Watch videos
   

  A guide to the Loire Valley  and its chateaux

 We hope, through the pages of this guide to the Loire Valley (Centre-Val de Loire), to convey the diverse attractions of this beautiful part of France by providing helpful information . Tourism is 'central' to this region's economy. There are so many places to visit and things to do in la Loire and the region of Centre that once you have sampled the 'experience' you'll want to return time and time again. It's the perfect place for your holiday in France. We include a list of the major chateau of the Loire Valley, which includes Chenonceau, Chambord, Azay le Rideau,Villandry, plus the cities, towns and villages of greatest interest.

 The term 'Loire Valley' if used correctly could refer to an area of over 1000km, as this is the length of the river from its source in the springs on the side of Mont Gerbier de Jonc in the southern Cevennes hills within the department of the Ardeche to its destination on the Atlantic coast at Nantes. It has however become synonymous with the area along the river Loire between Sully-sur-Loire in Loiret  and Chalonnes-sur-Loire in Maine-et -Loire a distance of 280km. This became formalised with its inclusion on the list of world heritage sites in November 2000. It also takes in the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park and the park at Chateau de Chambord.


La Loire, (see map and geography), or more specifically Val de Loire (see map & video)  the UNESCO world heritage site, is an area of diverse attractions and landscapes that today make it one of the most popular places for tourists in the whole of France. Probably best known for its architectural heritage, most famously le chateau such as Chenonceau and Chambord, it is also blessed with other fine examples in its historic towns such as Amboise, Blois, Chinon, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours. The Loire Valley (Val de Loire) is also known as the Garden of France and the Cradle of the French Language.
 It has benefited throughout history from its popularity with the French Royal Families who have left a wonderful legacy in the form of its many chateaux, gardens and parks.

  
 It was their influence and the areas natural beauty that made UNESCO designate a large stretch of the river  Loire and its monuments a world heritage site.


 Enjoy browsing our website, which contains a comprehensive chateaux guide plus guide to the Centre-Val de Loire region as well as other tourist information. If you are touring in the Loire Valley let us help with your planning.

There is also a  list of houses, gites and chateau to rent within the le val Loire -- we hope it leads you to your very own unique --- Loire Valley experience!    

Loire Valley castles guide   

Sitemap

      

                                                                                                        

       

                                                                

gite rental listing

Les Beaux Villages de France

Back to top.

                                                                Copyright © 2005-2010 experienceloire.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.gitesinloire.com/

 http://www.experiencefrance.net/

http://www.loirevalleyexperience.com/

http://www.loirevalleyexperiences.com/

 

The Region

          River Loire
   Loire Valley Dining
    Loire Valley living
     Wines of the Loire 
  Experience France
          Bookshop
   Loire Valley weather

 Loire Valley tours

World Travel Links

 

France Holiday

 

                                        Advertise your business on our site.

Click here

Low Fares to France and Europe

 

Weather.htm  

  Click for Tours, France Forecast

 Weather & time in Tours

Get great Free EP here:

'Cancel The Astronauts'

    Edinburgh Indie band