GREAT chateaux and museums, sensational restaurants, new hotels and fabulous wines, a beautiful bay, award winning theme park and a whole lot more. 10 excellent reasons to visit the Pays de la Loire in 2017.
1. Puy du Fou – one of the best theme parks in the world
This award winning Vendée theme park, twice voted best in the world, was honoured with the 2016 THEA award for “Best Original Creation”, awarded for La Dernier Panache, an innovative show with a 360° rotating spectator platform. Celebrating 40 years of outstanding entertainment, this park presents history, culture and awesome adventure for the whole family. Read more about Puy du Fou.
2. The Bridge 2017 Boat Race from Saint-Nazaire to New York
This unusual race will see the prestigious passenger ship Queen Mary 2 (built in the Saint-Nazaire shipyards) take on four Ultime trimaran maxi-multihulls. Departing June 25 2017 from the Bridge of Saint-Nazaire all the way to the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, New York.
3. Reopening and extension of Nantes Art Museum June 2017
The arty party city of Nantes will celebrate the reopening of Nantes Art Museum after 4 years of renovation. 10,000 exhibits, a fabulous restaurant, shop and auditorium is set to wow visitors.
4. Exquisite towpath in Mayenne
An 85km towpath exclusively for cyclists and walkers, connects Mayenne to Daon. Considered to be one of the most beautiful greenways in France, it is absolutely perfect for lovers of nature, fresh air and beautiful countryside.
5. Gorgeous gastronomy at La Marine Restaurant in Noirmoutier
Chef Alexandre Couillon of the 2 Michelin Star restaurant La Marine has been named “Chef of the Year 2017” by Gault & Millau. The chef and his wife Céline will open a boutique hotel adjoining the restaurant in summer 2017 and it’s bound to make as many waves as the award winning food.
6. Brissac and The Palms of Heaven: August 21 to 27, 2017
Up, up and away! The European Balloon Championships will take off from the grounds of the Chateau de Brissac, the tallest castle in France. 23 countries will participate and the sky will shimmer with jewel like colours as 1200 flights take place. Read about the amazing Chateau de Brissac
7. The “Gardens of the Loire Valley”
The Loire Valley, between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the major features being the exquisite landscape and gardens. From March to November 2017, around 70 sites will join in a cultural season of celebration of the gardens of the Loire Valley.
8. Wine and Solex – a new way to discover the Loire vineyards of Saumur
Enjoy a vineyard visit on Solex mopeds accompanied by 7th generation winemakers who love to share their knowledge. It’s a fun and fabulous way to visit the vines which grow on the steep slopes in the heart of Anjou, and afterwards enjoy a delicious wine tasting.
9. La Baule, officially one of the most beautiful bays in the world
La Baule has a long finger of golden sand, at 9km it’s one of the longest beaches in Europe, and runs from Pornichet to Pouliguen. With its exceptional environment, prestige hotels, historic villas and alluring good looks, the authentic seaside resort is perfect for chilling and recharging your batteries.
10. 24 hours of Le Mans – a legendary race
The annual June event continues to thrill and in 2017 the 85th edition of this illustrious contest, the oldest and most prestigious endurance motor race in the world, is a not-to-be-missed event for all motoring enthusiasts.
Find out more about what’s on in France at uk.france.fr
