Best places to stay in loire valley, france the hotel guru. This website was designed for all the visitors of loire valley chateaux who are looking for information and are planning a trip to the heart of france. The epicenter of this 16th to 18thcentury lifestyle was the loire valley, located two hours southwest of paris and the perfect setting for royal summer escapades. The formation of the region as we know it today began after its conquest by julius caesar in 52 bc. It stands for the part of the valley located between sully sur loire in the loiret and chalonnes sur loire in the maine et loire. This is an enjoyable book with lots of photos of chateaux throughout the loire valley of france. A lot of small islands and sand or gravel banks are visible all along the river, which has an extremely changeable width and depth according to the. It gives a lot of information on the most prominent chateaux of the region and their description along with the interesting bits of history. Boasting a range of historical monuments, the chateaux in loire valley are known for their royal past, cared for by noble families and figures in history. Front cover for the book michelin green guide chateaux of the loire by michelin travel. Chateaux of the loire valley is quite interesting and has some nice photos.
He depicts the chateau of blois in its imposing beauty, the original fortifications in chinon and angers, and the magnificent azaylerideau. Top 10 most beautiful chateaux of the loire valley. The book features some well known chateaux as well as some that are not so well known. Loire valley guide showing the many things to do and see in this beautiful part of france,from people who live here tn the loire valley, more than just the loire river and its chateaux. The loire valley has been the chosen retreat of the french elite for hundreds of years. It was built on the site of an old mill on the river cher, sometime before its first mention in writing in the 11th century. The guide includes unique cutaways, floorplans and reconstructions of the regions stunning architecture, plus 3d. Guide to the chateaux of the loire valley tripsavvy. It covers the areas of 310 square miles or 800 sq km. The book also contains the map, chronology of the most important facts of french history and the genealogy of the french kings.
Chateau is a general term used for any manor house but, historically, chateaux were used as anything from hunting lodges to residences for important people. The valley is famous in france due to its amazing asparagus fields, fruit orchards, vineyard and artichoke. But in fact the area is one with a rich history and the numerous castles and fortifications are a testament to the numerous conflicts that took place over the centuries. A history of the chateaux of the loire valley loire valley castles tours starting from 9,00 find out more the french renaissance lasted from the 15th to the 16th century. The perfect location for a visit to the loire chateaux. History of the loire valley steeped in history with roots dating to the era of julius caesar, the riches of the loire valley have been the subject of much conflict for millennia. Loire valley guide for visitors from people living here. Front cover for the book a brief history of france by cecil jenkins. In this book, the photographer robert polidori has captured more than seventy of them in unique pictures. Early dominion of the gauls was seceded to the romans in 52bc, whose grip on the area and much of modernday france would hold for centuries, and which would.
The loire valley has been a unesco world heritage site for over 15 years and is often referred to as the garden of france due to its myriad of vineyards, fruit orchards, artichoke and asparagus fields. The chateaux of the loire valley are part of the architectural heritage of the historic towns of amboise, angers, blois, chinon, montsoreau, nantes, orleans, saumur, and tours along the loire river in france. An interactivr map of chateaux of the loire valley. The most magical chateaux and castles in the loire valley. Sep 26, 2007 the architectural heritage of the french kings is nowhere as present as in the loire valley. May 2, 2020 explore abandoned fairy tale castles and chateaus of the loire valley france, dublin and wicklow ireland, and england in a new historical. The loire valley is an area steeped in history and because of its riches, one that has been fought over and influenced by a variety of adversaries from the romans to atila the hun. The loire valley is a just short train journey from paris and an easy drive from the coast of normandy. Loire valley region history and culture howstuffworks. The formation of the region as we know it today began after its conquest by julius caesar in.
The loire valley of france, found between the towns of tours and blois, offers a fascinating landscape of vineyards, forests, gardens, and stately chateaux singular chateau. Sep 17, 20 the loire valley is an area steeped in history and because of its riches, one that has been fought over and influenced by a variety of adversaries from the romans to atila the hun. Loire valley chateaux pictures guide, which are best for. For centuries, the loire valley has been the favoured retreat of frances elite and its majestic chateaux are a symbol of its wealthy past. The road from the past, traveling through history in france. The loire valley was listed in 2000 in the unesco worlds heritage. The loire valley is still in spite of its attractions a delightfully spacious and undeveloped region of sunflower fields, vineyards, massive green forests and over 300 chateaux, a place so large and full of interest that it can absorb many thousands of tourists daily without seeming crowded even in peak season, though some castles do get a bit hectic, notably magnificent. Many had exquisite churches on the grounds or within the chateau. This is a fascinating book for all lovers of the loire valley, all travelers, and anyone with an interest in history. The loire valley, two hours southwest of paris, offers frances greatest array of chateau experiences. Francois i went the whole hog and incorporated the italian renaissance man. They welcome millions of visitors each summer and represent major tourist sites in france. Frances loire valley kings had been good at incorporating italian renaissance ideas into french life.
The cultural and historic heritage of the loire valley is found in its villages, the architecture of the many chateaux and castles and in the works of art in many national museums. The top 10 things to see and do in the loire valley, france. Top 10 most beautiful chateaux of the loire valley french moments. With over 300 chateaux spread around the region, loire valley is bursting with culture and historical architecture. View packs of carefully bred hounds yelping for red meat as they await their next chance to hunt. The loire valley portrays a scene of centuries of conflict and war ruins contrasted by the lavish castles and lifestyles of french kings and queens. Slum it with richard the lionheart, joan of arc, and leonardo. Marked by the elegance of its beautiful chateaux, a mild climate, and delicate wines, frances loire valley conveys a relaxed appreciation for the good things in life, and dks eyewitness travel guide. Each castle has a unique history loire valley castles tours starting from 9,00 find out more although some might tend to group the loire valley chateaux together, each one is vastly different from the other and lays claim to its own unique history.
Here are just a few of the reasons to visit the loire valley. Upon the invitation of francois i, it was the chateau du clos luce, near the chateau damboise, where leonardo da vinci spent the remaining three years of. The loire valley is still in spite of its attractions a delightfully spacious and undeveloped region of sunflower fields, vineyards, massive green forests and over 300 chateaux, a place so large and full of interest that it can absorb many thousands of tourists daily without seeming crowded even in peak season, though some castles do get a bit hectic, notably magnificent chenonceaux. This regions remarkable history has created a wonderland that needs to be truly seen to be appreciated. The area extends from sullysurloire to chalonnes along the banks of the river loire and its tributaries. This is also a great book for a history buff, as the history of each chateau is featured in detail. A guide to visiting our france experts 12 favourite chateaux in the loire valley, france, including information on their gardens and history, entry. Viticulture in the valley dates back to its invasion by the ancient romans, although vines and vineyards may already have existed there before then.
All our tours are inclusive with no additional hidden costs. Here are ten ways to make the most of a trip to the loire valley. Discover the unique tourism destinations of the loire valley in french wine region. The area of the loire valley comprises about 800 square kilometres. The loire valley is also known for its outstanding wines red, white, rose and sparkling and lively, sophisticated cities, including orleans, blois, tours and angers yet more reasons why the entire area is an enormous unesco world heritage site. This destination may have covid19 travel restrictions in place. Top 10 most beautiful chateaux of the loire valley french. Once upon a time, the picturesque loire valley was playground to the french court, where royalty went to get away from it all. The loire valley, in central frances loire river, is known for its abundant produce, famed wine industry, vibrant culture and stunning chateaux. In 2000, unesco added the chateaux of the loire valley to its world heritage list. We have a unique tour of the loire valley with a 5 day stay at the fontevraud abbey. The loire valley chateaux castles make this central region one of the most popular destinations in france for visitors, and with good reason.
The worldfamous chateaux of the loire attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. The chateaux of the loire valley number over three hundred, ranging from practical fortified castles from the 10th century to splendid residences built half a millennium later. Time travel through france by way of its finest chateaux, cathedrals and monasteries. France is awash with magnificent castles and the loires rolling hills and medieval towns are home to more than 300 of them, each revealing histories of passion, treason, murder and more. In french, castles translates to chateaux and throughout the country there are many chateaux that embody the extravagance of french nobility from centuries past. As the wars of the 15th century wound down, kings charles vii, louis xi, and their successors preferred to spend the bulk of their time in the garden of france along the banks of the loire. In the late 15th century, tours, then blois, and later amboise became the preferred locations of the french royal court.
For some you can book your tickets online with our partner tiqets click on the. It is referred to as the cradle of the french and the garden of france due to the abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards, and artichoke, and asparagus fields, which line the banks of the river. Click on for more information on individual chateau. Books about loire valley the slow road travel blog. The guide that shows you what other travel books only tell you. Nantes sothebys international realty, luxuary real estate agency, propose you a 500 m2 castle from the xixth century, on a 14 hectare land 3 hectares fenced. A low limestone and tuff stone cliff is often to be found on either side of the valley between orleans and angers.
Loire valley chateaux pictures guide, which are best for you. Visitors today will still feel something of the regal about this green countryside just an hour outside paris. It contains a list of more than a hundred chateaux, a selection of chateaux with the most famous french castles, a map and a selection of hotels, bed and. This is also a great book for a history buff, as the history of each. Loire valley chateaux tour with skip the line entry and wine. The dauphin and the hundred years war charles vii hid in the loire valley after declaring himself king of france. In the loire valley, the biggest tributaries are the vienne, the cher and the indre. In 1420, after england had won some important battles during the hundred years war 371453 and gained control of most of northwest france, the english and french signed the treaty of troyes. The most famous hotels are located in blois, amboise and tours, right in the middle of the bestknown areas. May 21, 2014 a guide to visiting our france experts 12 favourite chateaux in the loire valley, france, including information on their gardens and history, entry prices and contact details, and how to avoid. The area of the loire valley comprises about 800 square kilometres 310 sq mi. The valleys grand castles were often used as hunting. Chinon is closely associated with the great history of france. This destination may have covid19 travel restrictions in place, including specific restrictions for lodging.
It constitutes an exceptional site for its biological diversity as well as for its historical and. This is a great opportunity to enjoy this rich region of chateaux and vineyards. The magnificent chateaux became palaces of pleasure with their facades reflecting their italian influence and their stunning locations advantageously nestled in the tranquil loire valley. Our loire chateaux biking trip allows you to take a romantic ride through history. They illustrate renaissance ideals of design in france. Do not come if you want the glitz and scale of a marriott hilton chain hotel, however, if you want a fine stay in a genuine small chateau, in an idyllic location, there isnt a better facility at this rice range in the loire valley. Wander through sumptuous interiors, cared for by noble families whove lived there for centuries and still put out bouquets fit for a countess. The architectural heritage of the french kings is nowhere as present as in the loire valley. The chateaux increase in extravagance and opulence, their gardens ordered and majestic, and the rows of. Today the loire valley might seem like one of the most peaceful places in france with its storybook castles and old world villages and chateaux. The loire valley is a popular region of france and, unless you are just there on a day trip from paris, you will be able to choose from a selection of fantastic local accommodations. Its popularity with aristocracy and royalty has left its lush countryside sprinkled with fairytale chateaux and many grand renaissanceera castles that tourists can visit. When the french kings began constructing their huge.
Some star chateaux are wellknown names such as chambord or azaylerideau. Book chateau or gites holiday in the loire valley france. The fairytale chateaux of the loire were built or renovated during the renaissance era 16th century. The best chateaux of the loire valley, france telegraph. Magnificent castles, sophisticated gardens and sweeping parks demonstrate both the monarchs power and appreciation of art, attracting and fascinating uncounted visitors to this day.
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