Description

Western Loire. Atlantic coast. Jade Coast. La Baule, luxury hotels, see stars - Deneuve, Depardieu; Les Sables d'Olonne, 17c church, bright houses winding streets; Loire river; Nantes, massive fortress; Angers,17 black towers and tapestries galore; Bagneux Dolmen, largest chamber in Europe, nr Saumur; Le Mans, motor racing, France's largest medieval centre.

Weather
Nantes: Jan High 12C/55F, Low -3C/26F; July High 36C/98F, Low 12C/55F

Food
"Petit Lu" biscuits (Nantes); wines - chenin, Pineau d'Aunis; challans duck, rilletes, pike, salmon; Curé Nantais cheese, samphire, fouaces

Travel
Airports: Nantes-Atlantique (Airfrance-Britair, Ryanair); Angers Loire (Flybe)

Trivia
At La Mine Bleue in Noyant la Gravoyere, go down 130 metres below, to tour a slate mine.