Holiday Home Pays de la Loire

Châteaux, Cathedrals, Cars: The Best of Pays de la Loire

France’s northwestern region of Pays de la Loire dazzles tourists with its Atlantic coastline, historic châteaux, and marvelous museums. You should definitely consider renting a holiday home in Pays de la Loire if you’re planning on visiting this region with your family. 

Of the many châteaux in the Loire Valley, one of the most famous in Pays de la Loire is the Château d’Angers. Originally constructed in the 9th century, the Château d’Angers is composed of 17 towers and contains one of the most important tapestries from the Middle Ages: The Apocalypse Tapestry. As you walk around this castle, you can’t help but feel swept away by the magic of Medieval times. 

After seeing the Apocalypse Tapestry up close, take a trip to the Jean Lurçat & Contemporary Tapestry Museum in Angers. Here you’ll learn more details about the art of tapestries and how scholars found the Apocalypse Tapestry in the 1930s. A few other fantastic museums in Angers include the Museum of Fine Arts, the David d’Angers Gallery, and the Pincé Museum. 

Another impressive château in Pays de la Loire is the Château des Ducs de Bretagne in the city of Nantes. Located on the right side of the Loire, this castle was initially built in the 13th century and was an important residence for Breton royalty. Today, this storied château also serves as the Nantes History Museum. 

Before leaving Nantes, be sure to visit the cities impressive Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul. Sometimes called the Nantes Cathedral, this Gothic church is well known for its large nave and for housing the ornate crypts of Duke of Brittany François II and his wife Marguerite de Foix.

Other important sites to visit while in Nantes include the city’s Fine Arts Museum, the Japanese Garden in the Ile de Versailles, and a museum dedicated to Nantes’ most famous son: author Jules Verne. 

Looking for yet another château to explore in Pays de la Loire? If so, then look no further than the town of Saumur. You won’t be able to miss the Saumur Castle because it literally towers over the city. The Château de Saumur was first built in the 10th century and has passed through the hands of many royals, including England’s King Henry II. Walking through this castle’s exquisite architecture is an unforgettable treat. 

If you have a need for speed while in Pays de la Loire, then consider visiting the town of Le Mans during its 24-hour sports car race. This annual competition was first held in 1923 and it has only grown in popularity as the years went on. To watch this thrilling one-day race for yourself, be sure to book your trip to Le Mans in June. 

Even if you don’t make it in time for the big race, there’s still a great deal to do and see while in Le Mans. For instance, Le Mans is home to one of France’s largest cathedrals: The Saint-Julien Cathedral. There’s also a well-preserved Old City area and an impressive Automobile Museum.