Pays de la Loire

Home of the famous dry white wine Muscadet – a seafood lovers’ paradise

Former capital of Brittany, Nantes is a major port boasting a medieval quarter

Chic seaside resort La Baule has some of the best beaches on the west coast

Angers was once the second capital of England and has impressive 13th century château

Picture postcard pretty Saumur produces delicious wine from its vineyards on the banks of the Loire

Fontevraud l’Abbaye contains the gravestones of Richard the Lionheart and Eleanor of Aquitaine

The enormous Parc Naturel Régional de Normandie et Maine is a haven for outdoor types

Laval’s 11th century château and steep city walls hint at its turbulent past

Amateurs of Roman history should head for Les Jublains

Exhaust roars from the 24 hour race in Le Mans – but the city itself has impressive Gallo-Roman remains

Asnières-sur-Vègres working watermill and 11th century church are always popular

The renowned 17th century military academy at La Flèche is open to visitors

Peaceful, sandy beaches on the island of Noirmoutier

The Renaissance beauty of Fontenay le Comte and standing stones near Vouvant

Les Sables d’Olonne has kept its charm as a fishing port despite being one of the most popular resorts