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 Things to Do 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. Le Puy du Fou
Overall Ratings
5 based on 11 reviews
The Puy du Fou features a multitude of spectacular shows, adventures for the whole family and new astonishments every year. Experience different centuries surrounded by unspoilt countryside and an even more exciting time staying in one of the Puy du Fou's four original hotels. At the Puy du Fou, history is waiting for you!
Reviewed By Sinag - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
In its 40th anniversary, le Puy de Fou comes as a very pleasant surprise for me - a non-French visitor.
Rich in colour, creativity and artistry, the theatre troupes that form the different spectacles of the Puy de Fou attraction park are all very impressive and performed their roles wonderfully.
All the spectacles are so well-organised. The ushers are great in controlling what could be a maddening crowd!
Vikings, ballet of the birds, the spectacle with the Romans’ and The Gauloises were among the ones we watched. It’s a real pity we could not watch more!
In typical french fashion, bringing your baguette, fromage and charcuterie to make sandwiches are OK. Just don’t bring s knife :0).
2. Manoir de Clairefontaine
Overall Ratings
5 based on 140 reviews
Clairefontaine is an old barn (XII-XIVèmes centuries) of Cistercian monks transformed into a noble mansion by the late fourteenth century. It is located in a landscaped park with flower Gardens and ponds. Many domestic animals live in Clairefontaine. The mansion, private and inhabited all year round, is fully furnished with furniture XV-XVII centuries eras. The interior tour of the mansion is only guided and lasts approximately a quarter past one. It takes place for individuals and groups all year round by appointement.
Reviewed By pauline c - Chichester, United Kingdom
We were not disappointed. It is a beautiful medieval Manor House set in stunning grounds. There is something for everyone. Garden enthusiasts will love it, the history is fascinating and the children will love the activities and the animals.
The owner is very welcoming and answered all our questions
The only down side for me was that to view the whole house was difficult because my mobility is not good and I use a stick. The stairs were a problem. But having said that, I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience and would highly recommend it.
3. Le Grand Defi
Overall Ratings
5 based on 647 reviews
Le Grand Défi is a great theme park in Vendée. It has Tree top trails, lasertag, paintball, poney rides, quick jump and orienteering. The Grand Defi's team as one goal, you having the best fun with the best safety.
Reviewed By Heidi L - Guernsey, United Kingdom
This was our 3rd visit, 2 adults with a 10 and 13year old. Fabulous fun day, 2 hours of tree top adventures at a reasonable price, adrenaline rush for all abilities. Staff are excellent and speak good English, health and safety is paramount and there...MoreHi Heidi, thanks a lot for this great comment. Reading you is giving us motivation. We hope to see you again soon... Armel Directeur
4. Le Passage du Gois
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 572 reviews
Reviewed By Laventille
Passage du Gois was on my to do list with the family before our holiday to the Vendee. After speaking to our lovely French neighbour Sebastian and his wife @ Sol Agogo campsite, we became even more convinced and adamant that we must experience this piece of phenomenon.
Despite a very high coefficient Reading on the planned day of crossing, we got the kids ready and it only took us 45 mins to our destination. We literally got there just in time to cross, giving us 1hr:30mins from when the tides had gone out.
20 mins into the crossing, we stopped and parked our car on either side of the crossway to take some pictures, climb the safe towers and watched loads of people so far away digging and picking up seashells.
At the other end we spent about close to another hour to see when the tides would come back but it was taking too long in the heat of the sun.
In the end we drove into the heart of Noirmoutier to have some lunch and later came back to find that the crossway was completely covered by the sea, it's just crazy.
We all definitely had fun during and after the crossing especially the children and I am glad that we managed to do it. We took the bridge to leave the island at the end of our visit. I would highly recommend du Gois for an unforgettable experience.
5. Labyrinthe En Delire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 297 reviews
2 GIANT mazes Walk or cycle around a maze during the day. Walk around a maze every Thursday night between 10pm and 12am. Play area 1 play area Night Time Maze Craziness every Thursday
Reviewed By John O
We are a family of 5 with children aged 8, 7 and 5. Our gang got such a kick from the maze itself as well as the clever and fun activities at the stations. The staff were more than welcoming. One word of caution: the maze closes between 12 and 5 on very hot days.
6. Jardin des Plantes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
The Botanical Garden: at the heart of plants The Botanical Gardens of Nantes, with 7 hectares of green spaces in the centre of town, more than 10,000 living species, 800 square metres of greenhouses and more than 50,00 flowers planted each season, holder of the Remarkable Garden label, is among the four leading botanical Gardens in France. The collections have developed and specialised over 150 years. The Botanical Garden, which is both a scientific and a pleasure garden, has become a world reference, especially for its camellia collection which is unique in France, for the culture of epiphytic* plants in a semi-natural setting and for its permanent concern for the re-introduction of rare species. As an example we will cite the wild tulip, which disappeared in the 1970s and was reintroduced in 2010 in the vineyards of the region. Its great beauty in all seasons and its remarkable specimens (Hectot's Magnolia, American tulip tree and more recently a Wollemi pine, etc.) make the Botanical Garden a major tourist attraction in Nantes, visited every year by more than 1.2 million visitors. * Plants that grow on other plants without being parasites. The Botanical Garden Rue Stanislas-Baudry - Nantes Summer: 8:30 am - 8 pm Spring, autumn: 8:30 am - 6:30 pm Winter: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Tram line 1, SNCF train station stop Bus 12, SNCF train station stop Greenhouse visit (by reservation) Wednesday: 3:15 pm Thursday: 12:30 pm Friday: 3 pm Saturday: 3 pm and 4 pm (all year round); 5 pm (from 15 January to 17 November). Sunday: 10 am, 11 am, 3 pm and 4 pm (all year round); 5 pm (from 15 January to 17 November). Additional services Orangery cafe Restaurant - Tearoom Merry-go-round All year round from 10 am to 6 pm
Reviewed By traveller123456277 - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
We had a pleasant walk round this park. Lots of really interesting trees and bushes as you can see from the photos others have put on.
There was lots of work going on in the park to keep it neat and tidy and the effort that gets put in is plain to see in the Gardens. so well done to them.
Good place for a walk even if you are not a garden person
7. Nieul-sur-l'Autise Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 152 reviews
An architectural jewel of exceptional quality, highlighted by a single restauration, opens its doors for a visit between reality and virtuality. Founded in 1068, the abbey was under the protection of the dukes of Aquitaine and became Royal Abbey in 1141 by Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France.The abbey is one of the few monastic complexes intact with its three elements: the church, the convent buildings, and the romanesque cloister entirely preserved.
Reviewed By nlansdell - Edinburgh, United Kingdom
There isn't a whole lot of this Abbey remaining other than the impressive cloister and chapter house and an adjacent napoleonic era building (the former Abbey church is next door and free to visit separately). But they certainly make the most of what they have with a range of interactive exhibits and, for the kids in particular, some great interactive displays and animation in the house. The birth place of Eleanor of Aquitane gives this place historical significance. At certain times of the day 'spectacles' take place in the cloister but are in French. If you have children in particular this is a great place to spend a few hours but is good for all ages. Guided tours also available. For the less mobile it should be noted that although the first section has a lift up that afterwards there are a number steep stairs that require a u-turn .
8. Embarcadere de l'Abbaye
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 276 reviews
From Maillezais Vieux Port, the Embarcadere de l'Abbaye offer you a boat tour to discover the Poitevin March, with a guide or on your own boat, canoe or bike. Let the Green Venice cast its spell on you with its green landscapes and waterways, its history, wildlife, flora and traditions... From a traditional boat tour, a boat tour and a walk on the dykes or an early/late boat tour to an outing with a specialist or a picnic amidst the Venise Verte, so called Green Venice, the marsh offers you endless possibilities.
Reviewed By sammyspireite - Chesterfield
I visited the attraction with my wife and 9yr old son in August this year, we were staying around an hours drive or so away and intended to spend a morning here and then the afternoon at a nearby Chateau (Terre Neuve). On arrival the Abbey and port setting were beautiful. The price for a boat with guide was around 50 euros but I fancied rowing a boat with my son, firstly so we could 'do our own thing' and secondly because I thought it was a bit expensive. The canals were narrow and the water was indeed green. After a while the sight of the river banks became a bit predictable and the extending views were limited and not particularly impressive. It is worth the visit if you are staying nearby or if you are factoring in other things to do in the area but in my opinion it was average. Maybe we missed the point of the visit by not having the guided tour - and I am a miserable so and so at the best of times! (according to my wife)
9. Musee Robert Tatin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By PointerDetroit - Detroit
Tatin had an imagination beyond anything we expected. His giant sculptures and temple like carvings were a lovely way to spend an afternoon on a nice day. Some are grotesque, others fanciful. Paintings are so full of color and details.Thank you for your interest in our museum. If you have the opportunity to return to see us, we would be glad to welcome you for the European Night of the Museums, on 19th saturday of may, from 7:30 pm to 1 am.
10. Le Moulin de Raire
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 164 reviews
Reviewed By Richard C - Crewe, United Kingdom
We've been here about 4 times now, it's a great place for a cycle ride, picnic or for a mooch,
They serve crepes, beer and have a range of souvenirs,
The toilets are novel, very rustic but functional, there are also a number of out buildings where the workings of the windmill and grinding stones are stored,
There are also a number of wind driven instruments that are at the far end of the field, there is plenty of picnic tables and car parking.
The Vendee Velo route runs locally and passes right past the Windmill
