| Renowned for its sumptuous chateaux, the
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| | Also ripe for discovery are the
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| relics of royal days gone by, the
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| | troglodyte caves, sleepy hamlets, and
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| glorious valley of the Loire is rich in
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| | small Romanesque churches decorated with
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| both history and architecture. Like the
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| | frescoes. Inviting inns offer game, fish
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| river Loire, this vast region runs
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| | and abundant fresh vegetables to be
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| through the heart of French life. Its
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| | lingered over with light white Vouvray
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| sophisticated cities, luxuriant landscape
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| | wine, or full-bodied Bourgueil.
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| and magnificent food and wine add up to a
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| | Overindulgence is no sin in this rich
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| bourgeois paradise. The lush Loire valley
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| | region.
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| is supremely regal.
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| | The Chambord castle, pinnacle of the
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| Orleans was France's intellectual capital
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| | Renaissance, combined the dream of King
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| in the 13th century, attracting artists,
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| | Francois the First with the imagination
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| poets and troubadours to the royal court.
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| | of Leonardo da Vinci, who has lived at
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| But the medieval court never stayed in
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| | Clos Luce, in Amboise for many years. The
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| one place for long, which led to the
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| | result is a real "mathematisation" of
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| building of magnificent chateaux all
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| | architecture, a grandiose creation: 440
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| along the Loire. Chambord and Chenonceau,
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| | rooms, a fabulous double helix staircase,
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| the two greatest Renaissance chateaux
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| | a chimney for every day of the year, and
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| remain prestigious symbols of royal rule,
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| | unique roof terrace. Over its history
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| resplendent with their ornamental
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| | Chateau Chambord has only ever been used
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| gardens.
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| | as a residence for 20 years.
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