Culture and Heritage

Built between the 11th and 19th centuries, the Château de Brézé is a unique monument, rich in history but above all totally unusual, just a few kilometers from Saumur. Don't be fooled by its tranquil appearance, this listed château invites you to discover its astonishing underground architecture.

On the banks of the Loire is the Château de Montsoreau, one of the very first Loire castles. A visit to the Château de Montsoreau is much more than a visit to history and heritage, it's a true crossroads between art and history. Discover an astonishing place rooted in its past, yet animated by the present. Today, it houses a major contemporary art collection.

Staying in Nantes? A visit to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne is an essential part of your tour of the city. Discover a spectacular château, a true architectural jewel of the Renaissance, once home to the famous Anne de Bretagne. A landmark of Nantes' heritage, the château awaits your visit.

A trip to the Loire Valley is an ideal opportunity to visit the Château de Saumur. It sits majestically in the heart of the town of Saumur, and invites you to discover its museum and magnificent views. The Château de Saumur awaits your visit.

Just a few kilometers from Angers, discover the splendid Château de Brissac, today maintained by the 14th generation of the family's lords. Organize your visit to Château de Brissac and discover a must-see château in the Loire Valley, with its small Belle Époque theater and Renaissance gilding.

Uncover the mysteries of the Château d'Angers, the majestic 13th century monument whose towers and ramparts stand in the city centre. Behind its apparent bonhomie hides a unique and sometimes troubling history, which has now given way to some incredible initiatives!

Invite your little ones to take part in varied and surprising events in the châteaux that populate the Pays de la Loire region! Here's a little overview of some of the activities on offer, either all year round or during the holidays, depending on the site.

In the Pays de la Loire region, Fresnay-sur-Sarthe is one of the "Petites cités de caractère" (small towns of character) in the heart of the Alpes Mancelles, north of Le Mans. Lovers of heritage and nature will be enchanted by this ancient fortified town and its surroundings.

In the Mayenne countryside, discover one of the most beautiful villages in France: Sainte-Suzanne, the medieval village in the Maine. Activities include a bucolic stroll through the ramparts, the renaissance château – given a new life as an Interpretation Centre for Architecture and Heritage –, the quiet little streets, and more.

Head underground 25km West of Saumur and discover the incredible rural museum of the village of Rochemenier, chiselled into the "falun" rock! Explore homes, discover old tools and meditate in the subterranean chapel...

All aboard for Trentemoult, an amazing fishing village nestled by the Loire. With its colourful little houses, labyrinth of tiny streets and exotic plants, it has a quiet bohemian atmosphere beloved by Nantes' residents.

Take a stroll through the little streets of Fontenay-le-Comte, the architectural pearl of the Vendée and classified a Ville d'Art et d'Histoire (Town of Art and History). Discover splendid monuments, elegant little squares, majestic private mansions and tranquil havens of greenery...

Still haven't heard of Les 3 Éléphants (The 3 Elephants)? Held every year in Laval in May, the reputation of this springtime event, which cleverly blends music concerts and street arts, is growing year on year. Here is its recipe for success.

A free jazz festival coupled with an amazing regatta? This is the concept of the Rendez-vous de l'Erdre, held every year in Nantes and a few surrounding towns. Here are 3 good reasons to discover this unique event in France.

As France's biggest metal festival, every year Hellfest brings together big names within a good-natured party atmosphere. We introduce this three-day event that shakes up the pretty town of Clisson, in figures.

Every year, a host of brass, woodwind, string and percussion instruments floods the Loire capital for the Folle Journée de Nantes (An Extraordinary Day in Nantes). Here are 3 good reasons to experience this unique event, which brings classical music to the masses.

With horse trials in a heavenly setting, a performance that brings together the world's best show jumpers, a major equine festival and more, the Atlantic Loire Valley region, which showcases horses like no other, invites the general public to discover a fabulous world.

In Mayenne, be transported by a theatre festival like no other. This summer event takes its stage through the department's towns and villages, taking over a square, for example, or a park, school courtyard or even a historical monument.

During this very private tour, discover the secrets of the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans racetrack and explore the podium, the paddocks, the stands, the press room and the VIP boxes! You can then prolong your tour in the dedicated museum.

Take in the magic of Christmas as you explore these markets, whether located in city centres or in smaller villages. Found in each department of the Atlantic Loire Valley region, they showcase a dreamlike setting and invite visitors to stock up on original gifts.