Monuments to visit Pays De La Loire

Built on the Lecourbe by François II (th century) to connect the neighbourhoods of La Trinité and Notre-Dame. Its massive construction offers the particularity of presenting five finger and six waterways of unequal dimensions, which allow it to withstand the strength of the current and divert the trunks of trees adrift.

The Halles de Clisson, classified as a Historic Monument since 1923, are in the heart of the medieval city. These halls, which housed the markets, were built in the 15th century on the initiative of Duke Francis II. They have had black chapters, as in the Vendée wars; this place served as a refuge for fighters from both sides. Restored many times, they have kept their original look. They are supported by a remarkable framework composed of different species (fir, chestnut, oak), the architectural opulence testifies to the intensity of the trade practiced in Clisson and the richness of the city. The halls extend from Saint-Jacques Street to the southern end of Place Notre-Dame. Today, they still house its famous market on Tuesdays and Fridays.

What an emblem! The Lu Tower is best visited from the outside. The two 38-meter high Art Nouveau towers erected by the famous cookie maker from Nantes were demolished in the 1970s. One of them was rebuilt identically in 1998. You can enjoy a panoramic view of the city, after climbing its 130 steps. At the top, the visit begins with the gyrorama: a machine that turns with a crank. It continues with the descent of the staircase, where we discover the history of the factory, via a video and archive photos.

They are 18 rings lined up on the quay of the Antilles, along the Loire. Established in 2007 as part of the Biennale d'Art Contemporain Estuaire, they are now part of the cultural heritage of Nantes and are one of the stops on the green line of the Voyage à Nantes itinerary. Designed by the famous French visual artist Daniel Buren, to whom we owe "Les deux plateaux" in the courtyard of the Palais Royal in Paris, with the help of Patrick Bouchain, they offer perspectives and cut-outs on the river landscape. Call to the sea in one direction, views of Nantes, its towers and bell towers on the other. At night, these large steel rings, 4 metres in diameter, light up in red, green and blue, offering even more perceptions. The Rings were created to give way to visitor interpretation, but they also echo the city's history, evoking the rings of slaves during the triangular trade of which Nantes was the hub in the 18th century. They also evoke the union of the river, the sea and the land.

Built more than 1,700 years ago, when Le Mans was still called Vindinum, it is a unique monument of its kind in France. To admire it, it is advisable to sit on the banks of Sarthe, which gives a magnificent overview. We can see the towers that still remain: eleven are visible in the thirties that existed initially. Today, every summer night, the Chimeras Night gives fantastic colors, by light projection, to this magical place of the old town: to observe from the wharves of Sarthe.

Heading towards the marina, to the left of the dike. Its proud appearance and fortifications are worth noting, as they seem to be 18th century remains, behind which the old village protected itself. It was a strategic point that controlled access to La Baule Bay with the Pointe de Penchâteau. Pointe du Bé was completely renovated and inaugurated two years ago. A complete facelift very appreciated for a pleasant family walk along a wooden esplanade. Trees and wild herbs preserve the authentic aspect of the coast and its rocky beach, which makes this place a popular spot for fishermen on foot who find mussels, periwinkles, Berns. We will meet the splendid Château des Tourelles, facing the sea, where we can even take a chic break to quench our thirst or have a bite to eat facing the sea.

It has the advantage of being located 5 minutes walk from the city centre. Opened in 1979, the deepwater port has 1,150 rings, 150 of which are open to visitors in all weathers and 24 hours a day. It also has a fuel pontoon. The port extends over 16,000 m². It is a very lively place in summer with its bars, restaurants... The stranding port (boulevard des Océanides ✆ 02 40 61 61 61 06) is intended for small boats (427 anchorages). Completely refurbished for the 2019 season, the bridge connecting the port to Pornichet, today almost a footbridge with grazing lighting at night, gives pride of place to soft traffic, pedestrians and bicycles and still offers a superb view of the Pointe du Bec, with its beautiful isolated villas and rocks, as well as the harmonious curve of Baie de La Baule. The port is also the starting point for sailing races such as the Match-Racing French Open.

They are classified by Historical Monuments and are a beautiful testimony to the architecture of the 1930 s. The 1927 passenger building is the work of the architects Adrien Grave and Roger Pons. The Ministry of Culture certified the «Heritage of the twentieth Century» building.

Feel free to walk through the piriacaises streets to admire the old granite houses, flowered by hydrangeas and hollyhocks. The narrow and winding streets stretch out their arms, some of them will offer you the sea as a backdrop. Venture in the footsteps of the famous writers who came to stay in Piriac. Several houses in the port belong to the family of the writer Alphonse de Châteaubriant and date back to the 17th century. The large house, reminiscent of the Flemish style, received the writer regularly until the last war. Castel Rado (2, rue Neuve) was built in 1626 and has a beautiful stone staircase, dormers and an original roof. At the entrance to the alleyway of the Sourd, one of the oldest houses in Piriac, dating from 1640, can be seen on the left

Located at the corner of Léon Loiseau and Saint John streets, this beautiful property built in the th century once hosted the Club family, which was held in high office in the warden of Château-du-Loir. Today, there are artists'exhibitions in the Henri IV room. Visiting the outside is possible with this white facade that attracts the eye. It was one of the last seats from premier until the Revolution. You will be able to visit the indoor rooms by reservation, and admire its monumental staircase. If you are an artist and are looking for a place for an exhibition, please do not hesitate to contact us. It is also a great address for banquets or weddings.

The bell tower of the church has been refurbished as a panoramic tower from which one can enjoy a very clear view. You can admire the lake of Grand-Lieu and its marshes, as well as the eastern part of the Pays de Retz. You can see the towns of Saint-Mars-de-Coutais and Sainte-Pazanne, and sometimes, when the conditions are optimal, you can even see as far as the towers of Nantes. You will have to climb the 158 steps to reach the platform, 40 m high.