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