Welcome to the Garden of France , Chateau Country and the Valley of the Kings !

France is Western Europe's largest country, it's approximately three times larger than the United Kingdom with about the same population. It comprises of 21 very different geographical regions, each with it's own distinctive character, landscape, history, traditions, activities and specialities. It is often regarded as one of the most beautiful countries in Europe and offers a much more relaxed lifestyle than any other country. The Loire Valley offers much diversity that makes the region so unique, with such a variety of choices, catering for all individual tastes.

The Loire Valley lies to the South West of Paris and comprises of the Centre and Western Loire regions of France . The River Loire is France 's longest river and starts just north of the Mediterranean in Massif Central and just over a 1,000Km later ends in the Atlantic at Nazaire. It has been referred to by the French as the last great wild river of France .

The region was once France 's royal and intellectual capital and is steeped in history and has an abundance of architecture that reflects its past and turbulent history. Picturesque villages complement the towns and cities with Romanesque, Gothic and Renaissance buildings and decor. Fairytale châteaux line the Loire , many of it's attributaries and are scattered amongst the beautiful countryside. The region enjoys a pleasant climate, rarely too hot in the summer and mild in the winter, and has over 2,000 hours of sunshine each year (that's about 5 ½ hours a day!). Due to its rich heritage, this region has been declared a World Heritage for Humanity Site by UNESCO, which described it as a “cultural landscape of exceptional beauty.”

Due to the region's temperate climate the Loire is mostly an agricultural area. The rolling hills within the valley's of many of the rivers provide many varieties of grain, fruit and vegetables as well as grapes that supply the popular AOC (appelation origine controllé) wines of Anjou, red Chinon, Touraine, sparkling Vouvray Muscadet etc. and one of our favourites Jasnieres. With the fair number of forests there is plenty of game available such as duck, wild boar as well as other meats. The rivers provide a number of fish including salmon, trout and pike. Many fruits are also available and can be found in many of the popular local dishes and the variety of cheese also adds to the diversity of cuisine in the region.

Combined with the weather, scenery, lifestyle, great food and excellent wine it's hardly a wonder that this is one of the most popular destinations in France .

Although Orléans is the capital of Central region Tours is chosen by tourists due to it's central location to the rest of the area. It is conveniently located between other major cities of Angers , Le Mans and of course Orléans. There are many other pleasant and attractive towns and places to visit such as Blois , Amboise and Saumur. At Ambois lies the tomb of Leonardo Da Vinci who is closely associated with the royal residence of Chambord .

The architecture in the region is renowned by the magnificent châteaux. There are over 85 of them, and many are open to the public. One of the most famous is Chambord, which is the Loire 's largest residence and ‘truly royal'. There are over 400 rooms and 350 fireplaces and today it remains a marvel to visit. The chateau at Chenonceau is regarded as one of the prettiest and was saved from destruction during the French revolution as it provided one of the few crossing points over the river Cher at the time. There is the fairytale Château d'Ussé which is said to have inspired Charles Perreult's Sleeping Beauty

Of the Gothic cathedrals in the region there is the magnificent one in Chatres as well as Tours and Bourges which boasts the widest Gothic cathedral in France . Abbaye de Fontevraud, is one of the most impressive medieval abbeys in France . It is the biggest monastery in Europe and final resting place of King Richard the Lionheart. Just travelling around the region you will be in for many pleasant surprises as buildings of all types, shapes and sizes appear.

There are a number of natural parks and many lakes which allow more enjoyment of the luscious and variedcountryside whether it be by foot, cycle or boat. There are numerous activities in the region including cycling and hiking. Horse riding is very popular and the region is recognised as the centre in France for equestrian sports and pastimes. There is plenty of golf with many golf courses open to the public as well is fishing, be it by one of the many rivers or hidden away in a lake. Water sports are also common in many of the larger lakes with sailing and windsurfing being just two examples. There are theme parks, over 100 museums and monuments, music festivals and not to mention the Le Mans 24 hour circuit, there is literally something for everyone!

The region is also popular due to its excellent access from Paris (TGV train is less than 45 mins), over 600 hotels and restaurants offering local and international dishes. Many celebrities have moved to the region and own properties there.

Getting to the region from the UK has never been easier. There are regular budget flights to Tours and Nantes which makes it less than an hour away. There is the new autoroute that has taken literally hours off driving time taking around 4 hours from Calais and less than 2 from Caen .