The Val de la Loire known as "the Garden of France" is a fertile place where a rich farmland is spread on both sides of the enchanting Loire river. The region became the favourite residence of French Kings and Queens from the middle ages to the Renaissance. Little by little, strongholds had become magnificent chateaux of the Renaissance, which had been restored during the 17th and 18th centuries.
These castles tell about the surprising history of the great kingdom of France and display the charm of its fabulous past. The Castles still stand in all their glory representing the majesty and grandeur of the architecture of that time.
Everyone knows that French cooking is one of the best in the world if not the best. With more than 365 cheeses, thousands of different wine producers, foie gras, sea food, fishes and good meat, and of course specialties like snails, frogs' legs, bouillabaisse, pot au feu, and boeuf bourguignon, France is heaven for those who like quality and innovative cuisine.
Each aspect of a French speciality has a root, tradition, origin, and cult attached to it by the French. This is because of the sheer diversity of excellent products and related recipes available all over France. The french have an amazing affinity for the land. It is part of their identity. . If French gastronomy has such prestige, it is because the French spend their time on it.
Classic French cuisine is very much on the menu in most restaurants in the gloriousLoire Valley. The French table is a deity - a great social organizer and leisure activity. Freshwater River and lake fish take pride of place in dishes. Veggies thrive in the sandy soils around the Loire River. Local asparagus is delicious in spring. Most vegetables have a long season. Goat's cheeses are a particular speciality of the region.
Meat specialities of the Loire Valley include pork rillettes (a coarse pate), not to be confused with another very tasty, more local tradition, rillons (big chunks of pork cooked in pork fat). With so many forests in the Loire Valley, the region's restaurants are strong on game. Autumn is the season not just for wild game, notably wild boar and venison, but also wild mushrooms.
Tarte Tatin, upside-down apple tart, is a classic of the Loire Valley region. The area is rich in excellent apples and pears, tasty strawberries and melons.
The French have a sweet tooth and they love creamy, rich, chocolate patisseries and they insist on quality. Blois has exceptional patisseries.
The tourist route around the vineyards of the Loire valley leads foodies and wine lovers from cellars to vineyards, offering wine-related discoveries punctuated by visits to imposing chateau, abbeys, cave dwellings and gardens along the Loire, now classed as part of the world heritage of mankind by UNESCO. Because, French gastronomy is a veritable paradise you should try it at least once in your lifetime.
During the renaissance, The Loire Valley became the favourite residence of French kings who entertained in lavish style while enjoying the amazing beauty of the landscape. The chateaux still stand in all their glory representing the grandeur and majesty of the architecture of that period and the enchanting charm of France's incredible past.
Today, the Loire Valley and especially the 100 mile stretch from Orleans to Blois and Angers continues to attract visitors to explore the splendid French countryside with its historic chateaux and abbeys, and to taste some of the best food and wines in the world. You too can enjoy some of that lavish style by unwinding in a castle rented exclusively for a holiday with friends and family or for just a long weekend.
The Loire Valley is ideally situated being only 2 hours south of Paris. If you need to fly seriously consider a private charter. "The saying "Getting there is half the fun" became obsolete with the advent of commercial airlines." - Henry J. Tillman
Sir Mick Jagger lead singer of the Rolling Stones and part time Touraine resident, regulary charters a private, three-person taxi-plane to whisk him from Tours airport to London in only 70 minutes. Sir Mick loves the Loire Valley and he owns a charming 16th century castle called La Fourchette in a little postcard perfect town near Amboise.
He avoids the busy times when the daily Ryanair flight from London Stanstead lands and dumps its passengers and picks returns toLondon with a new load. The staff at the airport are used to private charter flights. The Tours airport staff say of Sir Mick ?He has never caused us any problem: A simple, straightforward person,?
Every year, more and more people decide to charter a private jet for a family vacation or with a group of friends. A private jet is not just for the wealthy. You do not have to Sir Mick or a Russian Billionaire.
You and your friends can charter one without a lot of dough. No schedules to adhere to, no hours of standing by. Often private jets won't even cost more than first class. Chartering a private jet lets you choose your time to fly.
The obvious benefit of chartering a private aircraft is saving valuable time. With commercial airlines you must show up at least two hours before your time of departure, stand in line for security checks then stand in line again for check-in - you have to go through torture before your flight has even begun.
Once on board you are normally squeezed in like a sardine in cattle class. Meals are totally uninspiring. Other passengers may smell, be horrible and obnoxious, rude and frightful. There is absolutely nothing fun or romantic or exciting about catching a commercial flight, let alone a no frills one.
The commercial airlines of the world have access to no more than 500 airports across the globe. Having to wait to take connecting flights can add considerable time and inconvenience to your itinerary. It also highly increases the risk of your luggage being misdirected or even worse lost.
A privately chartered aircraft can take you to any of over 13,500 airports and fields worldwide ? directly from any location you choose. In a private jet you'll travel in the lap of luxury. Every whim attended to, like you're royalty.
Check out some charter brokers who'll rent you a private jet. It is cheaper than you think to take a flight you won't regret! To find a good charter broker begin with the internet. Because private jets are becoming so popular there are many more private jet chartering companies to turn to for help all the time.
Corina Clemence has sinced written about articles on various topics from Places to Visit in, Loire Valley and Dating and Romance. Corina Gildersleeve operates a luxury castle in the Loire Valley, for up to fifteen people ideal for touring vineyards, chateaux,relaxing and enjoying the local cuisine. .