The Quillet dictionary describes "Pays de Retz" as an old small French country situated in Britany, to the south of the river Loire.
Nowadays, this country is part of the Loire Atlantique department and Pays de la Loire region.
Its geographical location, between Britany and Poitou, makes it a step country opened onto the sea and the Loire estuary.
It was first called "Rais", probably after the town of Ratiatum (Rezé). The lords of Rais established there one of the most beautiful baronies of Britany.
Its shores were renowned in whole medieval Europe for the Bourgneuf salt found in the Bay of Britany.
Rais changed into Retz at the end of the 16th century and the barony became a duchy.
Gilles de Rais and the cardinal of Retz are native of this land which witnessed several wars and profound changes : Hundred Years' War, Vendée Wars..
