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An Introduction to Western Loire

CRT Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire, or Loire region, has many assets which draw countless visitors every year.

The Le Mans 24-Hour race is a breath-taking ode to speed while, at the Puy du Fou themepark, the Vikings stage their raid on the "Fortress of the Year 1000" - spectacular events that promise enjoyment for the whole family.

When it comes to fine food, the region offers a wide variety of local produce such as farm-reared chicken, the delicious rillettes (potted pork) of the Sarthe region, Vendée cured ham and a wealth of wines and spirits such as Cointreau d'Anjou, kamok from the Vendée or poiré (perry) from Mayenne.
The Pays de la Loire is not one but many, a multitude of facets to explore.
Location:
With its multifaceted history and landscapes, the Pays de la Loire will bewitch you. While the 450 km of coastline is perfect for ecotourism and water sports, the Loire Valley is ideal for exploring the region's age-old churches and châteaux.
Everybody here can find their dream holiday: beach fans can go to La Baule; water sports enthusiasts can catch the Vendée Globe boat race; the Puy-du-Fou park is ideal for those who like a bit of history; and those looking for speed and excitement should not miss the Le Mans 24 Hour Race.
History:
The 10th to the 13th century was the age of the first House of Anjou established by the Counts of Foulques. During the house's golden era in the 11th and 12th centuries, its dominion included the Anjou, Maine and Touraine regions.
In 1144 Geoffroy the 5th annexed Normandy and his son, Henry Plantagenet added the Poitou, Périgord, Limousin, Angoumois, Saintonge and Gascony regions. He was crowned king of England in 1153 and thereby became more powerful than the king of France. English possessions in the region later led to the Hundred Years' War.
1793-1796: the Vendée War ravaged the area. The execution of Louis 16th and the forced conscription of 300 000 men sparked a revolt in Vendée in March 1793. Thereafter began the republican army's terrible repression in the winter of 1794: mass executions and a scorched earth policy wreaked havoc on the Vendée area. It was not until 1795 that the region was pacified by Hoche, who led the Republic to victory.
The year of 1972 saw the disputed creation of the new Pays-de-la-Loire region, encompassing Anjou, Maine and part of Poitou, successfully severing Loire-Atlantique from Brittany.
Traditions:
There are as many traditions and customs as there are historical provinces in the Pays de la Loire region.

There is the Celtic metropolis, Nantes, birthplace of the famed LU biscuits; Cholet, where the red ribbons and scarves are an homage to the sons of Vendée lost during the revolution; the Mélusine faerie who biulds castles by moonlight in the Poitou and Marais areas; and of course if you see a windmill in Vendée, know that back in the day it's sails would signal the location of republican troops during the many wars that ravaged the region.
Gastronomy:
The coastline will evidenly offer a cornucopia of seafood, shellfish and other such delights, but further inland you can savour choice fresh-water fish, preferably seared in light butter.
Passing through Le Mans, one simply cannot miss out on the rillettes, a delicious light pork pâté, while Angers deserves a proper lunch stopover to test some rillauds (porc basted in its own fat) or the infamous Angers-style cul de veau (literally veal's bottom). As an aside, bonnotte potatoes and mogette beans are some of the best in the country.

None can claim to know local gastronomy without enjoying a chunk of baguette smeared with some Nantes curé or crémet cheese, and there is no better way to conclude a meal than with some local cake: pavés d'Anjou (liqueur-flavoured fruit-paste), or brioche and small pastries from Vendée.
Obviously, this will all need some washing down - a fine muscatel or some Anjou and Saumur wine will do nicely - and remember to pick up a bottle of Pommeau du Maine, a savoury local apple brandy.
Tourist Information
COMITE REGIONAL DU TOURISME DES PAYS DE LA LOIRE
2 rue de la Loire
44000
NANTES
Loire Valley
FRANCE
Tel:
02 40 89 89 89
Fax:
02 40 08 07 10