Bateaux Nantais

Le Lieu Unique is the national centre for contemporary arts. It opened in 2000 in the former Lu biscuit factory and is a space for artistic exploration and cultural effervescence. Offering activities across all arts, it is a unique setting with plenty going on.

This 15th century Gothic cathedral was built on the site of an earlier Romanesque cathedral. Taking nearly 500 years to complete, it was immaculately restored following a fire in the 1970s. Its crypt contains the tombs of François II, Duke of Brittany and his wife Marguerite de Foix.

This small museum is dedicated to the world-renowned science fiction author Jules Verne who was born in Nantes. On the 150th anniversary of his birth, the city of Nantes decided to dedicate a museum to the writer in order to reflect the richness of his contributions. Books, articles, portraits and photography depict the personality of this famous figure.

On the Ile de Nantes, which has been transformed in recent years, this gallery in the old shipbuilding area features the mechanical designs of François Delarozière and Pierre Orefice whose imaginations were inspired by the works of Jules Verne. The huge moving urban sculptures, such as the Great Elephant and the Branch of the Heron Tree, are open for the public to experience, though bookings are required as they are extremely popular.

This historic 15th century château of the Goulaine family has been producing wine for centuries and it is unknown when they first sold it commercially. You can wander around its rich rooms, see an exhibition dedicated to the biscuit Lu and tour the butterfly house.

To show how important the medicinal plant sector activity is in the district, a group of producers decided to create a garden of medicinal plants using the garden of Chemillé's town hall. Its name, Camifolia, is inspired by the camomile which was the first medicinal plant to be introduced into the area. Chemillé, where 60 per cent of the Pays de la Loire production is concentrated, is the first French centre for medicinal plants with more than 70 species cultivated over approximately 600 hectares.

Escape into the countryside and discover this rustic French restaurant serving traditional meals with pretty views of the gardens.

Charming little coffee shop and lunch spot offering good food on its terrace or tucked away in the cellar. Look out for the decadent dessert selection.

With a wonderful spot overlooking the Loire river, this restaurant is located in the fishing villages of Varades. The chef, Jean-Marc Terrien and his team produce mainly fish dishes using local market produce.

Young chef David Guitton gained worldwide training before taking on this restaurant in the grounds of the Domaine de la Bergarie winelands.

Chef, Didier Edon, has a Michelin star for his excellent restaurant in the Hautes Roches manor house.

This wonderful restaurant run by Bernard Robin, the renowned chef, used to be a coaching house. Today is serves excellent traditional cuisine in a fine dining setting accompanied by an excellent wine selection. A top dining spot in the Loire with a Michelin star to match.

The Golf de Sologne is the oldest course in the Centre region, and probably one of the most beautiful natural settings.

Windsurfing, Stand-Up paddleboarding, Catamaran sailing and Kayak tours ranging from half day to several days can be taken with this canoe and kayak company based on the Ile Millocheau in Saumur.

This train dating from 1950s travels from Thoré to Trôo taking in troglodyte dwellings, Saint-Rimay tunnel, the town of Montoire and Varennes and more.

The golf course of the Château Cheverny has been constructed in the 142 hectares of the historic hunting grounds of the château.

NaviLoire offers short guided boat trips on the Loire river from Rochecorbon, taking in cave dwellings, discovering the rich wildlife along the banks, as well as catching a glimpse of the wine-producing Château de Moncontour.

This golf course is part of the Blue Green group of golf courses.