Renowned for its lavish chateaux, the relics of royal days gone by, the gorgeous Loire Valley is rich in both history and architecture. Like the Loire river, this vast area runs through the heart of French life. Its spectacular cities, luscious landscape and magnificent wine and food add up to a bourgeois heaven. The lush Valley of the Loire River is supremely regal.

In the 13th century, Orleans was the intellectual capital of France. Artists, poets and troubadours were attracted to its royal court.

Also ripe for discovery are the troglodyte caves, sleepy hamlets, and small Romanesque churches decorated with frescoes. Inviting inns offer game, fish and abundant fresh vegetables to be lingered over with full-bodied Bourgueil or a light white Vouvray. Overindulgence is no sin in this abundant area.

The Blois Castle, capital of the kingdom for a short time (1498-1595), was stirred by the last starts of the Valois dynasty. It is like visiting 4 different castles packaged into one - so different are the architectural elements at play in the 4 wings.

The Chenonceau Chateau, the "Chateau des dames", is incredibly breathtaking and built on a bridge across the river Cher. King Henri II gave it to his favourite, Diane de Poitiers, but Catherine de Medici his wife demanded it back upon the untimely death of Henri II after a nasty jousting accident - who can blame her it is such a jewel. Diane was offered Chateau Chaumont on the banks of the Loire River opposite Onzain in exchange. But Diane never set foot there, instead retreating to Chateau Anet, where she died in 1566, 7 years after the death of Henri.

One of the purest creations of the Renaissance, the Chateau Azay le Rideau,, was built on an island of the Indre River ideal setting for an architectural gem

The Chambord castle, pinnacle of the Renaissance, combined the dream of King Francois the First with the imagination of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived at Clos Luce also open to be toured, in Amboise for the last 4 years of his life. The result is a real "mathematisation" of architecture, a grandiose creation: 440 rooms,a fabulous double helix staircase,a chimney for every day of the year and unique roof terrace. Over its history Chateau Chambord has only been used as a residence for 20 years.