The most beautiful villages in Pays de la Loire to discover

The Pays de la Loire region is renowned for its châteaux, vineyards, beaches and relaxed lifestyle. But it is also home to many charming villages, which bear witness to the richness of its historical, cultural and natural heritage. Between the banks of the Loire, hedged farmland, marshes and the ocean, these villages offer a variety of landscapes and authentic atmospheres. Here is a selection of the most beautiful villages in Pays de la Loire to discover during your next stay in the region.

Montsoreau

Situated in the Maine-et-Loire department, at the confluence of the Loire and Vienne rivers, Montsoreau is one of France’s most beautiful villages. It owes its fame to its magnificent Renaissance château, which overlooks the river and inspired Alexandre Dumas to write his novel “La Dame de Montsoreau”. The village is also famous for its white tufa stone houses, flower-filled lanes and river port. It is also famous for its flea market, held every second Sunday of the month.

Sainte-Suzanne

Situated in the Mayenne department, on a rocky spur overlooking the Erve valley, Sainte-Suzanne is a fortified village that has retained its medieval appearance. It is surrounded by ramparts and towers, including the 11th-century keep, which withstood the assaults of William the Conqueror. The village also boasts a Romanesque church, an 18th-century château and a museum devoted to local history. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

Montmirail

Situated in the Sarthe département at the foot of a wooded hill, Montmirail is a village with a rich architectural heritage. It is dominated by its imposing feudal castle, which dates back to the 11th century and was the site of a historic meeting between Philippe Auguste and Richard the Lionheart. The village also boasts a Romanesque church, a Gothic chapel, a 12th-century priory and several old houses. It is surrounded by a regional nature park, ideal for walking.

Vouvant

Situated in the Vendée department, on the banks of the River Mère, Vouvant is a village that has preserved its 11th-century fortified walls. It is famous for its Mélusine tower, which according to legend was built in one night by the fairy of the same name. The village also boasts a Romanesque church with a remarkable sculpted portal, as well as several old houses. It is also popular with artists, who have set up studios and galleries here.

Saulges

Situated in the department of Mayenne in the Pays de la Loire region, at the heart of a listed natural site, Saulges is a village with an exceptional prehistoric past. It is home to several caves with cave paintings dating back to the Upper Palaeolithic. The village also boasts a 12th-century Romanesque church with medieval frescoes. The village is set in lush greenery, with the River Erve running through it.

Piriac-sur-Mer

Situated on the Atlantic coast in the Loire-Atlantique department of the Pays de la Loire region, Piriac-sur-Mer is a village that has retained its maritime charm. It is made up of white houses with blue shutters, flower-filled facades and slate roofs. It also has a picturesque harbour, where fishing boats and pleasure craft rub shoulders. It is bordered by fine sandy beaches and rocky coves, ideal for swimming and water sports.

Béhuard

Located in the Maine-et-Loire department in the Pays de la Loire region, on an island in the Loire, Béhuard is a village with a unique island character. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its exceptional cultural landscape. It is home to a 15th-century royal chapel, built by Louis XI, which backs onto an impressive rock. It also offers a splendid view of the river and its islets.

Asnières-sur-Vègre

Located in the Sarthe department, on the banks of the River Vègre, Asnières-sur-Vègre is a village with a remarkable historical heritage in the Pays de la Loire region. It boasts a 14th-century castle, a 15th-century manor house and a 12th-century church with medieval wall paintings. Other attractions include half-timbered houses, stone bridges and wash-houses. It is surrounded by a bucolic landscape, perfect for relaxing.

Lassay-les-Châteaux

Located in the Mayenne département, in the heart of the Normandie-Maine Regional Nature Park, Lassay-les-Châteaux is a village that lives up to its name. It boasts three châteaux, the most remarkable of which is the Lassay château, built in the 15th century and featuring eight towers. The village also boasts a Gothic church, a 17th-century priory and several formal gardens. The village is set in lush greenery, with the River Mayenne running through it.

Le Croisic

Situated in the Loire-Atlantique department, on the peninsula of the same name, Le Croisic is a village with a long maritime tradition. It is famous for its fishing port, which was one of the most important on the Atlantic coast in the 16th and 17th centuries. It still bears many traces of its past, including captains’ houses, religious buildings and fortifications. It also offers magnificent views of the ocean and the salt marshes.

Fresnay-sur-Sarthe

Located in the Sarthe department, on the banks of the river Sarthe, Fresnay-sur-Sarthe is a village with a medieval charm. It is dominated by its 11th-century castle, which was the scene of several battles between the Kings of France and the Dukes of Normandy. The village also boasts a Romanesque church, a 17th-century covered market and several old houses. The village is located in a natural setting, where you can enjoy fishing or canoeing.

To conclude this article, we can confirm that the Pays de la Loire is a region brimming with charming villages that bear witness to its rich historical, cultural and natural heritage.

These villages offer varied landscapes and authentic atmospheres, between the banks of the Loire, hedged farmland, marshes and the ocean. They boast some remarkable monuments, including châteaux, churches, manor houses and fortifications.

These villages are also places where many artists, writers, painters and musicians have lived or found inspiration. They are well worth discovering during a stay in the region, to appreciate their beauty and friendliness.