Castles - Chateaux

Chenencoux

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 Chenonceaux 
The High Constable of Montmorency tookpossession 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

Chambord

Zoos and Attractions

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.

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