A new park for Angers.

The 50 hectare park is a new feature on the banks of the River Maine bordering the town centre.
Designed and managed as a sustainable development project, it creates a link between the Saint-Nicolas parks and the Lac de Maine.

The architects took their inspiration from the Marais Poitevin to create a landscape of canals in one section, as well as such different areas as corridors of grasses, an oak forest, coloured woods, flowering meadows, family gardens, dunes and green waves or even water meadows.

Head in the clouds.

Paradise for teenagers and somewhere for adults to relax and enjoy new adventures, Pornic Aventure park is the ideal destination for a successful family outing.
Once the "foresters" have instilled the basic safety rules, you set off to explore the circuits at your own pace and discretion (but always under the watchful eye of an experienced professional).

Understanding the salt marshes.

For 20 years, the rich heritage of the Pays de Guérande, shaped by the 2,000 year-old history of salt, has been on display in the Musée des Marais Salants in Batz-sur-Mer.

The museum takes the visitor on a journey of discovery, illustrating how the salt-pans were operated, the archaeology and history of salt, the salt trade and salt taxes.

The life of the marsh-dwellers in the 19th century is remembered in the collections of furniture and regional clothing.
Collections of shell figurines, faïence decorated with themes alluding to the marshes, and paintings are also on display.

Take a trip down the Mayenne and discover the Loire Valley.

Once upon a time the Mayenne was overrun by commercial activity. Nowadays, however, it has become a unique site where objects and creatures of ecological importance are preserved while at the same time allowing for a number of leisure pursuits.
Perfect for a walk or bike ride, the 85km towpath can be taken in sections but is suitable for a continuous cycle ride.

Representation of power, symbol of an emperor.

La Roche-sur-Yon has devised a new set of heritage signposts: the 5.5km Napoleon circuit takes walkers on a unique route around the town to discover its past and its unique sites by means of an explanatory route (parcours d'interprétation) marked out by distinctive signage consisting of plaques and bookstands.
The heritage walk guides visitors through the historic town centre (Pentagone and Quartier de la Gare) and explains how the town developed from its founding in 1804 up to the mid-19th century.
The walk is divided into three sectors:
the natural site and the old town;
the town under Napoleon;
the town's expansion from 1870 to 1940.
The Napoleon circuit was developed under the auspices of the Fédération Européenne des Cités Napoléoniennes launched by the towns of Ajaccio and La Roche-sur-Yon.
Encompassing a total of 25 European towns and cities, the Federation promotes exchanges of historical information on Napoleonic history, showcases Napoleonic heritage and organises cultural and educational campaigns.

Will you get a good impression?

The Museum of Printing in Nantes owns a permanent collection of 2,000 original prints by national and international artists, all produced on the museum's presses.
The works are available to interested organisations in the form of "turnkey" exhibitions.
They can also be accompanied by educational displays presenting the various printing techniques, equipment and special events.

The fortress: a heart of stone in a green setting.

The earliest known history of the castle begins under the Vicomtes de Beaumont, as witnessed by the stone keep at the castle entrance. It witnessed the defeat of William, Duke of Normandy (William the Conqueror) who laid siege to the castle for three years without success.
In 1604, Guillaume Fouquet de la Varenne purchased the castle of Sainte-Suzanne from Marguerite de Navarre and, a few years later, built the residential quarters, a perfect example of contemporary provincial architecture (currently under restoration).

French formal gardens.

The Grand-Lucé gardens, redesigned and opened to the public in 1999, take their inspiration from 18th century texts.
The French-style gardens with their shaped box-hedges, green rooms and exotic garden culminate at the great staircase leading to the floral kitchen garden.
In the distance, the view opens out onto the landscaped park with its reflecting pool mirroring the image of the chateau, its crown of lime trees and its ha-ha, or sunken fence.
The adjoining forest covers 17 hectares, crisscrossed by rides dotted with statues.

Head in the stars...

The Planetarium attracts over 30,000 visitors a year and is one of the fascinating cultural and instructive experiences not to be missed in Nantes.
Identifying the Big Dipper is only part of it; space, the heavens above us and the Milky Way contain infinitely more mysteries.
If you dream of travelling in space and would like to learn more about astronomy by seeing projections of the main constellations, this is the place for you!

Jumping for joy.

Meet the bounciest animal in the world at the Parc de La Possonière!
On the kilometre-long walk that is also a learning experience, you will be surrounded by kangaroos roaming free.

The park also features a video room providing more in-depth information about the kangaroo.

Chateau overlooking the Loire.

The chateau overlooking the Loire, made famous by Alexandre Dumas, was built in the 15th century.

Half residence and half fortress, the building was originally four-sided, flanked by four square towers and surrounded by deep moats fed from the Loire.

After major restoration work, a tour of the chateau now includes an audio-visual tour on the theme of the Loire.

Almost a century old.

The park began as a small wood that was transformed into a public park by the Société Immobilière de La Baule-les-Pins development company.
It was opened at the same time as the beach at La Baule-Les Pins on 1 July 1923.
Louis Lajarrige bought the park in 1937 and donated it to the town in 1951.
Covering an area of 25,000m² and more, the park contains over three hundred trees - ornamental, deciduous and conifers - and close on twenty thousand plants.

At the abbey of Clairmont, nestling in the hollow of a valley, visitors are invited to absorb a sense of peace and contemplation as they discover the grandeur and yet simplicity of Cistercian art.
The abbey was founded by Bernard of Clairvaux in the 12th century, and features magnificent ruins.

Sea-lions steal the show!

Sealand, the aquarium in Noirmoutier-en-l'Ile, invites you on a journey to the oceans, both warm and cold.
The aquarium contains a wide range of marine flora and fauna, and also presents a sea-lion show that will delight all ages.

A total of 500,000 litres of sea-water, a 200 metre visit, 200 species and 1,000 animals just waiting to be marvelled at.

From the 11th century to contemporary art.

Built in the 11th and 12th centuries, modified during the 14th and 15th centuries and again during the Renaissance, the castle of Laval has retained its crypt and all its original defences: the keep, the fortified walls, etc.
Against the walls of this castle, the display of Naive Art makes an astonishing contrast: the castle museum features an international collection of Naive Art including works by some of themovement's greatest names: from Bauchant to Bombois, Vivin, Séraphine and Henri Rousseau (Le Douanier), whose studio is recreated here.

Images of five continents.

Discover over 1,200 animals, 120 species from 5 continents, surrounded by luxuriant vegetation in one of the top five zoos in France, famous for its fantastic shows featuring sea-lions, birds of prey and parrots.
Stunning presentations in natural settings await you during your visit: an underwater view of a polar bear, tiny Chinese pandas, an African savannah for the elephants, a pack of Arctic wolves unique in Europe.
The zoo also offers exciting new habitats such as the Argentine pampas, the Australian bush, the taiga where the Siberian tiger roams, or the miniature Malagasy farm.

Cholet's best-loved park.

The park was laid out in 1980 and includes provision for both physical activities (sports facilities, swimming pool) and relaxation (a tree-lined walk).

This local park is very popular with all age-groups, and the facilities provide something for everyone.

It serves as the focal point for a whole neighbourhood, a mixture of detached houses, blocks of flats and public buildings (sports college).

A unique collection of plants.

The positioning of the buildings, the rainwater pool in the centre and the view over the railway have shaped the composition of the park.

An alley links the reception terrace (a reminder of the squared gardens of the Middle Ages) to the main terrace (a vast open space at the foot of the former Blanchisserie buildings where the cloth was bleached), where the edges of the rainwater pool are cut to a gentle slope to accommodate the bleached cloth.

The surround is decorated with a series of floral scenes organised (over 1,080m²) by colour (red and pink, yellow and orange, green, blue). Masses of shrubs create patches of shade, especially where the "Sauvageau river" enters the museum. Contrary to certain ideas, the "simples" are grown at random (some of the plants concerned grow by the roadside or in the countryside).

The heart of Nantes beats again.

After 15 years of restoration and 3 years completely closed to the public, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne has once again opened its doors. The city of Nantes launched a massive restoration programme to revive this outstanding heritage site in the city centre, a living monument to the history of the city and of Brittany. The restoration of this 15th, 16th and 18th century building paved the way for the opening of a new museum, classed as a Musée de France, dedicated to the history of the chateau and the city.

Over 800 exhibits from the musem's permanent collection will be presented as part of an historic and themed series of 32 rooms covering over 5,000m². Extensive multimedia resources, a total revamp of the museum design and modern architectural features will make the museum fully accessible to all visitors.

An outstanding example of architectural and artistic heritage to be rediscovered, the setting for and witness to the history of Nantes and Brittany.

A tree in all but size.

If you find bonsai fascinating or intriguing, the bonsai tropicarium is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the world of these decorative miniature trees first created by the Japanese. This specialist bonsai grower is highly reputed regionally and in the profession for the quality of his work and the care and attention he devotes to these miniature trees. The staff of the tropicarium are dedicated to their calling, and the bonsai is revered, almost worshipped, here.
What makes the tropicarium unusual is the sheer variety of the bonsais on display.

Not to be missed: from the Chinese elm to the dracaenas by way of the Japanese maple, a whole palette of colours, fragrances and styles await the visitor. You'll come away from the visit with a deeper knowledge of bonsai plants, whether for the interior or exterior. The owners lavish every care on their plants, protecting and nurturing them all year round. They will happily share with you their tips on how to care for your bonsai: watering, growth, feeding, exposure to sunlight, cleaning, parasites and diseases, repotting, warning signs, pruning, temperature and ventilation. The hothouses are home not only to bonsais of all kinds, but also to tropical plants.
A slight understatement perhaps, since 2,000 exotic species are cultivated here. Bamboos, sugar canes, water hyacinths, palm trees, succulents, lianas and other species luxuriate in the warmth of the hothouses. The exotic hothouse, through which flows a stream populated by hundreds of terrapins, offers visitors a glimpse of tropical jungle. The plants under cultivation vary according to the season.

Admire the coastline.

This 4.8km walk starts from the lake and then follows the Grande Plage along the coastline and its inlets before joining the Sentier des Douaniers footpath and continuing.
Follow the Maxence beach (near which a chalybeate spring still rises, its waters rich in iron).
Next cross the chimney carved into the cliff, known as the Trou de l'Enfer (hell hole).
Pass by the 19th century Château de la Gressière.
End your walk by returning to the Parc Thibaud.
Throughout the walk, the rugged coastline offers magnificent views which can be enjoyed from sea level since the path often runs along the beach. Be sure to set off at low tide, however, otherwise parts of the route will no longer be accessible on foot.

Nantes, a modern, contemporary city.

From industrial architecture like the Batignolles plant or the famous Lefèvre-Utile (LU) factory, now home to the Nantes national theatre, from religious buildings like the parish church of Sainte-Thérèse, from modern housing or offices (Le Corbusier's Delamarre building) to post-war reconstruction, from Art Nouveau (villa Jeannette) to Art Déco (CGA building), Nantes is chock-full of an exciting urban contemporary architectural heritage most of which was built during the "Trente Glorieuses", the heady years of post-war expansion from 1945 to 1975.

From tradition to technology.

This educational centre covering over 5,000m² retraces the development of a traditional rural trade that over time has grown into a powerful industry using the latest technology. Above all, it is a unique testimony to the changes that have overtaken the rural world in just under two centuries. Milk production has gone from being a craft to becoming a cutting-edge business that is at the forefront of French industry.

The tour gradually introduces the visitor to changes in the world of dairy farming as the tour progresses. In the course of the two-hour tour, you are guided through a world of beauty and light to an understanding of why France is the home of cheese. You will understand the enthusiasm of these men and women who love the business of cheese-making, and watch the tools of the trade being used by skilful hands, their unique knowhow jealously guarded.

Take a trip down the Mayenne and discover the Loire Valley.

Once upon a time the Mayenne was overrun by commercial activity. Nowadays, however, it has become a unique site where objects and creatures of ecological importance are preserved while at the same time allowing for a number of leisure pursuits.
Perfect for a walk or bike ride, the 85km towpath can be taken in sections but is suitable for a continuous cycle ride.

Remodelled over the centuries.

The church of La Trinité was built in 1070 and much remodelled over the centuries.
Its architecture is distinctly mixed, and a visit reveals the different phases of its successive transformations and the splendour of its furnishings.

A village recounts its memories...

In the heart of the forest of Perseigne, a village recounts its memories in the Maison du Sabot (clog museum).
Neufchâtel-en-Saosnois showcases the skills of those who worked with wood: clog-makers, woodsmen, carpenters, cartwrights and wheelwrights, etc.
The collection of woodworking tools are witnesses to a common past.

The Tiger's lair.

On retiring from political life after the signing of the peace treaties that brought the First World War to a close, Georges Clemenceau rented this fisherman's cottage in 1919.
It is located in the Vendée, the region of his birth and where he spent many summers.
Looking out to sea, the low-lying house has remained exactly as it was at the death of the man known as the Tiger. The entrance is reached by an alley of pines and firs. Each room and each object evokes the memory of this great statesman.

Wonderful memories of bygone years...

In the heart of the Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine, on the fringes of the forest of Perseigne, cycling museum La Belle Echappée relates the history of the Tour de France cycling race and its accompanying advertising caravan.
A unique collection amassed by a dedicated race fan (consisting of famous cycles and jerseys, posters, games, toys, etc.) plus interactive and video spaces with original lighting, guaranteed to recall wonderful memories of bygone years.

Home to King René.

Don't be overawed by the apparent austerity of this schist and limestone fortress with its 17 towers, built by a young Saint Louis on the frontiers of his kingdom in the 13th century.
Cross the drawbridge and enter the castle to discover the agreeable residence of the Dukes of Anjou, consisting of late Gothic buildings and gardens.

There are other wonders to be seen, including the extraordinary Tenture de l'Apocalypse, the largest surviving mediaeval tapestry (104 metres), the famous "mille-fleurs" tapestries or the tapestry of the Passion...

In the footsteps of...

The tour follows a path marking out the various stages in the life of Alain Gerbault: childhood, the First World War, his adventures at sea, his final port of call in Polynesia.
The extensive museum collection is made up of photographs, maps, letters and personal possessions.

The way it used to be.

The School Museum is an invitation to memory and nostalgia for some and a source of discovery and curiosity for others: school as it used to be is presented through an extraordinary collection of teaching aids and school text-books.
The museum was first opened to the public in 1991 and currently contains over 10,000 items (text-books, teaching documents and school furniture) that bring old-time schooldays vividly back to life.

Open your eyes and enjoy the trip!

The visit will transport you to the shores of South Africa in company with the Cape penguins, or under the seas for an imaginary journey on our ancient submarine, the "Gulf Stream", for a close-up look at the sea turtles.
Or you could take a stroll in the direction of Bora Bora to admire its multi-coloured fish. No need to take the plane to Australia to enjoy a unique experience with the sharks, either.
Why not stop by and visit all these destinations and many more?

Industrial hemp-growing in the Saosnois.

The Maison de la Ruralité in Saint-Rémy-du-Val houses a permanent exhibition that reveals the economic importance of hemp-growing in the Saosnois (northern Sarthe).
The CLE des Valois association has gathered a collection of machines once used in hemp-growing, and explains the traditions of the hemp-farmers.

At the crossroads of the arts.

Housed since 1797 in the Logis Barrault (15th century) mansion, Angers' fine art gallery, the Musée des Beaux-Arts, reopened its doors in June 2004, after five years of restoration and renovation. Now bigger and more functional, its "Beaux-Arts" section features rich collections of paintings and sculptures from the 14th century to the present day.

A second section, "Histoire d'Angers", retraces the history of the town through archaeological exhibits and examples of art from Neolithic times to the present.
The museum also has a 550m² temporary exhibition space, which features contemporary artists and heritage exhibitions. A broad and varied cultural programme is also on offer (lectures, live shows, guided tours, etc.) encouraging cross-fertilisation between the arts and making works of art more approachable.

Jumping for joy.

Meet the bounciest animal in the world at the Parc de La Possonière!
On the kilometre-long walk that is also a learning experience, you will be surrounded by kangaroos roaming free.

The park also features a video room providing more in-depth information about the kangaroo.

Like a fish in water…

Embark for the shores of South Africa to meet the Cape penguins. Or, you can take our imaginary old submarine, the "Gulf Stream", to meet century-old sea turtles. Then pass through the tunnel, surrounded by a wealth of Atlantic-based fauna.

One of the Ocearium's brand new 2008 attractions is the "Lagoon", a large hall dedicated to tropical fish in which visitors are free to roam and explore.

Don't miss the 'Australian Shark pavilion' for a close-up vision of an impressive but obscure predator, the Australian grey nurse shark.

Over 900 years of history.

Founded in 1101 by Robert d'Arbrissel, the royal abbey of Fontevraud is first and foremost a place steeped in history: peopled by memories of Eleanor of Aquitaine, of Richard the Lionheart and the Plantagenet King Henry II, or of the Bourbon Princesses; haunted by its more recent past as a political prison. In 1975, thanks to the efforts of Minister Olivier Guichard and on the combined initiative of the Pays de la Loire Region and the French Ministry of Culture, the abbey became a Cultural Centre and meeting-place, with responsibility for managing the monument's heritage and culture.
The royal abbey of Fontevraud is more than just a monument and museum, however, despite being the proud possessor of the recumbent figures of three kings; it is also home to an original cultural project run by the Centre Culturel de l'Ouest (CCO): exhibitions, debates and religious music all aim to bring the worlds of art and new information technology together, to link architecture with virtual reality, to advance research in the field of imaging heritage.
A centre for heritage-related creation and training, Fontevraud welcomes not just artists in residence but also many students.
Nine centuries of Western history stand here in 14 hectares of parkland: Fontevraud, which is part of the Val de Loire UNESCO World Heritage site, is a fitting home for such activities, which link the exceptional wealth of our culture to modern Europe and the modern world.

All nature's wealth.

A short distance from La Baule and the salt marshes of Guérande and only a few kilometres from Nantes, the Brière marshes, designated a Parc Naturel Régional in 1970, have been preserved for us through the work of generations of Briérons who subsisted by digging peat, grazing their animals, cutting thatch, fishing and hunting. This vast area of land now counts as one of the most biologically diverse in Europe in terms of its water-fowl and aquatic plants.
The thatched cottage, with its covering of reeds, is also a key feature of the Briéron landscape.

The marshes are now under threat and subject to considerable pressure: Park plans for the coming years are aimed at protecting the setting, preserving and restoring the region's biological treasures and keeping the Brière alive.

To feel the magic of the place, simply set off downstream in a punt steered by a Briéron guide, watch the birds and witness the life and activities of the marshes, glide through the thatched villages of Fédrun and Kerhinet, and explore the soul of the place by visiting the Park's 5 museums.

Dinner's practically ready.

La Charmille is a charming introduction to authentic organic farm produce.
The farmers will give you a warm welcome and advise you on local products.
Discover delicious organic vegetables, charcuterie, cider and homemade jams, cheese, dairy products, apples and pears and honey.

Roaring good fun!

Planète Sauvage safari park is where man meets animals in the wild. As you drive along its 10km of safari trails, you will see over 2,000 amazing and majestic animals: elephants, big cats, zebras, camels, bears, etc. Admire whole herds of animals and share the secrets of their life.
After 2 hours of thrilling game-watching, it's time to visit the Cité Marine for a fantastic sea-lion show and demonstration flights by birds of prey.
The adventure continues in the bush village. Surrounded by animals, this is a world that will fascinate children and adults alike, before embarking on an extraordinary adventure on the Jungle Trail: crossing a liana bridge to track down a tribe of macaque monkeys.

Garden of delights.

The Abbey Gardens, located in the centre of the cloister, have always represented a refreshing natural view for resident monks - the gardens were also, naturally, landscaped as a representation of paradise… Today, at a time when gardens have become an important factor in home life, the Abbey is opening the doors to its magical gardens. Visitors can bask in the unearthly calm within and feel close to nature.

Gather in the jardin des simples (a medicinal herb garden) or in the apple orchard to hear the wise words of historians, philosophers and scientists. Afterwards, you can track the source of the Evrault and discover the Abbey's fauna, and the Norman bestiary, with a team of specialists to guide the way. You can learn so much during the many workshops thanks to practical, hands-on information about how to tend and care for plants, herbs, vegetables, etc. Finally, to conclude this fabulous journey, a gastronomical feast will be organised in the evenings…

Healthy tourism.

Experience a whole weekend of hiking! Nature-enthusiasts and lovers of old stones, take the time to enjoy the natural and architectural riches of the Clisson valley. Sign up for a hike or three over the weekend!

On foot, canoeing, in the morning, the afternoon, and even nocturnal hikes! This hiking program is a great way to enjoy the region's heritage with the whole family.

Dedicated to equine perfection.

Visit the famed Cadre Noir de Saumur, the National Horse-riding school of international repute, and delve into the world of horses. This unique area, rich with history, will be open to visitors - discover what happens backstage, the riding school (one of the biggest in Europe), the stables and saddlery. Man's greatest conquest, the horse, lives like a king in the Cadre Noir.

Food fit for a king.

Twenty or so producers, farmers, artisans and local businesses in Vendée make this gastronomical tour possible by providing their delicious, fresh or traditional products. Farm-reared chicken, honey, bread…

This year the specialty will be fresh, authentic dishes, pastry, candy, and you can even explore a beehive in full "battle-armour"! A great way to meet people and sample some delectable treats.

Curious artwork of today…

Visitors are free to check out the La Création IN SITU documents and various works, and take part in discussions about artist in residence programs.
Saturday & Sunday from 2 to 6PM

Guided Tours What architecture for contemporary art?
Tour of building (reserves and exhibition spaces) and exterior (building and park)
"Collection and creation":
Tour of Tatiana Trouvé's works and of "Instantané 70", an exhibition of the FRAC's collections based on the theme "engagement". Saturday and Sunday at 2PM, 3:30PM and 5PM.

Doors open just for your eyes.

Make the most of the European Heritage Days to visit the historic monuments in the Clisson valley; many private houses and sites will be open to the public for the occasion. Guided tours and activities abound. Experience the region's unique character, where red brick and tiles blend with dark slate and concrete.