On 2 December 2000, UNESCO named the central part of the Loire River valley, between Maine and Sully-sur-Loire, to its prestigious list of World Heritage Sites. In choosing this area that includes the France Départments of Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire and Maine-et-Loire, the committee said that the Loire Valley is: "an exceptional cultural landscape, of great beauty, comprised of historic cities and villages, great architectural monuments - the Châteaux - and lands that have been cultivated and shaped by centuries of interaction between local populations and their physical environment, in particular the Loire itself."
Activities for the family Le Fleche Zoo
There are lots of attractions to see in the Loire for families with children. The tourist industry has become aware of the need to entertain the children on holiday and there are now many activities in the area. Zoos are popular with children, and adults alike and offer an ever changing scene to the visitor.
La Fleche ZooThere are 800 wild animals here and also a museum. Doue-la-Fountaine Zoo is one of the best in Europe, this is also the site for the troglodyte caves. Make sure to visit the charming mini-theme park Holly Park in the grounds of a beautiful château at Échemiré only 10 miles away.  |
The Loire Valley is the heart of France - it is well known for its architectural heritage and many romantic chateaux grace the banks of the Loire such as Chenonceau, Chambord and Usse, it is also blessed with other fine examples in its historic towns such as Amboise, Blois, Chinon, Orleans, Saumur and Tours. The vineyards are plentiful, wine is a way of life in the Touraine. You can visit the caves and sample some of the local wine. The Loire Wine Trail stretches through beautiful countryside.
It's often described as the "garden of France". Loire is the home of the Kings and Queens of France, the region is steeped in history and culture, a fine example is 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.
Château de Chambord, one of the most recognizable châteaux in the worldbecause of its very distinct French Renaissance architecture that blends traditional medieval forms with classical Italian structures. It is the largestcastle in the Loire Valley, but was built to serve only as a hunting lodge forKing François I.
Château de Chenonceau: The High Constable of Montmorency took possession of the château in the name of François I during the 16th century. In 1563, Catherine de Medici transformed the gardens of Chenonceau in accordance with the plan devised by Bernard Palissy in his Drawing of a Delectable Garden |
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.
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.
  365 cheeses to choose from |
Loire Wines Anyone for a glass of Wine?
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. Montlouis: with toasted almond and aniseed. 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 There are many wine-festivals through the summer months - these are well worth the visit to make contact with producers - some of whom will send wine internationally. Try also the various 'route de vignobles' - designated tours around the vineyards, details are available in tourist information offices, from small villages to large towns. Welcome Photos More |