Holidays in The Loire Valley France, Loire Villas, Gites, Cottages, Ski Chalets, Chateaux
Loire Valley
Situated in central France just, two hours south of Paris by car, the Loire valley is accessible by air from Tours. A UNESCO heritage site and one of the most popular destinations in France, yet unspoilt by mass tourism, the Loire Valley is exceptionally beautiful. Known as the garden of France and favoured by the royal families since the Valois it is easy to see why. Rolling river countryside with woodlands, lakes, orchards and sunflower fields, all this and the charming towns and chateaux, the marvellous heritage of its royal past. The Loire is a feast for any tourist, packed with stunning places to see and activities for all the family, it is also a gourmet paradise justly famous for its food and drink.
Towns and Cities
The Loire Valley has more than its fair share of wonderful towns and cities to visit as well as peaceful, pastoral villages. Try to visit Tours and Orleans and also places like Chambord, Amboise and Chenonceau with their superb chateaux and parks.
Activities
If you choose the Loire for your holiday you will never be short of things to do. Walking, tennis, golf ,windsurfing, cycling, sailing, canoeing and incredible hot air balloon rides are just a few activities for the active visitor. There are also many fairs, festivals, pageants and concerts with the chateaux hosting popular son et lumiere events from Spring to Autumn.
Food and Drink
A great region for food and wine. There are all kinds of freshwater fish such as salmon perch and trout as well as mushrooms and all kinds of game – wild duck, boar, hare, deer, pheasant and quail. There are also wonderful goat’s cheeses (Chevre) Crottin de Chavignol,Valencay, Pouligney Saint Pierre, Saint Maire and Selles sur Chev to name a few. A well known local dish is the famous Tarte Tatin. Wash all of this down with delicious wine like the earthy Sancerre, light red Chinon and lightly sparkling Vouvray, (most of the regions wines are served chilled, even the reds).
Climate
The Loire Valley is generally mild with moderate rainfall and temperatures usually one or two degrees warmer than southern England.
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