Under Napoleon’s influence…
A rocky mound overhanging a twist in the Yon river, a Gaulish village, then a medieval fortress: the town had a population of less than 1,000 when Napoleon decided to make it the prefecture of this Republican Army headquarters, in 1804. Its declared role: to keep a close eye on, and pacify, the restive Vendéens. Designed according to a rectilinear plan around a vast drill ground, Place Napoleon in La Roche-sur-Yon is now a dynamic centre of activity!

The horse capital…
The white city of tufa, Saumur is just as you imagined it would be: it is at once sparkling, unusual and delightful. The city has no less than 54 listed monuments, and is dominated by the proud silhouette of its chateau. The seasons are marked by equestrian competitions, military parades, carrousels and galas. The city’s reputation has been carried well beyond the boundaries of Anjou by the Cavalry School and the prestigious Cadre Noir teaching body!

Stock up your wardrobe…
As attached as ever to its textile industry, Cholet is known for its handkerchiefs and its ‘prêt-à-porter’ factories. The Mauges area offers a veritable tour of major brand-names, with 30 stores and more than 100 trade names on a single site. And late July 2005 will see the opening of “Marques Avenue” ! This is a large complex of 38 new factory outlets for the sheer pleasure of shopaholics and bargain hunters. So don’t be shy - make the most of year-round sale prices!

The Atlantic port and gateway...
The skyline bears the silhouettes of great liners, lifting bridges, strangely shaped cranes, and the multi-coloured hulls of the trawlers… Saint-Nazaire. It is first and foremost a port – home to the Chantiers de l'Atlantique. Incidentally, the town maintains a passionate unity with the site. Today, it is besieged by the people of St Nazaire, who like to go there for a stroll or to visit the Escal'Atlantic – a new kind of museum. And those who prefer a swim are spoilt for choice - the town boasts 20 beaches!

“Neither absolutely earthly, nor absolutely maritime (...) just what is required to make a mermaid” - Julien Gracq -
Products of its prestigious maritime and riverside history, Nantes will unveil its port and its 18th-century ship-owners’ homes. In the vicinity of the cathedral and the Château des Ducs de Bretagne, take a walk around the medieval quarters of la Juiverie and Bouffay. At once both working class and bourgeois, city of water and lush greenery, Nantes boasts great cultural activity: The Graslin theatre, the Lieu Unique and the Musée des Beaux-Arts are the living proof!

The gentle Angevin lifestyle…
Charming buildings, fine gastronomy, famous vineyards, museums and festivals… There’s no shortage of ambience in Angers! See the city’s sights with the family from the Petit Train, and make the most of the magnificent viewpoint over the Maine from the chateau. This is an imposing fortress flanked with 17 impressive towers, and houses the famous Apocalypse tapestry. For entertainment, head straight for the Place du Ralliement, where it’s good to linger on the café terraces in the shade of the Italian-style theatre !

The beautiful medieval city…
A chocolate-box chateau towering over a river, a maze of charm-laden medieval streets, one of the most beautiful museums of naïve art in the world, and a religious heritage of a splendour that is rarely seen… Go, on, take a stroll around ! You can also discover the city from the water. Departures are from the Halte Fluviale, not far from the old ‘bateaux-lavoirs’ (floating washhouses). Don’t miss: the traditional Saturday morning market, where the stalls of local vegetable, poultry and dairy producers overflow with good things!