Pays de la Loire
by Kristin Raybon
Geography
- Plains, forests in the east, soil is known for being good for growing fruits.
- Hot summers and cold winters
- Department Mayenne has highest point of northwest France, Mont des Avaloirs at 1350 ft.
- Has marshes that attract unusual birds
- Scattered lakes
- Troglodyte caves
- The Loire river is the longest river in France
Economy
- Agriculturally centered
- Raising cattle and dairy production
- Iron and uranium mines
- Atlantic coast supplies fishing business
- Common to raise ducks
History
- Birthplace of Eleanor of Aquitaine ---> her son was Richard I of England (the Lionhearted)
- Anjou and Henry II
- Henri Plantagenet
- MANY wars/battles took place here, primarily from the medieval to French revolution
Culture
- Large variety and number of castles
- Many country farms
- Greatly influenced by the tourism that is brought by their many castles
- Hot ballooning is popular
Castles
Chambord
- one of most known and popular manor house
- is a a mix of Italian and French architecture
- initially created as a hunting lodge
- 440 rooms and 84 staircases
Chateau of Chenonceaux
- Lady's Castle
Castle of Angers
- built in early 13th century
- it has a moat and bridge!
- inside is a tapestry museum with some very large and famous tapestries
Activities
- City of la Fleche has one of the oldest zoos in France and covers 30 acres
- Fishing is popular in the many lakes and rivers
- Bike route along coast
- Sea side resorts in la Baule and la Croisic
- La Mans holds annual motor race
- City of Laval has a 85 km towpath for cyclists and hikers
- And of course the castles!