The Garden of France is the Centre Loire Valley.

Home to fairytale castles, lazy rivers and fine vineyards, Centre Loire Valley is a treasure trove for all of your senses. There are a host of activities for the whole family, or make this a romantic getaway for your special someone.

 

Loire Valley Chateaux

The Loire Valley is the land of plenty, plenty of the world’s finest Renaissance chateaux. In number and in splendour, the Centre Loire Valley chateaux are beyond compare. Chateau de Chenonceau on the River Cher, is one of the best. Its white façade with blue-steel coloured roof is the centrepiece of the green and pink gardens. Chateau d’Amboise, sometime home of Francois I and his famous meetings with Leonardo da Vinci, is a grand palace with stunning views over the Loire Valley.

Chateau de Blois is an eclectic palace, home to many great French kings and tied to famous females like Joan of Arc and Catherine de Medici. Chateau de Chambord, not far from Orleans, is the biggest in the Loire crown, once a hunting lodge for King Francois I. Other amazing chateaux of note in the Loire Valley include Villandry, Valencay, Cheverny, Azay-le-Rideau, Rivau, and Chinon.

 

Centre Loire Family Activities

An absolutely amazing place to take the whole family is Le Parc des Mini Chateaux outside of Amboise. Mini replicas of the region’s greatest chateaux cover 1.5km of parkland with six railways and boats and a garden of bonsai trees. The Loire Valley Aquarium is only a short drive away and is considered Europe’s leading fresh water aquarium.

The Futuroscope is between Tours and Poitiers and is a massive themed amusement park with rides and spectacles for the entire family. In Autreche is the safari train park called, Reserve de Beaumarchais, where you can see emus, kangaroos and bison. There is also a Safari park only half an hour from the cottages.

 

Loire Valley Markets

One of the best parts of a French holiday is the abundance of markets to explore. The bigger markets are typically held on the weekends; however, many general markets occur throughout the week. From Tours to Blois, and on to Chartres and Orleans, the markets offer excellent produce, meats and cheeses from the local area. There is a very good local market every Sunday at the nearby village of  Descartes.

 

Loire Valley Wines

The Loire Valley is a great producer of mostly whites, but reds also. Setting the Loire Valley apart is its high acidity and lack of oak barrel fermentation. Chenin Blanc dominates western Centre Loire, whilst Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir hale to the east.

Vouvray is one of best known regions in Centre Loire, producing the crisp and sometimes buttery Chenin Blancs that age well. Cabernet Franc is a luscious red with fruity hints and an earthy backbone.

In the northeast, Sancerre reigns supreme. It is pure Sauvignon Blanc from chalky earth. Look for notes of grass and berry with high acid. There is also red Sancerre made from Pinot Noir grapes. Taste Crochet and Cotat. One to also try is Pouilly-Fume, similar to Sancerre whites, but more humble in bouquet.