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Summer on the Atlantic Coast The Loire River, an exceptional heritage The Natural World and the charm of the rivers The houseboat, ideal for holidays Rambling, leisure activities and sport Natural sites Cycling in the Pays de la Loire Valleys and rivers await your discovery Art de vivre Life and heritage   My trip favorites   Send a sound e-card   Literature Search     See the latest newsletter

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... A Clisson A Vertou Pagayons en Sèvre et Maine à Vertou 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! 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 ! 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 ! The Mayenne Charm and gentleness for travellers It is one of the most beautiful waterways of the West, bordered by pretty little villages and remarkable lock-keepers’ houses. Less tame in the north, with its lush, steep banks, the Mayenne behaves itself better after Laval. Over 85 km, its towpath has been completely reworked for the pleasure of cruisers and ramblers. Mayenne, Laval and Château-Gontier are essential stopping points on this bucolic path! 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!