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 Things to do Good for Couples
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. La Cote Sauvage du Croisic
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. 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. 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.
5. Passage Pommeraye
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,986 reviews
A narrow passage covered with a glass ceiling consisting of three levels of shopping galleries.
Reviewed By doreend120 - Wakefield, United Kingdom
A wonderful place to shop, or just to visit and view. Quaint shop fronts, beautiful staircases which bring you out at street level two floors up. Browse for a couple of hours as we did on a wet afternoon. If following the 'green line` which takes you round Nantes, it recomences on the top level
6. Puy du Fou
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15,450 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 gabrieleguidoni - Zurich, Switzerland
Breathtaking experience in the heart of the Vendée, idyllic department of Western France: It is undoubtedly worth to reserve minimum a full day to visit the Puy du Fou Grand Parc (60 evening and daytime shows based on French actual and literary history, 4 period villages, 25 restaurants and 5 themed hotels) and book separately well in advance the spectacular 1hr 40m 2400 actors 4000 volunteers “Cinéscénie”, world’s biggest night-time show. Puy du Fou, 2nd most visited park in France after Disneyland Paris and winner of the “Thea Classic Award 2012” for "outstanding, breakthrough visitor attractions that have stood the test of time” is a must and bare in mind that due to shows time agenda and wide portfolio of events you need to plan carefully your visit: Attending 12 shows was a huge accomplishment during my stay; Amongst them I’d recommend: Indoor: “Mousquetaire du Richelieu”, “Le Dernier Panache”; Outdoor Not Covered: “Le Secret de la Lance”, “Le Bal des Oiseaux Fantômes”, “Les Vikings”; Outdoor Covered: “Le Signe du Triomphe” (Held only Once per day!); Make sure to wander around the picturesque “Le Bourg 1900”’s shops!
7. Jardin de la Perrine
8. Jardin d'Atmosphere du Petit Bordeaux
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 55 reviews
9. Terra Botanica
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,071 reviews
Reviewed By frana148 - Parthenay, France
Spent 6 hours exploring this park and covered most of it. The range of plants was impressive and loads were in flower which meant glorious colours. My friend and I are both keen gardeners so this was a delight. There are a lot of games areas, playgrounds and puzzles dotted around so younger children would have lots to do. The pedal boats and the dinosaur 4D film are fun for all ages, as is the balloon ride. I loved the butterfly house and the orchids were spectacular too. Lunch was good value and very tasty although on a crowded day I think the queue would probably be very long. Probably better to bring your own and use one of the picnic areas.
10. 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!
