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Bournand |
Chinon |
Saumur |
2005 Tour de France |
 he Loire Valley, designated
by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site for its beauty and history, is probably
best known for its castles, which provide a vivid experience of the rich
history of France. Many of them are historic and architectural wonders
with splendid art treasures and fabulous heritage. Chateau Chenonceau
is a romantic palace built across the Cher river and with its symmetrical
gardens, it seems to float on air and water. The geometric construction
of Chambord is a masterpiece of stone and slate, reputedly designed by
Leonardo da Vinci, the adviser to Francois I. Second to Versailles in
size, the highlight is the double spiral staircase on which two people
can walk up or down simultaneously and never meet. Near Amboise is the
Leonardo da Vinci museum in Clos-Luce, where you can see his models from
helicopter to plane, from machine guns to tanks. There are the three tiered
gardens of Villandry, considered to be the best in France, the Sleeping
Beauty inspiring towers of Usse, the Chateau and equestrian center of
Saumur, the magnificent tapestry collections of Angers and Langeais, and
the bijou center of the fortified town of Chinon. Beaugency, Chambord,
Blois, Chinon, Amboise, Chenonceau, Cheverny are the mortar and masonry
upon which the soap opera of aristocratic renaissance France was played
out.
In contrast and complement to the magnificent chateaux are the many small towns and villages which provide a more modest human perspective. The rolling countryside and quiet country roads in this area make for outstanding cycling. In addition, there are various centers for horseback riding, golf, tennis, canoeing, beautiful gardens to visit, as well as antique and brocante shops. The Loire Valley is sometimes called "The Garden of France" and there are many vineyards, fertile valleys, orchards, winding rivers, lush forests, quaint and charming villages, bustling market towns of Tours and Angers, and vast selections of restaurants (twenty starred Michelin are in the vicinity). There are troglodyte homes and museums, built into the hills. There is even a troglodyte zoo in the town famous for its roses, Doue la Fontaine. The area's beauty and quality of light have attracted many artists, including many impressionists, such as Turner. Loire Valley wines are now winning major wine competitions, and Chinons are one of the most popular in Paris. Saumur is famous for their sparkling wines, both white and rose, and Bourgueil also offers great red wines. The whites of Vouvray and the Chenin Blanc grown south of Angers are also favorites by wine lovers everywhere. Most of the hundreds of vineyard caves are open for degustation. During the summer, classical concerts are held in chateaux and converted barns, troglodyte caves and Romanesque churches. In addition there are son et luminere shows held at most of the chateaux. Saumur and its Cadre Noir Equestrian Centre is nearby. There are wonderful farmers' markets all over the region. One of the largest is in the town of Thouars on Fridays. This market rivals anything in Paris with market stalls inside and out. There are also opportunities for hunting in the fall. |
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Links |
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Tel 05 49 98 77 82; Fax 05 49 98 97 30
In the US Tel 727-895-8780 Fax 727-289-2907