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Tourist information for The Loire
The Loire is justly famed. It is home to some of the most beautiful
chateaux in the world, some set in rolling farmland and woods, some on the banks
of languid rivers, some dominating the many historic towns and cities. The whole
region, with its gentle scenery crossed by wide rivers is excellent for touring
and cycling. Many of the rivers offer boating, canoeing. Swimming is possible,
although take care as these rivers are big and can be dangerous. The area is
steeped in history and culture. There are numerous music festivals in the summer
and many of the chateaux have spectacular son et lumiere shows. Indeed, there is
so much to see and do we can only suggest you come here, invest in a good guide
book, and enjoy. The problem with the Loire is not what to do, but what to leave
out!
Map of the Loire and the surrounding region
Towns and places of interest in The Loire:
Angers. Lively city whose medieval chateau houses the famous and
stunning Tapestry of the Apocalypse. Also home to several museums and, across
the river, another amazing tapestry, the twentieth century tapestry Le Chant du
Monde
Amboise. Near to the house of Leonardo da Vinci at Clos-Luce - a
beautiful atmospheric house and gardens with demonstrations of his ideas and
inventions. Amboise has a chateau of its own.
Blois. Modern town surrounding one of the most historic old chateaux. The
town is in turn surrounded by woodland offering walking, cycling and riding, and
several worthwhile chateaux, including those of Cheverny, Chambord and Chaumont.
Bourges. Bourges is a useful stopping point if you're travelling south on
the A71, and its most interesting feature is its superb cathedral. Clustered
around the cathedral are a collection of fascinating streets lined with tall
timber-framed houses, and these fine old buildings make the centre worth
exploring on foot. Bourges is a large town, so there are plenty of bars and
restaurants where you can enjoy regional specialities. Then you can walk it all
off in one of the town's lovely and peaceful gardens. Perhaps the most
interesting is the Prs Fichaux, where the Art Dco theme extends to the shape of
the hedges and walkways. During late April the town is host to one of France's
major rock festivals.
Le Mans. 80 kms north of the Loire and famous for its 24 hour car race,
it also has a beautiful medieval old town and walls and a car museum.
Orleans. Eastern gateway to the Loire and home of Joan of Arc, who is
commemorated everywhere. Nearby is the forest of Orleans, good for walking,
cycling and riding.
Saumur. Attractive town with its fairytale chateau housing two museums
and offering spectacular views. Between here and Angers visit the Troglodyte
cave dwellings.
Tours. Large, busy city and good base for exploring the surrounding
chateaux during the day whilst taking advantage of its good restaurants and
night-life in the evening.
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