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 fabulous past.

Today, the Val de Loire and especially the 100 mile stretch from Orleans to Blois and Angers continues to lure visitors to explore the splendid French countryside with its historic castles and abbeys, and to enjoy some of the best food and wines in the world. You too can enjoy some of that lavish style by relaxing in a chateau rented exclusively for a holiday with friends and family or for just a long weekend.

The Loire Valley is well placed being only 2 hours south of Paris. If you need to fly seriously consider a private charter. To quote Henry J. Tillman "The saying "Getting there is half the fun" became obsolete with the advent of commercial airlines."

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 Val de Loire 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 airport staff 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 holiday 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 tonnes of money. Chartering a private jet lets you choose your time to fly. No schedules to adhere to, no hours of standing by. Often private jets won't even cost more than first class.

The main 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 romantic or exciting or fun about catching a commercial flight, let alone a no frills one.

The commercial airlines around 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 worldwide airports and fields ? 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 will rent you a private jet. It's cheaper than you think to take a flight you won't regret! To find a good charter broker begin with the internet. There are many more private charter companies these days because chartering is becoming so popular.