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 Photo: CRT Western Loire |
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Navigate along the beautiful rivers through the departments of Sarthe or Mayenne where the pace of intimate villages is so quiet and peaceful, and discover the far stretching scenery crossed by beautiful stretches of water. Cycling along the banks of the Loire towards the sea is very pleasurable, especially as the countryside is not too hilly. From the sophisticated La Baule, the most beautiful bay in Europe with golden fine sandy beach nearly 9 km long, to the child friendly dunes of "Les Sables-d'Olonne" and through its many amazing castles, the Western Loire has so much to offer.
No other destination offers such a variety of extraordinary sites as the Valley of the Kings. It once was the favourite area of French Kings where the "Capétians" established their dynasty before settling for Paris. Travel around the old cities of Orléans and Bourges in eastern Loire, take a trip to the west towards Angers and Nantes (Jules Verne's birth place and capital of the region), and do not miss a trip to Le Puy du Fou, a remarkable medieval theme park planted on almost 90 acres of land. Further south is Saumur, home of the tasty sparkling wine and in close proximity to Fontevraud Abbey, the biggest monastery in Europe and final resting place of King Richard the Lionheart.
Many of the regions' châteaux and their beautiful gardens are open to visit, and you may want to experience one of their many sound, light and fireworks displays in the evening, or enjoy some of the very popular outdoors summer music festivals.
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 Photo: CRT Western Loire |
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Western Loire is only 1.5 hours by plane from London and 2 hours from Paris by TGV train.
This beautiful region is open all year around and is to be enjoyed without moderation.
Capital: Nantes
Population: 3,242,000 (5,4% of French population)
Density: 101,2 per sq. km (France = 108,2 per sq. km)
Area: 32,404 sq. km (12,511 sq. miles) representing 5,9% of France
Economy: Services (63,6%), industry (31,6%), agriculture (4,8%)
Unemployment rate: 7,6% (rate for France = 9%)
Specialities: Rillettes paté, apple juice, seafood, various cakes ,light white wines
1. Le Grand Parc du Puy du Fou (Vendée) : 800,000 visitors
2. Cinéscénie spectacular at Le Puy du Fou (Vendée) : 380,000 visitors
3. Castle of the Dukes of Brittany (Loire-Atlantique) : 370,470 visitors
4. Ecomusée, Espadon submarine, Escal Atlantique (Loire-Atlantique) : 288,000 visitors
5. The Oceanarium at Le Croisic (Loire-Atlantique) : 256,000 visitors
The World famous, Le Mans 24-hour race (Sarthe) comes seventh : 220,000 visitors
First comes Great Britain (47%), second Netherlands (23%), third Germany (9%)
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To find out more about the Western Loire region visit:
View all properties in Western Loire
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