8 day itinerary for Pays De Loire

Itinerary

The Pays de la Loire region in France is a delightful blend of stunning châteaux, picturesque villages, and beautiful landscapes. Here’s a fun and engaging 8-day itinerary that will let you soak in the charm of this enchanting area. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Nantes

Morning: Arrive in Nantes, the vibrant capital of the Pays de la Loire. Check into your hotel and freshen up.

Afternoon: Start your adventure with a visit to the Château des Ducs de Bretagne. Explore the castle and its museum to learn about the history of Nantes.

Evening: Stroll along the Loire River and enjoy dinner at a local bistro. Try some fresh seafood or the famous galettes (savory buckwheat crepes) for a true taste of the region!

## Day 2: Nantes to Angers

Morning: After breakfast, hop on a train to Angers (about 30 minutes). Once you arrive, head straight to the Château d'Angers. Don’t miss the stunning Apocalypse Tapestry!

Afternoon: Explore the charming streets of Angers, stopping by the Cathedral of Saint Maurice. Grab lunch at a café and indulge in some local pastries.

Evening: Enjoy a leisurely dinner in the city center. Angers is known for its wine, so be sure to sample some local varieties!

## Day 3: Saumur and the Loire Valley

Morning: Take a short train ride to Saumur (about 30 minutes). Visit the Château de Saumur, which offers breathtaking views of the Loire River.

Afternoon: Explore the town and perhaps visit a local winery for a tasting of the famous Saumur wines. You can also check out the Caves de la Loire for a unique underground experience.

Evening: Dine at a restaurant overlooking the river. The sunset views are simply magical!

## Day 4: The Villages of the Loire

Morning: Rent a bike and cycle along the Loire à Vélo route. Stop at charming villages like Montsoreau and Candes-Saint-Martin.

Afternoon: Have a picnic lunch by the river, surrounded by the stunning landscapes.

Evening: Return to Saumur for dinner. Try the local specialty, tarte Tatin, for dessert!

## Day 5: Explore the Châteaux

Morning: Head to Château de Brézé, known for its impressive underground tunnels and gardens.

Afternoon: Continue to Château de Langeais, a beautiful medieval castle. Take your time exploring the grounds and the lovely village nearby.

Evening: Return to Saumur for dinner. Enjoy a cozy meal at a traditional French restaurant.

## Day 6: La Rochelle Day Trip

Morning: Take a train to La Rochelle (about 1.5 hours). This coastal city is known for its historic harbor and beautiful architecture.

Afternoon: Explore the Old Port and visit the Towers of La Rochelle. Enjoy lunch at a seaside café, savoring fresh seafood.

Evening: Stroll along the waterfront and enjoy dinner with a view of the harbor. Try the local specialty, Ile de Ré oysters!

## Day 7: Return to Nantes

Morning: Head back to Nantes. Spend the morning visiting the Les Machines de l'île, a whimsical artistic project featuring giant mechanical animals.

Afternoon: Explore the Île de Nantes and enjoy lunch at one of the trendy eateries.

Evening: For your last night in Nantes, treat yourself to a special dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant. Celebrate your trip with some exquisite French cuisine!

## Day 8: Departure

Morning: Depending on your departure time, you might have a chance for some last-minute shopping or a leisurely breakfast at a local café.

Afternoon: Head to the airport or train station for your onward journey, taking with you wonderful memories of the Pays de la Loire!

And there you have it! An 8-day itinerary filled with history, culture, and delicious food. Enjoy your adventure in the Pays de la Loire! If you have any questions or need more tips, feel free to ask! 🌍✨