Loire Valley Tourism - Hotel reservation castles and attractions

Dubbed the Garden of France or even the Cradle of the French Language, the Loire Valley epitomizes all that is characteristic of France in terms of architecture, taste for elegance and refinement, cuisine, lush nature, wine and, eventually, history. The notorious chateaux lying on the Loire Valley – which, for that matter, consists, besides the valley of the Loire River, of the valleys of its tributaries, namely, Maine, Cher, Indre and Creuse – need no introduction with respect to their tourist relevance, being an invaluable heritage which has been, as such, ascertained and declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Besides being the kingly residence of numerous aristocratic French figures, the Loire Valley also enticed the visits of many cultural creators, inspiring their works. Philosopher Descartes, Balzac, George Sand, Chopin, Flaubert, Delacroix, Proust, or even the more contemporary Gerard Depardieu or Mick Jagger have found the Loire Valley to be one of the finest places to live in (even if only temporary), which evidences the Loire Valley as one of the most culturally enabling regions in the entire France.

Loire Valley Short History

The significant part of the history of the Loire Valley can be easily equated with the history of the taste of French kings and nobility for luxury and refined getaways. It's true that as from the 10th century, certain fortifications have been built on the Loire Valley, but the glorious chateaux building spree began only during the 15th century. Yet, the history of the Loire Valley proper can just as easily and rightfully be complemented by the rich background of certain cities located in the Pays de la Loire, namely, Nantes, Orleans, Tours, Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon and Saumur, which are invaluable as to their historic contribution.

Accommodation at Loire Valley

Despite its aristocratic origins and the general dash, the Loire Valley is now a tourist destination which knows no discrimination as to the financial possibilities of its visitors. Thus, luxury hotels are available for those who want to combine the beauty of the architectural display with the comfort of professional accommodation services. Yet, there is a large number of camping sites and hostels which may prove to come in hand for budget travelers. To round up the picture, there is a large range of establishments available for rent (chalets, countryside houses, apartments or villas).

French gastronomy at Loire Valley

No serious discussion on the gastronomic identity of the Loire Valley can start off without mentioning the famous locally produced wines. Enthusiasts may rightfully make of their trip to the Loire Valley a oenology adventure, since the Loire Valley is the birth place of Sancerre, Bourgueil, Reuilly, Chinon, Vouvray, Menetou-Salon or Valencay. Since lushness is the word to describe best the overall dash of the Loire Valley, it is also characteristic of the local cuisine. The famous lamb of Touraine, the sausage of Jargeau or the game of Sologne open the inviting meals served in the eating venues of the Loire Valley, whereas the Tatin tart and the biscuits of Nancay are but a taste of the overwhelming sweets offer of the place: macaroons, madeleines, and the Gatinais honey.

Tourist Attractions and Chateaux at Loire Valley

Once lost in the wonderful world of the Garden of France, one can not precisely define the upshot of their venture, but they can certainly describe the beginning of their stay: the chateaux are more than just a priority attraction; they are the very reason for being in the Loire Valley from the first place. More than 300 castles embellish the magnificent scenery of the place, substantiating the greatness of architecture in its utmost climax and the French taste for grandness. Chateau Amboise, Chateau de Villandry, Chateau Azay-le-Rideau, Chateau Chambord, Chateau du Pin or Chateau Chenonceau can offer but a taste of the overwhelming display of such establishments. However, other landmarks refer to a plethora of churches and monuments, such as the St. Denis Church, the Varennes Abbey, the Montrond Fortress or the St. Etienne Church. The Living Museum of the Gatinaise Beekeeping, the Fine Arts Museum, the Balzac Museum or the Saffron Museum are some of the most interesting establishments of this kind in the Loire Valley. Nature is the one which, finally, rounds up the overall picture of the place, making the Loire Valley a destination complete from all points of view.

Events and Festivals at Loire Valley

The Loire Valley can take pride in excelling in a rather eventful calendar, so the likeliness of getting bored during a stay in the Valley is close to nothing. Some of the most interesting are, for instance, the Egg, Mystery and Chocolate, the Musical Conference in Honor of Chopin, the International Music Festival of Sully-sur-Loire, the Painters' Weekend in the Garden of Trigueres, Wine and Light in Bourges. Next to these, the Equestrian Competition might be added, but the overwhelmingly busy calendar can hardly be exhausted here, since it comprises more than 400 events.