by Sally Longson

Created on: August 01, 2008

The Loire is one of the most famous regions in France, largely due to its chateaux, spread out north and south of the river.

The area is full of flavour, and not just in its wine and produce. The Loire Valley from the is recognised by the United Nations as a World Heritage Site 170 miles of it, including the areas of Orlans, Blois, Tours, Chinon, Saumur and Angers. Once you've visited it, you'll find out why. There is a management plan for the Loire River, the Plan Loire Grandeur Nature.

If you're going to visit, there is plenty to do to keep you occupied, from visiting the vineyards and caves and trying all the region's produce - Vouvray, Chinon, Saumur, Sancerre and Bourgueil. It is one of the largest wine growing regions in France, and you can find out more about it at http://www.thewinedoctor.com/regionalguides/loire.sh tml

The chateau have their own specialities: Villandry is known for its gardens, Uss for its fairyland and dreamland quality the author of the Sleeping Beauty was said to have been inspired to write the story by the chateau. You'll love Chambord for its statesman like appearance and huge parkland; it has over 400 rooms and nearly 100 staircases. Azay-Ie-Rideau reflects on the water, and Chenonceau has a magical position over the water, with a rather amazing viewing gallery. Don't try to do them all; plan a return visit or you'll be chateau'd out, and in any case, there's lots to do. We mustn't forget Blois, which is a must. You can find out much more at http://www.chateaux-de-la-loire.fr

Horse lovers will be enchanted by the National Riding School at Saumur and enjoy a visit to the Cadre Noir (http://www.cadre-noir.fr/) Watch the wonderful displays of classic horsemanship, but time your visit carefully, which you can do by looking at the site. For horse riders, there's plenty of riding to be enjoyed, but if you want a really high view, why not try hot air ballooning?

Make sure you include some of the area's stunning rural countryside, often called the Garden of France, with its rolling hills and vineyards, as much as its towns and cities. Take time out to enjoy a picnic on the banks of the Loire river; take time to listen to country living. Stop into a village boulangerie to buy fresh bread and a chacuterie to get a slice of freshly cut meat. Purchase some salad, grapes and cheese, and wash it all down with one of the region's wines and some mineral water. Lovely!

Get stuck into the Loire produce: expect to find a lot of fish on the menu (salmon, trout, perch), plus mushrooms, duck, pheasant and hare. Goat cheeses will also feature strongly. And don't be surprised if your red wine is served slightly chilled.

The Loire is relatively easy to get to, with airports at Nantes, Tours, and Angers, and Paris just a couple of hours' away with excellent international links. Head to Chartres en route to see the magnificent cathedral why not sit and enjoy a few moments of wonderful music and marvel at the 12th and 13th stained glass windows?

For more information, visit the http://www.westernfrancetouristboard.com/loire.html and http://www.valdeloire.org

Learn more about this author, Sally Longson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.