Les Conches BeachThe Loire River, the rugged Atlantic coast and the sea marshes of the Pays de la Loire make this one of France's most scenic areas. Upscale resorts sit near wild swamp areas, and quaint French towns surrounded by lush countryside line the Loire River. Elegant mansions and abbeys dot the landscape, a testament to the area's long history.
Read our mini guide to Pays de la Loire
The region is divided into five "departments" or counties: the popular coastal region Vend?e, the Loire River delta Loire-Atlantique and the inland counties of Maine Et Loire, Mayenne and Sarthe.
The Vend?e department is the most popular for holiday goers. Its long sandy beaches and resort areas are ideal for boaters, surfers and beach lovers. Though most visitors to the Pays de la Loire are drawn to the shore, inland towns like Nantes, Le Mans and Angers (all river towns) are charming places as well. The Nantes cathedral is generally recognized as the area's finest. Fontenay Le Comte, a town whose history dates to 1000AD, and the castles of Brissac, Lude or Chateau de Craon all give a peek into the area's long history, and Fontevraud Abbaye, the largest monastery in Europe, shows off the region's cultural face.
Large, recently restored stone farmhouse, 6 bedrooms. Child friendly, 7 acres, a wood, ropes and swings. 12 metre swimming pool. Completely secluded. Terraces on south and west sides, shade trees on other side. Good local restaurants. On walking and cycling routes. more info...
In a small hamlet, is an old, modernised farmhouse, full of charm, with large enclosed garden.
In rural area with peace quiet and tranquility. more info...
Renovated property with exposed stone walls and feature beams, set within vast enclosed grounds in a quiet country location, 3 km from town. 20 km south east of La Roche sur Yon. more info...
Gite is located on the very edge of the peaceful hamlet of Chantegros, 15 km from Fontenay le Comte. Sleeps 4 in one bedroom (Double bed + full size bunk beds). Located adjacent to our home, so we're nearby to ensure you have all you need for a relaxing holiday. more info...
A 250 year old, air-conditioned cottage, in the peaceful hamlet of Le Petit Vioreau, 100 yards from a large, tranquil fishing lake and a few minutes from one of the finest inland swimming beaches in the area. more info...
Les Conches BeachA humid and cool area, the climate of the Pays de la Loire is greatly affected by the Atlantic Ocean. It's one of the sunniest regions in France, but summer temperatures rarely reach above 80?F.
Les Conches BeachThe largest airport in the west of France, the region's Nantes-Atlantique airport is well-connected to the rest of Europe, with direct flights from London. The flight from the UK takes just over an hour. The high speed train is another good option; the regular service to and from Paris takes just 2 hours. Once in the region, auto rental is the best option if you plan to explore. The roads are well-maintained, and there is a solid highway network connecting the Pays de la Loire to the rest of France.
Les Conches BeachThe region's 450km of coastline include some of France's best beaches and water-sport centres. Sailing and yachting are both popular here, and the Vend?e Globe Round-the-World yacht race is based in Sables d'Olonne. Even non-sailors will enjoy a walk around the town's colourful marina.
Surfing and windsurfing are widely practiced off the longer beaches, and Vend?e's southern coast is one of the most popular areas for surfers. For those who just want to relax, the sandy shores of La Baule bay are among the country's best.
Natural parks like the marshy Bri?re, Normandie-Maine and Loire-Anjou-Touraine are great areas for walkers and nature lovers, with relatively easy walking trails allowing visitors to explore a lot on foot. Bri?re in particular is known for its varied bird life.
The Pays de la Loire is a wonderful area for cycling, whether you chose to bike along the Loire River Valley, along the coast, or among the rural towns. There are several companies offering cycling tours around the region. Both bikers and walkers enjoy the small island of Yeu; there are numerous trails criss-crossing this rocky, rugged isle.
Cultural activities abound too. The Europa Jazz Festival, a Baroque festival, a Cinema Festival and an Oriental music festival are just a few of the events dotting the calendar. Local theatres and performing arts groups add to the cultural life here.
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