Hidden gems and other things to see and do

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 Atlantic Loire Valley, you are sure to find a campsite style that suits. There are all kinds of outdoor accommodation available for different tastes and fancies: at the seaside, in quaint villages, for cycle tourists...

Explore the houses in Atlantic Loire Valley that were once home to famous people. Some of them, designated "Maisons des Illustres", have even been kept unchanged and offer an amazing insight into the world of these legendary figures.

Immerse yourself in the life-sized cinema set that is the city of Le Mans, especially its historic centre and legendary automotive racetrack. The Sarthes city has hosted a great deal of famous actors, such as Steve McQueen, Leonardo Di Caprio and Al Pacino!

Explore the world of Richard Rak, the maker of dreams, who shows his gigantic cabinet of curiosities to the public inside his gallery-studio in Saumur or the amazing troglodyte Manoir La Caillère in Coutures...

In Atlantic Loire Valley, discover the sites that have been home to film shoots. Cyrano de Bergerac, Michel Vaillant, The Man in the Iron Mask, Donkey Skin, Monsieur Hulot's Holiday… You're really at the heart of the adventure here!

Come and stroll or grab a bargain at the many car boot sales, bric-a-brac shops or flea markets in Atlantic Loire Valley. This little selection of unmissable places in each of the 5 departments should help you find that rare gem...