Pays-de-la-Loire
The region of Pays-de-la-Loire, one of the 26 French regions, is in the western part of the country, largely lying on the Massif Armoricain. Its landscape is diverse, and mainly low-lying. It's a beautiful area, often called the Western Loire or the Loire Valley. The green banks of the River Loire Valley in its centre contrasts with the wild, rugged Atlantic coastline in the west. The region has always been a favourite place for French kings and nobilit,y who built there a number of magnificent palaces. Most of them have been restored and are still inhabited today. Tourists can visit them and enjoy their splendid interiors.