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
What to do and see in Pays de la Loire, France: The Best Castles
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. Manoir de Clairefontaine
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 163 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.
2. 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.
3. Montmirail Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4 reviews
4. 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!
5. Chateau de Brissac
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,036 reviews
Brissac is among the most impressive of all the Loire Valley Castles ! It is nicknamed " The Giant of the Loire Valley" !! And it is the home of the 13th duke of Brissac. It treasures inside a beautiful collection of ancient paintings and fine furnitures . The visit also includes the discovery of a unique private theater dedicated to Opera by a duchess of Brissac in the late XIX th century . Visitors will enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars of the wines produced on the estate ( especially the Rose of Anjou ) A beautiful landscaped gardened park of 200 are invites visitors to stroll alongside 5 romantic "promenade" ...
Reviewed By AliceR2684 - London, United Kingdom
A lovely chateau to visit, with beautiful grounds. Well worth it. We were able to walk around the open parts of the chateau, whilst reading a written guide in English. The grounds were very well kept and it was extremely peaceful during our visit. A lovely place for a long or short walk.
6. Chateau de Serrant
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 416 reviews
7. Chateau du Plessis-Bourre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 318 reviews
Reviewed By NeedToSeeItAll - Perth, Australia
We had our wedding at the Chateau, and it was truly the wedding of fairy-tale dreams. The location is stunning, the building is magnificent, the staff were helpful and accommodating, and it was an easy and very reasonable hiring process. I am so surprised at how little attention this chateau gets compared with other better known ones around the area, as it boasts some really spectacular features like a complete moat and working drawbridge, and has the classic look of a romantic venue. Sensational!
8. Chateau de Lassay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 123 reviews
Perfectly preserved XVth century fortified castle with 8 towers, ramparts and drawbridges, in the charming old town of Lassay-les-Châteaux.
9. Chateau de Breze
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,227 reviews
Visit and guided tours of the chateau and grounds that have had castles since 1063. Open 10 - 6:00 pm (18H) everyday during spring and summer.
Reviewed By NeedToSeeItAll - Perth, Australia
We visited the chateau as a group of 40 travelling around central France. We had booked in to do wine tasting from the estate's production, and a self-guided visit of the chateau. It is an absolutely beautiful and impressive site with amazing history and great variety. The wines were varied, and some were quite impressive given how recently the business has been revitalised. Hopefully they can get back to their historic greatness as a truly exceptional producer.
10. Chateau de Tiffauges
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 491 reviews
The largest medieval fortress in the region, wonderful shows and entertainments, conservatory and medieval war machines unique in Europe!This castle of Gilles de Rais, companion of Jeanne d’Arc, since the twelfth century occupies a strategic position on the borders of the old provinces of Anjou, Brittany and Poitou.Fascinating, the castle is full of secrets and inspired the legend of Bluebeard...
