LOIRE VALLEY & CENTER

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beloved by the kings of france

Known to be the region of the castles of the Kings of France, the Loire Valley count some of the most prestigious Royal residencces in France. One comes from all over the world to admire the architectural marvels of history that are Chambord, Chenonceau, Chaumont, Amboise, Blois, Chinon, but also Cheverny, Ussé, Loches or Langeais. But the Loire Valley is not only a land of history, it is also a land of gardens that will delight lovers or curious and a land of vineyards producing famous wines.

OUR DIFFERENT TOURS

In this region

In the footsteps of Saint Martin in Tours

Christmas at the Castles

Every December Weekend

Royal Loire Castles

Gardens and castles of the Loire valley

LOIRE VALLEY

The Loire Valley, a peaceful and luscious region, is often presented as the “Frenchest” of all the regions : pleasant climate, golden light, and the Loire, the last untamed river in France, with its graceful tributaries, create a sumptuous setting for the castles that line its banks from east to west.

Originally medieval fortresses, they were transformed during the Renaissanceinto elegant castles fit for kings and noblemen, who were enchanted by their beauty and easy access.

The splendour of Chambord, with its fireplaces, the elegance of Cheverny, the rich history of Chinon, Blois and Amboise, the femininity of Chenonceaux, the beautiful gardens of Villandry, shine amongst less illustrious buildings that are also well worth visiting : Brezé castle underground chambers, Langeais‘ furniture, the exceptional setting of Azay le Rideau, Ussé and Sleeping Beauty, etc.

In total, there are over 100 castles lining the banks of the Loire and its tributaries.

The Loire Valley, which was navigable in the past, is recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Several wonderful cities are situated on its path : Orléans, Tours, Saumur, Angers, Nantes.

Famous vineyards and local produce such as mushrooms, Loire fish cooked in white butter sauce, game, garden produce and goat cheese are sure signs of bountiful nature and the art of living. Our tours offer a diverse choice of city hotels, country inns or manor hotels.

From castle visits to bird’s-eye views from a balloon, the possibilities are plentiful. Easy to reach by road or TGV rapid trains, the Loire Valley is an ideal get-away.

Mysterious Berry and center

Berry is the geographical centre of France; Bourges possesses a rich patrimony that bears witness to the wealth of the Dukes of Berry who made it their capital:

XIIIth-century St Stephen’s Cathedral, recognised by UNESCO as a world heritage site, has remarkable stained-glass windows and exquisite sculpted column capitals around its portal.

Jacques Coeur Palace, named after the king’s merchant and treasurer, who built it in the XVth century, as well as many Gothic mansions in the old town.

The city is particularly animated during the spring festival, “Printemps de Bourges”.

Jacques Coeur’s rich patrimonial legacy can be seen by travelling the “Jacques Coeur Route”,near Bourges, to the Chapel d’Angillon, and on to visit the birthplace of Alain Fournier, author of “Le Grand Meaulnes”, in which he gives a wonderful description of this region.

The memory of George Sand is very much alive in the Berry and Creuseregions:

In Nohant, the castle where the artist often lived amongst celebrities: Chopin, Delacroix, Flaubert, Dumas, Gautier and performed: more than 200 plays were performed in her theatre over 25 years.

Nearby places such as Gargilesse, Chateaubrun, Moulin d’Angibault, etc. are imprinted with the memory of George Sand and have been described in her novels as “romans champêtres”. XIIth-century Noirlac Abbey is one of the best-preserved Cistercian abbeys in France, alongside Fontfroide and Fontenay.

Come discover this “land of plenty” with transglobe itineraries through Burgundy and Berry, and take advantage of quality services at reasonable prices, as well as a large choice of prestigious sites and hotels for your important gatherings.

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