The Loire Valley is the heart of France - it is well known for its many beautiful chateaux, and fine wines. You can visit the caves and sample some of the locally produced red, white, rose and sparkling wines. It's often described as the "garden of France". The home of the Kings and Queens of France, the region is steeped in history and culture, visit Fontevruad Abbey. The abbey was originally the site of the graves of King Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, their son King Richard I of England. Romantic chateaux grace the banks of the Loire. The vineyards are plentiful, wine is a way of life in the Touraine. The Loire Wine Trail stretches through beautiful countryside.
The Touraine offers something for all tastes, whether it is shopping at the markets in the pretty villages or visiting the Theme Parks. France's science-based theme park, Futuroscope, is south of the Loire near Poitiers, as is Puy du Fou. Both parks are suitable for a half day or a full day outing.
Make sure to visit the charming mini-theme park Holly Park in the grounds of a beautiful château at Échemiré only 10 miles away.
Saumur is the home of the world famous Cadre Noire equestrian academy, but more friendly riding can be done at La Landelle. There are also many golf courses, including the nationally renowned Golf de Bauge-Pontigne offers a challenging 18 holes plus 3 practice holes for beginners.
Almost every town has a weekly market selling produce from the surrounding area. Noyant’s is every Friday. Local wines include Chinon, Vouvray, Saumur-Champigny and Bourgueil St. Nicholas.
A holiday in the Loire Valley will certainly give you the opportunity to sample the wonderful delights of this region.
Châteaux
There is a total of 44 Châteaux in the Loire Valley, some of the closest are Le Lude, Saumur, followed by Ussé (origin of the Sleeping Beauty legend), Langeais, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Amboise and Chenonceau. The city of Angers has its own splendid château overlooking the river Maine. The city is home to the largest tapestry in the world.
Wines (and there are many)
In addition to the many châteaux, there are many vineyards to visit in the area. Wines of the Loire are produced by many different grape varieties but have a freshness and fruitiness, which complements the "Garden of France".
White wines - are produced from the Chenin Blanc grape.
Vouvray: with hints of almonds and acacia.
Red wines are produced from the Cabernet Franc grape.
Bourgueil: with hints of strawberry,
Chinon: this wine has flavours of raspberry and violets
Saumur: chiefly noted for its sparkling whites and roses, produced by methode champenoise.
Anjou: sweet wines, white, red and rose.
Muscadet: produced from grapes of the melon vine
The Touraine offers something for all tastes, whether it is shopping at the markets in the pretty villages or visiting the Theme Parks. France's science-based theme park, Futuroscope, is south of the Loire near Poitiers, as is Puy du Fou. Both parks are suitable for a half day or a full day outing.
Make sure to visit the charming mini-theme park Holly Park in the grounds of a beautiful château at Échemiré only 10 miles away.
Saumur is the home of the world famous Cadre Noire equestrian academy, but more friendly riding can be done at La Landelle. There are also many golf courses, including the nationally renowned Golf de Bauge-Pontigne offers a challenging 18 holes plus 3 practice holes for beginners.
Almost every town has a weekly market selling produce from the surrounding area. Noyant’s is every Friday. Local wines include Chinon, Vouvray, Saumur-Champigny and Bourgueil St. Nicholas.
A holiday in the Loire Valley will certainly give you the opportunity to sample the wonderful delights of this region.
Châteaux
There is a total of 44 Châteaux in the Loire Valley, some of the closest are Le Lude, Saumur, followed by Ussé (origin of the Sleeping Beauty legend), Langeais, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Amboise and Chenonceau. The city of Angers has its own splendid château overlooking the river Maine. The city is home to the largest tapestry in the world.
Wines (and there are many)
In addition to the many châteaux, there are many vineyards to visit in the area. Wines of the Loire are produced by many different grape varieties but have a freshness and fruitiness, which complements the "Garden of France".
White wines - are produced from the Chenin Blanc grape.
Vouvray: with hints of almonds and acacia.
Red wines are produced from the Cabernet Franc grape.
Bourgueil: with hints of strawberry,
Chinon: this wine has flavours of raspberry and violets
Saumur: chiefly noted for its sparkling whites and roses, produced by methode champenoise.
Anjou: sweet wines, white, red and rose.
Muscadet: produced from grapes of the melon vine
