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Renowned for its somptuous châteaux, the relics of royal days gone by, the glorious valley of the Loire is
rich in both history and architecture. Like the river Loire, this vast region runs through the heart of
French life. Its sophisticated cities, luxuriant landscape and magnificent food and wine add up to a
bourgeois paradise.
Due to its central location, culture and fine cuisine, Tours is the natural visitor's capital.
Angers is a close second, but more authentic are the historic towns of Amboise, Blois, Saumur and Beaugency,
strung out like jewels along the river.
Southwards, the windswept Vendée is edged by a wild, sandy coastline that is perfect for windsurfers and
nature lovers alike. Inland, the Loire's more peaceful tributaries and the watery Sologne beg to be explored.
Also ripe for discovery are the troglodyte caves, sleepy hamlets, and small Romanesque churches decorated
with frescoes. Inviting inns offer game, fish and abundant fresh vegetables to be lingered over with light
white Vouvray wine, or full-bodied Bourgueil.
- Regional information for Mayenne, Pays De La Loire
Mayenne is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. It constitutes the western part of the former province of Maine.
- Regional information for Sarthe, Pays De La Loire
In Roman Times, this provence contained the city of Mans, and many ruins are still left standing. The Thermal Bathhouse attracts many tourists, as does the theater of Aubigné-Racan, both located on the limits of Anjoue, Maine, and Touraine.
- Regional information for Vendee, Pays De La Loire
The coast of the Vendée extends over 160 km of mostly sandy beaches. Coupled with an exceptionally mild climate, these have long attracted large numbers of overseas and domestic tourists.
- Regional information for Loire-Atlantique, Pays De La Loire
Loire-Atlantique is one of the original 83 departments created during the French Revolution on March 4, 1790. Originally, it was named Loire-Inférieure, but its name was changed in 1957 to Loire-Atlantique.
- Regional information for Maine-et-Loire, Pays De La Loire
Maine-et-Loire is part of the current region of Pays-de-la-Loire and is surrounded by the departments of Ille-et-Vilaine, Mayenne, Sarthe, Indre-et-Loire, Vienne, Deux-Sèvres, Vendée, and Loire-Atlantique.
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