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Central France Loire
Best bits " Wine trails " Stunning Châteaux " Gastronomy
What to see
Above: Explore the lush Loire countryside at your own pace. Right: Château Azay-le-Rideau one of many grand châteaux of the Loire.
The area is known as both the Garden of France and the Cradle of the French Language. The architectural heritage is pretty special too representing the epitome of Renaissance and the Age of the Enlightenment. Perhaps more than anything else, its the outrageous châteaux that get top billing. Dont miss the fairytale castle of Azay-le-Rideau, the Gothic Cathedral in Tours, the Renaissance splendour of Chenonceau and the flamboyant palace of Amboise. Historic towns include Angers, Blois, Chinon, Saumur and Tours. Orleans was the nations intellectual capital in the 13th century, attracting many artists, poets and troubadours to the royal court. For more modern entertainment let off some steam at Planete Futuroscope. Other attractions include the gripping Le Mans 24 and the annual Loire Valley wine festival both held in June. For even more inspiration visit thomsonalfresco.co.uk
Stunning châteaux, elegant cities and lush green landscapes make The Loire Valley a cultural and gastronomic delight. For many people this is the most romantic part of France which is some accolade. Were sure Paris would have something to say about this. But why not find out for yourself what all the fuss is about. The Kings of France certainly found the gentle climate and delightful countryside perfect for their hunting grounds and created fine summer residences away from the crowds of Paris. Thanks to this extremely rich heritage, the region has been declared a World Heritage for Humanity Site by UNESCO which described it as a "cultural landscape of exceptional beauty . This outstanding and extraordinary area is peppered with historic towns and villages, great architectural monuments, many châteaux, and of course very fine wines including Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé. The region is cut from east to west by the Loire River the longest in France. The Loire Valley or Val de Loire is central to the local economy as well as its cultural and educational activities.
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Le Mans
Orleans
Blois Lamotte-Beuvron Pierrefitte
Angers
Average daily maximum temperature
30
80 70 60 50 40
25 20 15 10 5
London Loire
Yelloh! Village Chenonceaux Saumur Tours Doue la Fontaine Romorantin Parc des Alicourts Ste-Catherine-de-Fierbois Le Parc de Fierbois Chinon Ste Maure Puy du Fou Loches
Futuroscope
Poitiers
Loire
Chateauroux
°F
Apr 5 5 May Jun Jul Aug Sep Average daily hours of sunshine 7 8 8 7 6 6 7 6 6 5 Oct 5 3
°C
LOIRE
50 km
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