Renowned for its fine wine, sumptuous châteaux and Renaissance
intrigue, the valley of the Loire is rich in both history and
architecture. Like the River Loire, this vast region runs through
the heart of French life. Its sophisticated cities, luxuriant
landscape and magnificent food and wine add up to a bourgeois
paradise.Historic towns and magnificent chateaux line the valley, which,
until Henri IV moved his court to Paris, was for a long period the
home of Royalty and the intellectual capital of France. The towns
of Tours and Angers, both on the river, act as good bases from
which to explore the area and its many delights. Although there are
train and bus services to most towns they are limiting for tourists
and it is best to hire your own transport to fully explore the
region. Consider renting a bike; this is wonderful and easy cycling
country.
