In 2000, the central part of the Loire Valley was named a UNESCO World Heritage site for its cultural landscape and historic towns and villages. France in 2005 suffering from a little slump in American tourism, introduced the "Loire ? V'lo" biking program, designed to allow travellers to explore the 880 kilometers of spectacular cycling trails and roads that wind along Europe's last wild river past vineyards, picturesque french villages, mysterious troglodyte homes (limestone caves), ancient churches and monasteries. When the whole trail is eventually completed in a few years, it will stretch around 500 miles from St.-Brevin-les-Pins in the Atlantic region to Cuffy in the Cher region, near Sancerre.
The Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1000km to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its lower reaches the hunting grounds and lodges of the kings and noblemen of the 15th to 18th centuries grew into extraordinarily ornate chateaux , a short trip for them from Paris and a world away from the lives of their subjects.
The countryside is a mix of sunflower fields, leafy forests, vineyards, green valleys and charming villages, and is ideal for undemanding cycling. The attractive market town of Amboise, historically important during the 15th and 16th century under the reign of Francois 1st and nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point. The routes move between the Loire and Cher rivers, and visit some of the prettiest chateaux along the way.
You can pedal across the Cher river southeast from Amboise to the castle of Chenonceau, one of the loveliest sites in the Loire Valley. Straddling the River Cher and backing off into an expanse of forest, the chateau is hemmed in by two outstanding gardens. It is the most visited chateau of the Loire with over one million visitors ayear.
After you've had your fill of ogling architecture, cycle around beautiful Amboise on the Loire River with its medieval chateau and charming village. Da Vinci's home, the Chateau du Clos-Luce where he spent the last 3 years of his life, is located within walking distance of Amboise. In fact King Francois 1st had an underground tunnel built so that he could go and visit his good friend without having to mix with his subjects. Here you can visit his sitting rooms, chambers, and kitchen. There is a working museum with over 40 models of some of his incredible inventions.
The cool forest, patchwork fields and lazy rivers of the Loire Valley invite the active vacationers to windsurf, cycle, sail, walk and canoe in the gentle countryside. Tennis players and golfers will find first rate facilities throughout the region. Visitors can also drift leisurely over the chateaux and countryside in a hot air balloon.
Fairs, festivals, pageants and concerts fill the Loire calendar from spring to autumn. Sound and light spectaculars at Amboise, Chenonceau, Blois, Valen'ay and Azay-le-Rideau bring royal chateau history and tradition to life.
Luxury chateaux are scattered throughout the region, ready to soothe away any saddle sores with their great cuisine and crisp, cool acclaimed local wine. Some of the best wine in France is produced in the Loire Valley. Someliers, wine merchants, wine-bar owners know it and spend their holidays here in the Loire Valley. You can chose to hire a room or a whole chateau together with your friends or family members.
You could not select a more picturesque, palate-friendly, more comfortable and leisurely holiday destination anywhere in the world.
The kings of France, seduced by the temperate climate and the game-filled oak forests constructed their sumptuous homes here in the Loire Valley. They surrounded themselves with the greatest architects and artiests of this era. This is the country of a thousand castles. The valley is full of not only royal chateaux and renaissance palaces, national museum and large magnificent chateaux, but also medieval castles and fortresses, small fairy tale manors, private chateaux, medieval cities, churches, abbeys, and cathedrals. Many chateaux and stately homes are open to the public: some are state owned, such as Chambord and Blois; others are private, and still lived in. A large percentage of them run sound and light shows during the high season. Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chambord are definitely worth a visit and are close to Blois.
Chateau du Clos Luce Chateau du Clos Luce is where Leonard de Vinci spent the last 4years of his life. You can visit his study, salons, kitchen and bedrooms, the chapel and see frescoes painted by his pupils. His paintings and drawings are set out in the park of the chateau with giant models of the most spectacular machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo da Vinci and his disciple Melzi.
Le Chateau du Clos Luce: 30 minutes from us, at demeure de Leonard de Vinci,Amboise 37400 Tel: +33(0)2 47 57 00 73 Open: daily except 25 December to 1st January
Chateau Azay le Rideau The Azay le Rideau Castle, one of the purest creation of the Renaissance, was built on an island of the Indre River, an ideal setting for an architectural gem. The sound and light spectacles held in the park during the summer tell some of the history of the Chateau and are not to be missed if you are there at the right time.
Chateau Blois Chateau Blois is almost like 4 separate chateaux rolled into one - so diverse are the architectural styles at play here. The Medieval heart is centred around the Salle des Etats Generaux which is where the court and council were based. Flamboyant Gothic flair is evident in the Louis XII wing whereas Renaissance architecture is the dominant style in the Francois 1 wing. It is in the Francois 1 wing that you'll find Catherine de Medici's private rooms complete with array of poisons. This was also the spot where the Duc de Guise was brutally murdered in 1588 after he was thought to be planning a Catholic uprising against Henri III. Apparently, it was Henri who carried out the deed himself only to be killed himself a year later by a monk. Lastly, the Gaston d'Orleans wing will satisfy any cravings for Classical architecture. Evenings are a particularly good time to visit Blois especially if you book to see the sound and light shows that recount the chateau's turbulent past.
Chateau de Blois: Place du Chateau, Blois, 41000 Tel: +33 (0)2 54 90 33 33 Open: Closed on 25th Dec and 1st Jan
Chateau de Cheverney Chateau de Cheverny is undoubtedly the most lavishly furnished of all the Loire Valley Chateaux. Built between 1604 and 1634 little has changed. Its present owner is a direct descendant of the original owner and his 70 hounds or so are still used for regular stag hunting. Some of the chateau's masterpieces include paintings by old masters, tapestries from Paris and Holland plus Louis XIV's commode and unforgettable grandfather clock. The 1640s interior decoration, consisting of panelling, painted ceilings, and fireplaces, and paintings by Jean Monnier, is among the finest of its kind.
There are two interesting facts pertaining to Cheverny. Firstly, serious Tintin fans will note that Herge based the mythical Moulinsart on Cheverny. If this appeals, check out the Tintin exhibition situated directly opposite the chateau. Secondly, the 18th century Orangerie served as a hiding place for the Mona Lisa during WWII. From here, you'll be able to take in the majesty of the park and its canals which are open to the public from April to November.
Chateau de Cheverny: 16 kilometres south-east of Blois, Cheverny, 41700 Tel: +33 (0)2 54 79 96 29 Open: Open daily
Chateau du Chaumont Chateau du Chaumont is located on the southern bank of the Loire River about twenty minutes west of Blois. It was the first chateau at Chaumont-sur-Loire, Loir-et-Cher, France. Originating in the 11th century, it was built by Eudes II, Count of Blois.
In 1560, the chateau became the property of Catherine de' Medici who entertained numerous astrologers there, including Nostradamus. On the death of her husband, King Henry II, Catherine used her power to take over the much coveted Chateau de Chenonceau from her husband's mistress, Diane de Poitiers. As certain legalities had to be met, Diane was forced to accept the Chateau de Chaumont as payment for her beloved Chenonceau. Diane de Poitiers lived at Chaumont for only a short time when the castle was sold.
The castle holds an international garden event covering a different theme each year from April to October.
Chateau de Chenonceau Le Chateau des Dames built on a bridge across the river Cher is one of the more beautiful chateaux of the Loire with elegant turrets, arches and stately avenues bordered by plane trees. It's romantic feel is further heightened by the fact that its stylised and symmetrical structure is reflected in the waters of the Cher.
Chenonceau owes much of its design and majesty to four women in particular. It was Catherine de Briconnet who first started the trend and was largely responsible for its early Renaissance style. Catherine then passed the baton to Diane de Poiters (mistress of Henri II) who was responsible for the formal gardens to the left of the chateau as you approach it. Unfortunately Diane de Poitiers was forced to relinquish ownership of Chenonceau to Catherine de Medici (the bitter wife of Henri II) who offered Chateau de Chaumont in exchange. Not entirely a fair swap! Later the chateau was inherited by Louise de Lorraine, the bereaved wife of Henri III Catherine's favourite son. Louise painted her bedroom ceiling black and white out of respect for her late husband.
Madame Dupin also had a pivotal role in the development of Chenonceau in the 18th century and was responsible for encouraging literary events to be held here. The likes of Rousseau, Voltaire and Montesquieu all spending time here. Today Chenonceau is a profitable business run by the Menier family who are known as respected chocolatiers.
Chateau de Chenonceaux: Chateau de Chenonceau, 30 minutes from Blois, Chenonceau, 37150 Tel: +33 (0)2 47 23 90 07 Open: Closed 25th Dec & 1st Jan, 1st May
Chateau de Chambord Chambord is truly royal in its grand scale, its grand air, its indifference to common consideration (Henry James). It combined the dream of King Francois I with the imagination of Leonardo de Vinci. The result is a real mathematisation of architecture, a grandiose creation : 440 rooms with 365 fireplaces, a fabulous double staircase, and a unique roof terrace
Chateau de Chambord: 15 minutes south east of Blois, Domaine national de Chambord, Chambord, Tel: +33 (0)2 54 5040 00 Open: Closed on 25th Dec, 1st Jan and 1st May
Chateau de Villandry Villandry was one of the last of the very big chateaux built around 1536 in the Loire valley during the renaissance. It houses some interesting and very valuable antiques and furnishings but it is probably best known for its Italian Renaissance garden created by Doctor Carvallo. As well as being very ornate and decorative, the gardens produce fruit, vegetables and herbs which are sold locally to raise funds for the maintenance of the chateau.
Chateau de Beauregard Chateau de Beauregard was mostly built at the same time as Chateau de Cheverny as a hunting lodge for Francois I. It is famous for its Galerie des Portraits which comprises over 327 portraits of Kings and their lovers plus famous dignitaries from 14th to 17th centuries. Take note of the unique flooring that is covered in 17th century porcelain tiles.
Chateau de Beauregard: 6 kilometres south of Blois, Cellettes, 41120 Tel: +33 (0)2 54 70 36 74 Open: Closed Wed in winter months and entirely for the month of January
Chateau de Beauregard Chateau de Beauregard was mostly built at the same time as Chateau de Cheverny as a hunting lodge for Francois I. It is famous for its Galerie des Portraits which comprises over 327 portraits of Kings and their lovers plus famous dignitaries from 14th to 17th centuries. Take note of the unique flooring that is covered in 17th century porcelain tiles.
Chateau de Beauregard: 6 kilometres south of Blois, Cellettes, 41120 Tel: +33 (0)2 54 70 36 74 Open: Closed Wed in winter months and entirely for the month of January
The Loire Valley is a majestic region awarded world heritage status because of its amazing chateaux.
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