident, it was so good , we took a little train across le Mans and all the building were lit up with holograms and a story, the kids and i loved it, really spectacular ! highly recommended
6. Entre Cours et Jardins - Cite Plantagenet
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 743 reviews
Reviewed By perreobo - Orsa, Sweden
Was traveling by car and would not stop, me and my company talked about what we saw and thought it really was an unethical city. Then swung in a cross and a magnificent cathedral stood before us it was incredible as from any fairy tale with its pinnacles and special architecture. We parked to check out the cathedral itself and were going to walk around it to see it from all directions. In the back compared to where we parked our car, a fantastic part of Le Mans was revealed, the really old part of the city architecture was from the Middle Ages and a century ago, we stayed much longer than we would but then we had 300 kilometers to our destination we were obliged to leave but would have liked to stay at least one night to see everything worth seeing. Very good!
7. Le Cadre Noir
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,140 reviews
Reviewed By 959billm - Berwick upon Tweed, United Kingdom
We had a fantastic look around last week - a really knowledgeable guide who spoke excellent English and took a great deal of time to discuss horses with my granddaughter who is a very proficient and experienced dressage rider It's a absolute must place to visit if you are in the area even if you are not a Horsey person
8. Cite Medievale de Guerande
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,577 reviews
Reviewed By Tanmouss - Oslo, Norway
Inside the centuries old walls stands a pretty village with pedestrian streets and local specialties shops many of which sell the world famous salt of Guerande in different variations including caramel with salt. The number of creperies is also striking, regional specialty as well. Many shops close between 1 and 2pm. Meanwhile, one can have a few crêpes!
9. Cathedrale de Saint-Julien de Mans
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 738 reviews
Reviewed By M901FOsteved - Le Mans City, France
A fantastic day and such wonderful archetectutere The tranquility of the cathedral local cafes and places to eat nearby makes for a perfect day in The old City of le man's
10. Le Sacre Coeur
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By E8580YHcarolw
We visited Le Sacre Coeur on a rainy cold evening and were enthralled with it's beauty and peaceful feeling inside and out. The view of Paris from the top of the hill is breathtaking. There was no cost to get inside.
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