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The Île d'Yeu |
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An air of Cornouaille!
The Île d'Yeu is a famous fishing port, with the picturesque ambience that is typical of the true islands. Leave your car and tie on dry land, bring along your windcheater and stout shoes, hire a bike and forget all your cares… This most meridional of the Vendéen islands offers a great deal of sunshine, revitalising spray, and invigorating winds – not forgetting the smiles of the natives, who wouldn't leave this paradise for anything in the world!
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| Chateau Life |
Experience historic evenings…
Who has never dreamed of being the privileged host of a prestigious home? Treat yourself for a day or two. There’s plenty of choice: chateau, manor, abbey, beautiful townhouse, old coach houses... all of these places combine a prestigious context, charm and conviviality! Bed & Breakfast with a “Bienvenue au Château” or “Hôtel de Charme et du Patrimoine” formula promise you a royal stay!
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| The finish of the Vendée Globe |
Come and greet the heroes!
They left Sables d'Olonne on 9 November last, and after weeks at sea, the first silhouettes of the boats should appear on the horizon. Having braved storms, confronted the raging seas, sometimes just missing icebergs, and sailed round the mythical Cape Horn, the skippers will be welcomed as true heroes on their return to Sables-d'Olonne. Come to greet them on the pontoons and share in a moment full of emotion and excitement. Who will cross the finishing-line first: Desjoyeaux, Jourdain, or perhaps Le Cléac´h? Answers at the beginning of February!
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| The last miles on the Atlantic... |  |
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| Fontevraud and the religious heritage |
Where the eye is pleased, the spirit rises!
Fontevraud Abbey was founded in the 12th century, and is Europe’s largest set of monastic buildings. A triumphant testimony to a rich past, it offers visitors a superb set of architectural styles. Should the religious heritage seduce you, welcome to the Pays de la Loire: From the light shining through Epau abbey’s stained-glass windows, to the most beautiful remains of Maillezais Abbey, via Nieul-sur-l'Autise or Solesmes, the tranquillity of these places renders contemplation compulsory!
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| The Cadre Noir de Saumur |
Equestrian magic…
The great school of the Ecole Nationale d'Equitation adorns itself in grace and elegance to introduce you to equestrian acrobatics. Thanks to the Cadre Noir – a body of breakers and trainers – let these unique spectacles of equestrian magic show you how man and horse can become one ! Academic or sporting horse-riding, “airs above the ground” (sauts d'école), trick riding – these shows will amaze you !
- Les Jeudis du Cadre Noir: from April to September
- The Printemps des Ecuyers: 22, 23, 24 May
- Les Musicales: 8, 10, 11 October
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| The coastal paths of the Vendée |
Breathing in the healthy sea air!
Between Noirmoutier and Sables-d'Olonne, lie almost 100 km of cycling pleasure! Between La Barre-de-Monts and Saint-Jean-de-Monts, there is another 110 km of cycle track, 50 km of which is car-free. For you, this is an unusual angle on the sea, marshes, dunes and pine forests… Add to this 15 km of cycle track between Longeville-sur-Mer and L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer, and 80 km between L'Aiguillon and Maillezais, which enable you to reach the marshes of Poitiers from the coast!
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| Anchor away! |
Dinner cruise or cruiseboat?
On the Loire and its tributaries, let the movement of the water soothe you for a while… For a cruise or for dinner: Climb on board one of the region’s 18 cruise or restaurant boats. The charm of the towns and cities, the splendour of the chateaux and buildings, the beauty of the countryside… Discover the Pays de la Loire from a unique point of view!
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| Guérande |
A medieval city!
The beautifully preserved fortified city of Guérande offers a very pleasant stroll at the heart of the fortifications which shelter typical houses and remarkable monuments: the Porte Saint-Michel, the Collégiale Saint-Aubin... The city’s prosperity has been founded for more than a thousand years on the salt trade. Here, you can connect with the medieval atmosphere just by wandering through the narrow streets, which are brought to life by artisan’s workshops and numerous shops!
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| The Musée Tatin at Cossé-le-Vivien |
An astounding museum
Robert Tatin was an artist and traveller. He created a sculptural, symbolist and naïve world that is a reflection of his life and his personality. Peopled with fascinating statues - giant evocations of Easter Island under Chinese and Aztec influences, this strange home invites you to enter the extraordinary imagination of its creator. An unclassifiable artist who created this museum in 1969. When he died in 1983, and in compliance with his wishes, Robert Tatin was buried in the garden in front of the house, which is the entry to the museum!
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| A pinch of ocean |
Salt, an extra grain of flavour
Best quality unrefined salt, fine salt or coarse salt – all are on offer in packets of all sizes, sometimes prepared with various spices. Not forgetting the Salicorne – a march plant, pickled in vinegar. The sea is rich in iodized nourishment. The paludiers (salt marsh workers) are guardians of the Guérande and Noirmoutier salt marshes. They can give you original recipe ideas to renew the art of seasoning!
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| The Sèvre Niortaise |
And a river flowed through the Poitevin Marshes!
The Sèvre Niortaise and its network of canals form an exceptional natural site: the Poitevin Marsh. Discover an exceptional selection of fauna and flora as you travel along the river by barge, canoe or cruise boat. You will also see picturesque villages such as Damvix, which has a great many typical huts lining the riverbank. The Sèvre Niortaise? An 80 km journey through an enchanting décor, before it pours into the ocean via the Aiguillon bay !
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| The wines of Nantes and the Vendéen Fiefs |
They’ve got everything going for them!
Start off your vineyard trail in the Nantes area and make the most of the beauty of the natural and historic heritage: Undisputed star here since the 16th century, Muscadet is both fruity and robust. And don’t forget the Coteaux d’Ancenis or Gros Plant! Further south, in the Vendée, the vineyards of the Brem fiefs is distinguished by its appley taste. All these wines are the perfect accompaniment to a seafood platter !
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| Le Mans |
A city of character…
It would be a mistake to associate the city only with its famous "24 Heures". In penetrating to the heart of the Plantagenet city, you are turning the pages of a fascinating history book. Protected by a remarkable 3rd century Roman wall, the ancient city is a little jewel: with cobbled streets that are home to half-timbered houses and Renaissance hotels, it has been used in films such as "Cyrano de Bergerac" and "Le Bossu". Here, you can let yourself dream of days gone by!
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| The Val de Loire Vineyards Tourist Trail |
40,000 hectares of ‘dégustation’
The skills of the vine were introduced by the Romans, and are now one of the main assets of the Pays de la Loire. Sweet, dry, sparkling, white, red or rosé – every one of you will find just what you’re looking for among our prestigious AOC wines. Saumur Brut, Savennières, Coteaux du Layon, Saumur-Champigny, Anjou villages, Muscadet, Jasnières, Mareuil wines... From the Nantes area to Montsoreau, the Val de Loire Vineyards Tourist Trail extends you a warm welcome!
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| Villes & Villages Fleuris |
Pays de la Loire, the top French region
Over the years, the communes of the Pays de la Loire have shown increasing interest in the yellow sign, stamped with 1,2,3 or 4 flowers, and indicating the award of the title ‘fleuri’ to towns and villages. The Pays de la Loire region is now a national leader in terms of the number of communes classified as Villes et Villages Fleuris. A sign of dynamism and quality of life, the blossoming of our small towns and villages shows the significance given to environment and living conditions in the Pays de la Loire.
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| The cave dwellers of the plains and the hills |
An astonishing habitat, burrowed out by people!
The plain-based cave dwellings are laid out around subterranean sunken areas – sometimes belonging to old quarries. There is an abundance of beautiful examples around Doué-la-Fontaine, as well as at Louresse-Rochemenier. The hill-based cave dwellings are situated on the abrupt and smiling slopes of the banks of the Loire, between Saumur and Montsoreau. In this case, the dwelling stretches along the hillside. What is the result? Cliffs littered with windows and doors, criss-crossed by staircases which are visible from the road.
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| The Loir |
Country escapes…
Between the Maine and the Anjou, the Loir crosses bucolic landscapes that are full of charm: fields of cereal, prairie grasses watered by the lazy meandering of the river, banks planted with vines of Jasnières and Coteaux du Loir, dense forest, tufa cliffs dotted with cave dwellers homes, a succession of discreetly elegant chateaux. Don’t forget to visit the chateau du Lude or such picturesque villages as Vaas, or Grand-Lucé. As for the children, they’ll love the zoo at La Flèche!
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| Laval |
The beautiful medieval city…
A chocolate-box chateau towering over a river, a maze of charm-laden medieval streets, one of the most beautiful museums of naïve art in the world, and a religious heritage of a splendour that is rarely seen… Go, on, take a stroll around ! You can also discover the city from the water. Departures are from the Halte Fluviale, not far from the old ‘bateaux-lavoirs’ (floating washhouses). Don’t miss: the traditional Saturday morning market, where the stalls of local vegetable, poultry and dairy producers overflow with good things!
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| Saint-Nazaire |
The Atlantic port and gateway...
The skyline bears the silhouettes of great liners, lifting bridges, strangely shaped cranes, and the multi-coloured hulls of the trawlers… Saint-Nazaire. It is first and foremost a port – home to the Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Incidentally, the town maintains a passionate unity with the site. Today, it is besieged by the people of St Nazaire, who like to go there for a stroll or to visit the Escal'Atlantic – a new kind of museum. And those who prefer a swim are spoilt for choice - the town boasts 20 beaches!
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| Small Towns of Character |
Treasures awaiting your discovery in the Pays de la Loire
On arrival, you will be amazed to find, nestling among the calm green surroundings, a Roman cloister, a medieval fortress or an exceptional viewpoint from a terraced rock. Next, you’ll notice the friendly village atmosphere! Yes, this is one of our "Petites Cités de Caractère", where authenticity and diversity are made the most of, and where you’ll want to hang around !
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| Noirmoutier |
A Mediterranean-tinted walk…
Landscapes of polders and mills, mimosas and woods, creeks, small ports and old rigs… Noirmoutier certainly has style ! Sometimes known as the "Belle hollandaise" because half of the island is below sea level, it is joined to the continent by a bridge that has been toll-free since 1971. There is also the passage du Gois, a 4 km-long causeway connecting the island to the mainland at low tide: not to be missed!
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| Traditional small craft |
A watery story…
Make the most of your stay on the banks of the Loire and get to know it better, using these traditional craft, still to be found on the river! Their common points: they are all flat-bottomed, due to the many sandbanks which punctuate the Loire. Flat-bottomed barges of all descriptions – seize the opportunity to climb aboard and discover the depths of the bargees’ passion for their river!
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| Marinas |
Home from home for novice and experiences sailors...
In the Pays de la Loire – region of Benéteau, Jeanneau and other big names in boat construction - yachting is king.. Should you wish to anchor your craft, or hire a craft - with or without skipper – there are many ports along the coastline. Their popularity and liveliness during the summer season don't detract from their charm and authenticity in any way – they are great places to go for a leisurely stroll.
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| The Côte de Lumière and its top resorts |
St-Hilaire-de-Riez, St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie and Brétignolles-sur-Mer
Ten sandy beaches neighbour one another, the length of the 12 km of dunes edged by a forest of maritime pine. St-Hilaire meets St-Gilles-Croix-de-Vie via the Corniche de Sion, a listed site overhanging the very lovely sandy creeks. Bathing, shore fishing and caving can easily be practiced. St-Gilles is very lively little town, with its charm-filled fishing and sailing ports. It is also a child-friendly Station Kid. Further south, Brétignolles is a famous spot for surfers as well as a very welcoming resort to families!
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| Horse and Pony riding |
In the Pays de la Loire, the horse is king…
In the forest, through the vineyards, along the coastline or the banks of the Loire… The local natural environment lends its paths and trails to horseback riders. Walking, trotting or galloping, listen up – the sound of hooves blends perfectly into the sounds of the natural world! To accompany you in your desire for open spaces, try the 19 approved equestrian centres labelled “Cheval Plus” – you know you can trust them.
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| Sweet nothings to take home |
Little treasures for gourmets!
If you are a lover of sweet breads or confectionary, make the most of your stay in the Pays de la Loire to stock up. Berlingots Nantais, or Quernons d'Ardoise (a speciality of Anjou made of caramelized praline with almonds and hazelnuts, coated in blue chocolate to imitate slate). Not to mention Vendéen brioches, Sablés de Retz or from Sablé-sur-Sarthe... All these treats make lovers of sweet things happy. Before leaving, don’t forget to take a little detour to Nantes for the Véritable Petit Beurre LU – a biscuit like no other !
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| Alcohols and spirits |
Secrets of the stills!
Cointreau, the famous liqueur made with orange extracts, has been distilled in Angers since 1849. Guignolet, a cherry-flavoured apéritif, is also manufactured in the Angers region. These distilleries are of course open to visitors, and the ‘dégustation’ is part of the experience. At Saumur, discover the Val de Loire’s oldest distillery, Combier. In Vendée, there are two other alcoholic drinks that are also typical of Pays de la Loire – kamok, a coffe-based liqueur and poiré, a pear-based drink made in Mayenne.
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| In the land of the mishroom caves... |
Or, the mysterious world of mushrooms
Three-quarters of the national production of the ‘Champignon de Paris’ (sic) is cultivated in the tufa galleries of the Saumur area! The climatic qualities of these places (whose temperature and hygrometry are constant throughout the year), combined with local savoir-faire, have made these caves the kingdom of mushroom-growers. And to avoid going home with an empty stomach, take the time to follow up the tour with a taste of the galipette: a large stuffed mushroom baked in a traditional bread oven. What a treat!
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| Watersport resorts |
For sport and watersports enthusiasts
This national 'label' guarantees you the best reception, quality equipment and the possibility of practicing your favourite sport to the full: sailing, boardsports, diving, kayak, land yachting, etc The watersport resorts of the Pays de la Loire are open to all: tourists on holiday, beginners, experienced participants, adults and children... Everyone is guaranteed an activity, the necessary equipment and supervision that is suited both to their desires and their requirements!
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| A whole range of other sports |
Dive in!
All of your nautical desires can be satisfied on our coast: Sea-Kayaking near the rocky creeks of Piriac and Pornic, wave skiing at Sables-d'Olonne, kitesurfing at La Baule, diving off the Île d'Yeu, waterskiing at Noirmoutier, jet skiing at Pornichet... With such a wide choice, there's no excuse for inactivity!
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| Vélocéan |
Pedalling along with the wind in your hair…
Between the ocean and the salt marshes, between the rocky outcrops and the salt marsh plains, between the blue of the sea and the green landscape, more than 50 km of cycle track awaits you from Piriac-sur-Mer to Moutiers-en-Retz. These itineraries are safely designed and will ultimately connect the coastal towns to one another.
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| The Poitevin Marsh |
Welcome to the ‘Green Venice’!
This inter-regional park is intended to preserve the network of canals that frame the Sèvre Niortaise, the Lay and their tributaries. It lends itself to a pleasant barge or canoe trip. If you’re in search of a total change of scene, why not choose a bike? There are over 300 km of marked itineraries which invite you to discover narrow canal-side roads, picturesque villages and surprising monuments – such as the abbeys of Maillezais and Nieul-sur-l'Autise. Plenty of opportunities for walks with the family!
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| The Vendée Globe |
Sables-d'Olonne, official supplier to legends...
Every four years, the world’s top yachtsmen meet at Port Olona for the only non-stop round-the-world yacht race without assistance. Single-handedly, the competitors will sail from East to West via three capes, before coming ashore to a hero’s welcome at the port of Sables-d’Olonne. Who, from among Le Cam, Desjoyeaux, Peyron, Dick and Golding, will bring home the title this year – unless, that is, Vincent Riou achieves the double? We will have to wait till February 2009 for the answer!
- Departs Les Sables d’Olonne on 9 November -
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| The 24 Heures du Mans |
The most prestigious endurance test in the world!
Every year 220,000 spectators make a beeline for the Bugatti track, driven by a single passion: the roaring of the engines! In this exceptional race, which is the longest in the world (13,650 km), the racing cars go by at more than 300 km per hour in finest Hunadière tradition… 24 hours of motoring, of laps around the track, of noise and high spirits. 100% adrenaline guaranteed! And, as night falls, village events add to the magic of the racetrack.
- 24 Heures du Mans Moto: 18, 19 April
- 24 Heures du Mans Auto: 13, 14 June
- 24 Heures du Mans Camion: 19, 20 September
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| La Baule, Le Pouliguen and Pornichet |
Lazy days and high spirits
9 km of pale sandy coves, endless coastline, a sea that becomes a nautical stadium, at high tide... You're on the Côte d'Amour, and Europe's most beautiful beach is laid out at your feet. A Pornichet, the innovative 'Station Kid' label enables children and their parents to enjoy diving. Right in the centre of the bay, 'chic et choc' La Baule is a concentrate of luxury boutiques, friendly restaurants, and stunning villas. At the end of the promenade, Le Pouliguen offers a unique view of the bay!
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| Cycling in the Pays de la Loire |
See the region with the wind in your hair…
The “Loire à Vélo” circuit, and the 4 sections open in Pays de la Loire, and also the “Vélocéan” itinerary, which connects the Loire-Atlantique coastal resorts to one another, the Vendéen coastal paths, the itineraries in the greenery, the marshes and on the islands, the tours in the Loire Valley... As far as bicycle tours go, there’s plenty of choice! Whether as a family, alone or accompanied, more than 1,000 km of track have been put in place and signposted, to guide you with ease !
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| The Sarthe |
Gently meandering over a delicately undulating countryside canvas
From the Alpes Mancelles in the north to the Anjou in the south, the Sarthe crosses a varied landscape: steep hills with alpine vegetation, woods, dense forest, peaceful villages, famous abbeys such as that of Solesmes, chateaux, distinctive villages… all of these lovely sights are within reach and awaiting your family. Le Mans, City of Art and History, Malicorne-sur-Sarthe and its famous pottery, Sablé-sur-Sarthe and its gentle way of life – each and every one is a great place to stop off!
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| The Mayenne towpath |
85 km of pure pleasure!
Following in the footsteps of sailors and their horse-drawn barges, use the 85 km of track that run the length of the Mayenne, and are reserved for pedestrians and cyclists. The many information panels along the length of the track enable children and adults alike to discover the flora, fauna and exceptional heritage of this magnificent natural area… From Mayenne to Daon, your walk is punctuated with cultural visits, gourmet dinners and comfortable accommodation, for that well-earned rest!
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| Made to measure accommodation |
When stopover rhymes with conviviality!
Gîtes de France, Logis Randonnée Pédestre or Logis Vélo, this accommodation is designed for those who love the natural world. For those who like to explore on foot, by bike, or on horseback, you can trust Rando Acceuil accommodation. These are hotels, camp-sites, or group gîtes, ideally situated at the starting points of trails. Maps, guides and advice are at your disposal, to help you take best advantage of your stay and our trails…
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| A culinary stopover in the the lands of fouaces |
When your appetite is whetted: Stay underground!
Under the vaults, the stone resuscitates the old-time recipes. In our ‘cave-dwelling’ restaurants at Rou-Marson, Grézillé, Louresse-Rochemenier or Doué-la-Fontaine, come and taste our fouaces (also known as fouées): these are little wood-oven baked breads, garnished with rillettes, goats’ cheese, or beans… And if you’d like to linger a little longer, the Demeure de la Vignolle, at Turquant, can accommodate you in cave-dweller style!
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| Thousands of chateaux to visit |
Unexpected stopovers at various points in history…
We've lost count of the sites in the Pays de la Loire marked by the white ‘Histoire de France’ stone. Such emblematic Middle Ages figures as the chateaux of Angers, from the Duchess Anne at Nantes or Saumur; splendours of the Renaissance such as the chateaux of Brissac or Montsoreau; and sometimes inhabited for hundreds of years by a single family; all these witnesses from centuries gone by only ask to tell their stories… Listen to them!
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| Biking on the islands |
Hop onto the saddle!
Yeu, the isle of 8,000 bikes! It's the best means of transport for discovery of the island. A coastal path has been put in place, so that you can go all the way round. You can hire a bike from the landing stage. On Noirmoutier, a special trail crosses the island through marshland, dunes, forests and polders... The trail is 80 km long altogether, for the benefit of cyclists.
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| Travelling by canoe-kayak |
In the privacy of our rivers
The Pays de la Loire lends itself beautifully to travel by canoe-kayak, with rivers and white-water watercourses. On the Loire, the Sarthe, the Mayenne, the Don, the Sèvre, the Loir, in the Poitevin, Breton or Vendéen Marshes, the canoe-kayak is ideal for an encounter with the natural world and discovery of the landscape from the water's surface – for a few hours, or a few days. Choose one of our 14 approved bases with the "Point Canoë Nature" label, and your outing can only be a success !
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| Puy du Fou |
Prepare to travel in time!
Escape to Puy du Fou for an unforgettable experience with family or friends. Puy du Fou is both a whirl of extraordinary shows, with no queues, and a breath of fresh air far removed from the turmoil of everyday life.
With dozens of attractions every day, big shows in the evenings, 17 restaurants, themed hotels and 45 hectares of nature…days at Puy du Fou are packed with adventure and overflowing with action.
PUY DU FOU CINESCENIE [PUY DU FOU SPECTACLE]
Almost 9 million spectators, 23 hectares of scenery, 1200 actors, 6000 costumes, 1 hour and forty minutes of great spectacle, extravagance and emotion, with the voices of some of the greatest actors (Philippe Noiret, Alain Delon, Jean Piat, Robert Hossein…). The biggest evening show in the world!
- See the 2009 programme!
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| Travel in time |  |
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| Houseboats |
The promise of an unforgettable holiday!
Hire a boat for the family, as a couple or between friends, and wander over 375 km of navigable waterways. No need for a licence to drive these boats, which have all home comforts: spacious cabins, bathrooms with WC and shower, fitted corner kitchen, and a sundeck to make the most of both sunshine and countryside. Discover the Mayenne, the Sarthe, the Oudon, the Erdre and the Nantes-Brest canal, and take advantage of the most of the flower-decked locks to have a natter with the lock-keeper...
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