What can you do with your family in Pays de la Loire when it rains?
During your stay in the Pays de la Loire region, it can happen that the rain invites itself to your program of discoveries... But don't worry, there are plenty of indoor visits you can do if it's raining near Nantes, Saumur or Laval!
To find out what to do when it's raining in Pays de la Loire, here's our express selection of museums, châteaux and activities to do with the family, solo or with friends.
Visit the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans museum
Le 24 h of Le Mans Museum is easy to find: it's located near the main entrance to the circuit!
Whether or not you're a fan of the Le Mans circuit and its legendary motor race, the discovery trail is an enchanting way to step back in time through the incredible history of the car since its creation. The finest models from Bentley, Ferrari, Jaguar, Ford, Porsche, Matra and Audi are waiting to be admired!
To fully appreciate the themed tour, an audioguide (adult or child version) is included in the price of admission. Allow around 2 hours to learn all you need to know about the legendary Le Mans racetrack and, more broadly, the world of automobiles. In addition to the permanent collections, the museum is also alive with temporary exhibitions. Until January 13, 2019, you can discover "Porsche at Le Mans".
Good to know: for an additional fee, you can get a glimpse of life on the circuit, very tempting especially if a test session is in progress on the asphalt. Nine must-see points, from the Dunlop footbridge to the village, are revealed to the public.
Relive the great ocean liner adventure at Escal'Atlantic
A visit to Escal'Atlanticbecome a visitor-traveler in the Saint-Nazaire submarine base! You're ready to experience the great adventure of ocean liners... Take the gangway, take a look at the black hull of the ship before you, and embark on an amazing maritime adventure!
Take the time to learn about the history of transatlantic shipping, life on board, the role of the crew and admire the ship's collectibles. Designed for young and old alike, Escal'Atlantic features interactive games in a realistic ocean liner setting. Stroll along decks and passageways, try out the deckchairs with sea views, discover the engine room and more. In the hold, you'll be able to take command of a shipping company. It's up to you to manage your fleet on the giant map in front of you!
Good to know: the visit to Escal'Atlantic can be combined with the discovery of the submarine Espadon and the visit to the Ecomuseum in the "3-visit" PassPort.
Investigate Château Sainte-Suzanne
During your stay near Laval, take a trip to the Château Sainte-Suzanne. This medieval fortress can boast of having resisted William the Conqueror's attempted conquest in the 11th century!
With the Anne Mesia app, your visit to Château Sainte-Suzanne will be punctuated by an investigation. At the heart of this monument surrounded by ramparts, 10 riddles await those who love a challenge! Your mission? Free the mystery figure from the spell that imprisons him.
Before starting your visit, download the free app onto your smartphone, then let Anne Mesia guide you.
Good to know: until March 31, 2019, you can enjoy the temporary exhibition "Sacrés chantiers, églises romanes en Mayenne" through a journey punctuated by videos, 3D reconstructions, photographs, drawings, and augmented reality.
Escape if you can to La Roche-sur-Yon
On vacation in the Vendée on a rainy day, experience the Live Escape Game "in La Roche-sur-Yon. Choose from 5 missions to suit your inner adventurer! Plunge into one of the intrigues inspired by the world of Jules Verne, a lost treasure, a murder, the legend of a horseman, etc.
In teams of 2 to 6 people, you'll find yourself locked in a themed room. Listen, share and observe as you solve riddles, foil traps and escape.
Good to know: the Escape Game is open to adults aged 16 and over, and to minors aged 10 and over accompanied by an adult.
Unravel the mystery of the Faluns near Saumur
In Anjou, 17 km from Saumur, Doué-la-Fontaine is home to an exceptional exceptional troglodyte world. The troglodytic caves of Les Perrières invite you on an underground scenographic walk. Here, you'll discover the underwater life that may have existed millennia ago in the Pays de la Loire region.
Underground light shows, musical ambiences, video projections... Let yourself be surprised by the mystery and magic of the faluns.
Good to know: in 2018, sculptor Philippe Cormand created a monumental sculpture of a quarryman, emerging from the rock... to be discovered during your immersion in this underground universe.
