No, the Pays de la Loire are not reduced to their long summer beaches and the succession of their illustrious castles. Behind the postcard image lie intimate villages, monumental open-air artworks, and routes built for gentle wandering. With its New Voyages in Pays de la Loire initiative, the region invites you to venture off the beaten path and soak up the territory year-round. From adrenaline-pumping sports to quirky cultural getaways, here are four ways to (re)discover the West.
Between the Ocean and the Loire, a taste for adventure
On the Atlantic coast, the vast stretches of sand become a fabulous playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, when the wind rises, land sailing delivers a thrilling sense of freedom along the water’s edge, accessible to beginners as well as seasoned athletes. Those who prefer to keep their feet on the pedals will find their happiness on the cycle paths of the Vélodyssée or the Vélocéan.
The Loire à Vélo unfolds a completely different backdrop. Tracing France’s longest river, this well-designed route winds through flourishing nature reserves and skirts an architectural heritage of rare value. The advantage of such a pace? Each pedal stroke invites a spontaneous stop at a lively riverside guinguette, a visit to a perched characterful town on a hillside, or a tasting of a local wine right at the producer’s door.
In the Alpes Mancelles and Mayenne, the art of slowing down
A change of tempo in the Alpes Mancelles, north of Sarthe. This land of wooded hills and narrow valleys contrasts with the more open landscapes often associated with the West. Around Saint-Léonard-des-Bois, hiking trails weave through pristine nature and reveal viewpoints over the surrounding reliefs. Along the paths, the scenery invites you to linger and discover a rural heritage still largely unknown.
In Mayenne, letting go plays out on the water. The river can be navigated aboard license-free houseboats. Glide through locks, pass by old mills, and dock at the foot of villages, all at a wonderfully slow tempo. Stops are improvised as inspiration strikes, far from the bustle of conventional tourist circuits.
From the Machines of the Isle to the Serpent d’Océan, unexpected discoveries
In Nantes, it’s not unusual to encounter a colossal mechanical pachyderm pounding the pavement. In the former shipyard district, the Machines of the Isle project has transformed the city’s industrial heritage into a dreamlike, captivating universe. The Grand Elephant embodies the perfect bridge between bold contemporary audacity and workers’ history.
Yet art is not confined to big cities. In Saint-Brevin-les-Pins, the astonishing Serpent d’Océan, conceived by artist Huang Yong Ping, spreads its gigantic aluminum skeleton across the beach. Visible with the tides, the sculpture seems to rise straight from the estuary’s waters. Another hidden gem, Sainte-Suzanne, a medieval town perched on its rocky spur, offers a plunge into History with ramparts that overlook the Mayenne countryside.
Spring, autumn, winter: a region to discover all year round
The Pays de la Loire changes its face with the seasons. In spring, gardens and green countryside invite leisurely strolls. In autumn, the Anjou vineyards and the Loir valley take on golden hues, while the wine estates offer opportunities to meet producers and discover local know-how.
Winter opens up its own perspectives. Along the coast, beaches return to a calmer atmosphere, perfect for long walks facing the sea. In Saumur, architectural heritage and cultural visits compose a weekend program, while the bocage of Vendée invites exploration of more intimate landscapes. All of these provide ample reasons to draw inspiration from these New Voyages in Pays de la Loire and pack your suitcase before July.
Sponsor article by Pays de la Loire. The editorial team did not participate in the creation of this article.
