There is no prettier landscape in Europe. Little lanes wriggle round wooded hillsides, past soft meadows, where horses frolic in the sun. If you like active holidays, the Western Loire is just the place for everything from walking to bird watching.
With 8,000 miles (13,000 km) of footpaths, from the Guérande peninsula (Loire-Atlantique) to the Gois causeway (Vendée) and the rolling hills of the Alpes Mancelles (Sarthe), there are endless, well-marked trails to follow.
The needs of cyclists are well catered for, whether they are serious mountain bikers, or just like to potter around, taking their time. In the Coëvrons, they can pedal up hill and down dale, stopping in pretty villages. Or they can choose flat, easy towpaths, drift through the vineyards or visit the city of Nantes. Energetic cyclists work up a sweat on the coast, head down into the breeze, then cool off in the sea. Others take the boat to the île d'Yeu, rent a bike and explore the island.
If you like to ride, to back winners, or just love horses, the Western Loire is an equestrian paradise. There are trails set aside for riding, equestrian centres, and, of course, displays in Saumur by the Cadre Noir, the world's most famous cavalry regiment.
Showjumping at the Mondial at le Lion d'Angers, racing at Craon... this is serious horse country. Savvy British golfers are just discovering that the Western Loire has some great golf courses.
From the Sarthe down to the Vendée, there are 31 clubs, many in magnificent settings, all waiting to welcome you, whether you want a tough challenge, prefer to have some fun with friends or just need to take some lessons. A series of reliable guides to outdoor activities have been produced for holidaymakers. The sites selected have all been inspected to ensure quality and service for visitors.
For more on Discovery Trips in the Western Loire region, visit www.westernloire.com
For more on Western Loire's festivals and major events, click here
