An idea from Heritage Stay near Nantes

Take a gourmet break under the tall trees in the picnic area at the Maison Bleue in Haute-Goulaine, facing a Natura 2000 listed area : the Marais de Goulaine, bathed in light. A soothing landscape in which to savour the gentle Loire way of life.

Extend your immersion with a visit to the Maison Bleue, an interpretation centre dedicated to the marshes. Next, your heritage break near Nantes takes you to the majestic Château de Goulaine. Stroll through its formal gardens, explore its Renaissance salons, and let yourself be immersed in the rich life of this historic estate.

Finish the day in style by heading north of the Vignoble Nantais, to join the Loire South route of the Loire à vélo ©. At the Pierre Percée in Divatte-sur-Loire, you’ll find plenty of places to dine on the banks of the Loire.

La Guinguette de la Pierre Percée, if you’re looking for a friendly atmosphere in a bucolic setting during the summer months.

L’Entre-2-Ponts, where you can enjoy local produce, intimate shows and concerts, and a family-friendly meal.

La Pierre Percée restaurant, where you can sample all the local specialities and fine cuisine.

After your expedition, a good meal won’t go amiss. Stop off at La Cascade bar and restaurant on the banks of the Sèvre. This friendly place serves carefully prepared home-cooked meals using fresh, local and seasonal produce. You can choose from a range of menus to suit all tastes: a quick brasserie-style meal on the terrace beside the water, or a bistronomic menu prepared with love in a cosy indoor setting. All you have to do is choose!

On the second day of your heritage tour near Nantes, head to Château-Thébaud to take a look at thePorte-Vue. Designed by the Savoyard architect Emmanuel Ritz, this belvedere is perched 45 metres above the void. It offers a breathtaking 360° panoramic view over the vineyards of Maisdon-sur-Sèvre. Below, admire the Maine, another tributary of the Loire, and the rocky Pont-Caffino leisure centre. This canyon-like base invites you to wander between rocks, river and wooded paths.

Take the adventure further across the river, to Maisdon-sur-Sèvre, with a sensory walk through vineyards and rivers: the Soif de nature circuit. For the more curious, a panoramic table will explain everything about the environment, the geology and the schematic cross-section of the area.

To round off the afternoon, head for Gorges and a place steeped in history: the Liveau paper mill. Here, you can experience the old paper-making activity, which began in 1407, by designing your own paper using the same methods as back then. An authentic, traditional experience to suit everyone.

As the sun sets over the rooftops of Clisson, it’s time to savour. But the day doesn’t end there: it continues around a fine table, in a peaceful or electrifying atmosphere, as you wish.

Soft option: dinner with a view of the château

Let yourself be tempted by a dinner in the glass roof of the Restaurant de la Vallée, or on the terrace of the Best Western Villa Saint-antoine. Nestling at the foot of the old Pont de la Vallée, these elegant establishments welcome you between stone, Sèvre and light, with a breathtaking view of the château andNotre-Dame church. Here, the flavours of travel meet local produce in a generous and meticulous home cooking.

Vibrant option: rock atmosphere at Hellcity

For a more offbeat meal, head to Hellcity, at the entrance to the legendary Hellfest site. A brewpub, a restaurant, a place to live: it’s the perfect address for lovers of craft beer*, bistronomic dishes and rock vibes. Spectacular decor, rebellious spirit and a direct view of the temple of metal – here, you dine as much as you vibrate. A local and intense experience, to be enjoyed without moderation.

_{*Alcohol abuse is dangerous for your health, consume in moderation.}