Embracing the Loire River, France's longest, the famed Loire Valley is renowned for its spectacular historic architecture and magnificent lush countryside, making it a truly unique holiday destination.
Centrally located, the former French capital and Gallo-Roman city of Tours is a perfect base for exploring the region. While much of the city's unique architecture was destroyed or damaged during wars, recent renovations have revived the attractiveness of features such as the place Plumereau, place St Pierre-Puellier, and place de Chateauneuf, which houses the Tour Charlemagne, the remnants of St Martin's first church. Other noteworthy attractions include the Cathedral St-Gatien, dating from the 13th century; the Hotel Gouin, the finest Renaissance building in Touraine; the Musee des Beaux Arts; the Chateau Royal; and the Eglise St Julien, which contains fascinating Gothic monastic cells.
The numerous chateau towns sprinkled along the Valley all have important places in French history. Overlooking the town of Saumur is the fantastic towering, turreted Chateau de Saumur, reminiscent of fairytales. Saumur is also known for its stone masonry, and Fontevraud Abbey, and is located near to famous prehistoric troglodyte dwellings. Synonymous with Joan of Arc, the Chateau de Chinon was long a favorite of French royalty, while the two greatest examples of Renaissance architecture, Chambord Chateau and Chenonceau Chateau, stand ready to steal the breath from awed visitors. Angers is similar to Tours but boasts a 13th century castle containing the famed Apocalypse Tapestry. A more authentic, traditional atmosphere can be found in the towns of Amboise, Orleans, Blois and Beaugency. The gardens of Villandry, turrets of Azay-le-Rideau and cathedrals of Le Mans and Chartres, home to the spectacular Notre Dame Cathedral, all beckon tourists. While in Le Mans, take in the famous racetrack and the Automobile Museum, as well as the ancient Roman walls.
Near to the mouth of the Loire River is the regional capital of Nantes, known for its Breton atmosphere, architecture, and museums. Fun for all the family is the Escal-Atlantic, a virtual cruise on a 1930s transatlantic ship, located at the port of St Nazaire. Seaside resorts line the Atlantic coast to the south, offering a relaxing break from the valley itself.
The closest international airport to the Loire Valley is Paris' Charles de Gaulle International Airport. Connections can be made to several towns in the valley region, or other forms of transportation can be chosen from a variety of options.
More information on Paris.
www.francetourism.com
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