The Loire Valley is known throughout the world because of its tourist attractions. Although it takes its name from the greatest river in France, the Loire is more than just a river, it is a richly varied region stretching from the Atlantic coast to the country's very heart. The section of the Loire known as the Val de Loire, from Gien to Anger, has many interesting and historic towns on its banks, perfect for the visitor to explore. There can be no river in the world with more historic association than the Loire. Blessed with plenty of sun the varied landscape of the Loire has always been fertile and the region is famous for its wine, fruit, vegetables, mushrooms and cheeses and has long been known as the Garden of France. The Loire is renowned for its abundance of beautiful and interesting Châteaux and the famous cities of Saumur, Angers, Tours, and Le Mans all within an hours drive. At Poitiers there is the theme park FuturoScope worth a visit, the Atlantic Coast is achievable in a day, but possibly a long drive. The Western Loire is packed with surprises and lovers of the great outdoors can revel in some of France's most fabulous countryside. Known for its warm and sunny climate this region is slightly different in character with its beautiful coloured salt marshes teaming with wildlife and the long stretches of sandy beaches. Along the coast there are many pretty resorts and charming harbour towns to explore. TOURIST INFORMATION - Tourist Information offices keep up-to-date leaflets describing attractions in the area, Also, villages in the area, throughout the year, hold many traditional events that are of interest to visitor. The owners of your gîte will be only too happy to keep you informed of these activities and possibly, because they have been many times before, keep you enthralled with their tales. Try these websites ENGLISH VERSION Tourism-Touraine Tourism-Touraine (English) TourismLoiret TourismLoiret (English) Anjou-Tourisme Anjou-Tourisme (English) hhtp://perso.wanadoo.fr/tourisme.nord.saumurois RECOMMENDATION There are many very good travel books printed on the Loire Valley, possibly because it is a world famous holiday destination with plenty to see. I highly recommend that anyone visiting the area should browse through their local bookshop, decide on their favourite book and read it with interest before they travel. Remember to pack it in your suitcase because, as you visit each location, it will come alive for you and you will get the best out of your visit.
CENTRAL LOIRE The whole region is very flat and very popular for its lovely walks and safe quiet cycling. Alternatively, you can cool off in one of the many lakes in the area, play golf, visit a market, or just relax and enjoy a glass of wine at a pavement cafe, and watch the world go by. Many tourist attraction have guided tours at certain times in a day and usually there will be an English speaking guide but you will have to check on the times they are available. The Châteaux of the Loire - There are over 150 Châteaux within this small area and they come in all shapes and sizes, from medieval fortresses to romantic castles, from magnificent royal palaces to simple country retreats. Much restoration has been completed over recent years and both state owned and private family homes are now competing to attract you, the tourist, and many now provide more for your entrance fee. Click on the names below to see for yourself what they have to offer.
Son et lumière (sound and light) These spectaculars often tell a historic story using music, and light playing across the scenes and often include a cast of hundreds. These shows rely on darkness so are usually presented from late May until September and do not start until late, usually 10pm. CHILDREN'S' ATTRACTIONS - There are lots of attractions to see in the Loire but families with children realise that that they require something more than Châteaux to keep their interest. Over the last 10 years the tourist industry has become aware of the need to entertain the children on holiday and there are now many activities that are either solely for families or attractions that have an area of interest to children. Zoos are ever popular with children, and adults, and offer an ever changing scene to the visitor.
Underground caves (Troglodyte) - Cave Vivante du Champignon http://troglo.champi.free.fr OR http://perso.club-internet.fr/troglody www.musee-du-champignon.com OR www.pierre-et-lumiere.com Aquarium du Val de Loire is Europe's biggest fresh water aquarium. Here you can see some of the giant species that live in the Loire also tropical fish, turtles, alligators, piranhas and even sharks from around the world. Theme Parks/water parks - FuturoScope Lulu Park - Ideal for children from 3 to 14, this is not a swimming pool but a park full of inflatables with water running down or around. Your children will enjoy bouncing and jumping around the huge shapes and shooting down the slides. Park Mini-Château - All the family will enjoy walking around this lovely park filled with miniature replicas of the magnificent chateaux of the Loire. A model railway runs around the chateaux, through the countryside and over the streams. Mask Museum - an interesting collection of masks from all over the world. Tanks Museum - River trips - A river-boatman and guide will let you in on the stories and traditions of the Loire as you drift along past the charming villages, sandbanks brimming with birds and river landscapes constantly changing according to the time and weather. http://www.loiredelumiere.com or www.maine-anjou-riviers.com Leonardo da Vinci museum at Le Clos-Luce, Amboise Leonardo da Vinci spent the last 3 years of his life close to the Château at Amboise. The basement now houses a display of 40 models based on his inventions. WINES - The area produces some of the finest wines in France and you can visit the caves (wine producers) where they will guide you through the process and you can taste before buying.
RESTAURANTS - Whatever your culinary preferences you can eat at some excellent restaurants in the locality, from the lunchtime cheapies, which are highly recommended by the lorry drivers who know a good lunch for 10 euros, to top class nouvelle cuisine with all the trimmings. Your feast may be accompanied by the excellent red, white, rose and sparkling wines made from neighbouring vineyards For something different there are also Chinese and Indian restaurants in the major towns. SHOPPING - There are many specialist shops in the Loire Valley and they can satisfy even the most dedicated shopper. Whether you are looking for a designer outfit (French), luxury foodstuff, or antiques they can all be found in the many towns dotting the area. Remember, they usually close for a rather long lunch hour but they will stay open until early evening and are quite happy for you to browse. MARKETS - In the Garden of France every village and town has a weekly market for you to visit. The locals shop in the markets for their fruit, vegetables, cheese, flowers and clothes. They usually finish at lunchtime but then you can do as the French do and visit a local hostelry or restaurant for some refreshment. and to discuss your purchases. GOLF - There are a many courses in the Loire Valley and some of them are really testing, even for people with lower handicaps. Many are in beautiful setting, often in the grounds of Château. You will find a list of courses and maps at the local Tourist Information Office. HORSE RIDING Cadre Noir of Saumur - This world famous Royal School of Cavalry, in the centre of Saumur, frequently demonstrates the skill of its horsemen with public exhibitions known as the Carrousel. The horses and riders perform a series of gravity-defying jumps all without the benefit of stirrups. FISHING - Throughout the area there are rivers, lakes and reservoirs with fishing stations set up on many of the banks but, before you cast your line, don't forget to pick up a permit from your local tobacconist. THEME PARK - FuturoScope at Poitiers
The Atlantic coastline of the Western Loire is renowned for its gorgeous, and very safe beaches. Stroll barefoot across the warm sand, take a dip in the blue sea or simple relax and sunbathe with the gentle sounds of the water in the background. For the more active, the coast offers many different activities, walking, golf, watersports, sailing, the choice is yours. Slowly stroll around the many charming fishing ports with their quaint, picturesque harbours, relax in a typical French bar or restaurant, people-watching from the terrace. Revived, visit the shops to buy locally produced crafts as holiday souvenirs. In the evening, visit one of the many traditional french restaurants and enjoy freshly caught seafood, game and rich pate with the fabulous local wines, Muscadet, Coteaux du Lyon. Enjoy cheeses from the region with a glass of Cointreau from Angers. Holidaymakers adore Jean-de-Monts with its 4 miles stretch of powder fine sand, children can enjoy playing in safety in a sectioned area which also provides peace of mind for parents. The beach is edged with rolling dunes and fragrant pine forests. www.westernloirebycar.com Le Puy-du-Fou is the most famous display in France and includes thousands of local people, horses. Marais Poitevin 'the Green Venice' its waterways are a pleasure to explore by boat. Mervent Forest Parthenay La Rochelle A medieval town with beautiful beaches Les Sables d'Olonne and Pornic offer lots of activities all year, making them ideal holiday bases for exploring the area. St Gilles Croix de Vie Visit this bustling market town and enjoy walking through the streets of this old town on a balmy summer's evening.
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