Loire Valley Châteaux There are some 300 chateaux, mostly restored and operating as museums. The best known chateaux, travelling from the west are:
• Saumur: Medieval castle of Dukes of Anjou
• Chinon: Hilltop ruins of three fortresses
• Ussé: 15th-century château that inspired Sleeping Beauty
• Azay-le-Rideau: Riverside château with decorative turrets and richly furnished interior
• Villandry: Renaissance castle overlooks perfect formal gardens
• Loches: Royal residence (but disquieting dungeons)
• Chenonceau: 16th-century château gracefully spans Cher River
• Amboise: Scene of extremes – feasts and executions
• Blois: A blend of architectural styles and well-known spiral staircase
• Chambord: Massive royal hunting lodge (over 400 rooms), double-helix staircase, and rooftops full of chimneys
It’s hard to pick a favourite. However, Chambord and Chenonceaux, two Renaissance châteaux resplendent with their ornamental gardens are breathtaking. The image of Chenonceaux and its perfect reflection in the River Cher never leaves you. | Loire Valley Vineyards Many vineyards border the Loire, providing crisp white wines including Sancerre, Vouvray and Pouilly-Fumé, as well as fruity reds, Chinon, Bourgueil, Touraine, and Valencay – all perfect companions for the delights of local tables, where meals “fit for kings (and queens)” are the norm.
Acclaimed as the "garden of France", there is an abundance of farm-fresh products: poultry, vegetables, fresh berries, pears and apples.
Hunting season (from the forests of Sologne), provides regional game: deer, boar, duck, pheasant and quail. Salmon and trout come from the region's rivers.
Tasty goat cheeses, Sainte Maure du Touraine, Pouligny St. Pierre, and Crottin de Chavignol are delicious with the local reds.
Other specialties include a rich variety of charcuterie, terrines, potted minced pork from Tours, poulet en barbouille and carpe au vin rouge. In season, white asparagus and local mushrooms are not to be missed!
Tarte tatin, the upside down apple tart will indulge your sweet tooth, and try also gateau pithiviers (almond cream in buttered puff pastry). |
 Loire Valley Cycling ToursThe best way to explore the Loire Valley is by car, although public transport is also convenient. Rely on your trusty automobile for your main sorties, just be sure to map out your route beforehand, as the road signs are not always easy to follow. There are worse places to get lost! Most roads are two lanes, so be patient when traffic gets busy.
Anyone who has visited France, especially over a weekend, will know that the nation has a love affair with the “velo”, the bicycle in its various forms. And this is a wonderful way to get to know the Loire Valley. You don’t have to be an experienced racer to do this, although some more rugged itineraries are mapped out for the brave of heart! Mountain and all-purpose bikes are available for hire at reasonable prices.
Walking is another favourite in the gently undulating countryside, and there is an abundance of maps of walking and cycling trails as well as bridle paths.
Unless you are a student of history, art, architecture or medieval history, you can wear yourself out visiting the towns of the Loire. The towns boast cathedrals, with intricate stonework, sculptures and stained glass, associations with Joan of Arc and da Vinci, and stories of persecution and intrigue. Our recommendation is to tour gently, soak up the ambience and digest the Loire in small bites.
The stunning Loire Valley is the 'Garden of France' and the 'Cradle of the French Language.' It is also the home to a vast number of Chateaux in Loire Valley. Among others Chateaux d'Amboise, Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau are truly remarkable to look upon. Between the châteaux are rolling green hills home to Loire Valley vineyards of great notariety. Driving is the best way to see all of the amazing treasures in land, but for more active tastes, Loire Valley cycling tours are highly recommended and the scenery from kayaking on the Loire River (France's longest river) is simply divine! Your gite in Loire is out there and the Loire Valley Tourist Information Guide will help you uncover it! |
