The Loire
This region of France does things on the large scale, 280 kms of natural landscapes of classified UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As a backdrop backdrop, the Europe’s longest river, the Loire, which flows past some 100 castles open to visit and just as many stories and histories to be rediscovered, fragrant gardens to inhale, forest to explore and wines to taste... Go on a journey of discovery of the Loire Valley, which is ready and waiting to offer you all its jewel-like heritage.
it’s the chance to travel back in time and follow in the footsteps of those French nobles who over the centuries have converged here seeking the same two things: peace and plenty.
Fontevraud l'Abbaye
Located on the borders of Anjou, Touraine and Poitou Fontevraud Abbey is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nestled in the south of the Maine et Loire department , Born in the 12th century from a valley rich in water and crops, the city of Fontevraud l'Abbaye has continued to expand over the ages around its Royal Abbey
Fontevraud l'Abbaye is also a dynamic village, animated by various services, traders, restaurants and associations.
Inside the grounds at the heart of the site of the Royal Abbaye is a stared restaurant offer a unique experience for guests who immerse themselves in the abbey day and night. The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is one of the largest monastic cities inherited from the Middle Ages. Necropolis of eh Plantagenet Dynasty, it notably houses the recumbent effigies of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Richard the Lionheart.
Château de Chenonceau
Perhaps the most delicately beautiful of the Renaissance châteaux, the graceful galleries of Chenonceau span the Cher River, home to a priceless art collection. Beloved by the women who reigned as mistress here, like Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medicis, Louise de Lorraine and Louise Dupin, each of which brought their own touch to the layout of the building, the furniture and the gardens. Chenonceau is my personal favorite of all the chateaux. The gardens are so enchanting, and this structure of beauty sits elegantly spanning the river.
The castle of Chambord
As early as 1519, Francis Ist transitioned this hunting palace into the symbol of his power, much like Louis XIV would do with Versailles.The monumental châteaux is designed around the famous staircase with double revolutions, influenced by Leonardo Da VInci Inside, one can visit 60 rooms that house a rich collection of 4500 art items. The 5,000 hectare (12355 acres) forest encircling Chambord is a hunting reserve populated by deer and wild boar.
Tours
Tours, the principal city of the department of Indre-et-Loire (formerly Touraine) in the Loire Valley, has a well preserved cultural heritage which rests easily against its modern, vibrant and dynamic image of today It has been cited as the best square in France to have an aperitif by the French version of the international travel site 'Lonely Planet'.
Beautiful, vibrant and lively, Tours is a pretty stopping point for a couple of days in the middle of the Loire Valley Chateaux explorations. Tour, its historic quarters with their half-timbered houses, the bustling Place Plumereau and Saint-Gatien Cathedral, as well as the new Olivier Debré Contemporary Art Centre.
Wines
The vineyards of the Loire Valley are justifiably proud of their star wines. Saint-Nicolas-de-Bourgueil, grown in the town of the same name, and produced with Cabernet franc, is known for its aromas of red fruits, raspberry, cherry and blackberry. The Chenin-based Vouvray wines, produced in Touraine, recognizable by their brilliant golden colour, are made in both still and sparkling form. Then there’s Chinon, produced between Saumur and Tours, and Muscadet sur lie, the star of the vineyards of Nantes.
Three Reasons to Visit the Loire
- To see the Loire chateaux and the landscape, which is the largest UNESCO World Heritage site in the world.
- To ride the 900 km of bike paths along the Loire River: ‘The Loire by Bike’.
- To taste the Loire Valley wines in different ways: by night at the Chateau de Chenonceau, during a walk in the vineyards, or in the massive underground wine cellars.
Stay in Fontevraud Villa in the heart of Fontevraud l'Abbaye, a one-minute walk to the Royal Abbaye.
