Pays de la Loire is a diverse western French region anchored by Nantes, one of France's most dynamic and culturally inventive cities. The region spans the lower Loire Valley with its Renaissance châteaux, Atlantic beaches and islands along the Vendée coast, the rillettes-producing Le Mans, and the wine appellations of Muscadet, Anjou, and Saumur. World-class theme park Puy du Fou, the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit, and the mechanical art installations of Nantes make this one of France's most varied regions for visitors.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Puy du Fou Historical Theme Park
Price: Day ticket: from €44 adult / approx USD 48; from €33.50 child (5–13); under 5 free
Les Machines de l'Île — Grand Éléphant ride
Price: Ride €10 adult / approx USD 11; €7 child (4–17)
Vendée Coast Beach Days (Saint-Jean-de-Monts)
Price: Free (parking €5–8 / approx USD 5.50–9 in season)
Château d'Angers — Rampart Walk and Tapestry
Price: €9.50 adult / approx USD 10.50; under 18 (EU) free
Loire à Vélo Family Cycling — Nantes to Ancenis segment
Price: Bicycle hire: from €12/day / approx USD 13 adult; child trailer from €8/day / approx USD 9. Route free.
Musée des 24 Heures — Le Mans
Price: €14 adult / approx USD 15; €7 child (6–14); under 6 free
Île de Noirmoutier — Salt Pans and Island Beaches
Price: Free (beach); salt pan tours approx €12 / approx USD 13 per adult
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hôtel Hermitage Barrière La Baule
Family features: Kids club, beach access, pools, babysitting service
Hôtel du Général d'Elbée, Noirmoutier
Family features: Pool, gardens, bicycle hire, island location
Hôtel Mercure Nantes Centre Grand Hôtel
Family features: Family rooms, central location for Les Machines and château, kitchenettes available
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
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Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
At Puy du Fou, the free shuttle train (Petit Train du Puy du Fou) loops the park — essential for families with young children who cannot walk the full site
Book Les Machines de l'Île tickets online to avoid queueing — especially important in July–August when queues can be 45–60 minutes
Noirmoutier tide crossings via Passage du Gois: never attempt with children without checking the tide tables at gois.fr — the water rises rapidly and strands vehicles
La Baule's Esplanade has a children's playground and pedalo hire area at the western end; the beach is gently shelving and ideal for small children
The Loire à Vélo route has bicycle trailers for small children available from rental stations — a relaxed way to cover 20–30 km with young children