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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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| 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 Erdre |
Romanticism and easy living...
François I described it as “the most beautiful river in France”. It is true that these sinuous and wooded banks, with their elegant chateaux (such as that at la Gascherie) and impressive lakes, bordered by picturesque villages, are oozing charm. For a cruise, hire an electric boat at Sucé-sur-Erdre or Nort-sur-Erdre. For a romantic dinner, climb on board the "Bateaux Nantais" on the quai de Versailles in Nantes !
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| Escal'Atlantic at Saint-Nazaire |
Immediate embarkation
This new kind of museum has been housed since 2000 in two of the submarine base’s alveoli. In it, you can embark on a transatlantic voyage. As soon as you arrive on board, you will receive the keys to your cabin, as well as a plan of the liner. You are then free to organise your own visit, between the machine room, the captain’s bridge, the music rooms, the smoking room and of course the walkways and bridges that will lead you to the cinema. Nostalgia guaranteed on arrival!
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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 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 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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| Saint-Jean-de-Monts |
Children first !
An exceptional wooded environment, 20 km of safe, gently sloping beaches, lifeguards… This is the one for the kids! Although it is a child-friendly 'Station Kid' par excellence, there's plenty for adults as well: golf, thalassotherapy, fishing, bike rides or picnics beneath the pine trees – make yourself some great holiday memories!
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| Cholet |
Stock up your wardrobe…
As attached as ever to its textile industry, Cholet is known for its handkerchiefs and its ‘prêt-à-porter’ factories. The Mauges area offers a veritable tour of major brand-names, with 30 stores and more than 100 trade names on a single site. And late July 2005 will see the opening of “Marques Avenue” ! This is a large complex of 38 new factory outlets for the sheer pleasure of shopaholics and bargain hunters. So don’t be shy - make the most of year-round sale prices!
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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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| The islands of the Loire |
Go with the flow!
The islands of the Loire are remarkable areas of Loire-based identity. In the Pays de la Loire, there are around sixty such islands. Ile de la Liberté, Belle-île, Iles aux Oies, Ile Batailleuse and Ile au Dame are just a few of the evocative names born by our Loire islands. Sometimes flooded, sometimes inhabited, the charm of these emerged lands, coupled with their benevolent atmosphere will know how to seduce you!
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| The southern Vendée ! |
Jard-sur-Mer, La Tranche-sur-Mer, La Faute-sur-Mer and L'Aiguillon-sur-Mer
Jard-sur-Mer boasts 7 km of coastline for lovers of boardsports and a natural cove which renders anchoring safe and easy. All families who love the natural world, sunshine, waves and sporting excitement should come to la Tranche! Further south, La Faute and L'Aiguillon combine the pleasures of the ocean with your every desire: Golden sandy beaches, Bouchot mussels raised on piles, and a fantastic seabird reserve!
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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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| The cave dwellings |
The wine likes it here!
Dug out of the hillside, cave dwellings offer the advantage of having a constant temperature and humidity level. The greatest of Saumur’s sparkling wines age peacefully here in these galleries of tufa, taking on their noble attributes. Astonishing and instructive tours of these subterranean galleries enable you to penetrate the secrets of Crémant de Loire and Saumur Brut.
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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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| The estuarial Loire |
Where the Loire meets the Ocean
The sea’s influence on the river is already in evidence as far upstream as Nantes, 50 km away. The movement of the tides is perceptible. Wherever we look, we are at the doors of the ocean. Fisherman’s cabins, reedy marshes, old ports such as the one at Paimboeuf… For a clear view of the Loire just before it pours into the ocean, go to the bridge in Saint-Nazaire – it’s one of the longest in Europe!
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| Top Quality Village Auberges and Tables in the Pays de la Loire |
A plateful of happiness!
If, in the course of your travels along country roads, you spot an Auberge de Village, be sure to stop. You are certain to find a warm welcome, and the gourmet menu is always in season. When ‘bon appetit’ rhymes with good food, choose our top quality restaurants certified “Cuisineries Gourmandes" or labelled "Restaurateurs de France". All these chefs are committed to the quality of their products, with a local welcome and local cooking.
Discover the recipes of our Auberges de Village !
OD : Sleep and eat in an Auberge de Village
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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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| Pornic |
Authentic and human-scale...
This pretty fishing port is built on rock, and has everything going for it: Beaches and creeks, quays and boats, a castle, funny little narrow streets criss-crossed by flights of steps, an indoor market… It's full of life and activity both day and night. The special charm of the Côte de Jade is not be missed. Its name is inspired by the colour of the water. The famous customs officers' path snakes along a coastline punctuated with creeks, offering an astonishing perspective of both the surrounding coastline and the resort itself.
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| The Angers & Nantes Musées des Beaux-Arts |
Two showcases of aestheticism and purity!
The Musée des Beaux-Arts of Angers reopened in Spring 2004 after renovation and the building of an extension. It is housed in a 1487 townhouse – undoubtedly one of the finest in the city. The Musée des Beaux-Arts of Nantes was created in 1801 and owes its exceptional wealth to the acquisitions of rare collections. Today, it presents a very harmonious selection of paintings over the centuries: From Monet to Kandinsky, via Chagall and Picasso !
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| A warm welcome for touring cyclists |
You’ve earned a little comfort!
Along the entire length of the circuit, various options for accommodations open their doors to cycling tourists, reserving a special welcome for them: secure area for bike storage, suitable food on offer, availability of bike repair equipment, etc. These hotels, camp-sites and B&Bs are friendly stopping points which combine hospitality with quality service. Professional bike hire and repair services are also stationed along the way, so you’ll never be stuck!
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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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| 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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| 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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| Saint-Brévin-les-Pins |
A resort full to the brim of good sea air, and enamoured of the natural world !
Come as a family for swimming and watersports: sailing and kitesurfing, land yachting and speed sailing on these vast stretches of hard sand. Under the pine trees, in the shade of oaks and mimosas, recharge your batteries in the warm friendly atmosphere – and especially in the Forêt de la Pierre Attelée, the length of the beach at la Roussellerie. This is the only dune forest in the Loire-Atlantique region, and is protected by the Conservatoire du Littoral.
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| A natural, living landscape |
Mist, light and reflections on the Loire
The Loire can be spectacular, comforting, wide and violent by turn. It is sprinkled with wooded islands and sandbanks, bordered by vast prairies on the right bank and punctuated by the outlines of hills on the left bank. Wild animal and vegetal species (some of which are exceptional for this latitude) populate the banks of the royal river. A majestic nature offers visitors a unique spectacle!
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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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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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| 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 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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| 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 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 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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