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.