Traveling in Pays de la Loire
Pays de la Loire is a region in western France with a coastline on the Bay of Biscay. It encompasses part of the Loire Valley and is famed for its vineyards. The valley's grand chateaux include the Chateau de Saumur, a hilltop medieval fort that contains a city museum, and the 7-story Chateau de Brissac, featuring period decor. Nantes, the regional capital, is home to the moated Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne, now a museum. Just a short ride from Paris, the region was once of immense strategic importance. Kings, queens, dukes and nobles came here to establish feudal castles and, later on, sumptuous pleasure palaces - that's why this fertile river valley is sprinkled with hundreds of France's most extravagant fortresses. It is also known for its outstanding wines and lively, sophisticated cities.
Regions
The biggest city in Pays de la Loire is Nantes, which is the sixth most populated city in France with over 290,000 people. Together with Saint-Nazaire, a seaport located on the Loire estuary, Nantes forms the main metropolis of north-western France. Spirited and innovative, this artsy city on the banks of the Loire has a history of reinventing itself. Nantes has something for everyone, from great cultural and historical sites like castles, cathedrals, and museums, to amusement parks and great shopping and dining options. It is a popular tourist destination in the Pays de la Loire region.
Angers is another metropolis of the region. It has a metropolitan population of about 400,000 and is the third biggest job provider in north-western France. Angers enjoys a rich cultural life, made possible by its universities and museums. The old medieval center is still dominated by the massive chateau of the Plantagenets, home of the Apocalypse Tapestry, the biggest medieval tapestry ensemble in the world. Angers is also both at the edge of the Val de Loire, a World Heritage Site, and the Loire-Anjou-Touraine regional natural park. Angers has plenty for tourists to do.
Le Mans is another city in Pays de la Loire. Situated in north-east Pays de la Loire, Le Mans is home to a metropolitan population over 300,000. Le Mans has a well-preserved old town with the Cathedrale St-Julien, dedicated to St Julian of Le Mans, who is honored as the city's first bishop. Remnants of a Roman wall are visible in the old town and Roman baths are located by the river. These walls are highlighted every summer (July and August) evening in a light show that tells the history of the town. Le Mans has several other popular sites and points of interest such as museums, parks, and structures. It also has a great shopping and dining scene.