The Vignoble Nantais, an area awarded the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire label: Visit the Château du Cleray during the European Heritage DaysThe Vignoble Nantais, an area awarded the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire label: Visit the Château du Cleray during the European Heritage Days
©The Vignoble Nantais, an area awarded the Pays d'Art et d'Histoire label: Visit the Château du Cleray during the European Heritage Days|DAVID GALLARD

An accredited region Land of Art and History

Since 2011, the Vignoble Nantais has been awarded the Pays d’Art et d’Histoire label. This national label, awarded by the French Ministry of Culture, highlights the richness of the region’s heritage: landscapes, architecture, collective memory, wine-making know-how… An invitation to take a different look at these lands of contrasts.

Land of Art and History A heritage of architecture, landscapes and vineyards

The Pays d’Art et d’Histoire du Vignoble Nantais promotes three main types of heritage.

The architecture a reflection of neighbouring areas

Between Breton, Angevin, Poitevin and Italian influences, the local architecture expresses a history of transitions and exchanges. You’ll come across winegrowers’ houses, elegant orangeries, riverside mills and Italian architecture imported to Clisson in particular.

Waterscapes Loire, Sèvre, Maine and Goulaine marshes

Rivers, marshes and streams have shaped the region. The Loire, the Sèvre Nantaise, the Maine and the Goulaine marshes have influenced human settlement and agricultural practices, as well as the ecosystems that are now protected by several classifications.

The vineyard wine culture and know-how

The winegrowing landscape, structured by theAOC Muscadet Sèvre et Maine, dates back to the VIᵉ century. It embodies an agricultural tradition, a built heritage and a living culture. The label also recognises the value of the vineyard and the skills passed down through the generations.

A vibrant region at the level of the inhabitant

The Pays d’Art et d’Histoire is not a static museum. There are events for everyone: guided tours of the Hellfest site or the Italian Clisson, dramatised tours, workshops for young people on landscapes and architecture, etc. A Centre for the Interpretation of Architecture and Heritage, already underway at La Garenne Lemot, completes this approach.

The Pays d'Art et d'Histoire label a commitment to enhancing the region

The Pays d’Art et d’Histoire label rewards local authorities that are committed to understanding, preserving and promoting their heritage. Inventories are carried out in partnership with the Pays de la Loire Region, accompanied by exhibitions, conferences and publications. The Forum association, dedicated to local history, also contributes to this promotion.

A tripartite agreement with the State and the Département formalises this ten-year commitment, which will be renewed in 2021.

Publications of the Pays d'art et d'histoire

As part of the Villes et Pays d’Art et d’Histoire graphic charter, the Pays du Vignoble Nantais offers publications to accompany a visit in situ, or to take a look at sites that are not accessible to the public.

Focus and Journey

These brochures will help you explore the heritage of the banks of the Sèvre and Loire rivers, the neo-classical villas, the Chaussée des Moines, the village of Saint-Fiacre and the Hellfest site! You can pick them up at the information desk of...

Continuing the adventure