7 cities of character to visit in Pays de la Loire

Old fortified cities, charming villages and places of character, take a break on the terrace or for a visit.

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Saint-Céneri le Gérei, one of the "Plus beaux villages de France"

Saint-Céneri-le-Gérei, set in a loop of the Sarthe river spanned by a small stone bridge, wraps its old village houses around the 11th century Romanesque church with its exceptional frescos. On the other bank of the Sarthe, opposite the charming 15th century chapel, a miraculous spring, born of the prayer of Saint-Céneri, would have the power to cure certain eye diseases...

Batz sur Mer: Panorama on the ocean and salt marshes

Batz-sur-Mer and its four associated villages – Roffiat, Trégaté, Kermoisan and Kervalet – spread over 927 hectares, half of these salt marshes. The main settlement has a square at its heart, Place du Garnal, where the Church of Saint-Guénolé dominates the scene. Climb its tower to enjoy magnificent views over the salt marshes and the Atlantic. Otherwise, there are a few low cottages, but many houses benefit from an extra storey or two, their slate roofs carrying dormer windows. Explore the many typical little lanes here as you pause on the Vélocéan route.

Terrace break in the port city of Le Croisic

Facing north towards Le Grand Traict sea inlet, the beautiful historic port of Le Croisic has long provided a safe harbour for fishing boats. Today it is a leading port for pink shrimps, known here as le bouquet du Croisic. At the back of the harbour, enjoy the old town’s network of winding streets and medieval meeting places; the peace here contrasts with the bustling harbour-front. Exploring Le Croisic’s peninsula makes for a magnificent extension of the Vélocéan cycle route. On this panoramic circuit, feel invigorated by the Atlantic air.

Walk in the charming streets of Piriac

In the 17th and 18th centuries, deep-sea fishing became the main activity that led to the prosperity of the coastal village of Piriac, now a lovely resort. The old houses built from granite, with hydrangea and hollyhocks growing beside them, and the labyrinth of narrow, winding lanes often leading you to the water’s edge add greatly to the place’s character. Explore the rich local architectural, literary and natural heritage, both by bike and on foot.

Fresnay-sur-Sarthe, ancient fortified city

Set on a rocky spur, the remains of the IXth century castle and the ramparts of this ancient fortified city make Fresnay a place of discovery. From the top of the walls the old town, the gardens and the heritage of this city can be contemplated. Walking through its narrow streets, you will discover its church with its richly carved portal, its halls, its old houses...

La Flèche, along the Loir river

In a Land of Art and History, nestled on the banks of the Loir on the edge of Anjou, the second Sarthe town of La Flèche combines the pleasures of water with those of its built heritage. The amazing Bruère mill, which makes ice, or the fabulous Halle au blé theatre are an example of this. As for the venerable institution that is the National Military Prytanee, it is indeed a city within the city. Not far away, discover the Cré-sur-Loir / La Flèche Regional Nature Reserve, a 65-hectare marsh for nature lovers.

Ile Béhuard, an island on the Loire

The only city island on the Loire, Béhuard is located in the UNESCO World Heritage area. The Loire contributes strongly to the identity of the landscape of the commune with the formation of several islets and frequent floods from December to May. These have conditioned life and organisation on the island as well as the landscape. To see: the church that Louis XI would have built.

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