Pays de la Loire

Pays De La Loire

Pays de la Loire includes the part of the Loire valley downstream from Saumur. The ancient houses of Anjou and Plantagenet held sway here, and history lurks on every corner.

In the areas surrounding Nantes and Le Mans, the cultural influences of Brittany and Normandy are strong. The countryside is rich in historical gems and natural beauties away from the better-known attractions of the Loire valley itself that are just waiting to be discovered.
   
By road, the region is easily reached in a few hours from any of the Channel crossings, though the ports of St. Malo and Caen (sailings from Portsmouth) offer the shortest drive. Nantes also has an airport.