Welcome to Pays de la Loire
The Pays de la Loire is a vast region full of natural and cultural heritage with an incredible diversity of landscapes. Due to the large list of things to see and do, it is a region that attracts not only tourists, but also lovers of flora and fauna.
The prefecture of this area is Nantes, which is also the most inhabited city, and takes its name from the river Loire, which flows through two of the five departments that make up the area before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean.
As a natural territory, it has several marshes on the sea over the centuries that delimit the coastline. Some examples are the Brière near Saint-Nazaire, the Breton marsh in the north of the Vendée and the Poitevin marsh in the south.
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What to see
One of the best plans to enjoy in this region is visiting Les Machines de L'île in Nantes. This is a large area where monuments and attractions are on display. You have to visit it to find out what it is all about.
The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany is another tourist attraction since it is a historical defensive fortification. One of the reasons why it is interesting is that it was built in the 15th century but also includes elements from the 14th to 18th centuries.
And, among many others, the Puy du Fou, which is a historical-themed leisure park where five shows are performed: gladiators, Vikings, warriors, birds of prey and musketeers - a perfect day out to spend with the kids!
What to eat
Chaudrée à la vendéenne, a fish soup that is little thicker than any other soup. It is said that this soup was originally a recipe made using small fish that could not be sold, which is why today it is made with some such as sole or plaice.
You also have rabbit pâté, a dish that has rabbit meat, fresh bacon and sausage meat with cognac, chopped onion and juniper berries. This dish is so widely consumed that its production is not only confined to the home, but also to crafts and industry.
And the gâche vendéenne for dessert, which is a bread-shaped pastry, similar to a brioche but with a firmer crumb. It is made mainly with flour, eggs, butter, sugar and cream.
Nature
The Loire Valley is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located in the departments of Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire and Maine-et-Loire. Most of the châteaux recognised as Châteaux of the Loire Valley are located in this area, as well as numerous vineyards.
The Loire-Anjou-Tourne Regional Natural Park between the cities of Angers and Tours, has a very rich heritage as it is located in the west of the Loire Valley Châteaux region. Its main role nowadays is to preserve its heritage through the development of the territory.
And the Regional Natural Park of Brière, north of the estuary on the Loire Atlantique. This park was created in 1970 and is distinguished by its fauna and flora as well as its characteristic birds and aquatic plants.
Our festivities
La Folle Journée de Nantes, a well-known and interesting classical music festival is the largest classical music festival in France and lasts five days. Each year it focuses on a theme, initially on composers such as Mozart and Beethoven, but has since expanded.
The Festival d'Anjou, which is a major play in the department of Maine-et-Loire. More than twenty classical and contemporary works of theatre are performed here at the beginning of each summer.
And the Fête de la Science will surprise you with the wide range of activities on offer. To name just a few of the many examples, you can share all your knowledge about science, understand the consequences and questions it raises or also awaken everyone’s curiosity about this subject.
