Pays-de-la-Loire comprises the Western departments of Loire-Atlantique, Maine-et-Loire, Mayenne, Sarthe and Vendée, and its capital Nantes. UNESCO has awarded it the accolade of a 'World Heritage for Humanity Site', commending the region as a 'cultural landscape of exceptional beauty'. Visitors are attracted to it for its many castles, glorious beaches and watersport opportunities, plus expanses of beautiful landscapes for walking. Just to the south is the very popular area of Poitou-Charente, facing onto the Bay of Biscay.

Maine-et-Loire features the town of Angers, once capital of the former Anjou region, and contains the 'Apocalypse' tapestry amongst many others to be found at Château d'Angers, and some unusual 15th and 16th century wooden houses. Saumur is also in this department; the town is partly known for the World War II bombing in 1944 which delayed German troops. In its château, the dungeons and the tower can be explored, as well as the Musée des Arts Decoratifs (Museum of Decorative Arts) and the Musée du Cheval (Horse Museum). The Cadre Nord riding squad's base 'L'Ecole Nationale d'Equitation' can be seen too, and there are numerous galas taking place throughout the year. Château de Brissac, slightly north of this town, has a gilded theatre which plays host to the annual Val de Loire Festival. Other popular castles include Château Plessis-Bourre and ...............READ MORE ABOUT THE LOIRE VALLEY & POITOU_CHARENTES