Jetsettersblog

Holidays with children, family stays in the Pays de la Loire

The Pays de la Loire has created a website dedicated entirely to families and children: activities for children, packages for families, tourist news and events, allowing visitors to easily plan their activities and holidays in the Pays de la Loire!
www.enfants.enpaysdelaloire.com

The Machines of the Ile de Nantes – Extraordinary adventures
In total there are a dozen machines while current innovations include the Tree of Herons, a monumental piece of architecture 45 metres in diameter and 28 metres high with two herons at the top. From 2012, visitors will be able to embark from the wings of the birds and take a circular flight travelling from branch to branch of the incredible suspended gardens.

Set in the old naval dockyards, the gallery of the Machines of the Ile de Nantes is both a laboratory and an exhibition.

Fabulous dream-machines created by artists are put into movement to stage spectacular stories and special displays.

In the heart of the naves, the machines come to life in the factory of dreams which the public can discover. And, if the idea of riding on the back of an elephant appeals, visitors can take a ride on the 12-metre high giant, comprising 40 tonnes of steel and wood, that carries them in its stomach and on its back for a promenade.

Info: Nantes Culture +33 (0)2 51 17 48 50 – www.lesmachines-nantes.fr

Great holidays for the big and the small!
In Anjou so many original sites have been modified to allow families to fully discover the fun, the history and the natural way of life – the great Chateau de Montsoreau is involved as is the zoo at Doué-la-Fontaine and also the Museum of Armoury in Saumur.

Both the Anjouand Loire Atlantic tourist departments have established quality assurance schemes to promote and develop hospitality for families.

The Loire Atlantic, Oh LA L.A! Quelle aventure! guarantees well adapted workshops and activities where children are involved with twenty local partners within the Sel à Guérande – the land of the Guérande salt, Escal’Atlantic and the Océarium du Croisic.

Info: Departmental Committee of Tourism of the Loire-Atlantique – +33 (0)810 044 001 www.ohlaloireatlantique.com Departmental Committee of Tourism of Anjou – +33 (0)2 41 23 51 51 – www.anjou-tourisme.com

The Bohemian spirit in Parc Naturel Régional Normandie-Maine
Visitors can fully relax, sway to the slow rhythm of the astonishing Mayenne countryside and discover the pleasure of the Haras du Bas Courtoin which offers itineraries from two to seven days in an authentic horse-drawn cart pulled by cobs. The accommodation ‘Bohême’ is available for family groups in the middle of this enchanting farm where both Portuguese and Lusitaniens horses are bred. The 4 carts can each take 5 people.

Info: Haras du Bas Courtoin – +33 (0)2 43 03 59 41 +33 (0)6 06 52 27 72

An exceptional idea – expert advice in Saint-Jean-de-Monts
The tourist office of Saint-Jean-de-Monts has decided it would be best to let a local mother explain what this seaside resorts offers for families. Therefore, Laura, a young mother from the town has taken the area’s website under her control to share her holiday ideas: news, insider tips and advice, the places to know and her personal recommendations. Laura also posts weekly ideas and news form the area on a dedicated facebook page!

Info: Tourist Office of Saint-Jean-de-Monts +33 (0)826 887 887
www.saint-jean-de-monts.com
Laura’s expert advice: http://www.saint-jean-de-monts.com/www-idees_sejours-VIDEES[FAMILL-897-FR-IDEES_SEJOURS.html
FACEBOOK http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saint-Jean-de-Monts/Sejour-EN-FAMILLE-a-Saint-Jean-de-Monts/125478247491566