If its authentic French splendour you’re after, then look no further – the Loire Valley is jam-packed with castles, wines and rivers. Known as the garden of France and the cradle of kings, the area has a tumultuous past of royal wrangles between the French and English monarchies, and a history every bit as intricate and colourful as the mediaeval tapestry you’ll find inside the castle of Angers.
The Loire Valley stretches from Nantes in the west to Orléans in the east, with much of the region classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is named after the France’s longest river, the Loire, which snakes for more than 1,000 kilometres (612 miles) from south-east France all the up to the north west where it flows out into the Atlantic Ocean.
More than a hundred of the region’s 1,000 castles can be visited, promising turrets, moats and ramparts at every turn. The region has a genteel elegance to it – there reigns an atmosphere of calm and sophistication among the people, landscapes and even the climate. The Loire Valley is lush, harmonious and expansive, a far cry from the madding crowds of the capital and the coast. The population pride themselves on the purity of the French language and will happily tell visitors that this is the best place to hear and learn French as it should be spoken, devoid of dialect and unadulterated by accents.
A wonderful mix of culture, scenery and unpretentious wines makes it an excellent destination for the ultimate French experience.
Work your way along the banks of the Loire to take in vibrant cultural hubs and rolling vineyards interspersed with beautiful castles and villages.
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As you may have gathered, if there’s one thing the Loire Valley does well, it’s wines. Nowhere else will you find such diversity of grapes, flavours and varieties – the region excels in white, rosé, red and sparkling wines.
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The Chateaux de la Loire and vineyard tours are of course the region’s main attraction and far too numerous to list. However, here are a couple of things you might want to plan during your stay.
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The French have a penchant for nocturnal sound and light shows, and there of plenty to choose from in the Loire Valley.
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The Loire Valley is all about slow-paced peaceful living. If you’re out and about exploring the region then make sure you plan your day – many restaurants aren’t open outside of meal times.
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Head to My Loire Cottage for your family holiday in the Loire Valley. This elegant holiday cottage is in a village near the vineyards and the Loire Valley castles, promising a true taste of French country living. This is a one-of-a-kind holiday home with a swimming pool and makes the perfect base for discovering the local wine region and beautiful river landscapes.
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Château des Trophées a holiday chateau in a peaceful corner of north-west France. This country estate is just an hour’s train ride from Paris and offers total seclusion and the perfect chance to get back to nature. There is plenty of space both inside and out and the chateau can sleep up to 15 guests. Choose between the pool, sauna, jacuzzi and woodland walks for ultimate relaxation in a setting unlike any other.
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Uniquely situated in a vast park bordering the Loire and the Vienne rivers, the Spirit of Loire Valley chateau overlooks a charming village and dominates the Loire. This historic building provides sumptuous views overlooking the terraces
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Welcome to your country cottage in the Loire Valley, perfect for a group holiday with family or friends. Demeure de Touraine oozes elegance and character and is beautifully furnished to make you feel right at home. This large holiday home with a private pool promises space, privacy and relaxation, with the Loire Valley castles and vineyards on the doorstep.
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Living is easy at this bright and spacious luxury barn conversion set in the grounds of a castle. Historical architecture, high-end facilities, and sweeping countryside mean that scenery and serenity are guaranteed.
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Pearl of the Loire Valley is a luxury château to rent in the Loire Valley which can accommodate fifteen people. If offers you complete comfort in a sophisticated setting. Perfectly furnished, it adapts to all your desires thanks to the diversity of its living areas and the atmospheres they offer. The location is perfect for discovering this region which is world renowned for its châteaux, its heritage and the charm of its countrysides.
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Château Campagne Chic is a holiday chateau with a swimming pool just two hours’ drive from Paris. Its idyllic countryside location makes it a great high-end bolt hole in a relaxing, rural setting. With 10 bedrooms and capacity to sleep 20 people, it is a fabulous venue for celebrations or special occasions. This chateau is a sophisticated yet inviting property where aristocratic architecture meets comfort and convenience.
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Luxury Design Loire Valley is a very special rental property in the Loire Valley châteaux region. This one-of-a-kind chateau is a savvy blend of old prestige and modern luxury with a layout that strikes the perfect balance of spaces for guests to come together or enjoy their privacy. It is a beautiful place to enjoy special times with family or friends, with the treasures of the Loire Valley on the doorstep.
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Authentic Loire Valley is a French country cottage to rent for a relaxing holiday in the heart of the Loire Valley. This former hunting lodge is listed as a historical building and combines the charm of the old with the comforts of modern living. With its swimming pool, tennis court, 30 hectares of mature grounds and stunning floral gardens, Authentic Loire Valley is perfect for switching off and enjoying a taste of the good life among the vineyards and castles of the Loire Valley.
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"Vacances à la Campagne" is a historic French château for rent in the countryside south of Paris. This is the region of Sologne – one of France’s best kept secrets. Far from the glamour and crowds of big towns and beaches, Sologne is all about rural simplicity, where famers and winegrowers work the land to produce fine terroir products. This property is steeped in history and authenticity, with charismatic antique features. This château for rent near the Sancerre vineyards has two annexes and can sleep up to 20 people. Perfect for a special get-together with friends or a big family holiday with a swimming pool in the French countryside.
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