What to do in Atlantic Loire Valley?

Visit Fontevraud Abbey and its Modern Art Museum

At Fontevraud, step into 900 years of history! In the heart of the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is the largest monastic city inherited from the Middle Ages. It houses the recumbent effigies of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II Plantagenet, and Richard the Lionheart, while remaining a vibrant cultural hub. Inside its remarkable Modern Art Museum, explore nearly 900 works from the private collection of the Cligman couple: Toulouse-Lautrec, Degas, Vlaminck, van Dongen, Derain, Buffet, Delaunay… and many more. Temporary exhibitions mix these masterpieces with art objects from Africa, Asia, Oceania, and the Americas, a bold juxtaposition for a unique and fascinating visual experience.

Go “Troglodyte” between Montsoreau and Saumur

Did you know the Saumur region boasts the world’s largest troglodytic heritage? To see for yourself and experience cave living, head to Turquant, between Saumur and Montsoreau. Nestled against an impressive white tuffeau cliff, this village has expanded over centuries by carving out dozens of cavities. Today, these restored “troglos” offer endless possibilities: visit an old factory where “pommes tapées du Val de Loire” (dried apples) were once made, enjoy a meal of fouées (small breads) stuffed with rillettes in a cave restaurant, shop for local crafts, sip a drink at the “Bistroglo,” stay in a guesthouse, or even take part in a Loire wine tasting in a former lord’s lodge carved into the rock.

Attend Equestrian Shows in Saumur Castle Courtyard

Around Place Saint-Pierre, old Saumur still boasts timber-framed houses, grand townhouses, and cobbled streets. Climb La Montée du Fort to reach the castle, home to the galas of the famous Cadre Noir of Saumur. If you love horseback riding, you’ll be amazed by these spectacular equestrian performances, staged by a former military riding school that has become the epitome of equestrian art. For breathtaking views of the Loire and Saumur’s hillsides, head to the castle’s belvedere. Saumur truly deserves its nickname: the Pearl of Anjou.

Follow the Loire Wine Routes

By bike, on foot, or by boat, there are countless ways to explore the vineyards of the Loire region. In total, 17 routes and circuits invite you to meet winemakers, discover viticultural know-how, and taste (in moderation) the region’s wines: Muscadet, Saumur, Savennières, Jasnières… From the Nantes vineyards to the Vendée routes, through the Loir Valley and the Anjou-Saumur vineyards, Loire wines come in every shade.

Sail the Loire on a Toue Cabanée

Want to try navigating the royal river? Hop aboard a toue! This small, flat-bottomed fishing boat, typical of Loire river life, can even be fitted with a cabin for comfortable cruises for example, departing from Thoureil, a charming Loire port lined with old mariners’ houses.

Culture in Angers and Nature at Terra Botanica

Renowned for its gentle way of life, Angers invites you to stroll among its beautiful half-timbered houses, pedestrian cobblestone streets, the grand medieval castle of King René, and the peaceful banks of the Maine, brightened by riverside cafés in summer. The capital of Anjou is full of treasures: the Museum of Fine Arts, the David d’Angers Gallery with its monumental sculptures, the Natural History Museum, and above all, the stunning Jean Lurçat Museum of Contemporary Tapestry in the medieval Doutre district. Nature lovers will adore Terra Botanica, a unique theme park in Europe dedicated to the fascinating world of plants.

Tame the Machines of the Isle in Nantes and Visit the Château of the Dukes of Brittany

Climb onto the back of a gigantic 12-meter mechanical elephant, explore the Marine Worlds Carousel, or wander through a gallery filled with giant, imaginary creatures! The astonishing mechanical creations of Nantes’ Machines of the Isle enchant visitors of all ages, blending the worlds of Jules Verne and Leonardo da Vinci. Follow the green line painted on the ground, a playful artistic trail with around 60 stops showcasing the city’s must-sees and hidden gems. Highlights include the Château of the Dukes of Brittany, a fascinating Art Museum, a medieval quarter, the elegant Passage Pommeraye, and the lively Hangar à Bananes with trendy cafés and galleries. If time allows, cross the river by Navibus to Trentemoult, a charming fishing village with winding streets and colorful houses.

Cultural stroll in Nantes

Ride Along the Loire from Nantes to Saint-Brévin-les-Pins

With art installations as waypoints (The Pendulum, The Settlers, the artists’ rooms at Château du Pé, Misconceivable, the Starry Garden…), and an arrival at Mindin Point where a skeletal Ocean Serpent awaits, this ride from Nantes to Saint-Brévin on the Atlantic Coast is a journey into a fantastical world. From April to October, river cruises make discovery easy, but the bike route is family-friendly and fully signposted, following the Loire à Vélo and Vélodyssée trails. Along the way, stop at Cordemais to visit Terre d’Estuaire, an engaging interpretation center about local wildlife and flora.

Discover the Salt Marshes of the Guérande Peninsula

Treasures of biodiversity, the salt marshes of the Guérande Peninsula, awarded the “Remarkable Taste Site” label, are a source of pride for the Pays de la Loire region. Just steps from the charming medieval town of Guérande, access to the marshes is managed by salt workers and local associations who organize tours and demonstrations of traditional harvesting with a wooden rake. It is the perfect opportunity to learn about an age-old craft and taste the famous fleur de sel, the delicate layer of crystals that forms on the water’s surface, so prized by top chefs.

Explore the Ocean Depths at the Océarium in Le Croisic

A short distance from Guérande, on a peninsula offering spectacular views of the Atlantic Ocean and the wild coastline, Le Croisic is a former fishing port turned seaside resort. Known for its beaches such as Saint-Goustan, Port-Lin, and Castouillet, and for water sports, Le Croisic is also home to the Océarium, shaped like a starfish. Step inside and discover the wonders of the ocean depths with your family. A fun and educational visit, perfect for keeping kids and adults entertained on windy days.

Indulge in a Thalasso Break in La Baule

Sea-scented air, invigorating atmosphere… Take advantage of your trip to the Pays de la Loire for a wellness break at one of the thalassotherapy centers along the Atlantic coast, combining quality treatments, comfort, and the benefits of the ocean. Head to La Baule, north of the Loire estuary. The region’s most famous seaside resort, renowned for its grand hotels, boasts several addresses along its 9-kilometer sandy beach. Its perfectly curved bay is part of the exclusive Club of the World’s Most Beautiful Bays. Behind the seafront, Art Deco and Belle Époque villas transport you back in time beneath towering century-old pines. Ideal for a rejuvenating escape just three hours from Paris by train.

Dive into a Former Submarine Base in Saint-Nazaire

Birthplace of the prestigious Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyards, Saint-Nazaire is a port city open to the Loire Estuary. Housed in a former submarine base and dedicated to ocean liners, Escal’Atlantic plunges you into the golden age of transatlantic crossings. This unique attraction in Europe features multimedia installations, archival films, and over 200 collectible objects. Even without leaving the dock, you will feel like you are on board. Do not miss the coastal path and its beaches, including the famous Monsieur Hulot beach in Saint-Marc-sur-Mer, a nod to Jacques Tati’s classic film.

Sleep in a Fishing Hut on the Jade Coast near Pornic

From Saint-Brévin-les-Pins to Les Moutiers-en-Retz, along the Jade Coast, fishing huts are an iconic part of the Pays de la Loire landscape. Perched on stilts with their large square nets, these photogenic wooden cabins look like stationary boats overlooking the Atlantic at high tide. Accessible via the coastal path, they can be rented for a day or weekend for fishing sessions and nights lulled by the sound of the waves. Or stay in Pornic, with its clifftop castle once home to Gilles de Rais, also known as Bluebeard, overlooking the marina. This charming medieval town is a lively family-friendly resort all year round.

Taste Bourgneuf Bay Oysters

Less famous than those from Marennes-Oléron, Cancale, or the Arcachon Basin, Bourgneuf Bay oysters are a hidden gem of the Pays de la Loire. Enjoy them right in the heart of the oyster-farming basin along the Loire-Atlantique and Vendée coasts, for example at the small ports of Le Collet or Les Brochets in Bouin, where oyster bars offer deliciously salty stops.

Cross the Gois and Dine at a Three-Star Restaurant on Noirmoutier Island

To reach Noirmoutier Island in Vendée, you can take the bridge from Fromentine or opt for the Gois, a 4.5 km submersible causeway that disappears at high tide and is only passable for a few hours at low tide. A true adventure, best celebrated with a gastronomic meal at La Marine, chef Alexandre Couillon’s restaurant. Located at the port of L’Herbaudière, at the island’s tip, it earned its third Michelin star in 2023. Before leaving, take a bike ride to explore the island’s natural landscapes, visit workshops and art galleries, and meet local salt producers.

Set Sail for Île d’Yeu, Vendée’s Hidden Gem

Alongside Noirmoutier, Île d’Yeu is one of the natural jewels of the Pays de la Loire. Even wilder than its sister island, this 23 km² patch of land off the Vendée coast is best explored by bike. Between rides, pause to observe local wildlife and flora, admire secret turquoise coves, and watch fishing boats at work. Guaranteed escape.

Build Sandcastles in Saint-Jean-de-Monts

With eight kilometers of golden sand, Saint-Jean-de-Monts is paradise for families and budding builders. This large seaside resort charms visitors with its friendly atmosphere, lively seafront, and thalassotherapy center. Between tides, kids can enjoy fresh air, dunes, and the simple joy of seeing their castles bravely yet unsuccessfully defy the Atlantic waves, only to start again the next day.

Celebrate Sardines in Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie

The little sardine of Croix-de-Vie is a big deal. A symbol of Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie in Vendée, it is best enjoyed at the fishing port or at the Sardine Workshop, and what a treat. Every spring, locals and visitors celebrate the sardine season with the “Printemps de la Sardine,” a festival filled with sea shanties, workshops, and tastings. A great idea is to follow the Sardine Trail, a marked route that lets you discover Saint-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie on foot while having fun.

Greet Vendée Globe Sailors in Les Sables-d’Olonne

Every four years, the seaside resort of Les Sables-d’Olonne in Vendée beats to the rhythm of the Vendée Globe, the world’s greatest solo, non-stop, unassisted round-the-world yacht race. While waiting for the next edition, soak up the maritime atmosphere with a stroll along the seafront promenade and the channel, the starting point for a tour of the Chaume fishing village and its colorful houses.

Cycle or Surf Around La Tranche-sur-Mer

The southern coast of the Pays de la Loire offers stunning landscapes where land meets sea, with wild lagoons and long stretches of golden sand. A bike ride along the Vélodyssée cycle route between La Tranche-sur-Mer and La Faute-sur-Mer immerses you in shades of blue, yellow, and green. If you are craving foam, the waves of La Tranche-sur-Mer, beloved by surfers, are waiting for you.

Take a Night Walk in the Plantagenet City, Le Mans

The city of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the world’s most famous endurance car race, is also a historic town with remarkable heritage. Within its Roman walls, around Saint-Julien Cathedral, one of the largest in France, the Plantagenet City takes you back to the Middle Ages with timber-framed houses, cobbled streets, courtyards, and passages. Each summer and during the festive season, join the “Night of Chimera,” a nocturnal trail featuring artistic light projections on the most beautiful monuments of this historic district.

Climb the Alps… in Sarthe

No need for crampons to tackle the Mancelles Alps. In this unexpected setting between Sarthe and Mayenne, the altitude never exceeds 220 meters. Discover charming hidden villages such as Fresnay-sur-Sarthe or Saint-Pierre-des-Nids, where the Toyères Canyon viewpoint offers breathtaking panoramas of the Sarthe gorges and their majestic meanders. Fishing, a bucolic hike, a mountain bike ride, or a canoe trip along the water… In this green haven, take a break and breathe deeply.

Play Hooky in the Loir Valley and Spot Wildlife at La Flèche Zoo

Originating in central France, the Loir also meanders through the Pays de la Loire, between Sarthe and Maine-et-Loire. A little sister to the Loire Valley, located 40 km further south, its gentle valley is a well-kept secret. Follow country paths and cycle routes to discover the Bercé Forest, one of the most beautiful in France, famous for its centuries-old oaks, as well as the imposing Château du Lude, the northernmost of the Loire castles. La Flèche Zoo, an iconic wildlife park in the region, along with the Bioparc in Doué-la-Fontaine, completes the adventure.

Learn Gregorian Chant at Solesmes Abbey

To appreciate the exceptional purity of Gregorian chant, Solesmes Abbey in Sablé-sur-Sarthe opens its services to the public on certain Sundays. A sensory experience not to be missed in a unique spiritual setting adorned with its famous sculpted saints. Architecture enthusiasts will also enjoy discovering around sixty abbeys in the Pays de la Loire, including the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, the Abbey of L’Épau near Le Mans, Notre-Dame du Port du Salut in Mayenne, and Maillezais Abbey with its stunning ruins in Vendée. In Les Sables d’Olonne, Sainte-Croix Abbey houses the MASC, Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art.

Travel Back in Time at Jublains

Fascinated by the Roman Empire and indomitable Gauls? You must visit the Gallo-Roman town of Jublains in Mayenne. The archaeological site of the ancient city of Noviodunum features impressive monuments and ancient remains such as baths, a theater, and a temple, along with a unique military fortress.

Take in the View at Sainte-Suzanne

In the Mayenne countryside, between Laval and Le Mans, discover Sainte-Suzanne, one of the Most Beautiful Villages in France. Stroll through the medieval streets of this small town perched on a rocky spur and admire the splendid view of the peaceful surrounding countryside. Climb to the castle, explore its keep and ramparts, then dive into history at the Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center housed in a 17th-century manor. End your visit at the Auditoire Museum, which tells 3,000 years of history with models and objects, including France’s oldest armor dating from the Hundred Years’ War.

Immerse Yourself in Naïve Art in Laval

In Laval, venture beyond the medieval walls to explore the Old Castle, built into the hillside above the Mayenne River. Inside, an exotic surprise awaits at the Museum of Naïve and Singular Arts (MANAS). Let yourself be carried away by the world of Douanier Rousseau, a native painter whose colorful and candid work joyfully celebrates nature. Continue your visit at the Cité du Lait – Lactopôle André Besnier, a true temple of dairy heritage. Discover more than 4,000 pieces tracing the history of milk, its trades, and traditions, and take part in life-size activities and workshops. At the Robert Tatin Museum, near the Vélo Francette cycle route, marvel at giant statues and architecture reminiscent of Asian or Mayan temples.

Cross Mayenne by Electric Boat or on Two Wheels Along the Vélo Francette

In Laval, hop on a bike and follow the Mayenne River and its bucolic banks along the Vélo Francette cycle route, which crosses the Pays de la Loire from north to south. You can also play sailor and head to the beautiful medieval town of Château-Gontier by electric boat. A peaceful, effortless ride that still leaves time to savor Mayenne’s creamy cheeses, including the must-try Entrammes with its woodland flavor.

Spot Birds in the Erdre Valley, North of Nantes

North of Nantes, let yourself be charmed by the Erdre River, which François I once called the most beautiful river in France. Board a panoramic boat, an electric skiff, or a canoe, and admire elegant châteaux, manor houses, and 18th-century follies blending into the landscape. Keep your eyes open for herons and egrets posing gracefully. The Erdre Valley can also be explored by bike along its cycle paths. In Nort-sur-Erdre and the villages along the river, stop at a lock keeper’s house offering simple food and lodging. In September, enjoy a festive atmosphere during the Rendez-vous de l’Erdre, a festival combining jazz and classic boating.

Enjoy a Romantic, Colorful Escape in Clisson, Near Nantes

If you are visiting Nantes, take a 30-kilometer detour to Clisson. You will fall under the spell of this medieval town with its large pink-brick houses, square campanile topped with ochre tiles, and gardens dotted with cypress and umbrella pines. Continue your walk in the vast park of the Garenne Lemot estate, just steps from the old medieval castle. Between vibrant festivals, shows, and events, savor the summer charm of this gem of the Pays de la Loire.

Discover the Brière Regional Nature Park and the Marais Poitevin

Glide along canals, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature in the heart of the Brière Regional Nature Park, France’s second-largest marshland and a true jewel of the Pays de la Loire, near La Baule and Saint-Nazaire. Around charming villages with thatched roofs such as Kerhinet and Saint-Joachim, observe the country’s largest colony of harriers and grey herons. On foot, by bike, aboard a flat-bottomed boat, or in a horse-drawn carriage, every outing becomes an adventure among reeds and wet meadows.

Further south, head to the Marais Poitevin. Drift along in a traditional boat or cycle under the shade of ash trees. This land of living traditions invites you to step back in time, wander through narrow streets, and visit ancient abbeys such as Nieul-sur-l’Autise.

Awaken Your Senses at the Oriental Park of Maulévrier in Cholet

Stroll, contemplate, marvel… In Cholet, the capital of the handkerchief, start by stepping into the Textile and Fashion Museum or the Museum of Art and History to immerse yourself in local heritage. For an exotic touch, head to the Oriental Park of Maulévrier, the largest Japanese garden in Europe, where a true sensory journey awaits visitors. Between Khmer temple and statues, pagoda and lanterns, wooden bridges and waterfalls, let yourself be lulled by the harmony of shapes and the softness of the landscapes. Perfectly pruned trees and around 400 meticulously maintained plant species invite you to pause and reflect. In spring, when azaleas burst into color and cherry trees bloom, the park becomes a pure delight.

Relive History at the Grand Parc du Puy du Fou and the Historial de la Vendée

Thrill, marvel, and vibrate to the rhythm of epic tales… At Puy du Fou, voted the best theme park in the world, history comes alive before your eyes. Circus games, Viking attacks, knightly jousts, birds of prey in flight, and musketeer duels follow one another in spectacular shows. Each performance transports visitors through the centuries, culminating in the majestic Cinéscénie, a nighttime pageant that brings more than 700 years of history to life. To complete the experience, visit the Historial de la Vendée, a museum perfectly integrated into the landscape with its green roof, retracing 3,000 years of local history at Les Lucs-sur-Boulogne.