Visit Loire Valley - France

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Imagine a land of kings, queens and noble families, with long grassy fields, wine producer, with medieval buildings and, above all, imposing and exuberant castles. It sounds like a fairy tale story, but this place exists: it's the Loire Valley (Val de Loire, in French), about two hours' drive from Paris.

The Loire Valley is a region of about 800km² that is home to several historic towns and castles built along rivers such as the Cher, the Vienne and especially the Loire River. This region served as a refuge for the French nobility, who, especially during the 15th and 16th centuries, built their châteaux, castles and palaces of magnificent proportions, holiday or permanent residences that blend medieval and Renaissance styles.

The Jardin de France (as the Loire Valley became known) is today a major tourist destination, sought after mainly by history buffs and romantic lovers of a movie-worthy setting. And don't think that this scenery is just to be seen from afar; best of all, most of the châteaux (there are said to be more than 300) can be visited from the inside and are open to tourists. Others work as accommodation - that is, in addition to visiting the castle, you have the opportunity to sleep in it!

Châteaux such as Chambord - the largest castle in the Loire Valley - or Chenonceau - which belonged to women like Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici - are must-see programs on the tourist itinerary. It has a château surrounded by water, like D'azay-Le-Rideau; château-fortaleza, such as Chinon; Leonardo da Vinci's chateau; and there's even the Château do Tintin (Cheverny), which inspired the character's author to create the fictional Moulinsart palace. The Loire (pronounced "luárr") has castles of all types and, as there are many, it's good to prepare your favorites list before you go - it's hard not to be heartbroken to have to choose just a few.

Pair this picturesque setting with charming towns like Blois and Amboise, which have cobblestone streets, old buildings, arched bridges spanning rivers, and the quiet, country-town vibe. Rent a car to take a leisurely stroll, enjoy the green fields and the local houses, and, of course, take time out of your day to delight in French cuisine - preferably accompanied by a wine. The Loire Valley is an enchanting place: a present dream, but full of the glamor of past centuries.

Without a doubt, the main attractions of the Loire Valley are the châteaux - sumptuous castles and palaces, one more beautiful than the other. While they look amazing from the outside, you might be wondering if entering the castles is allowed; fortunately we can answer yes.

Each of the châteaux has a different attraction: some stand out more for their gardens than for the appearance of the building itself; others draw attention for their imposing construction or the number of rooms; others, for the location, or for the interior of the building, or for the history, for the wealth of details... in short, there are countless castles and each one of them has its peculiarities. As there are many châteaux (it is said that there are more than 300), it is necessary to make a selection of which ones to visit, according to your interests.

A castle not to be missed on your itinerary is the Château de Chambord, which is the largest castle on the Loire and really impresses with its grandeur. It began to be built in 1519 and is surprising for having a roof full of towers and chimneys; It's worth visiting the castle terrace and the incredible view from up there! The Château de Chenonceau is a strong contender in the list of “the most beautiful castles of the Loire”, it is difficult to remain indifferent to it. In addition to being built over the River Cher, this castle is distinguished from the others by the strong female influence throughout its history. Two beautiful gardens and a labyrinth add a special touch to the external beauty of Chenonceau.

To discover a beautiful castle inside and out, is the Château D'Azay-Le-Rideau, which has a collection of very beautiful rugs. The Château Real de Amboise, where Leonardo da Vinci's body is buried, is also very beautiful and has a spectacular view! If you like wine, it is worth including a château that produces the drink in the itinerary.

Try to get to know the cities in the region. Blois, Tours, Amboise and their neighbors are very graceful, pleasant for wandering aimlessly and occasionally getting lost. The ancient architecture of these cities is an invitation to take a walk, which can be made much better with a stop for a hot chocolate.

Don't forget that French cuisine is spectacular and that eating well is also an attraction of the Loire Valley. Take a moment out of your day to delight in the restaurants and understand why French cuisine is so appreciated around the world.

The most central cities with the most châteaux around are Tours, Amboise and Blois – choosing one of these cities as a base, you will be close to many castles and, in the centres, you will have access to shops, restaurants, etc. Among the three cities mentioned, we suggest staying in Tours, considered the "capital" of the region; it is one of the largest cities in the Loire Valley and offers a good structure for a tourist. An alternative that we suggest for those who are not sure where to base their base is not to stay in just one city; try to stay in different cities and, thus, get to know not only the castles, but also the urban attractions.

Regarding the location of accommodation, consider that in urban areas of cities it will be easier to have access to trains and buses and staying in the center is the best option for those who do not rent a car or for those who want to know the cities on foot. Those who rent a vehicle can afford to choose a less central accommodation, given the ease of getting around with a car.

Despite giving the impression of being an exclusive and perhaps expensive location, it is not difficult to find budget accommodation in the Loire Valley. There are accommodations for different profiles and pockets, mainly because in France there are good hotel chains.

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The tip for those who want to spend less is to book well in advance; in addition, it is good to know that some seasons can be cheaper than others, for example staying in the city during the summer is usually more expensive.

As in the rest of Europe, in Loire Valley the seasons are usually well defined. July, for example, is a good month for those who enjoy intense heat and also for those who don't mind the fact that the city will probably be busier.

Have fun!

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