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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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| 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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| La Roche-sur-Yon |
Under Napoleon’s influence…
A rocky mound overhanging a twist in the Yon river, a Gaulish village, then a medieval fortress: the town had a population of less than 1,000 when Napoleon decided to make it the prefecture of this Republican Army headquarters, in 1804. Its declared role: to keep a close eye on, and pacify, the restive Vendéens. Designed according to a rectilinear plan around a vast drill ground, Place Napoleon in La Roche-sur-Yon is now a dynamic centre of activity!
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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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| The wines of Anjou and Saumur |
As beautiful to look at as they are good to taste
As you go up the Loire, discover the wines of Anjou and Saumur. This is the most widespread vineyard in Val du Loire, with 20,000 perfectly temperate hectares. This patchwork of lands offers great diversity. Altogether there are more than 28 appellations, among which are some exceptional products: Layon on the upper hills, Savennières on the banks of the Loire, Anjou towards the south of the department and Saumur brut which cultivates the bubbles of happiness at the very best tables !
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| Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Park |
Preserving the built and natural heritage
The Loire-Anjou-Touraine park covers the Loire Valley between Tours and Angers. It encloses a natural, cultural, and historic heritage that is as rich as it is varied. An approach to discovery of the park via canoe-kayak is certainly the most authentic. Everyone can try river-driven navigation, regardless of their level of skill! Cycling enthusiasts can follow the river’s path over more than 150 km of signposted and safe track between Tours and Angers, by following the Loire à Vélo route!
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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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| The Oriental Park of Maulévrier and the parks and gardens |
A great bouquet of sensations!
A great feeling of serenity emanates over this splendid Japanese-inspired park known as Maulévrier. It is the biggest park of this kind in Europe. Everything is arranged so as to give free rein to your dreams. In the Pays de la Loire, 15 parks and gardens open their doors to you, to cultivate the art of awed admiration as the seasons go by. Whether they are botanical, aesthetic, historical, landscaped or devoted to vegetables, here are some real garden treasures. All they ask is that your eyes feast upon 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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| 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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| Les Sables-d'Olonne |
The world tour starts here!
The most famous of Vendée's beaches ! Home of the mythical high seas race, the Vendée Globe – Les Sables-d'Olonne marina is also home to over a thousand vessels. The resort's credentials are rock solid: Long stretches of fine sand, pine forests, thalassotherapy, a casino, a golf course… The seafront promenade linking beach and town is busy all year round!
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| The Noirmoutier salt marshes |
A well-seasoned island ...
Noirmoutier came alive in the 1980s, although only a few salt marshes - run by a handful of die-hards from the mainland - were still operational. Little by little, the profession got itself organised, and the salt activity was restored to its former honorable status. As heir to a tradition that is exceptional in nature, and more than 1600 years old, Noirmoutier has the benefit of both authenticity and quality. Salt is the perfect partner to the island's famous potato - the bonotte.
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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 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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| Golf courses |
By the sea, or in the countryside
On the Atlantic coast, such as at Saint-Jean-de-Monts, Sables d'Olonne, Pornic or La Baule; or else at the heart of our country valleys, like Saumur, Laval or Sablé-sur-Sarthe... the 27 golf courses of the Pays de la Loire await you. Whether you are excellent players, beginners or just passing through, everyone is welcome on our greens to try their hand at the region’s most beautiful courses!
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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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| 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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| 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 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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| La Ferté-Bernard |
“Little Venice of the West”
This little village, steeped in history, is criss-crossed with canals and can be visited by barge! It’s the prettiest way to breathe in its rich medieval heritage, a vestige of earlier greatness. Above all, it still has one of the Sarthe’s most beautiful churches, Notre-Dame-des-Marais. In the heart of Perche Sarthois, make a stop at La Ferté-Bernard – now is the time to discover a verdant region which boasts an exceptional heritage!
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| The most beautiful panoramas |
La Loire and its valley from above...
In the course of its 195 km journey the length of the Loire, between Montsoreau and Saint-Nazaire, get up high and discover the most beautiful of all its perspectives! From the chateau at Saumur to the Pont de Saint-Nazaire, via the La Cédraie garden at Champtoceaux, the Tour d'Oudon, the Folies Siffait au Cellier or the Mont Glone at St-Florent-le-Vieil, there is no shortage of panoramic viewpoints over the Loire and its valley!
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| The Sèvre Nantaise |
A steep valley inviting you for a stroll
Wooded and picturesque, the valley of the Sèvre marks the frontier between the Vendée, the Anjou and the Poitou. These green landscapes and sunken valleys are inhabited by souvenirs of Barbe-Bleue and his imposing chateau at Tiffauges as well as by the Vendée Wars, which marked this region profoundly during the 18th century. On foot, on mountain bike or by canoe-kayak, discover Clisson and its “Italianising” style, or Vertou and its Chaussée des Moines...
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| La Folle Journée at Nantes |
Schubert in all his glory...
For its fourteenth edition, La Folle Journée 2008 has invited Franz Schubert and his friends, composers of the same era and those who transcribed his musical works, from Beethoven to Salieri... Concerts galore and a wonderful atmosphere with brilliant performers, in short a great musical event with some 1800 musicians and more than 270 concerts to see, making this the largest classical music gathering in Europe.
- 28th January to 1st February, Cité des Congrès in Nantes -
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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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| Les Nuits Festival in Mayenne |
Theatre comes to the Château
Mayenne Nights are about conviviality first and foremost, starting with a dinner and followed by theatre performances in unusual and unexpected settings! A combination which makes this exceptional experience even more enjoyable.
- From july 16 to august 11 -
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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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| Cruising on the Loire |
By canoe or cruise boat?
Feel like a walk? 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. Feel like a stroll or a dinner? Climb on board one of the cruise or restaurant boats. Some of the captains are one-time Loire fishermen, or sailors – all are admirable raconteurs of fluvial tradition. In their company, you’ll discover the natural wealth and heritage of the river. They’re bound to give some perspective to your ride!
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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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| The Regional Natural Park of Brière |
Between heaven and water
This is the second largest marshland area in France, second only to the Camargue. It is a land of peat, water and reeds, where the birds fly amongst the reed beds – when they aren’t perched on the thatched roofs of the typical Briéron villages. The Brière is a labyrinth of canals and stretches of shallow water, awaiting your exploration on foot, by bike, or even better, on board the flat-bottomed barges!
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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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| Land yachting |
Respond to the call of the wind!
Long stretches of sand, the sun and the wind… The Pays de la Loire puts together a set of dream conditions for land yachting. Seated very close to the ground, the sensation of speed is always exhilarating. Novices and experienced participants alike will have a whale of a time on the beaches of St-Brévin, St-Jean and Notre-Dame de Monts, St-Hilaire-de-Riez, La Faute or L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer. Children are also catered for - and some of the yachts are specially adapted for them!
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| Angers |
The gentle Angevin lifestyle…
Charming buildings, fine gastronomy, famous vineyards, museums and festivals… There’s no shortage of ambience in Angers! See the city’s sights with the family from the Petit Train, and make the most of the magnificent viewpoint over the Maine from the chateau. This is an imposing fortress flanked with 17 impressive towers, and houses the famous Apocalypse tapestry. For entertainment, head straight for the Place du Ralliement, where it’s good to linger on the café terraces in the shade of the Italian-style theatre !
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| Nantes |
“Neither absolutely earthly, nor absolutely maritime (...) just what is required to make a mermaid” - Julien Gracq -
Products of its prestigious maritime and riverside history, Nantes will unveil its port and its 18th-century ship-owners’ homes. In the vicinity of the cathedral and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, take a walk around the medieval quarters of la Juiverie and Bouffay. At once both working class and bourgeois, city of water and lush greenery, Nantes boasts great cultural activity: The Graslin theatre, the Lieu Unique and the Musée des Beaux-Arts are the living proof!
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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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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