Pays de la Loire: As well as the magnificent châteaux of the Loire, the region is famous for its Nordic beaches with their vast stretches of sand and its unmissable gastronomy. Discover this hidden gem.

The châteaux of the Loire are historic French Renaissance monuments located along the beautiful and bucolic Loire Valley. These châteaux, veritable jewels of French architecture and history, attract millions of visitors from all over the world every year. The most famous of them, such as Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise, are outstanding examples of French Renaissance architecture.

The châteaux were originally built as residences for the French nobility and have been maintained in an exceptionally well-preserved state. Whether you want to admire the historic architecture, attend a vernissage, take a themed tour or spend the night in one of the Loire châteaux, there are a thousand and one reasons to discover these centuries-old monuments. For lovers of nature and relaxing landscapes, the gardens of the châteaux are also a must-see, with magnificent formal gardens and English-style parks. We recommend a visit to the Château de Chenonceau, perched above the Loire thanks to a series of bridges that are as graceful as they are solid. The gardens of the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and the 282 fireplaces of the Château de Chambord are also must-sees. If you like boats, you can even book a guided tour of the châteaux of the Loire on water.

Although its name is a little misleading - the Loire only flows through two of the region's five départements - it is no less enchanting. The Loire is in fact the country's largest river. Crossing France from west to south, it offers a range of activities to suit all types of trip and traveller. From luxury cruises near the châteaux of the Loire, to sporting escapades in a kayak through the winding landscapes of the Loire region, or even cycle trails, there's something for everyone. As is often the case, the towns and villages built around the waterways are the oldest and most historic in the region. Saumur, with its medieval castle and cobbled streets, takes you back to time immemorial, while Charité-sur-Loire is a must for pilgrims on their way to Santiago de Compostela.

Almost as popular as the seaside resorts of the Mediterranean, the Pays de la Loire attracts crowds of swimsuit-clad tourists in summer. On the wide beaches typical of northern France, seagulls cradle tourists as they venture into the cool waters of the Atlantic. Along this coastline, which juts out into one of the most romantic golf courses in the world, small restaurants offer a taste of the local catch, washed down with the region's white wine. La Baule, Les Sables d'Olonnes and Pornic are real little paradises when spring arrives. Travellers with children will find these places particularly comfortable for family holidays.

The other départements in this region are quieter and less busy, and well worth a visit. Even if there's no sea to be seen, there's no shortage of points of interest. More cultural and natural, the activities are, it's true, perhaps more aimed at an adult audience. Sarthe, Mayenne and Maine et Loire are ideal for lovers of beautiful gardens (Parc oriental de Maulévrier, Jardin des Renaudies, the gardens of Château de la Rongère and Château du Lude) and medieval and Renaissance architecture, with their many châteaux and medieval towns (Sablé-sur-Sarthe, Château de Bazouges, Château de Lucé, Sainte Suzanne, Château de Craon, Château d'Angers and Château de Saumur). If you're tired of the mainland, take a boat to the islands of Yeu or Noirmoutiers.

As well as the region's châteaux and sporting activities, the Pays de la Loire is also synonymous with breathtaking theme parks. Among the best-known, Le Puy du Fou offers an immersive historical experience for young and old alike.