An Introduction to the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is one of the most "French" regions of France. Situated in the western part of the country, it has been the setting of many of the most important historical events to take place in France over the centuries. If you're thinking of staying in one of the many Loire Valley gites, you'll find this fascinating region has more than enough attractions to keep you occupied during your holiday. A must-see attraction for most visitors to the region is the Chhteau de Chenonceau. Located near the village of Chenonceaux, the castle dates back to some time before the eleventh century. Although the original castle was burnt down in the fifteenth century, it was rebuilt shortly afterwards. It's been destroyed and rebuilt again since then, but the building you see today has been there since the sixteenth century. The castle has had many owners over the centuries, but today is a major tourist attraction, attracting over 800,000 visitors each year. The internationally famous cities and towns of Amboise, Chinon, Angers, Orllans, Blois, Tours and Saumur can all be found in the Loire Valley region and each offers its own set of attractions. Picturesque Blois is a lovely place to spend a day. Nearby Orllans is similarly attractive and has an impressive collection of museums, galleries and public parks in which to while away your day. The city of Tours is another must-see destination. Its inhabitants are famous for speaking the purest form of French and the pronunciation of those here is still used as the standard against which all other accents and dialects are measured. Lovers of wine will appreciate the vast vineyards that cover much of the Loire Valley region, many of which offer visitors the chance to enjoy guided tours before stocking up on excellent and very reasonably priced wines. It's worth researching the local wine industry before your visit as there are countless vineyards in this region and it's good to have an idea of the best to save time. If you're staying in one of the tranquil, rural Loire Valley gites, you will probably want a night off from cooking at some point and decide to head into the nearest town for dinner. You'll be delighted to find restaurant prices in the region tend to be very reasonable and that the local specialities are cooked with as much care and expertise as you'd expect. Boeuf Bourguignon originated in this part of France and is a staple on many local menus.