Things to do & places to visit in Pays de la Loire, France

Pays de la Loire #10 destination in France 2023. The average rating score is 4.40 based on 102.8k traveler reviews, of 151 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Paris, current date and time: Tuesday, May 07, 2024, 16:33.

Top things to do (25)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Le Grand Defi (1.230 reviews)
- Fantastic!!
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 7, 2023 Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

The largest Tree top trails in the world. Le Grand Défi proposes also Paintball, Galactic laser, Explor Game, Orienteering, Pony rides, Quick Jump and Disc Golf. Trills for the whole family. See more..
4.5 Puy du Fou (16.4k reviews)
- Definitely needs two days to see it all
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 7, 2023 Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

The Puy du Fou features a multitude of spectacular shows, adventures for the whole family and new astonishments every year. Experience different centuries surrounded by unspoilt countryside and an even more exciting time staying in one of the Puy du Fou's four original hotels. At the Puy du Fou, history is waiting for you! See more..
4.5 Les Machines de L'ile (7.276 reviews)
- Great experience for all ages.
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

The Machines de l’Ile is an artistic and a tourist project. It is a blend of the invented worlds of Jules Verne, the mechanical universe of Leonardo da Vinci, and the industrial history of Nantes, on an exceptional site in the former shipyards. A ride on the 12-meter tall Great Elephant, climb aboard the Marine Worlds Carrousel of 27 moving sea creatures or the Heron Tree to fly over the hanging gardens. See more..
4.5 Jardin des Plantes (4.006 reviews)
- Lovely park
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Gardens

The Botanical Garden: at the heart of plants The Botanical Gardens of Nantes, with 7 hectares of green spaces in the centre of town, more than 10,000 living species, 800 square metres of greenhouses and more than 50,00 flowers planted each season, holder of the Remarkable Garden label, is among the four leading botanical gardens in France. The collections have developed and specialised over 150 years. The Botanical Garden, which is both a scientific and a pleasure garden, has become a world reference, especially for its camellia collection which is unique in France, for the culture of epiphytic* plants in a semi-natural setting and for its permanent concern for the re-introduction of rare species. As an example we will cite the wild tulip, which disappeared in the 1970s and was reintroduced in 2010 in the vineyards of the region. Its great beauty in all seasons and its remarkable specimens (Hectot's Magnolia, American tulip tree and more recently a Wollemi pine, etc.) make the Botanical Garden a major tourist attraction in Nantes, visited every year by more than 1.2 million visitors. * Plants that grow on other plants without being parasites. The Botanical Garden Rue Stanislas-Baudry - Nantes Summer: 8:30 am - 8 pm Spring, autumn: 8:30 am - 6:30 pm Winter: 8:30 am - 5:30 pm Tram line 1, SNCF train station stop Bus 12, SNCF train station stop Greenhouse visit (by reservation) Wednesday: 3:15 pm Thursday: 12:30 pm Friday: 3 pm Saturday: 3 pm and 4 pm (all year round); 5 pm (from 15 January to 17 November). Sunday: 10 am, 11 am, 3 pm and 4 pm (all year round); 5 pm (from 15 January to 17 November). Additional services Orangery cafe Restaurant - Tearoom Merry-go-round All year round from 10 am to 6 pm See more..
4.5 Zoo de La Fleche (3.873 reviews)
- Nice zoo but where are the animals?
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

The zoo is nicely finished : the paths are paved and the vegetation is abundant. Some shows are organized, mainly with sea lions and birds. The main disappointment is that many animals were not visible. Was it due to the bad weather this summer? Not sure… See more..
4.5 Château des Ducs de Bretagne (3.693 reviews)
- Great way to spend half a day in Nantes
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Castles

The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany houses the Nantes History Museum, displaying more than 850 historic objects with multimedia installations in a contemporary layout. The former ducal palace also holds temporary exhibitions and cultural events all year round. Besides, the rampart walk offers a number of viewpoints of the fortress. The night-time illuminations further reveal the architectural complexity of the site. A restaurant and a gift shop are as well at your service. See more..
4.5 Chateau d'Angers (2.878 reviews)
- A castle with extraordinary history!
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Castles

The apparent austerity of this shale and limestone fortress, which the young king Louis IX had built on the edge of his kingdom in the 13th century, contrasts with the tranquil grounds inside the castle walls and the pleasant residence of the Dukes of Anjou, composed of buildings constructed at the end of the Gothic era. To transform and embellish the castle into a more welcoming home for the Anjou court, terraces and gardens were laid out, galleries built and the gateway erected. The star attraction within the walls of the Château d’Angers is the Tapestry of the Apocalypse or woven in 1375. With its 104 metres in length, it is the largest medieval tapestry anywhere in the world. Open: > 2nd May to 4th September: from 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. > 5th September to 30th April: from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Last admission 45 minutes before closing time. Closed: > 1st January, 1st May and 25th December. See more..
4.5 Terra Botanica (2.378 reviews)
- Excellent gardens with many interesting aspects
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

I always make a point of taking time to see Botanical gardens when I travel. Terra Botanica not disappoint. The gardens were clean and well kept with many interesting areas (potager/water gardens/tropical/Japon etc) with gentle, scenic train and boat rides. The boat ride gave you an interesting history (in several languages) of the Loire Valley bargemen and their lives, incorporating the wine trade which tied in well with our later visit to a local vineyard. A great place for adults interested in flora and fauna but also something for the children with play areas, high rope walks in the woods and amber mining activities. So, this place is great for families and to teach children about plants in a fun way. I particularly liked the potager. The displays and shop were well presented and all staff polite and very helpful. There were several well located picnic areas. I would thoroughly recommend this for adults and families for a whole day out. See more..
4.5 L’Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud (2.170 reviews)
- Magnificent Abbey and grounds
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings • Religious Sites

Founded in 1101 on the intersecting borders of three regions, Anjou, Touraine and Poitou, Fontevraud Abbey is the largest surviving monastic complex from the Middle Ages. At the heart of the Abbey Church, the reclining effigies of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry II and Richard the Lionheart are a reminder of its close links with the Plantagenet kings. Converted into a prison between 1804 and 1963, then in 2000 designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the Loire Valley, Fontevraud lives and breathes heritage, culture, the art of living and tradition of hospitality, continuing to embody its founder's vision of an "ideal city". See more..
4.5 Passage Pommeraye (2.022 reviews)
- Nice to walk through but there're many better in Europe
Tuesday: 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Shopping Malls

A narrow passage covered with a glass ceiling consisting of three levels of shopping galleries. See more..
4.5 Bioparc - Zoo de Doué la Fontaine (1.829 reviews)
- Really great zoo
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Zoos

Over 1800 animals live in an exceptional natural setting in the only troglodyte zoo in the world! Dug into the rock, our tunnels will lead you from one environment to the next, in a true mineral and vegetal labyrinth. The animals live here at their own pace in XXL spaces: take time to explore their territories, you will be rewarded. During our activities, admire their natural behavior: there is no training, long live the spectacle of nature! See more..
4.5 Cite Medievale de Guerande (1.631 reviews)
- Pretty little medieval village
Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

Inside the centuries old walls stands a pretty village with pedestrian streets and local specialties shops many of which sell the world famous salt of Guerande in different variations including caramel with salt. The number of creperies is also striking, regional specialty as well. Many shops close between 1 and 2pm. Meanwhile, one can have a few crêpes! See more..
4.5 Cathedrale de Saint-Pierre et Saint-Paul (1.564 reviews)
- A great monument of faith
Tuesday: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Religious Sites

This Gothic cathedral features a high nave and many tombs, including that of François II. See more..
4.5 Quartier de l'Ile de Penotte (1.465 reviews)
- An unexpected surprise
Spent < 1 hour Neighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks

We wandered off the promenade and found this amazing display of art made about and from the sea by pure accident. Not to be missed! See more..
4.5 Musee des Blindes (1.405 reviews)
- World-class tank collection
Speciality Museums • History Museums

We visited Musée des Blindés in August 2021. The museum itself is special as it is housed in a warehouse run by non-profit organisation. Money is tight and spent on restoring vehicles, not the building. As a result, the museum itself is a museum of how to present artefacts 20+ years ago, but in a good way. There is a feeling of honesty to the displays and pride for the work. The collection of tanks is one of the best in the world, with a sole running Koenigstiger in the world and an otherwise almost exhaustive collection of Word War II tanks from the German, UK and US sides. Russian period armor is limited to T34s. Notable as well is the collection of French tanks from World War I to contemporary ones. Explanations are limited but sufficient for the casual observer. Fans will benefit from researching in advance. Highly recommended. See more..
4.5 Le Cadre Noir (1.204 reviews)
- The horses steal the show.
Tuesday: 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Arenas & Stadiums • Children's Museums

To watch horses being trained and ridden like this is memorable. It was a lifetime wish for my wife to see this, and it was well worth the trouble to book and watch. The partnering with the horse looks effortless, which speaks volumes of the work done, effort made, and empathy of rider and horse. Actually we got lucky. We booked late, had an OK seat, but the school had double booked us, and we had thge places of a larger party, so we got moved to a great seat, with a free gratis translator for each of us which was a bonus. This is one of the things that makes a good holiday great, and gives a memory that will be shared often between us, those 'do you remember' moments. See more..
4.5 Chateau des Aventuriers (1.161 reviews)
- Expensive but fun
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

A unique family leisure park for all generations with diferent types of trails : "The Pirate's tresor", an escape game called "The Haunted House", a police investigation trail with a tablet in the chateau and a discovery trail of the dino's world in the forest. You can also visit the chateau, enjoy a trail for the little ones and the western area with inflatables and games of skill... whatever your age, there's an adventure for you ! From dinosaurs to present time, come and find out about history and have fun ! See more..
4.5 Château de Brissac (1.076 reviews)
- Well worth a visit
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Castles • Art Museums

Brissac is among the most impressive of all the Loire Valley Castles ! It is nicknamed " The Giant of the Loire Valley" !! And it is the home of the 13th duke of Brissac. It treasures inside a beautiful collection of ancient paintings and fine furnitures . The visit also includes the discovery of a unique private theater dedicated to Opera by a duchess of Brissac in the late XIX th century . Visitors will enjoy a wine tasting in the cellars of the wines produced on the estate ( especially the Rose of Anjou ) A beautiful landscaped gardened park of 200 are invites visitors to stroll alongside 5 romantic "promenade" ... See more..
4.5 Sous-Marin l'Espadon (1.056 reviews)
- Amazing expo
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks • Ships

1964: mission under the ice! The Espadon was the first French submarine to dive under the ice field. Imagine yourself diving down into the depths of the sea… Go through the passageway, examine the listening post, be amazed by the impressive torpedo tubes… All the members of the crew were in position. Now it’s your turn to go down into this steel giant to experience all the sound effects of life underwater, just like a submariner. As an official exhibit for Saint-Nazaire Ecomusée, the Espadon is the only floating submarine in France that you can board and visit. See more..
4.5 Parc Oriental de Maulevrier (985 reviews)
- A tranquil oasis
Spent 2-3 hours Parks

Just stunning. We have been here before in Spring but in the autumn sunshine, it was beautiful. It takes around 1-2 hours to walk around fully. So many places to take stunning photos. €8 adult entry is well worth it. See more..
4.5 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum (929 reviews)
- Visiting Le Mans.
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Come and discover the exciting story of the 24 Heures du Mans and the legendary heroes. Through 120 vehicles, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest tells you the epic of the automobile in the Sarthe and the success of its international event. Bentley, Ferrari, Jaguar, Ford, Porsche, Matra, Audi ... all the big names are represented by their mythical models that immerse the visitor in the world's greatest endurance race. 300m² of temporary exhibitions complete this themed route, which can be continued by visiting the famous 24 Heures du Mans circuit. See more..
4.5 Le Passage du Gois (848 reviews)
- 4.3 km causeway
Points of Interest & Landmarks

if you like nature at its best then go spend a couple of hours at this causeway. (Not many of these in the world) only 25 minute drive from St Jean Demont. Watch the tide come in/out and drive across to the island or mainland. (The causeway is accessible via bridge from the mainland or the causeway). You can go digging for your oysters or other shell fish, its free but there are limits as to what you can dig please check. Its also advisable to check the tide times, if your not care full, you will lose your car. The tide comes in quite quick and it has lookout points /walks on the island so you can see it flow in. treat yourself and family to an amazing site See more..
4.5 Château de Talmont (815 reviews)
- Very enjoyable family visit
Temporarily closed - Closed until Apr 8, 2023 Spent 1-2 hours Castles

Le Château de Talmont Sur les traces de Richard Cœur de Lion Au cœur du Moyen Age Du 8 avril au 5 novembre, le Château de Talmont vous livre ses secrets à travers différentes visites et animations tout au long de l’année (Chasse aux œufs, spectacles, Murder Party…). En été, du 10 juillet au 1er septembre, venez découvrir du lundi au vendredi, les spectacles de chevalerie à 14h30 et 17h30 et de fauconnerie à 11h30 et 15h30, les visites guidées, les ateliers médiévaux (calligraphie, costumes, tir à l’arbalète à partir de 5 ans, et la mini ferme) ! Sept nocturnes sont proposées les mardis 18 et 25 juillet à 22h15 et les 1er, 8, 17, 22 et 29 août à 21h45 (réservation obligatoire sur le site). D’avril à novembre avec l’Escape Game, franchissez les portes d’un véritable souterrain médiéval et menez des fouilles archéologiques à la recherche du Trésor des Templiers (réservation obligatoire sur le site). Ouvert du 8 avril au 5 novembre See more..
4.5 Village de Trentemoult (796 reviews)
- Picturesque neighborhood
Spent 1-2 hours Neighborhoods

This is a very beautiful neighborhood. There are many colourful houses and building - perfect for your social media photos and memories. There are few restaurant and bars there as well where you can enjoy glass of wine or a meal. This is a worth visit and a short boat trip from city centre. See more..
4.5 Cathédrale de Saint-Julien de Mans (769 reviews)
- Beautiful historic cathedral
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

Seeing this cathedral within its setting, inside the Roman-Gallo walls, is fascinating. In old town of Le Mans, you can feel transported back in time. Externally, the architecture is huge- and there are great gargoyles, huge old doors and, if you are lucky, the sounds of the choir. Internally, the cool atmosphere is calming- unlike the history. This cathedral has seen an amazing history, and there is a little exhibition which is really informative and marks the progress of the building woks, and the kings (and queens) who obviously held this building dear. King Henrey II's father, Geoffrey of Anjou, was buried here. Kings influenced the design and it is apparently dedicated to the first bishop from c.4th Century. The stained glass, roman-gothic style internally and continued development of the Cathedral makes it truly remarkable. See more..
4.5 La Nuit des Chimeres (763 reviews)
- Fabulously beautiful and imaginative, not to miss
Historic Walking Areas

I have seen many sound and light shows, from Blois castle to Egypt and the Parthenon but the sound and light production of Le Mans tops them all. Five nights a week, from end of June until end of August, and the first three weekends in September, the old Plantagenet city of Le Mans shines with a myriad of shapes and colours, as the stories of the city from Gallo Roman times through the high middle ages to today are projected onto the walls of the city, the cathedral façade and throughout the many magnificiently renovated streets. Arrive early and park in the Parking des Jacobins, at the foot of the cathedral, and dine in one of the many good restaurants of the old city. The sound and light show begins at sunset, around 21h30. You walk at your own pace, stopping for ten minutes or so infront of each scene. See more..
4.5 Entre Cours et Jardins - Cité Plantagenêt (755 reviews)
- A fantastic neighborhood in Le Mans
Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas

Was traveling by car and would not stop, me and my company talked about what we saw and thought it really was an unethical city. Then swung in a cross and a magnificent cathedral stood before us it was incredible as from any fairy tale with its pinnacles and special architecture. We parked to check out the cathedral itself and were going to walk around it to see it from all directions. In the back compared to where we parked our car, a fantastic part of Le Mans was revealed, the really old part of the city architecture was from the Middle Ages and a century ago, we stayed much longer than we would but then we had 300 kilometers to our destination we were obliged to leave but would have liked to stay at least one night to see everything worth seeing. Very good! See more..
4.5 Legendia Parc (637 reviews)
- Definitely Worth a Visit - Very Agreeable
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks

Au cœur du Pays de Retz, Legendia Parc est un parc au thème unique en France. En famille ou entre amis, laissez-vous embarquer par la féerie des contes et légendes. Dans un parc préservé de 33 hectares, vous passerez une journée inoubliable ! Vous irez à la rencontre de plus de 500 animaux de 60 espèces différentes et vous serez émerveillés devant nos spectacles légendaires. Vous êtes prêts ? L'Émotion commence maintenant ! See more..
4.5 Le Remblai (621 reviews)
- One of the finest in Europe
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Every day of our three day visit we walked this promenade, often just for people watching., but also for refreshments. See more..
4.5 Circuit permanent des 24 Heures du Mans (583 reviews)
- Amazing experience
Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Auto Racing Tracks

I went to the Le Mans classic 7/2022. It was an incredible experience. I have been at other events, like the Spa classic, Monza classic, Goodwood festival of Speed, however, the Le mans classic is on another level. The on track and off track activities and events were great. The track is open 24 hours a day during the 3 days of the event. Food was very good, shops offered a variety of items and the atmosphere was incredible. I can hardly wait for the next classic in 2024. See more..