Red Lemon PR has been appointed to handle the UK public relations for the Western Loire region, which is now more accessible than ever with the launch of FIVE new low-cost airline routes.

This spring, the five departments that make up the unspoilt region of the Western Loire look forward to welcoming visitors via new flights to Nantes and Angers from the UK�s leading regional airports: London Stansted, London Luton, Manchester, Nottingham East Midlands and Southampton.

With its vineyards and restaurants, historic chateaux and art galleries, glorious Atlantic beaches and unspoilt countryside, this is the perfect short-break destination, whether you are a first-timer with a thirst for adventure or an existing Francophile wishing to veer off the beaten track.

Although Western Loire is close to the UK it is far enough away for the climate to be perfect � hotter and dryer than further north and not the blistering heat of the south. Best of all, the region offers real value for money and a wealth of choice for couples, spa lovers, serial short-breakers, families and romantics in search of the ultimate weekend getaway.

The Western Loire stretches from the Atlantic in the west (the Loire-Atlantique and the Vend�e) along the River Loire through Anjou, to the Mayenne and the Sarthe. Major cities include Nantes, Angers, Saumur and Le Mans. Famous seaside resorts include La Baule and les Sables d�Olonnes, plus dozens of attractive fishing ports and villages.

The region�s rivers are clean and popular for cruising; the countryside is ideal for cycling and horse riding, and there are watersports galore all along the coast. This diverse landscape and intriguing heritage presents a rare breadth of experience for all ages and budgets. And we haven�t even mentioned the outstanding restaurants, featuring the region�s own oysters, mussels, beef and vegetables, plus fruits from the orchards.

Highlights/potential story angles include:

� Le Mans 24-Hour Race Centenary � hire a car and drive to Le Mans, which this year celebrates the 100th birthday of the first-ever race labelled as a �Grand Prix�. On 11 June, 100 classic cars will drive round the 103km of the original race track.

� Surf�s up! � one of Europe�s hottest surfing destinations is Bretignolles-sur-Mer with its famous Sauzaie reef. With its consistent waves, this has played host to a series of international surfing competitions over the years. This year, the world�s surfing elite gather for the Vend�e Surf Pro WQS, part of the surfing World Cup, from 17-25 April.

� Chateaux Hopping � become a serial Chatelain/e for a week by staying in some of the region�s stunning chateaux, each representing exceptional value for money. Greenfingers should head to the Chateau du Lude on 4 & 5 June which plays host to a �Gardeners Weekend� with garden shows, markets, workshops and local cuisine from the chateau�s kitchens.

� They say thalasso; we say aaaah � using pure fresh water from the Atlantic, the Western Loire�s six specialist seawater or thalasso therapy centres are the best in the world for everything from serious detox and stress busting to relaxation and controlled weight loss programmes, all in line with current demand for more results-driven spa treatments.

� The Grape Escape � cycle through the vineyards, stopping here and there for d�gustations of Muscadet, Saumur-Champigny, Coteaux du Layon, sparkling Saumur and more.

Should you wish to arrange an individual visit or require any further information on the Western Loire, please do not hesitate to contact either Jenny Thompson or Sarah Manser on:

Tel: 07711 560445 Email: sarahmanser@redlemonpr.com or jennythompson@redlemonpr.com