Beautiful region in France: the Pays de la Loire
Ocean liners in Saint-Nazaire, moldy cheeses to die for, and a maritime museum where you'd almost want to live. The Pays de la Loire is one of the most diverse regions in France.
The Pays de la Loire, also known as the Atlantic Loire region, is located on the west coast of France, south of Brittany. It is a popular holiday destination due to its coastal location, with beautiful beaches and popular seaside resorts. Deeper inland, you'll discover authentic France, with regions like Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, and Sarthe. The Brière natural park, largely consisting of marshes, is also interesting: an ideal breeding ground for birds.
The tastiest cheeses
During a car trip through the countryside, you'll drive through sleepy villages and past small farms. This is also where you can score the tastiest cheeses. Famous in this region is the Crottin de Chavignol, a creamy, soft mold cheese made from goat's milk. And while you're at it, read out your shopping list to the cheesemonger... Cendré d’Olivet, Curé Nantais, and a Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine. Pack them up and off you go!
Saint-Nazaire
Back on the coast, you shouldn't miss Saint-Nazaire. Giant ships were built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard, including the legendary passenger ship SS Normandie, which later capsized in New York after a fire when the Americans wanted to use the ship in World War II. At that time, the Germans had transformed Saint-Nazaire into a submarine base, which was subsequently bombed by the Americans. After the war, the shipyard built the passenger ship France in 1962. In 2003, the 345-meter-long Queen Mary 2 followed.
The Ecomusée is now housed in the enormous concrete bunker of the submarine base. There you'll learn everything about the history of Saint-Nazaire, the shipyard, and you can also board the ss Escal’Atlantic and the submarine Espadon. Oh, and shopping – we almost forgot – is fun in Nantes, in the Graslin district. Nice fashion stores and much more!
Must do
Cycling! A cycle path of no less than 800 kilometers is La Loire à vélo, of which almost three-quarters runs along the Loire River. The complete route connects six departments and you'll pass countless castles. More information: www.fietsen-loire.com
With the kids
You'll feel like you're in the Middle Ages at the historical theme park Le Puy du Fou. Watch Roman gladiators fight each other, escape from the Vikings, and join the Knights of the Round Table in battle. More information: www.puydufou.com/nl
Must try
A specialty from this region: rillauds d’Anjou. A stew of simmered pork. Delicious with mogettes, a dish with white beans. You can drink a glass of Jasnière with it, a fresh white wine from the region.
Large selection of motorhomes and caravans
Exploring the Pays de la Loire from your own Motorhome or Caravan? Our website has a large and up-to-date selection of new and used Motorhomes and Caravans. View the offer here. Even more interesting camping areas view here.
