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This is one of the best known areas of France. The valleys of the rivers Loire, Indre and Loir were the playground for the kings of France and the aristocracy. The castles vary in size and magnificence from Azay-le-Rideau up to Chambord. Vineyards abound, so take the time to try some local wine.
Chenonceau |
Chaumont. Its defensive appearance is mainly decorative.
Cour-Cheverny. A privately owned castle in the heart of hunting country with its own pack of stag hounds.
Chambord. The largest royal residence built for François I in 1519.
Blois. A principal royal residence in 1500's. Some interesting old streets.
Chenonceau. One of the best known castles, built across the river Cher by Thomas and Catherine Bohier, 1512. Diane de Poitiers, mistress of Henri II, lived here, followed by Catherine de' Medici after her husband's death.
Amboise. A royal castle since 1422. Leonardo da Vinci lived in the town.
Vouvray. Very good wine.
Tours. The site of a Roman town. St. Martin was bishop of Tours in 4thc. In 1461 it became the capital of France until 1598.
Angers. Capital of Anjou and home of the Plantagenet family. A formidable castle built 1230.
Villandry. The last great Renaissance castle built in the Loire valley. Spectacular gardens. It is still privately owned.
Azay-le-Rideau. A elegant castle with a moat, created 1520's as a pleasure palace by one of the king's ministers.
Chinon. The Plantagenet kings favourite castle. Associations with Joan of Arc.
Ussé. The castle is said to have inspired Charles Perrault's 'Sleeping Beauty'. Built in 1462, it is still privately owned.
Langeais. A castle built strictly for defence in 1465.
Abbaye de Fontevraud. The largest medieval abbey in France. Tombs of the Plantagenet kings and queens of England.
Saumur. The castle was started in the 14thc. The National Riding School puts on demonstrations. Mushroom museum. Local sparkling wine.
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