The Loire Valley (Val de Loire)

The Loire Valley : Poitou-Charentes

One of France’s most famous regions is the Loire Valley, the former playground of the French monarchs and Valley of the Kings, which today is enjoyed by all, with food and wine of quality to delight even the most discerning traveller.

Between Giens and Angers the Loire Valley is a lush and fertile region, fought over for centuries by a succession of French and foreign protagonists. All along the banks of the river lies the architectural evidence: chateaux which range from the gloomy defences of Langeais or Chinon to the exquisite Renaissance detail of Azay-le-Rideau or Chenonceau, built in a time when pleasure began to predominate over protection.

Near the town of Blois is the largest chateau on the Loire, the Chambord, with its spectacular roof once described as the “skyline of Constantinople on a single building,” and beautiful parks and forest covering 13,500 acres (5,463 hectares), home to deer, boar and other wild animals which are allowed to roam freely on this national game reserve.

Beyond this magnificent array of luxurious interiors and floodlit battlements more rural pleasures await for example: the gentle landscapes of Anjou, the misty woodlands of the Sologne, and the Orleanais with its half timbered farmhouses and rolling vineyards.

There are also the quite meanderings of the Loire’s lesser tributaries, the Indre, Cher, Vienne, Indrois, and of course the lovely Loir, not to be confused with its greater namesake, which runs through the region from Ile-de-France to Anjou.

The rustic charms of the region are easily matched by the sophistication of its cities which provide a wealth of magnificent architecture, superb restaurants and elegant shopping.

Don’t miss the old quarters of Blois, the fine museum of Tours, or the grand parks of Orleans. But perhaps one of the greatest joys is simple to sit on the river bank and watch the water slowly flow by in its inexorable journey to the sea.

In this area you can obtain your hire car from Angers Railway Station, Tours Downtown and Le Mans Railway Station.