3views of PAYS DE LA LOIRE, FRANCE

Framed by the Bay of Biscay on the coast and the famous vineyards of the Loire Valley, this region is slow travel heaven

Words by Richard Hammond

Jardin Extraordinaire is a beautiful public garden on the site of a former industrial wasteland in the western area of Nantes. Steep cliffs provide the backdrop to a 25-metrehigh waterfall sheltering a luxuriant garden with its own microclimate that’s home to a range of exotic plants.

The Electric Boats

Discover the wildlife and heritage of the picturesque River Sarthe from the comfort of the electric boats that cruise along its 86km of navigable waterways. Departing from La Suze-sur-Sarthe, local operators Aventure Nautique provide a range of boats for seven to 10 people, while Anjou Navigation provides boats for groups of four to five people.

Long-distance cycle route Loire à Vélo follows the Loire from its mouth at Saint-Brevin-les-Pins on the Atlantic coast to Cuffy near Nevers, along flat cycleways with very little traffic, via medieval cathedral cities, riverside villages and lots of châteaux. Train Loire à Vélo is a dedicated bike train that transports cyclists between railway stations along the route.