FranceChevron LoireChevron leads to the little limestone town of Le Grand-Lucé behind giant iron gates and medieval limestone walls lies what’s known as one of the finest examples of mid-18th-century neoclassical architecture and garden design in the country Its original owner—Jacques Pineau de Viennay III who administered eastern France for Louis XV—apparently dropped dead on its threshold before it was finished that might have been due to the cost of the acres of limestone and crystal chandeliers...) Having been passed down through the Viennay family, the French government, and private owners—at times being used as a hospital, at others a safe-house during World War II for art from the Louvre—the château was bought by American hotelier Marcy Holthus in 2017 she opened it as a boutique hotel (her second after The Washington School House in Park City) with 80-acre gardens peppered with original statuary It depends which you take; each is individually decorated those on the first floor have enormous windows overlooking the garden The American designers Paul and Shannon Wehsener along with Provence-based Hugh and Susannah Cameron of Chez Pluie have made sure there are all the bits and bobs a spoiled guest might expect—marble showers and monster tubs master switches and Wi-Fi—as well as furniture and fabrics from some of France’s finest who worked under Anne-Sophie Pic in Lausanne Crusty bread and featherlight croissants come from the village bakery; vegetables and eggs from the kitchen gardens; and organic meat from nearby farms to create dishes that range from a perfect Niçoise salad for lunch to a light foie-gras terrine with red-pepper chutney and multi-layered apricot Opera cake Hermès-clad Parisians escaping for the weekend, tourists wafting about in Melissa Odabash exploring the Val de Loire, garden lovers wanting to lie by the circular pool or stroll amid Versailles-style topiary and statuary. Young, efficient—both local and American. Having been greeted at the door with a flute of Champagne on a silver tray, the service is subsequently more relaxed: more like a house-party than a hotel—a feeling that’s aided by a self-service kitchen, packed with snacks and drinks. The ground-floor Baron’s Suite is more like a palatial apartment, with its own library, 17-foot ceilings, and exquisite Salon Chinois, with Chinoiserie-painted walls, Versailles-patterned parquet, and the sorts of antiques you might expect of a house that once welcomed Voltaire and Mozart as guests. The original murals are by Jean-Baptiste Pillement and found only in one other place: the Petit Trianon, Marie Antoinette’s private garden palace at Versailles. It’s the closest thing possible to living in a French palace, but with 21st-century benefits: marble bathrooms, a swimming pool, light local food—and friendly young staff who don’t even blink when you stroll into the gardens in the morning in pajamas. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world The TimesNot many hoteliers create hotels in areas where there are very few tourists areas that aren’t touristy are wonderful because they feel more authentic,” the Californian says “There isn’t the pressure to go and see famous things so you can hang out with locals and get a feeling for what it’s like to live there It’s even better if you are staying in a building that’s historic because they have stories which is what I think luxury travellers like me now want.” The attitude of the property financier turned hotelier explains why when the details for a grand château in the little-known Vallée du Loir landed on Rosie Paterson checks into Hotel Château du Grand-Luce thirty minutes from Paris and the perfect base for Le Mans you’ll find an impossibly romantic building constructed out of soft tuffeau stone you can make out the signatures and drawings carved into the stone by Second World War soldiers who repurposed Château du Grand-Luce as a military hospital Valuable works from the Louvre were hidden from the Nazis underneath the former stables The history of Hotel Château du Grand-Luce It was constructed in the mid 18th century using instructions sent by letter from owner Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay to the architect de Viennay visited for the first time and promptly dropped dead of a heart attack — some say because of the château’s neo-Classical beauty After the painstaking restoration — inspired by de Viennay’s exacting standards — the hotel is almost overwhelming The entrance hall boasts the original stone floor; elsewhere the wood parquet was sourced from a forest 20 minutes away from which timber was also sent to the Palace of Versailles the furniture has been saved: some of the chairs have been reupholstered The statues outside — interspersed among hydrangeas rhododendrons and roses — were a gift to de Viennay from Louis XV Mine — all blousy pink silk curtains French toile-covered walls and matching stripy bed canopy — looked out onto the landscaped gardens Most hotels — even the best ones — still feel like hotels I half expected to turn a corner and bump into Louis XV and his powdered wig I put my feet up on the cabriole sofa and read for hours I realised I’d become a bit too comfortable when I skipped down the stairs to supper in a cream brocade dress (that matched the curtains) Combine with a trip to Paris (an easy train ride away) from June through to September; 24 Hours of Le Mans typically takes place on the second weekend of June but rooms are snapped up months in advance so book now for 2022 Rosie Paterson travelled to one of the Mediterranean's most famous hotels: the beautiful Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat One of the great year-round destinations in the Alps Gstaad has long been a hotspot for A-listers Rosie PatersonSocial Links NavigationRosie is Country Life's Digital Content Director & Travel Editor She joined the team in July 2014 — following a brief stint in the art world she edited the magazine's special Queen's Platinum Jubilee issue and coordinated Country Life's own 125 birthday celebrations She has also been invited to judge a travel media award and chaired live discussions on the London property market Rosie studied Art History at university and has written for Mr & Mrs Smith and The Gentleman's Journal The rest of the office likes to joke that she splits her time between Claridge’s exclusive experiences and our expertly curated destination guides reviews of rare spirits and delicious cocktail recipes pioneering yacht builds and boundary-pushing private jets Explore the worlds of haute horology and fine jewelry as well as carefully selected style guides Explore the finest properties on the market standout interior styling and architectural wonders From science-backed retreats to traditional spas Be inspired by our conversations with Leaders in Luxury Elite Collections is a trusted distinction of excellence Get insider access to luxury’s best-kept secrets and exclusive offers Elevate your inbox with the best in refined living Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter.You will recieve a confirmation shortly Picnicking on a blanket atop a grassy knoll shaded by trees Greek-themed statues gifted by King Louis XV guests at the newly opened Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé in France’s Loire Valley may lose perspective So timeless are the rose and apple-blossom-scented gardens so captivating the view of the white 18th-century Neoclassical masterpiece so lullaby-like the serenade of geese on the lake vacationers might imagine themselves blissfully lost in another century The château was built beginning in 1760 by Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay with no expense spared in order to embody the best design elements of its era it has served as salon space for the Age of Enlightenment’s literati (including Voltaire and Rousseau) been a hidden cache for the Louvre’s art during the Nazi occupation served a stint as a war hospital and was the private home of world-famous interior designer Timothy Corrigan its storied legacy lives on thanks to a meticulous restoration of the property and its gardens the castle re-emerged as the Hotel Château refurbished and redecorated by Pilot Hotels to its former grandeur but with modern elan — just as the baron himself surely would have wanted The Grand Salon is befitting of its regal title / ©Adam Lynk A 45,000-sq-ft haven that lords over 80 acres of manicured gardens and forest It lies in the heart of an idyllic Loire Valley village Inside is a haven of curated antiques with bushels of velvet silk and damask; gold gilt and sterling silver; crystal chandeliers; custom wallpaper; local limestone; original flooring; snow-white marble; and the occasional exposed rough-hewn beam With such a bounty of extravagant materials and charm a pool in the Exotic Garden occupies a former fountain nooks inspire (think: passionate conversations fueled by fabulous local wine) and a ballroom serves regional French food with seasonal daily menus and products harvested from the château’s gardens Intimate service ensures “your wish is my command” staff interaction on every level The swimming pool and Orangerie at Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé / ©Adam Lynk Opt for the Baron’s Suite and abundant sumptuous fabrics and furnishings Most astonishing is its separate Salon Chinois that boasts original canvas-flanked walls with Chinoiserie paintings by artist Jean-Baptiste Pillement It is one of only two such works in the world — the other is in Versailles The Baron’s Suite contains abundant sumptuous fabrics and furnishings / ©Adam Lynk A majestic home base to discover the famed castles and family-owned wineries of the Loire Valley Hotel Château excels at arranging bespoke itineraries sharing historical anecdotes and deftly handling support details like arranging rental cars and picnic lunches Don’t miss the chance to drive through local villages to visit such famous châteaux as Chenonceau (Catherine de Medici’s home) and Clos Lucé (the domain of Leonardo da Vinci) a village that brims with ateliers and shops Bike or horseback ride through the Bercé Forest — or hover above the valley in a hot-air balloon Culture aficionados should definitely see the cathedral’s labyrinth in Chartres and the walled city of Le Mans The exquisite façade makes for a grand entrance / ©Adam Lynk The Baron’s Suite from $15,000. Contact Michael Gregory, managing director, info@chateaugrandluce.com, +33 255 484 040, chateaugrandluce.com ShareSaveLifestyleTravelYou Can Now Stay In This Opulent Chateau In France’s Loire ValleyByLaurie Werner Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights Laurie Werner is a New York-based writer covering travel and food.Follow AuthorSep 26 11:01am EDTShareSaveThis article is more than 5 years old.The back entrance of the Chateau du Grand-Luce But it’s a lovely drive and the staff will pack a picnic basket to take along The dining room of the chateau just off the main entry This chateau may not have as much of a royal imprimatur but it  certainly has its own grandeur instantly visible from the moment you enter the tall gates located within the town and see the white tuffeau (a locally quarried limestone) chateau flanked by sculpted topiary and a circular gravel drive The entry is elegant but restrained—gilded marble tables antlers (but artfully displayed antlers) on the walls To the right is the curved main staircase and a setee in vintage fabric the sitting room of The Baron's Suite More Pillement who also painted the walls of Marie Antoinette's private palace within the gardens of Versailles Marie Antoinette’s private palace within the gardens at Versailles The view of the village of Le Grand-Luce just outside of the chateau gates this 45,000 square foot mansion belonged to Baron Jacques Pineau de Viennay a good friend of King Louis XV and his administrator of France’s eastern region who spent four years constructing it starting in 1760 in then- cutting edge neoclassical style after doing a teardown of the medieval chateau on site (Medieval walls on the 80 acre property are still standing.) It’s regarded as one of the best examples of that architectural style in France and one of the rare bastions of aristocracy that survived the French Revolution intact That was the result of the villagers’ fondness for the Baron’s daughter who harbored them in the estate’s outer buildings after a fire destroyed the village in 1781 Dotted through the formal gardens are statues that were gifts to the Baron from King Louis XV snapped it up and focused on redesigning and landscaping the formal gardens dotted with replica sculptures from Versailles A King Suite furnished with antiques plus draperies and wall coverings created in the style of 18th ..  Pilot Hotels Creative Directors Paul and Shannon Wehsener scoured the classic fabric houses the renowned antique market in the Provence town of Isle sur la Sorgue and private dealers for antiques of the time Persian carpets and commissioned regal bed frames draperies and upholstery based on 18th century designs “fresh opulence.” And it is; It feels lush but not heavy or dated The gardens border a white oak forest and contain a large kitchen garden or for a picnic near the white oak forest or a table under the trees for lunch My only quibble is that the menu reads a bit too American at lunch (although an assortment of excellent French cheese and charcuterie is also possible.) Dinner selections such as a lavender sable with eggplant caviar artichokes and crunchy vegetables that tasted mostly of a crumbly cookie and a dry john dory filet with basil cream eggplant and zucchini should also have matched the quality of the surroundings But since the chateau is right in the middle of town Open every day of the year except 1 January January 5 to March 28: 9am – 5pm March 29 to October 26: 9am – 6pm October 27 to December 20: 9am – 5pm December 21 to January 4: 9am – 6pm (except December 24 Last access ½ hour before the castle closes Closing of the formal gardens 30 minutes before the castle closes The park is open all year round and every day Full price: €19 (château + gardens) Reduced rate : 16.50 € (proof required) Free for European Union citizens under the age of 26 The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international community’s efforts to protect and preserve World Heritage partnerships for conservation Ensuring that World Heritage sites sustain their outstanding universal value is an increasingly challenging mission in today’s complex world where sites are vulnerable to the effects of uncontrolled urban development Our Partners Donate Take advantage of the search to browse through the World Heritage Centre information The Loire Valley is an outstanding cultural landscape of great beauty great architectural monuments (the châteaux) and cultivated lands formed by many centuries of interaction between their population and the physical environment Le Val de Loire est un paysage culturel exceptionnel comprenant des villes et villages historiques de grands monuments architecturaux - les châteaux - et des terres cultivées façonnées par des siècles d'interaction entre les populations et leur environnement physique تشكّل  وادي نهر اللوار منظراً ثقافياً استثنائياً يشمل مُدناً وقرى تاريخية ونصباً هندسية عظيمة أي القصور، وأراض مزروعة حرثتها قرون من التفاعل بين الشعوب ومحيطها الحسيّ الذي يجسده نهر اللوار بنفسه 卢瓦尔河谷拥有最美丽、最杰出的文化景观，沿岸分布着大量的历史名镇和村庄、雄伟的建筑古迹（城堡），以及几个世纪以来人类开垦的耕地，这是人类和自然环境（主要是卢瓦尔河）相互作用、和谐发展的结果。 Долина Луары – это выдающийся культурный ландшафт исключительной живописности величественные архитектурные памятники – замки Также ландшафт составляют окультуренные земли которые формировались веками в процессе взаимодействия человека с окружающей его средой и posee pequeñas ciudades y pueblos históricos grandes monumentos arquitectónicos (castillos y palacios) y tierras de cultivo que son el resultado de la interacción entre sus habitantes y el medio físico The property of the Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes is located in the regions of the Centre-Val-de-Loire and Pays-de-la-Loire This cultural landscape covers a section of the Middle course of the 280km river including the minor and major beds of the river It is formed by many centuries of interaction between the river the land that it irrigates and the populations established there throughout history The Loire has been a major communication and commercial axis since Gallo-Roman times up until the 19th century thus encouraging the economic development of the valley and its towns Witness to the many works destined to channel the river for navigation and the protection of humankind and the land against flooding The Loire has formed as much the rural landscapes in the organization of the land and the types of culture (market gardening translate both the physical characteristics of the different parts of the river and their historical evolution the banks of the Loire are punctuated by villages and towns among which are Sully The political and social history of France and Western Europe in the Middle Ages as well as during the Renaissance the period when the Loire Valley was a seat of royal power is illustrated by the buildings and castles that have made it famous they were transformed during the Renaissance into country houses for recreation and pleasure with gardens and vistas open to the countryside The Loire Valley also contains a series of large witness to the expression of faith of the sovereigns and the people: Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire the Loire Valley constituted a major cultural area for encounters and influences between the Italian Mediterranean and participated in the development of garden art and the emergence of interest in the landscape Criterion (i): The Loire Valley is noteworthy for the quality of its architectural heritage but in particular in its world-famous castles Criterion (ii): The Loire Valley is an outstanding cultural landscape along a major river It bears witness to an interchange of human values and to a harmonious development of interactions between humankind and their environment over two millennia Criterion (iv): The landscape of the Loire Valley and more particularly its many cultural monuments illustrate to an exceptional degree the ideals of the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment on western European thought and design The historical trajectory of the Loire Valley is clearly visible in the current landscape urban and landscape typologies of the property is fully and widely represented over 280 kilometres The Loire Valley conserves a high degree of authenticity of the ensemble and notably the principal urban centres and monuments through their uses and materials several factors risk affecting the property: agricultural mutations installation of activity zones surrounding towns and traffic axes The ownership regime of this extensive property is very diverse including numerous public and private ownerships The river and its banks belong in the public river domain directly managed by the State The protection of the property is based on the complementarity of several regulations according to the heritage notably: Historic Monuments and their surroundings large castles or more modest monuments are protected under the Heritage Code (Historic Monuments) and a certain number are undergoing restoration and receive regular maintenance Several dozen urban centres are protected under the Remarkable Patrimonial Sites which has enabled the launching of major rehabilitation programmes several dozens of sites are listed for application of the Environment Code to enable the preservation of large areas of the landscape The works linked to the river are regularly maintained or restored Biodiversity protection preserves the bed of the river undergoing dynamic demographic and economic change coordination of the management of the property is ensured by the State and the two regions concerned with specific facilities (a structure and an orientation committee adapted to the property) The management plan identifies the major risks that threaten the property and includes proposals to reduce them The implementation of additional regulatory protective measures the awareness raising and training of local collectivities and populations to the challenges for the protection of the inscribed property the surveillance of important equipment projects are continuously carried out by the public and private stakeholders of the Val de Loire which was previously inscribed on the World Heritage List is part of the "Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes" Loire ValleyAlamyIn this idyllic landscape known for its rich history tradition now meets a wave of new energy that’s come into the region hotels (including a future Six Senses hotel which is to open as a part of Les Bordes Estate) pair the region’s unique heritage and landscape with contemporary style and top chefs bringing on-trend culinary concepts to the table Young winemakers are coming in with their reinterpretation of each appellation’s grapes and the contemporary art scene thrives with art events happening throughout the year With this renewal comes a broader demographic of domestic and international travellers wanting to uncover what’s new to the exceptionally idyllic area. Reminders of the rich history that’s given this region the nickname of France’s Valley of Kings – like 2023 marking the 600th anniversary of the birth of King Louis XI – heighten the global attention being brought to the area Read on to discover what to uncover in the beguiling region and where to find the most exciting places to eat and stay Loire Valley LodgesAnne Emmanuelle ThionWhere to stay in the Loire ValleyLoire Valley LodgesA private forest spanning 750 acres is the setting for this modern retreat in which contemporary lodges hide amid the ancient trees A historic farmhouse is the hub of this hotel a lounge and a bar taking up this inviting space and the land around it now features wild gardens a swimming pool and the Bee Lodge for spa therapies Contemporary artworks appear throughout each interior initially set about creating this hotel with the vision of providing a modern upscale place to stay centred on forest bathing While the concept has evolved from this original idea a connection to nature remains central to the experience Woodland paths wind through the forest to each of the 18 individual treehouse lodges all styled by a different artist or designer with terraces and floor-to-ceiling windows that make the most of the forest views which you hoist up to your terrace with a rope pulley and light bites are served in the lounge bar Refined plates highlighting local ingredients are then dished up in the hotel’s gourmet restaurant Ardent and the new seasonal Asperatus restaurant featuring a rotation of top chefs in residence Massages and facials incorporating natural elements are offered in Bee Lodge and experiences range from cycling to forest bathing joining in with yoga and Sophrology sessions or visiting local sites offering dishes providing a modern take on farm-to-table dining in a garden-side salon and the bar Jack Pine’s (a playful nod to Jacques Pineau) The outdoor pool and picnic baskets can enjoy the cocktails and the bistro menu of this bar can also be made up Bicycles are provided for exploration of the estate and massages are offered in a serene spa area Address: Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé, 7 Place du Château, 72150 Le Grand-Lucé, France ANNEEMMANUELLE_THIONRelais de ChambordOne of the Loire Valley’s most celebrated sites UNESCO-listed Château de Chambord spans 5,440 hectares of wooded and landscaped grounds takes over a 17th-century outbuilding of this architecturally impressive landmark The heritage building turned modern retreat sits alongside the Cosson River and looks over the castle Transformed by the prominent architect and interior designer Jean-Michel Wilmotte before the hotel’s 2018 launch this centuries-old country house and its new wing combine its heritage and original character with a contemporary aesthetic Expect splashes of bold colours in chic modern furnishings and black and white murals depicting the château and grounds against a backdrop of traditional design features like wooden wall panelling Among the rooms and suites is La Toue du Relais suite which transforms a riverboat into a two-person retreat on the water Elegant modern style runs throughout each public space of the hotel to the fine dining Le Grand Saint-Michel restaurant showcasing French traditions through its seasonal menus and the onsite Spa by Nuxe encompassing two treatment cabins Address: Relais de Chambord, Place Saint-Louis, 41250 Chambord, France Heritage and grandeur emanate from these historic castles each telling its unique story through its art collections Renaissance-style gardens and lavishly decorated interiors Among the best known is Château de Chenonceau which is made instantly recognisable by its impressive structure bridging the river Cher and a site that’s celebrated for a history of being led by women that have resulted in it now being known as the Ladies’ Château take a stroll through Château de Chenonceau’s ornamental and wild gardens navigate the estate’s maze and peer into the château’s floral workshop Stop by the Orangerie for lunch and seek out the château’s historic wine cellar to taste their AOC Touraine Chenonceaux wines Cycling in the Loire ValleyGetty ImagesTake to the water and cycling trailsTo explore the landscape leisurely hire a kayak or set out on your own overland adventure following the region’s many picturesque cycling trails Hire a canoe or kayak from a local operator such as Loire Kayak in Vineuil or book a guided sail down these scenic waterways on a traditional flat-bottomed boat with a tour provider such as Boutavant Association in Tours Several bike hire services are found throughout each area of the Loire Valley Cyclists can follow sections of the established Loire à Vélo route Vineyard in Loire ValleyGetty ImagesVisit vineyards to taste the local winesAs many as 87 appellations producing diverse wines feature across the Loire Valley Within this landscape stretching from the Atlantic Coast to central France long-established wineries like the 1880-founded Chateau De Fontenay are now being joined by new winemakers such as Clos Thierriere – run by twin brothers Guillaume and Baptiste who are from the family also behind Loire Valley Lodges – in each of the defined wine regions A mapped-out Loire Valley Wine Route provides a guide to independently navigating each area's wine trail and operators like Loire Valley Wine Tour offer private guided wine tours taking in some of the most famous and smaller family-run wineries around each appellation Domaine De Chaumont-Sur-LoireAlamyUncover the thriving art sceneIt was when monarchs and other nobility began to make a move to the Loire Valley in the 15th century that they built many of this region’s châteaux also enhancing existing castles to fit the style of that time and brought with them the cultural and artistic French Renaissance movement resulting in a wealth of art that’s still evident throughout the region – reminders of Leonardo da Vinci’s influence on Château du Clos Lucé (where he is known to have died) The region’s affinity for art continues with a growing contemporary art scene Check out the exhibitions of Olivier Debré Centre of Contemporary Creation in Tours and explore the sculpture-filled gardens of Domaine De Chaumont-Sur-Loire which has become known as a centre for arts – this art-centric estate is also home to the June 2022 opened Le Bois des Chambres hotel resulting from the creative restoration of an old farm Fleur de LoireAlexandre MoulardWhere to eat and drink in the Loire ValleyFleur de LoireOne of the most talked about openings in this region for 2022 was this five-star Relais & Chateaux boutique hotel and gastronomic experience – already holding two Michelin Stars as well as a Michelin Green Star – by the acclaimed chef Christophe Hay on the left bank of the Loire River in Blois Sustainable and environmentally responsible fine dining is the focus here The ever-changing nature of the terroir of this region inspires the menus at the site’s gourmet Christophe Hay restaurant while local produce and the chef’s childhood memories define the dishes of the Amour Blanc dining space focused on the joy of sharing Address: Fleur de Loire, 26 Quai Villebois Mareuil, 41000 Blois, France At this dining destination awarded one Michelin Star chef Romain Meder – who previously worked alongside Alain Ducasse – places plants echoing the gardens of this restaurant’s setting at the centre of his creative dishes also featuring ingredients Organically grown fruit and vegetables from the estate are brought into a series of fine dining plates for each menu The 18th-century residence turned luxury hotel is also home to the more casual restaurant Octave by the same chef plant-based dishes in a space spilling out to an orchard Address: Les Chemins, Domaine de Primard, D16, 28260 Guainville, France Late 2022 saw the opening of the theatrical Relais & Chateaux hotel and dining destination Château Louise de La Valliere following the restoration and reimagination Come here for the immersive dining experience of The Amphitryon restaurant named after a Molière comedy (the favourite playwright of Louis XIV) which serves heritage-inspired culinary creations in tasting menus presented in an opulent candlelit space inspired by 17th and 18th-century pageantry Make time for The Saint-Évremond champagne bar paying homage to the Marquis Charles de Saint-Évremond who created the “Order of the Champagne Hillsides” at the court of Louis XIV Address: Château de La Vallière, 37380 Reugny, France French and Japanese culinary influences come together at this Michelin Star and Michelin Green Star restaurant overlooking the Loire River on the outskirts of Blois Reflecting the inspiration behind its name Anthony (who previously worked alongside Arnaud Donckele at La Vague d’Or) and Fumiko Maubert come up with creative plates showcasing the local products they’re presented with each day Inspiration taken from the river and Japanese detail is seen in multi-course menus telling a story of the gardens pasture and farmland making up the immediate environment surrounding the property Address: Assa Restaurant, 189 Quai Ulysse-Besnard, 41000 Blois, France Le Mans may be best known for its 24-hour car race but the French city offers more than high-speed thrills Explore its old town then venture into the Loire Valley for canoe trips and chateaux stays Le Mans can be reached by direct train from London St Pancras in just four and a half hours.Photograph by Massimo RipaniByAdrian PhillipsMay 10 2024This article was produced by National Geographic Traveller (UK).To most people this medieval city in the Loire region of northwest France has hosted the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans an iconic rally around the Circuit de la Sarthe that’s as much a test of stamina as speed You’ll find plenty of nods here to this rich motoring history from postcards of classic Aston Martins to a dedicated museum that displays numerous race cars But you don’t need to be a petrolhead to fall in love with Le Mans; it’s a place with the most evocative of ancient centres some of the world’s best-preserved Roman walls and a blockbuster of a cathedral with beautiful stained glass There are both intimate restaurants and busy al fresco bars by the river where you can take a bench seat and soak up the atmosphere And Le Mans is a springboard to much more besides from the pottery centre of Malicorne and the rustic charm of the Mancelles Alpes area to the royal city of Loches with the train journey from St Pancras International taking just four-and-a-half hours Have lunch at quirky Salon Arthé (7 Place de la République) with its dining room-cum-studio full of easels and canvases It showcases 140 racing cars and reveals the history of the epic race with fascinating archive footage Its Heroes’ Alley tells the tales of individuals who have made special contributions over the years focusing not only on the drivers but also the engineers who play such a key role in getting the cars across the finish line in the endurance race EveningArrange an evening tour of Le Mans old town with tour guide Nathalie Jupin You’ll stop at the town hall that was once the palace of Matilda who gave birth here to the future King Henry II of England and at the Cathedral of Saint Julian of Le Mans home to a 12th-century stained-glass window Equally engaging are the town’s smaller details such as the stone obelisks on street corners that once protected buildings from carriage wheels and the fourth-century arch that leads to a section of Roman wall Wrap up the day with a meal of veal steak and heritage vegetables at the intimate wood-beamed Bistrot des Gourmets 6 Rue Barbier local produce on the atmospheric terrace of the chateau a two-square-mile reserve that abuts the abbey grounds and includes a nature trail featuring artworks inspired by local wildlife EveningDinner is in Le Mans at Brasserie Madeleine (7 Place des Jacobins), a family-run restaurant in a square overlooking the cathedral. it serves a good selection of seafood dishes — lobster, oysters, mussels and more — and a fabulously creamy rillette on thick pieces of toast. Then it’s time for La Nuit des Chimères walls and trees are illuminated with colourful images from fairytale characters and historical symbols to portraits of locals who’ve made a special contribution to life here The tourist office has a map with a walking route that takes in the illuminations Round off the evening with a drink at Guingette des Tanneries (Square des Tanneries 1. La Maison du GasseauA blue-grey stone chateau with green shutters in the Mancelles Alpes this place was built as a family home in 1939 and now offers six guest rooms with exposed beams and wooden floors The breakfast features freshly baked scones 2. Domaine de L’EpauWith grass rolling over their roofs the six eco-lodges here look like Hobbit homes buried in the landscape with terraces perfect for an evening tipple Kitchenettes mean you can self-cater but the complex also has a bar and restaurant 3. Montmirail castleParts of this castle standing proud between Le Mans and Chartres Its guest rooms brim with a sense of history and each is individually decorated with heritage features such as four-poster beds and elegant wood panelling 4. Aventure NautiqueSet on the banks of the River Sarthe in Roëzé-sur-Sarthe Aventure Nautique has 10 bell tents that allow full but comfortable immersion in nature Hire one of the site’s paddleboards or electric boats for a river adventure then kick back with a mojito at the characterful bar set in a shack Maison Courtin is owned and run by Grégoire Courtin who rents out a couple of guest rooms furnished in 19th-century style He’s also the proprietor of the adjacent brush shop and homeware museum and will gladly give you a tour of his hoard of curiosities ranging from model Aston Martins to 18th-century medical instruments La Maison du Gasseau is the perfect place to savour ​local produce.Photograph by Juliette DenisWhat to eat in Le Mans1 RillettesA pâté of shredded pork cooked in fat that’s typically smothered on toast rillettes originated in nearby Touraine but became associated with Le Mans when a local started selling it to passengers passing through on the train There are several annual celebrations of the speciality including the annual Spring of Rillettes festival held in Sarthe Chenin blancOne of the Loire’s wine-producing areas in the south of Sarthe Its Chenin Blanc wines date to the Middle Ages when they were made by Cistercian monks Try them at the Domaine des Gauletteries winery in Ruillé-sur-Loir 1. Château de Loches and the DonjonThe royal city of Loches is dominated by its elevated medieval royal quarter surrounded by a fortified wall and featuring Charles VII’s royal residence an 11th-century castle tower containing dungeons etched with the graffiti of unfortunate former captives The castle has a varied royal history that includes occupation by the one-time king of England Visitors are issued with interactive tablets that bring the past to life by showing how each of the rooms would have looked in its prime The village of Abilly has a relaxing cycle path through woodland and fields of sunflowers.Photograph by Pascal Beltrami2. Cultu’raids ConceptThe city sits on the Indre River You can gain a deeper appreciation of it by renting a canoe from Cultu’raids Concept you can explore a quiet stretch of the water allowing you to feel a world away from civilisation winding through a tunnel of overhanging trees One option is to paddle five miles to the watermill at St Jean flashing yellow as they flit from stone to stone on the river bed you might catch a glimpse of red deer through the branches on the banks You can also rent standup paddleboards from the company Unauthorized use is prohibited."},"ratio":"2048x1365","type":"xl","priority":"xl","colorMode":"light","title":"How to plan a weekend in Le Mans gateway to France's Loire Valley","description":"Le Mans may be best known for its 24-hour car race but the French city offers more than high-speed thrills Annecy and its lake tend to grab the limelight Getty Images","dsc":"Lake Annecy is found within south-eastern France and is a haven for water activities hiking and biking.","ttl":"Lake Annecy","rchDsc":{"markup":"Lake Annecy is found within south-eastern France and is a haven for water activities hiking and biking."},"rchTtl":{"markup":"Lake Annecy"},"ratio":"3x2"},"isFeatured":true,"sections":[{"name":"Travel","id":"432c4f83-2d55-3974-b95f-a221c87c0fd1","type":"sources","uri":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel"}],"headline":"Why visit Annecy gateway to the French Alps","link":"https://www.nationalgeographic.com/travel/article/weekend-in-annecy-french-alps"},{"description":"Framed by beaches and home to a collection of Portugal’s most eclectic historic mansions Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience From the gardens of the Loire Valley to the fertile plains of the Beauce from the ponds of the Brenne to the game-filled forest of Orléans not forgetting the vineyards of Touraine or Sancerrois the Centre-Val-de-Loire is well deserving of its nickname "The Garden of France" the region's natural and agricultural resources have nurtured a rich gastronomic tradition a dazzling reflection of the French art of living Home to François Rabelais - and his insatiable Gargantua character - the region is also the one that succeeded in having the "Gastronomic Meal of the French" inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible World Heritage Sites The countless local products that invade the region's lively markets every day are naturally showcased by local chefs and restaurateurs ; ambassadors of the Loire region's flavours distinguished each year in the MICHELIN Guide selection Whether at the helm of a Michelin-starred restaurant or a bistro they all invite their guests to discover the Centre-Val-de-Loire through its cuisine and gustatory wonders such as the five goat cheeses protected by PDO (Valençay Crottin-de-Chavignol) or the many wines classified as AOC or IGP A visit to the Centre-Val de Loire region is an opportunity to discover a vast territory where nature and culture come together in harmony With its many tributaries such as the Cher the Loire is both the backbone of the region and its cultural heart its exceptional landscapes are the result of constant interaction between the river the people who live along its banks and their environment A major route for the spread of the Italian Renaissance in France the Loire Valley and its castles - between Sully and Chalonnes - have been on UNESCO's World Heritage list since 2000 two other sites in the region have also been classified as UNESCO World Heritage Sites : Chartres Cathedral and Bourges Cathedral which has just been designated European Capital of Culture for 2028. the Centre-Val de Loire region is also France's No The region invites you to practice virtuous slow tourism irrigated by an infinite number of greenways and cycle routes The most famous of these is La Loire à Vélo (EuroVelo 6) which crosses the region superbly from one end to the other (over 900 km in all) Cœur de France à Vélo (along the Cher and Berry canals) which criss-crosses a large part of the Eure-et-Loir region It's also an opportunity to discover the region's exceptional biodiversity particularly in its 3 regional nature parks (Loire-Anjou-Touraine the Loir-et-Cher has nothing to envy its neighbor Selles-sur-Cher PDO goat's cheese and Perche clover AOC Cheverny and Touraine wines are increasingly popular visitors can enjoy an exceptional heritage : Blois and its château (where the Duke of Guise was assassinated) Chaumont-sur-Loire (home to the famous International Garden Festival) the château de Cheverny (whose silhouette inspired Hergé's Moulinsart) and the little-known château de Talcy There are many charming villages to explore including Saint-Dyé-sur-Loire and Lavardin (classified as France's Most Beautiful Villages) you'll be spoilt for choice: the wild banks of the Loire and Cher rivers sometimes referred to by its former name of Orléanais you can enjoy fresh vegetables (such as Sologne asparagus) pithiviers (sweet or savory puff pastry) or andouilles de Jargeau Vinegar and Orléans mustard are used for seasoning try Orléans fruit macaroons or Montargis pralines try the fine wines of Coteaux du Giennois or AOC Orléans-Cléry History buffs won't want to miss a visit to Orléans The charming villages of Meung-sur-Loire and Yèvre-le-Châtel (listed as the most beautiful village in France) also offer pleasant walks while aesthetes can discover Gien and its Musée de la Faïencerie In addition to the wild banks of the Loire nature lovers can explore the Orléans forest (the largest in mainland France) and the moors of the Loiret Solognot region You'll be delighted to taste the Pâté de Pâques Berrichon (a meat pastry) trout and sturgeon that abound in the Brenne ponds green lentils from Berry and asparagus are a must game and mushrooms are abundant on good tables they welcome Pouligny-Saint-Pierre or Valençay There's no shortage of places to visit in Indre Gargilesse-Dampierre and Saint-Benoît-du-Saux are among France's most beautiful villages But also the cities of Châteauroux and Issoudun nature is particularly grandiose in the Brenne Regional Nature Park From listening bars to neighbourhood restaurants explore all the top recommendations from Chishuru’s Adejoké Bakare One of the most prominent chefs serving Indian cuisine talks India and his New York these splurge-worthy hotels have the design and prestige to rival even that most historic of city landmarks The first hotel on this list is just 20 minutes from Florence From vineyards to infinity pools and farm-to-table restaurants every one of these 14 Tuscan classics is within two hours of the city The Mexican capital takes center stage alongside the culinary world's top talents the best hotel rooftops are a go-to when you touch down From Texas Barbecue to Mexico City's cutting-edge dining these new MICHELIN Guide hot spots promise unforgettable vacations and world-class cuisine These are the best lake vacations for a summer break from Lake Tahoe in the US to Lake Como in Switzerland and the MICHELIN-recommended restaurants and bolt holes to bed down in when you visit The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have already added hundreds of hotels to the MICHELIN selection in 2025 we’re highlighting a special list of 10 that thrive in the sunny season ​13 new restaurants receive their first MICHELIN Star ​Three new establishments are awarded the MICHELIN Green Star explore some of its best MICHELIN Guide dining spots and uncover its hidden gems From exquisite cuisine to artisan treasures get to know the Tuscan city like a local with our handy guide for a curated taste of Florence’s finest Marseille is a crossroads of culture and cuisine shaped by 2,600 years of migration and maritime trade From its Greek founders to waves of immigrants from Italy each community has left an indelible mark on the city’s dynamic food culture Croatian cuisine boasts a strong identity that reflects both the land and the sea Southern England's Dartmoor National Park boasts a unique granite landscape which takes in rocky outcrops ancient forests and globally significant wetlands fauna and historical sites are just waiting to be explored based on what's freshest at his local farm Her fully Italian wine list is farmer first and blends perfectly with rustic Italian cooking Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels Home to Fran\u00e7ois Rabelais - and his insatiable Gargantua character - the region is also the one that succeeded in having the \"Gastronomic Meal of the French\" inscribed on UNESCO's list of Intangible World Heritage Sites such as the five goat cheeses protected by PDO (Valen\u00e7ay The most famous of these is La Loire \u00e0 V\u00e9lo (EuroVelo 6) C\u0153ur de France \u00e0 V\u00e9lo (along the Cher and Berry canals) Vall\u00e9e du Loir and V\u00e9losc\u00e9nie visitors can enjoy an exceptional heritage : Blois and its ch\u00e2teau (where the Duke of Guise was assassinated) the ch\u00e2teau de Cheverny (whose silhouette inspired Herg\u00e9's Moulinsart) and the little-known ch\u00e2teau de Talcy including Saint-Dy\u00e9-sur-Loire and Lavardin (classified as France's Most Beautiful Villages) sometimes referred to by its former name of Orl\u00e9anais Vinegar and Orl\u00e9ans mustard are used for seasoning try Orl\u00e9ans fruit macaroons or Montargis pralines try the fine wines of Coteaux du Giennois or AOC Orl\u00e9ans-Cl\u00e9ry History buffs won't want to miss a visit to Orl\u00e9ans nicknamed the \"Venice of the G\u00e2tinais\" The charming villages of Meung-sur-Loire and Y\u00e8vre-le-Ch\u00e2tel (listed as the most beautiful village in France) also offer pleasant walks while aesthetes can discover Gien and its Mus\u00e9e de la Fa\u00efencerie nature lovers can explore the Orl\u00e9ans forest (the largest in mainland France) and the moors of the Loiret Solognot region You'll be delighted to taste the P\u00e2t\u00e9 de P\u00e2ques Berrichon (a meat pastry) they welcome Pouligny-Saint-Pierre or Valen\u00e7ay Gargilesse-Dampierre and Saint-Beno\u00eet-du-Saux are among France's most beautiful villages But also the cities of Ch\u00e2teauroux and Issoudun Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Lighthearted hostessing aside, Brantes is most proud of her agricultural accomplishments at Le Fresne, including the planting of 11,000 baby oaks. Some will eventually be harvested, cured, and sold, as it has been for generations. “My grandmother planted trees, and my father did the same,” Brantes says, nimbly steering her Mercedes SUV through an overgrown field. “It’d be a pity to stop the tradition.” we shine a spotlight on some of the very best hotels in the world with some help from Mr & Mrs Smith Harriet Charnock-Bates discovers a show-stopping château in the Pays de la Loire Lifestyle | Travel | Dream destinations Sign up for the best picks from our travel I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice amid the rolling landscapes of the Loire Valley Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé is a sight to behold One of the few estates to emerge almost entirely unscathed from the Revolution it’s a gloriously French confection of creamy-white limestone sweeping stairways and hand-carved boiserie; every inch of it as break-your-heart beautiful as the next Aubusson tapestries hang beside gilt bergères upholstered in rich florals towering candlesticks sidle up next to handsome busts hewn from solid marble and canopied beds are silhouetted by chandeliers the size of small planets Giving the interiors a run for their money are the landscaped grounds with borders of blousy hydrangeas and an abundance of symmetrically-sculpted hedges Statue-strewn parterres give way to bountiful potager gardens beyond them sits a ravishing ornamental lake with a bevy of swans an unspeakably elegant fountain-turned-pool dotted with pistachio and cream-striped parasols and the attention to detail second to none this pristinely-preserved French pile casts a powerful spell It’s rare to find a place with an atmosphere quite like this: though undeniably grand - with its neoclassical façade exquisitely carved ceilings and gargantuan windows - Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé is not the least bit stiff somewhere to let go and loosen-up a little The sun-drenched salons make for irresistible lounging territory and the lawns cry out for rosé-fuelled picnics candlelit evenings call for a slight upping of the ante (cue glad rags and a spritz of something seductive) but the overarching mood is utterly without pretence - a stately home-from-home if you will - and nobody will bat an eyelid should you spend the most part of your stay floating about in a bathrobe Hours can be whiled away rummaging for treasures and trinkets at the local brocantes (with its weekly markets and generous smattering of antique shops sleepy La Chartre-sur-le-Loir ticks just about every box) before returning to the Château for languorous sun-dappled lunches out in the vast gardens Waiters pour ice-cold Sauvignon Blanc with plates of roasted asparagus as huge dragonflies flit between frothy pastel blooms pad along the tree-lined pathways and descend the steps to commandeer one of the thick-cushioned loungers beside the pool or take a turn through the grassy meadows where weathered statues tell tales of eras gone by the surrounding valley has a fair few of them up its sleeve Langlois-Chateau - with its sigh-inducing Loire River vistas - bottles the finest Crémant for miles while Domaine de Bellivière’s apricot-y Elixir de Tuf is effectively liquid sunshine absurdly sumptuous suites await: sweet dreams are all but a given To glimpse the patchwork vineyards from a different perspective soar above the Pays de la Loire in a hot air balloon - it’s a thrill that’s utterly intoxicating and best paired with a bottle of the region’s finest fizz Fly direct to Tours Val de Loire airport from London Stansted From there it’s around an hour by car to Hotel Château du Grand-Lucé The 11 most incredible off-the-beaten track honeymoon destinations Zambia: fall asleep to the sounds of hippos see and eat on Sifnos - the hidden cycladic gem an intriguing new perfume from Penhaligon’s mrandmrssmith.com/luxury-hotels/hotel-chateau-du-grand-luce Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day parade as he keeps dad William looking sharp and mimics brother George Prince Louis steals show with sweet antics at VE parade VE Day 2025 fashion: best looks from the day VE Day 2025 fashion: Princess of Wales to Lady Victoria Starmer UK tourists face major travel shake-up as Dubai airport set to close Royals watch historic flypast as huge crowds turns out for VE Day 80th anniversary  Royals watch historic Red Arrows flypast for VE Day 80th anniversary Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in major blow for Putin ahead of Victory Day celebrations Ukraine 'launches stunning Kursk offensive' in blow for Putin With just days until the equestrian competitions begin the first sound of hooves has echoed through the historic grounds of Versailles signalling the arrival of some of the most elite equine athletes in the world Photo:  L-R Sarah Charnley and Lordships Graffalo – Alison Bell and Banzai du Loir – Adam Short and JL Dublin – Tilly Hughes and London 52 arriving into the stabling complex at the Chateau de Versailles for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games will be followed by the Dressage horses in two days with the Jumping horses scheduled to arrive on 28 July For these four-legged Olympians who have been training hard to compete on a global stage their accommodation is nothing short of a five star rating The stables at Versailles are more than just a place to rest Each horse will enjoy a spacious 4m x 3m box with rubber mats and locally-sourced bedding of straw or shavings These horses are also attended to by dedicated grooms who will provide personalised care Staying comfortable in the Paris summer will not be a problem for these equine athletes who will benefit from state-of-the-art cooling systems installed in their stables The FEI has implemented advanced climate monitoring using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) index the FEI is ready to activate Heat Mitigation Protocols proven effective during the Tokyo 2020 Games in keeping horses cool and comfortable and mobile cooling units are scattered throughout the venue alongside plenty of water points and wash-down areas the horses will be monitored using cutting-edge thermal imaging technology to detect and prevent overheating allowing them to be in peak condition for competition A world-class veterinary team is on standby ready to provide top-notch care and support for the equine athletes With a full-time staff that includes specialised veterinarians the horses at Versailles will receive the best medical attention if needed Safety First Rigorous biosecurity measures Horses will be under strict biosecurity protocols throughout their stay in Versailles overseen by the FEI Veterinary Commission and a dedicated biosecurity team and thorough cleaning and disinfection practices will ensure the highest standards of hygiene and safety “The monitoring of Olympic horses begins 15 days prior to their arrival at the venue,” explained FEI Veterinary Director Göran Åkerström “Each team is required to take and record their horse’s temperature daily using the FEI Horse App the horses are unloaded and examined by the Paris 2024 Veterinary Team to ensure they are in good health Horses that pass this examination are installed in the stables by discipline while those that do not are placed in isolation stables Follow-up monitoring continues for 15 days after they leave the venue to ensure traceability for biosecurity reasons.” The equestrian events at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 are scheduled to run from 27 July to 6 August Mary O'Neal is our "Go To Girl" Ocala Realtor for buying With twenty years in "The Horse Capital of the World" she's the starting point for all searches Suzan Oakley an innovative leader and educator in advanced equine rehabilitation provides a healing refuge for equine athletes on the mend Registered properties of HorsesDaily®Inc. 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Unless otherwise noted. ©1997 - 2025 horsesdaily.com and dressagedaily.com Enter your email address and we will send you a link to change your password Best in Travel is here! Discover 2025’s destinations The 30 best countries, cities and regions to visit in 2025 Plan your trip with Elsewhere, by Lonely Planet See where a Lonely Planet Membership takes you Subscribe to our weekly newsletters to get the latest travel news, expert advice, and insider recommendations Explore the world with our detailed, insightful guidebooks Stay ahead of the curve with our guidebooks Uncover exciting new ways to explore iconic destinations Every month, we release new books into the wild Search Search Close search menu Explore Best in Travel 2024 Africa Close menu Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries The Loire Valley by car: a match made in heaven Shutterstock/leoks The scenery in the Loire Valley changes around every curve Honey-colored villages give way to lavish castles. Vine-draped fields back onto the lush banks of the Loire, France’s longest river And although trains serve each of the region's main destinations It gives you better access to the area’s blissful natural surroundings Here are the five best road trips in the Loire Valley Combining emblematic wines with picturesque landscapes this road trip passes white tufa (limestone) villages overhanging the Loire and vineyards rolling out as far as the eye can see a medieval city with half-timbered houses and dominating royal fortress The red grape vines that fill the surrounding landscape are used to produce Chinon wine Stop en route at Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, once Europe’s biggest monastic city, before staying overnight in Saumur and enjoying some winetasting. The troglodyte cellars of Bouvet-Ladubay and Ackerman both serve excellent Crémant (a sparkling white wine) go deeper into the countryside to reach Rablay-sur-Layon village With its half-timbered houses and stone mansions the contemporary arts and crafts gallery says otherwise The residents here have dubbed this a 'village of artists'with permanent artisan boutiques and rotating exhibitions head towards Chalonnes to drive through vineyards during the golden hour On day three, head to the hills between Chalonnes and Bouchemaine. Appreciate the river's proximity to sail on a toue (a traditional wooden boat) in La Possonnière. Then head to Savennières which is home to its namesake renowned white wine. Lunch at Le Chenin where the chef’s cuisine celebrates local produce and its cellar illustrates the variety of the terroir and enjoy a quiet evening on the banks of the river Detour: Aubance Valley is home to the seven-story Château de Brissac The property also holds its own vineyard and produces fine rosé wines Tours-Montsoreau; 78 km (49 miles); 2 days Its castle was used as the setting for The Lady of Montsoreau by Alexandre Dumas there are some great views of the rushing Loire River below Detour: If you have an extra day, drive two hours to Nantes, the home city of the author Jules Verne. Les Machines de l’île acts as something of a homage to Verne’s fantastic Tours-Saint Florent le Vieil; 170km (105 miles); 3 days This road trip offers a deep connection with nature. It starts in Tours and then takes the D16 to Ussé, where the Loire passes before your very eyes. Stop in Ussé, whose otherworldly castle was the inspiration for Charles Perrault’s Sleeping Beauty the village at the confluence of the Vienne and the Loire the white stone houses of the former fishing port turn gold follow the curves of the Loire along the D952 as far as Bouchemaine Stretch your legs on the trail connecting Quai de Noé and the former bargees' village of La Pointe get back in your car and climb the hills between Rochefort-sur-Loire and Chalonnes-sur-Loire on the D751 Follow the brown road signs that indicate La Corniche Angevine there are panoramic vistas for far as your eyes can see take a short detour to drive the 14-kilometer-long island of Chalonnes one of the few Loire islands you can explore via cat Leave via the D210 and the René-Trottier bridge to see views of small villages stand out against the lush greenery and white sandbars bordering You’re heading to your last stop Saint-Florent-le-Vieil an oasis of narrow streets with vine-covered houses head to Mont-Glonne esplanade for one last breathtaking panorama from the abbey that stands proudly above the Loire Detour: Consider stopping in Bouchemaine to take a canoe trip down the Loire in Bouchemaine for a moment of disconnection on the river. You can hire one at the Nautical base, quai de la Noé From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance period and the nobility established their courts in the Loire Valley leaving thousands of monuments as their legacy but this drive takes you to the most exemplary examples First up, Château Royal de Blois This imposing castle is impossible to miss Each facade carries a different era: medieval Don’t miss the sound and light performance that lights each one at night from April to September On day two, head to Chambord An aura of delicateness emanates from its finely carved detail and dazzling whiteness Leonardo da Vinci's double spiral staircase will make your head spin Spend day three discovering Amboise. Alleys edged by half-timbered houses lead to the impressive castle The guards’ walkway offers the best viewpoint on the Loire you may find the secret gallery François I used to pay his visits to Leonardo da Vinci at the Clos Lucé This is where Joan of Arc met Charles VII during the Hundred Years' War The trip gives travelers the perfect chance to taste all the local specialties of the Loire Valley too rillauds (pork belly cooked in lard) near Angers There are plenty of opportunities to stop at castles like Chenonceau or Azay-le-Rideau while remaining on the main roads. Drive from Blois to Angers via the D952 Then avoid the motorway to Nantes and follow the D751 instead The beautiful countryside is punctuated by plenty of charming villages Detour: South of Chinon, check out Château de la Mothe Chandeniers. After losing its roof in a fire, the castle was neglected for years with vegetation allowed to grow inside. However, renovations since 2018 have brought it back to life. The Republic of Albania is a small country which borders the eastern side of the southern Adriatic Sea and looks towards Puglia It has one of the oldest winemaking histories in the world landlocked country at the southern end of the Eurasian Caucasus – the mountainous region between Europe and Asia Austria is enjoying a renaissance as a modern wine producing nation Grüner Veltliner and Riesling are the flag bearers Azerbaijan is a small country located in the Eurasian Caucasus As in neighboring Georgia winemaking here appears to date back thousands of years Better known for its vodka and grain spirit-based production than wine Belarus is a landlocked country in the north of Eastern Europe Belgium is better known for its traditional abbey-brewed beers than its wines but this small northern European country does produce a small quantity of wine each vintage Bosnia-Herzegovina is a country in the east of southern Europe also referred to as Bosnia and Herzegovina It does not produce a significant quantity of wine although it does have a few thousand acres of productive vineyards Bulgaria has a long history of viticulture and its modern wine industry is introducing regions The Crimea is a peninsula in Eastern Europe almost entirely surrounded by the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov dating back at least to the classical Greek period Croatia has been making wine for well over two thousand years the last three decades have seen a steady rise in quality The Mediterranean island of Cyprus lies 50 miles off the coast of Turkey In wine terms it is best known for the dessert wine Commandaria a wider range of styles and grape varieties are coming to the fore the western half of the former Czechoslovakia is better known for its beer than its wine though the latter is also produced in reasonable quantities Denmark is one of the three northern European countries which make up Scandinavia The brewing of beer dominates production of alcoholic beverages Estonia is a country in the Baltic region of northern Europe far north of the latitudes in which grapes can reliably ripen and the nation is better known for its beers and vodkas Finland is a northern European country located on the eastern side of the Scandinavian Peninsular The majority of alcoholic beverages produced in Finland are beers and spirits distilled from grain France is arguably the wine world's most important country and home to famed regions such as Bordeaux For centuries it has produced wine in a wide variety of styles in greater quantity than any other country Georgia is one of the world’s oldest winemaking countries The red grape Saperavi and the white grape Rkatsiteli are the key varieties grown here Germany's best Rieslings are some of the greatest whites in the world while fine wines are also made from a number of other red and white grape varieties Beer brewing is also a key part of the culture here Greece has been home to a winemaking industry for at least three thousand years Nowadays it combines tradition with modernity using both native and international grape varieties Hungary's wine industry is best known for Tokaj and Bull's Blood But its wine portfolio is much broader in terms of wine styles Iceland is an island nation in the North Atlantic Ocean located around 900 kilometers (550 miles) north of Scotland's Orkney Islands There is little chance of successful viticulture being carried out on the volcanic island Ireland is an island off the west coast of Britain The following description majors on the beverages produced in the Republic of Ireland It has a rich and diverse wine heritage and a bewildering diversity of both grape varieties and wine styles Kosovo is a region of south-eastern Europe once an autonomous province within the former Yugoslavia Kosovo had a substantial acreage of productive wine-bearing vineyards Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe The country once held the Guinness World Record as the world's most northerly commercial open-air vineyard known as Vina kalns ('wine hill') Liechtenstein is a tiny country hidden away among the Alps the country's most noteworthy vineyard is terraced into a rocky outcrop topped by the 1000-year-old Schloss Gutenberg Lithuania is a country in Northern Europe between Belarus and the Baltic Sea bordered by Latvia to the north and Poland to the south The country's best known alcoholic produce is its vodka Luxembourg (officially the 'Grand Duchy of Luxembourg') is a small nation in northern Europe covering just over 2,500 square kilometers (960sq miles) Only 1 percent of this is given over to viticulture Malta is a small island (25 miles / 40m long) in the central Mediterranean Ocean just 80km (50 miles) south of Sicily Viniculture here dates back to the early 16th Century when the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem arrived on the island bringing with them centuries of winemaking tradition Moldova is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe and one of several former Soviet states in this region Moldova ranks among the most significant wine regions of Eastern Europe Montenegro is a small country on the western side of the Balkan Peninsula The wine industry here is best known for its intense deeply colored red wine made from the Vranac grape variety The Netherlands is a country in northern Europe The latter is the name of the ancient county in the western Netherlands Norway is a Nordic country located on the western side of the Scandinavian Peninsula but it also borders Finland and Russia at its far-northern edges is a new and perhaps surprising addition to the list of wine-producing nations Although viniculture is very much in its infancy here and has yet to make any mark on international markets But in the last decade or two it has gained acclaim for its new wave of rich with reds from the Douro Valley particularly prominent Romania lies at the crossroads between Central Europe and South-eastern Europe Its wine industry makes use of a broad portfolio of indigenous and international red and white grape varieties Russia is the largest country in the world covering over 17 million square kilometers (6.5 million square miles) although only the country's southernmost lands are capable of supporting quality viticulture is geographically the largest of the former Yugoslav states Serbian wine is not often seen on international markets although there is no question that the country has the potential to produce world-class wines Slovakia's vineyards are mostly clustered around Bratislava and scattered eastwards along the border with Hungary The eastern fringe of the Tokaj wine region lies in Slovakia Slovenia is a small European country with a long history of wine production Despite the cultural and political turmoil that has besieged the Balkan states over the past century one which has been particularly successful since the country gained independence from former Yugoslavia Spain is home to more hectares of vineyards than any other country and has a national wine output exceeded only by France and Italy Though a wide range of wine styles are made Tempranillo is by far the dominant grape variety Sweden is a country located on the Scandinavian Peninsula in northern Europe Winemaking here is very much in its infancy making up a fraction of one percent of the nation's total alcohol production Switzerland is not widely known as a wine-producing nation largely because the Swiss keep much of their output to themselves The white Chasselas grape is the specialty here Turkey may well be where wine production first began Today the country grows more grapes than almost any country on earth The United Kingdom is best known for its beer It also has a small wine industry which has undergone recent expansion particularly with respect to sparkling wine production Ukraine is a large Eastern European country with a long but potted history of wine production although the country is more readily associated to the production of grain-based spirits (horilka) Canada is famous for its high-quality ice wines but powerful Cabernet blends and aromatic dry Rieslings are also key features in the country's wine portfolio But wine has been made here for longer than anywhere else in the Americas The Vitis vinifera vine came to Mexico with the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th Century The United States is home to many quality wine regions though its global reputation still rides on the success of California and the Napa Valley in particular Whiskey distilling and beer brewing are both integral parts of American culture Argentina is the largest producer of wine in South America its principal grape variety; in recent decades they have together risen to global prominence Bolivia has an extreme high-altitude wine industry in which around 75 percent of production is devoted to red wine its winemaking origins date back to the 16th Century arrival of the Spanish Brazil has a burgeoning wine industry led by its sparkling wines though Cachaça is still its best known export beverage Chile occupies a thin strip down the western coast South America and is home to an enviable variety of wine terroirs and styles it is best known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Colombia is situated at the north-western corner of South America though the country's rum has a higher profile Ecuador lies on the Pacific coast of northern South America There are only a few hundred hectares of vineyards; rum and beer are produced in much greater volumes Guyana is a country located on the Atlantic coast of northern South America It is well-known for its production of rum and cultivation of sugarcane Spanish-speaking country in central South America The country is more famous for its rum than its wines alhough it does produce more than seven million liters (1.85 million US gallons) of wine each year Peru is a Spanish-speaking nation in western South America Suriname is a country on the north-eastern coast of South America but a small amount of winemaking does in fact take place Uruguay is the fourth-largest wine-producing country in South America Wine grapes have been grown here for more than 250 years although commercial vineyards were first established in the second half of the 19th Century in terms of production of alcoholic beverages The bottlings from Diplomático and Ron Santa Teresa have gained particular acclaim around the world Belize is a small country on the eastern (Mediterranean) coast of Central America The Caribbean is not known for its wines (grape vines do not thrive in the tropical climate) though the region is the undisputed home of rum Costa Rica is a country in Central America and sits on the isthmus between Panama (to the south) and Nicaragua (to the north) The country's key alcoholic beverages are beer and rum Guatemala is a small country in Central America Although it is far from competing with Jamaica sugarcane and the rum produced from it are some of Guatemala's main exports Given Nicaragua's location at the western edge of the Caribbean it is hardly surprising that its key alcohol production comes from sugar famous as the land link between North America and South America It is also home to one of the world's largest tropical rainforests Australia is a leading wine producing country its climatic and geographical range offers versatility Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay lead the way Fiji is an island country in the South Pacific Ocean There are over 330 islands (110 are inhabited) plus many hundreds more islets New Zealand is known globally for its aromatic Sauvignon Blanc whites but it also makes a range of acclaimed cool-climate wines from Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to Bordeaux blends and Syrah Norfolk Island is a tiny island located in the Pacific Ocean located almost exactly half-way between New Caledonia and the northern tip of New Zealand Although technically part of the Commonwealth of Australia (Sydney lies 1050 miles / 1700km to the south-west) the island has a high level of self-governance is one of the world's least-known wine regions grape wine is made on this tropical island China vies with several countries as the world's sixth largest producer of wine by volume Its best producers are gaining international recognition India is a rapidly emerging wine economy in terms of both production and consumption with the potential to become a significant player Whisky and spirits distillation has a longer history Indonesia is a Southeast Asian country made up of 33 provinces spread across more than 13,000 individual islands there are wines made in Indonesia: not from imported must or juice but from grapes grown in the island's small number of vineyards though its modern industry has mostly developed in the last few decades The Judean Foothills and Galilee are the largest regions though grape wine has been made there for several centuries Beer and whisky production have also become established in the last hundred years Jordan is a country in the Middle East (or Western Asia as it is officially labeled by the UN) bordered by Iraq and Iran to the east The country takes its name from the Jordan river which since biblical times has been a vital source of water in this desert area Kazakhstan is a large trans-continental country: the vast majority of it lies in Asia but its western extremities cross over into eastern Europe Though it has a very long history of wine production vodka is the principal alcohlic beverage here Lebanon has an ancient wine culture and a modern industry dating from the 19th century Its vineyards are concentrated mostly in the Bekaa Valley The Republic of Myanmar (or Burma) produces a minute quantity of wine unlikely as that might seem to the outsider in this hot has been home to tiny plantings of wine-producing vines since the late 20th Century The high-altitude Himalayan climate is not particularly suited to Vitis vinifera vines so local wines are made from a combination of honey The Philippines is a complex group of islands in Southeast Asia indigenous wines are produced from a variety of fermented crops including fruit South Korea is a country at the far eastern extremity of East Asia situated on a large peninsula which juts southwards from north-eastern China Sri Lanka is an island off the southern tip of India Syria is a mid-sized country in the western Middle East (also known as the Near East) situated between the eastern edge of the Mediterranean Sea and the deserts of Iraq is located at the centre of the Indochina Peninsula there are also a number of rum producers with the wine industry beginning to gain international notice Vietnam is one of a number of East Asian countries which have appeared on the wine radar since the turn of the century Although its growth is far from rapid and nowhere near as dramatic as that of neighboring China Vietnam's wine production is steadily increasing Algeria is a large country in the Maghreb geographical region of north-west Africa Though an Islamic nation it has a remarkably extensive area under vine Though today much of this focuses on table grape production it is still the second largest wine producer in Africa Cape Verde (officially Cabo Verde) is a small archipelago nation off the coast of West Africa originally colonized by settlers from Portugal in the 15th Century and has a long history of wine production Egypt is home to some of the oldest winemaking traditions on Earth Madagascar is a large island off the south-east coast of Africa it lies almost entirely within the southern tropics creating an ideal climate for sugarcane cultivation and rum maturation Mauritius is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean about 2000 kilometers off the south-east coast of Africa the country has a long history of rum production Morocco's wine industry retains a strong French influence over six decades from independence bordered by the southern Atlantic Ocean to the west South Africa to the south and Botswana to the east produces only very small quantities of grape wine Wines made from pineapples or palm sap are more common in this tropical nation Pinotage and Chenin Blanc have been its signatures Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are also widely planted despite not having an international reputation as a wine producer is actually home to the second largest wine producing region in Sub-Saharan Africa (after South Africa) The history of wine production in the country is relatively recent and roughly grew in tandem with the independence of Tanganyika and its merger with Zanzibar in the 1960s Tunisia is a North African country with a long (if not consistent) history of wine production Despite being a predominantly Muslim country the wine industry here makes over 40 million liters of wine per year and there is no cultural tradition of winemaking have at least one producer making wine from hibiscus flowers Zimbabwe is rarely cited as a wine region of note the southern African nation's wine industry has been gradually growing and evolving This page is currently under development as we change its function Read about the best known regional styles and find the most popular signature style wines Chinon is the appellation covering wines produced around the historic town of Chinon, in the central Loire Valley This area has been producing wine for many centuries and although wines of all three colors are made there the focus is now very clearly on red wines The typical, quintessential Chinon wine is tannic, leafy, berry-scented and made from the Cabernet Franc grape variety. Small quantities of crisp white Chenin Blanc wines are also made but white and rosé wines account for just ten percent of total production in the appellation Chinon covers 26 communes in the Indre-et-Loire administrative department The region lies at the western end of the department clustered for a radius of roughly 20km (12 miles) around Chinon town on the southern (right) bank of the Loire river as it flows east to west The Chinon vineyard area also overlaps the western end of the Touraine appellation, sitting either side of the northwest-flowing Vienne river (which also flows through Chinon town) on its way to join the Loire on the very western border of the Indre-et-Loire. Chinon is also just a few kilometers from the easternmost vineyards of the adjacent district, Anjou The strong focus on red wines separates Chinon and its neighbor Bourgueil (on the opposite, northern side of the Loire river to Chinon) somewhat from the rest of the Touraine. Because of this, the pair often get classed together with nearby Saumur (and particularly Saumur-Champigny) just across the administrative boundary in Maine-et-Loire being the only Loire winegrowing zones with any great emphasis on red wine Red Chinon wines vary in style from light-bodied and fruity (similar in many ways to good Beaujolais) to middleweight wines with well-structured tannins and complex notes of undergrowth The latter style might be compared to Franc-dominant wines from the cooler parts of Bordeaux Chinon is one of the more straightforward appellations in terms of wine composition with Cabernet Franc listed as the main variety for red and rosé wines Cabernet Sauvignon can be present in up to 10 percent of any red wine vineyard and while its proportion in any red or rosé blend is not stipulated White Chinon wines can only be produced from Chenin Blanc In line with the quintessentially French notion of terroir Chinon reds strongly reflect the soil in which the vines were grown The soils around Chinon can be divided roughly into three key types Both the gravel-sand and clay-sand soils close to the banks of the Loire generate lighter while those hillside sites rich in the local "tuffeau jaune" produce more full-bodied darker spicier wines with more cellaring potential The tuffeau mentioned above is a yellowish sedimentary rock characteristic of the Loire region where it was formed roughly 90 million years ago during the Turonian era (which was named after Touraine) This fragile rock – a combination of sand and marine fossils – is highly porous meaning that it absorbs water rapidly but disseminates it slowly This is ideal for high-quality viticulture as it draws excess moisture away from vine roots during rainy periods, but releases much-needed water reserves during dry spells. It also plays a key role in the terroir of neighboring Saumur Viticulture in the Chinon region likely dates back to the gallo-roman era with Chinon's position on the Vienne river just upstream from its confluence with the Loire The first known mention of wine in the region dates back to the 11th Century references a landholder in Chinon who decides to take his wine by boat to Nantes in a bid to get a better price for it With the ascendance of the Plantagenet dynasty to the English throne in the late 12th and early 13th Century, the wines of Chinon were found in court (the family had its origins in the area). It is believed the Cabernet Franc variety had already made its way into the region from its origins in the South West/Bordeaux area likely via boat along the coast to Nantes (whence it got its archaic synonym: Breton) and then up the Loire river The reputation of Chinon's wines was significantly boosted by public praise from Renaissance scholar and playwright Francois Rabelais the play's eponymous hero states: "I know where Chinon lies having myself drunk there many a glass of cool wine" the author even references Cabernet Franc: "this good Breton wine which doesn't grow in Brittany but in this good land of Véron [the Chinon region]" Statues of Rabelais can be seen in both Chinon and Tours and the region's Université Francois Rabelais is named in his honor Chinon is formally named an appellation in July 1937 with 550 hectares (1460 acres) then under vine Now the region boasts 2400 hectares (5900 acres) of vineyard around 170 winegrowers and an average annual production of 10 million liters of wine Around 84 percent of production is geared to red wines with rosé accounting for 12 percent and white wines the remaining four percent so we don’t condone violence here at DBR – no siree fighting’s bad – but every now and again a left hook/right cross combo will help get your point across effectively In this clip from the 1998 125GP at Chateau-du-Loir France’s Luigi Seguy comes off worst after an exchange of opinions with British firebrand Jon Pettit The French judges probably would have scored a narrow win for the home hero so Jon made sure to put the result beyond doubt Dirt Bike Rider is an award-winning magazine and has been the home of motocross since 1981 Contact us: admin@wwonline.co.uk and heart-wrenchingly beautiful landscapes11 November 2009iStockAn epicurean heaven Henry James described the Loire as 'the land of Rabelais of Balzac as well as good dinners and good houses' in A Little Tour in France he was no doubt referring to the region's superlative food and wine The sweetness of life in the Loire Valley has long been renowned - as proof there have been royal residences here since the Middle Ages - and there is still an abundance of good things: fish from the Loire excellent charcuterie from Tours and famed goat's cheeses from Chavignol built in 1860 by a publishing magnate with aristocratic pretensions Its estate runs to 75 acres of woodland and two lakes Not all the guestrooms are in the main house but the garden pavilions have been carefully designed to reflect vernacular styles François I's 440-room pleasure palace Its chief glory is the two-Michelin-starred restaurant All of the above are members of Relais & Châteaux (00 800 2000 0002) you can stay on private estates in the Loire CHATEAU DE MARCAY Chinon (00 33 2 47 93 03 47; www.chateaudemarcay.com) The menu features such exotic masterpieces as cochon de lait with honey smoked chillies and a confit of celery and tomatoes LES HAUTES ROCHES 86 quai de la Loire, Rochecorbon (00 33 2 47 52 88 88; www.leshautesroches.com) Try the John Dory with artichokes and girolles or the rack of lamb with fennel wrapped in a strong local ham the crème brûlèe topped with raspberries and little tuile baskets of lemon ice cream is delicious CHATEAU DE NOIZAY Route de Chancay, Noizay (00 33 2 47 52 11 01; www.chateaudenoizay.com) The regional menu includes such local specialities as purèed lettuce a strongly flavoured local chicken called a géline DOMAINE DES HAUTS DE LOIRE Route de Herbault, Onzain (00 33 2 54 20 72 57; www.domainehautsloire.com) The chief glory of this Relais & Châteaux hotel is its superb two-Michelin-starred restaurant The dishes sound modest but are delicious; risotto of pearl barley and chives lightly smoked sea bass in a delicate saffron sauce with leeks The capital town of the Loire valley and the Touraine region It is the obvious Touraine base for notable châteaux including Villandry as well as the celebrated wine-producing towns of Vouvray and Bourgeuil PARC DES MINI-CHATEAUX If you don't have time for all the sights an afternoon here will cover the rest of the region's prime architectural specimens in not much more than an hour The park contains impressively detailed scale models of 41 châteaux set among accurate reductions of their grounds VILLANDRY Even if gardens aren't your thing those belonging to the château in this tiny village are well worth a visit Situated 13km west of Tours along the Cher this meticulously recreated Renaissance garden is almost a tapestry of that period one that changes with the months and only fades in winter CHATEAU DE CHENONCEAU Twenty kilometres southeast of Tours the Château de Chenonceau is indisputably the most beautiful and the most photographed of the Renaissance châteaux another slow-flowing tributary of the Loire with gardens of scented roses and a more challenging maze than Villandry's the River Cher marked the boundary between free and occupied France so the château and its drawbridge became an important escape route Its history was also dominated by powerful women Its original design was supervised by one Katherine Briconnet then added to by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici (wife of Henry II) and saved during the French Revolution by George Sand's grandmother manufacturers of the superior cooking chocolate AZAY-LE-RIDEAU The exquisite exterior is one of the loveliest in the Loire The château seems to rise out of the River Indre since it has almost all the 16th-century Loire royalty BLOIS CHATEAU All six kings of the 16th century spent time at Blois In the early 19th century it was given to Louis XVIII's brother to keep him away from Paris to the Flamboyant Gothic east wing of Louis XII and the Italianate north wing of François I CHATEAU DE CHAMBORD Francois I's 440-room "hunting lodge" is the largest of the Loire châteaux and one of the most extravagant commissions of its age to outshine the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V Its uncompromising construction even involved diverting the River Cosson to accommodate the grand plan with a flotilla of boats flanked either side by some of the country's most cherished buildings and cultural gems with the entire French territory populated with historical buildings and unique landscapes spare some extra time to visit the rest of France: print this article or take your notebook and write down some of the places below - you'll love to visit them This is a non-exhaustive and subjective list given the multitude of other exceptional places to visit in France 🥇","event":null,"destination_url":"","entry_point_tag":"base","entry_point_type":"instory_campaign"}" data-tracking="click" href="https://www.olympics.com/en/sign-in?entry_point_type=instory_campaign&entry_point_tag=base&template=base&origin=https%3A%2F%2Folympics.com%2Fen%2Folympic-channel" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Olympic Membership - Free Live Stream Sports & Original Series - join now Chenonceau Castle (Indre-et-Loire): 16th century castle listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Amboise Royal Castle (Indre-et-Loire): 15th century castle Guédelon Castle (Yonne): the site of a fortified castle built using methods from the Middle Ages that started in 1997 Place Stanislas in Nancy (Meurthe-et-Moselle): a classic urban spot listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1983 Garabit Viaduct (Cantal): 19th century bridge designed and built by Gustave Eiffel a few years before the Eiffel Tower Chauvet Cave - Pont d'Arc (Ardèche): discovered in 1994 and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this cave contains Paleolithic paintings estimated to be more than 30,000 years old The Nîmes Arena (Gard): a Roman amphitheatre which dates back to the first century AD and is widely-considered one of the best-preserved antique arenas in the world Château d'If (Bouches-du-Rhône): a fortress built in the 16th century located off the coast of Marseilles made famous by Alexandre Dumas’ novel "The Count of Monte Cristo" The alignments of Carnac (Morbihan): a site with thousands of menhirs (megalithic stones) which were built between the 5th and 7th millennia BC Provins (Seine-et-Marne): a historic site from the Middle Ages which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site Belfort Citadel (Territory of Belfort): a historic site built in the Middle Ages and expanded in the 19th century Najac (Aveyron): a picturesque town located in the French commune of Aveyron with six monuments listed in France’s historical monuments Palais Idéal du facteur Cheval (Drôme): 'The Postman Cheval's Ideal Palace' is a classified historical monument built by a postman between 1879 and 1912 The Route des Grands Crus de Bourgogne (Côte d'Or): a 60km-long tourist route which weaves through 37 vineyards Oradour-sur-Glane (Haute-Vienne): a historic village and location of a wartime massacre La Rochelle (Charente-Maritime): located on the Atlantic coast the fortified port dates back to the 14th and 15th centuries Saint-Cirq-Lapopie (Lot): a picture-perfect region in Lot and home to the Causses du Quercy Regional Natural Park Saint-Antonin-Noble-Val (Tarn-et-Garonne): a commune listed among the Great Sites of the Occitanie region Pays Cathare (Occitanie): offers breathtaking views in the Aude region Gouffre de Padirac (Lot): a natural cave with an underground river flowing 100m below the surface Rocamadour (Lot): get your cameras ready for this local area highlighted by the association of the Most Beautiful Villages of France Dune of Pilat (Gironde): the highest sand dune in Europe overlooking the Atlantic Ocean and the Arcachon Basin Cordes-sur-Ciel (Tarn): a commune listed in the association of the Most Beautiful Villages of France and voted France's Favourite Village in the TV show of the same name Armistice Memorial in Rethondes (Oise): dedicated to the armistice at the end of World War I Festival of Lights in Lyon (Rhône): an annual event where light installations are projected onto numerous buildings in the city Avignon Festival (Vaucluse): a famous month-long annual festival of theatre and other live performances Rencontres de la Photographie in Arles (Bouches-du-Rhône): an international photography festival Mucem (Bouches-du-Rhône): Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations in Marseille Musée des Confluences in Lyon (Rhône): a museum of natural history located where two famous rivers meet Music Day (France): celebrations and concerts take place throughout the French territory on 21 June of each year Musée des Impressionnismes (Eure): museum dedicated to the impressionist movement located in Giverny home of its most famous resident Claude Monnet FRANCE - DECEMBER 04: For four nights over 70 light installations will create a magical atmosphere in the streets squares and parks all over the city and millions of visitors both French and from abroad will enjoy the friendly and joyful spirit of this unique event on December 4 La Chaîne of the Puys (Puy-de-Dôme): chain of 80 volcanos listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Vichy (Allier): a spa resort listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site Pink Granite Coast (Côtes d’Armor): coastline with pink rock formations more than 3,000 years old Loire Estuary (Loire-Atlantique): preserved wetlands Salt marshes of Guérande (Loire-Atlantique): an area spanning 50 km2 that has produced salt for thousands of years Var): a river canyon 25km in length with 700m cliffs Parc naturel régional du Luberon (Vaucluse and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence): mediterranean mountain with multiple picturesque villages Gorges de l’Ardèche (Ardèche): a 30-kilometre canyon with limestone cliffs overlooking the Ardèche river Cirque de Gavarnie (Hautes-Pyrénées): a picture-perfect valley in the central Pyrenees Gorges de l’Aveyron (Tarn-et-Garonne and Aveyron): a series of gorges registered as part of the Great Sites of the Occitanie region Jura lakes (Jura): 70 lakes famed for their astonishing beauty and connected by a 93-mile road with panoramic views Picture by 2018 Getty ImagesCHAMONIX-MONT-BLANC FRANCE - FEBRUARY 25: Alpine skiers ski down a piste at La Flegere ski resort as the Mont Blanc summit is seen in the distance on February 25 The French Alps are a popular destination for skiers and climbers Several visitors have fallen to their deaths while skiing or snowboarding off piste just in recent weeks Basilique Notre-Dame-du-Port de Clermont-Ferrand (Puy-de-Dôme): a 12th century Romanesque basilica and a UNESCO World Heritage Site Notre-Dame de l’Assomption de Clermont Cathedral (Puy-de-Dôme): a 13th century Gothic cathedral Notre-Dame du Puy-en-Velay Cathedral (Haute-Loire): a 13th century Romanesque cathedral and a UNESCO World Heritage Site Abbey of Fontenay (Côte d'Or): the oldest preserved Cistercian abbey Notre-Dame de La Charité-sur-Loire Priory (Yonne): 11th century Romanesque priory and a UNESCO World Heritage Site are located – that is nicknamed ‘La Bonne Mère’ The TimesWhen it comes to a holiday across the Channel the choice is endless: bucolic countryside with time-warp villages coastal road trips with gourmet restaurants you then face the big question: where to stay service and comfort of a hotel or B&B can make or break a holiday and so there is pressure in making the right choice A simple pension may be enough as a place to lay your head after a day exploring; or the hotel may be the destination itself a place so special there’s almost no need to venture beyond its door or expansive grounds Then there are the places that mark the start or end of your holiday Did you know you can book a room — or an entire castle — for the night HomeToGo which claims to be the world's largest holiday rental site has rounded up some of the top castles in Europe available to book through its search engine We've ranked the castles below in ascending order by the cheapest price per night From the Scottish highlands to beautiful Tuscany scroll down to find the castle that fits your budget Step back into history when you enter your one-bedroom apartment in this medieval fortress set in the heart of a cork oak forest in Southern Spain Castello Costaguti has an armory floor and a pool to relax under the Italian sun with one-bedroom apartments boasting views of the surrounding countryside cozy Irishman's Tower is an idyllic rural retreat and the perfect base for exploring the local Lancashire countryside Part of a large estate comprising vineyards and olive trees in the heart of the Chianti region, this castle dates back to the 12th century It was restored in the 17th century by the noble family of Acciaioli Find out more here. Located a short distance from the breathtaking Lake Maggiore Your one-bedroom apartment will feature a spacious kitchen Perfectly situated for short trips to Florence and other famous destinations in Tuscany the Castello di Mugnana is a beautiful medieval castle dating back over 1,000 years two bathrooms apartment at Vernantes is surrounded by woods The Chateau d'Esparron is a listed historic building built in the 13th century In addition to its interesting architecture guests can enjoy the nearby Esparron Lake or take a walk through the lavender fields as a break from their one bedroom the residence of Duchess Anne of Clermont-Tonnerre even welcomes horses for a full knight-like feel.  Live like a royal in this Italian castle's 32-metre-high tower surrounded by nature and located near the beautiful and historical Assisi town the Chateau du Breuil boasts a 120 square metre apartment and breathtaking views of the Indre river and nature surrounding the castle Find out more here. Chateau d'Avaray sits in the heart of the golden triangle of the Loire châteaux — Chambord Found out more here. Situated in the beautiful Pays de la Loire region this French castle offers an original and luxurious holiday The Tour d'Aligre is one of the many castles in the French Eure-et-Loir region A luxury stay offers a heated pool and sport facilities the Chateau de Goudourville has a truly medieval atmosphere With stunning views over the River Tay in Scotland this self-catering castle is an ideal base for guests who enjoy golfing or simply relaxing with friends and family Dunskey Castle is an impeccably maintained 100-year-old Scottish home with fine period furniture and baronial features you can have a snooker game after some rowing on the nearby water a two-hour drive from the iconic Mont Saint Michel the Chateau de Tocqueville will offer you the peace and relaxation kings and queens deserve situated on the northern tip of Upper Lough Erne in Northern Ireland Belle Isle is a 470-acre estate spread over eight picturesque islands I had to pinch myself when I received an invitation from Aston Martin to attend the worldwide launch of the DBS Volante the itinerary for the week long program read like a location shoot for the next James Bond film + 94 Photos + 94 Photos “Arrive in London on Emirates A380 (top deck no less) chauffeur driven to the Hotel Du Vin in Tunbridge Wells Collect your DBS Volante the next morning and drive to Le Mans with stops at the Royal Champagne Hotel in Reims and transfers to The House of Louis Roederer for dinner with dignitaries Lunch with Stirling Moss and the Aston Martin Owners Club at the Hotel de France transfers to Chateau du Grand Luce and dinner at Club Tertre Rouge…” The airport taxi was a beautifully appointed Mercedes-Benz S- Class and while I can’t deny it was a superb ride that won’t do once Aston launches its four-door Rapide supercar later this year which may well provide a substantially faster service with superior handling and materials I was in a hurry to catch my first glimpse of what is the world’s most beautiful convertible I also needed to recalibrate my body clock for an early departure to France in what I hoped would be a manual DBS Volante Backed up against a wall of ivy at the hotel entrance were five gleaming Aston Martin DBS Volantes and one of them was mine This really is a seriously good-looking car and if James Bond ever quits MI6 and moves to Cap Ferrat in the South of France you can bet he’ll be driving a DBS Volante to the Casino de Monaco each night I’d put money down here and now that Aston Martin will never do a folding metal hardtop on any two-door car it builds Proper sports cars simply must have that soft-top look the real essence of open-air motoring is watered down they’ll have none of that up at Aston Martin HQ in Gaydon For those of you who will need the roof raised from time to time don’t be at all concerned that your DBS Volante will somehow look ordinary like many other prestige examples I could name that you can still hold a conversation with your front seat passenger at speed and without resorting to the use of sign language I’m the first to admit I’m a big fan of paddle shifters on anything that remotely resembles a performance car but the silky smooth shift action of this six-speed ZF gearbox in the DBS Volante I found myself changing up and down through the gear ratios unnecessarily + 94 Photos There is such an even spread of the car’s substantial torque output that you can sit in sixth all day long and the car will happily accelerate from less than 100km/h to double that speed in seconds It makes life easy when you’re sitting on a motorway for hours on end + 94 Photos that your hair (should you be lucky enough to still have a tuft or two) will remain largely in place as the air turbulence stays largely outside of the cabin When I saw Aston Martin’s design director trying to drive inside of what looked like a standard issue passenger carriage three Volantes were inside a carriage literally millimetres from each other where we sat and ate croissants for 35 minutes until it was time to exit the train onto French soil Driving across rural France in warm sunshine through scores of delightful little French villages is a rare treat in itself but behind the wheel of Aston Martin’s flagship convertible It’s nimble through the tight sections too but a quick dollop of the throttle and you’re flying if you intend ripping into the French countryside at a respectable pace in a DBS Volante then can I suggest you light up the track button which automatically set the dampers to their stiffest positions and yes Perhaps it’s been too long since I’ve driven the smaller Vantage Roadster at this kind of pace the Volante feels every bit as composed through the bends as its smaller sibling I’m not treating the car any different to a Vantage on these back roads and I’m pushing it harder and harder and still the big car is superglued to the road Once you’re well and truly outside the village perimeter and the tachometer needle is nudging 4000rpm only then can you fully appreciate the aural delights of topless motoring in a V12 from Aston Martin Before long we had arrived at the Royal Champagne Hotel perched on the mountains surrounding Reims and overlooking vineyards it was my turn to play passenger and soak up the fact that I was kicking back in the world’s sexiest drop top and the weather was perfect there is loads of leg and shoulder room up front in the Volante for folks taller than I there are two miniature size pews in the rear for emergency school pick-ups full grain leather interior with Alcantara headlining has a Savile Row look and finish about it but it’s all exactly as you would find in the DBS Coupe Now I had a set of quick shifting paddles to play with in the automatic version of the DBS Volante and things were about to move decidedly up-tempo If you can’t be bothered with the paddles then just engage the sports mode and those rapid fire gearshifts further up the rev counter will happen automatically as it allowed me to focus on a few high speed overtakes on narrow roads as we made our way towards Le Mans and the iconic Hotel de France to meet Sir Stirling Moss that’s if lunch wasn’t over already + 94 Photos What caught my eye was the beautifully maintained black Aston Martin DB3 from 1952 While the car didn’t do so well in competition it did pave the way for the DB3S and later on the Le Mans winning DBR1 in 1959 which I would feast my eyes on soon enough my time in the DBS Volante had come to an end just three hours prior to the start of the 2009 24 HEURES DU MANS in front of more than 250,000 motor sport worshippers + 94 Photos Race day was particularly warm as we drove our designated cars to the Le Mans track desperately trying to avoid hundreds impatient spectators in cars and on scooters who were determined to make the start of the race no matter what collateral damage they might cause on the way French race officials seem to operate in a controlled chaos kind of state and although we were due to drive a lap at midday precisely; the call was made to be sitting in the cars ready to roll by 11am + 94 Photos on this particular day they were unusually well organised but a small price to pay as we soon on a lap at Le Mans in front of a massive crowd eager to catch a glimpse of Aston Martin’s latest creation + 94 Photos it was time to get busy watching Aston Martin and its three Le Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1) cars do battle with Peugeot and Audi No one expected the small budget team to do anything spectacular against the mega budget teams from France and Germany + 94 Photos Its not that those teams were without passion and commitment but not nearly as much as the guys and girls wearing the Aston Martin Racing gear What I witnessed in and around the pits was obsession with the 007 car coming in fourth ahead of a bunch of Audi's and Peugeots + 94 Photos I think you'd be a brave person to wager against Aston Martin finishing on the podium at Le Mans next year + 94 Photos 2010 Aston Martin DBS Volante - Manufacturers List Price A$535,350.00 plus on-roads (includes GST & LCT) Copyright Drive.com.au 2025ABN: 84 116 608 158 all prices are shown as Manufacturer's Recommended List Price (MRLP) inclusive of GST Known as the Garden of France, the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that enchants visitors with fairy-tale like castles It’s no wonder it’s considered one of the best places to visit in France From the grandiose castle of Chambord to the vineyards in the Loire Valley here is everything you need to know about the Loire Valley including how to make a day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley the best castles to visit in the Loire Valley Below is a map of the Loire Valley showing the most popular cities and châteaux The Loire Valley has something to offer all year round if you want to get the most out of your holiday and enjoy the châteaux’s beauty both inside and out the best time to visit the Loire Valley is in late spring and summer During mid May and early June you’ll get to fully experience both the beauty of the châteaux and the gardens as the days get longer the crowds are significantly smaller than in high season The Loire Valley is in full swing from June to early September This time of the year also brings in the crowds so expect longer lines than in the shoulder season The weather can also be very hot and unbearable at times especially if you are considering cycling through the Loire Valley The Loire Valley is a charming and magical region in France and you can easily spend months exploring its beauty two or three days in the Loire Valley region is a good amount of time to get a nice glimpse of the area and see the popular châteaux without getting burnt-out Along with châteaux, there are castles worth visiting. Aim to hit about two or three each day, more than that will be overkill, plus there is more to the Loire Valley than castles. See the things to do in the Loire Valley section Here is a suggested 2-3 day itinerary for the Loire Valley You can also visit the Loire Valley on a day trip from Paris, either on your own or on a guided tour (more on that here) rather it’s a region along the Loire River which spans 170 miles so before discussing how to get Loire Valley you must first know which castles you want to see and where you will base yourself The main cities people stay in when exploring the Loire Valley are Tours Here are the closest châteaux near the cities mentioned above If you are looking to visit the four C’s (Chaumont; Chambord; Cheverny, Chenonceau) which are the most popular châteaux, it is recommended to stay in Blois. It’s also convenient to start from Blois if you are considering doing a day trip to Loire Valley from Paris as you can see at least 2 of the popular castles here are the best ways to get from Paris to the Loire Valley The fastest way to get from Paris to the Loire Valley is by train. France is well connected by a  network of trains which are both efficient and fast (TGV). You can purchase tickets in advance online on the official website It is highly recommended to book well in advance to get the cheapest price Prices can be as low as €10 or as high as €90 Renting a car is the most convenient way to see the Loire Valley Castles and see as many or as few castles as you please without feeling rushed You can rent a car from Paris and it will take between 2 and 3 hours to get to the Loire Valley depending on your final destination to avoid traffic jams and the chaos of driving out of Paris See information above on how to get from Paris to the Loire Valley by train You can compare car rental deals and find the cheapest prices at Rentalcars.com an aggregation site that searches and displays prices and availability from hundreds of car rental companies so that you can be sure of getting the best possible car for your budget you can take the stress out of planning and leave everything up to the professionals No need to figure out how to get around or what to see nor will you find yourself wandering around castles aimlessly without any background knowledge Guided tours to Loire Valley are also a great option if you’re limited on time There are several great tours from Paris including full day trips where you see 2-3 castles; as well as multiple day tours where you get to fully experience the Loire Valley Here are a few highly rated day tours from Paris: It goes without saying that the best way to get around the Loire Valley is by car You have the freedom to move at your own pace and don’t need to depend on trains and buses to get you around A car also allows you to visit the lesser known castles It’s fairly easy to drive from castle to castle as roads are well paved and there are plenty of signs leading the way Cars can be rented from almost all the major cities, Tours, Amboise, Blois, and Orleans. Book your car rental early, especially if you are traveling during high season (June-September). You can check car rental rates here Cycle along the Loire River through villages, vineyards, and forests while going from one castle to the next on the La Loire à Vélo safe cycle route with great signage which connects Nevers to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins in France Prices start at €16 for classic bikes or €34 for electric bikes per day but prices drops if you rent for longer periods of time For routes, cycle itineraries, maps, and more information of cycling the Loire Valley, visit Les Châteaux à Vélo or the tourist office so figuring out the best accommodations in Loire Valley can be a daunting task where you can explore some impressive but lesser known castles like Meung-sur-Loire For a quieter and more charming alternative, Amboise or Blois is your place Amboise is the main tourist town in the Loire Valley and it’s also home to the Amboise Château and Clos Luce Manor is a bit less well known but perhaps the better option It is central and one of the best places to stay in Loire Valley to visit the 4 C’s (Chambord not to mention it’s home to the underrated Blois Château For the best deals on accommodation in the Loire Valley check out Booking.com or Hotels.com and interesting place to stay is in one of the smaller villages between Tours and Orleans where you can stay in charming hotels or better yet a château Below are some of the best châteaux to stay in the Loire Valley Another unique place to stay in the Loire Valley is in a troglodyte cave A troglodyte cave is built out of limestone and was once used as a wine cellar because of its low and consistent temperature many have been transformed into private residences and hotels Here are some of the best troglodytes in the Loire Valley Discover more troglodytes on Airbnb! Don’t forget to use our Airbnb coupon code to get $40 off With a combination of trains and buses, it’s very much possible to do a day trip from Paris to the Loire Valley Though you won’t see as much as if you stayed for a few days you can still see  some of the most popular castles It’s possible to visit the Loire Valley from Tours and Amboise by public transportation but it’s more convenient and less exhausting from Blois here are three options for seeing the Loire Valley as a day trip from Paris Please Note: The suggested itineraries are based on the 2019 shuttle bus and train schedules From Blois there is a shuttle bus, Navette Route 41 which takes you from the train station to Chambord and conveniently leaves you pretty much at the footsteps of all the castles Tickets cost €3 every time you get on and can only be purchased on the bus you can also get a €1-2 discount on the castle’s entrance fee however from April to November it mostly just runs on Wednesdays The shuttle corresponds with the 9:02am train from Paris Austerlitz and is designed so that you can visit Chambord in the morning and Cheverny in the evening with plenty of time in between to explore and have lunch Note: The last train departing for Paris leaves at 8:22pm (Gare Montparnasse) Alternatively, you can use the second shuttle, Navette Azalys to see Chaumont-sur-Loire Château The ticket costs €2.15 one way or €4.15 round trip and can be bought from the bus driver Your bus tickets also gives you up to €3.60 discount on the entrance fee to Chaumont-sur-Loire includes a lot more walking and isn’t the easiest With over three hundred castles to explore in the Loire Valley deciding which ones to visit can be a difficult task To help you figure out which castles are worth your time here is a list of some of the best castles in the Loire Valley and what makes them special.  Château Chenonceau is without a doubt the most popular and recognizable castle of the Loire Valley after all it is the second most visited castle in France after Versailles The elegant Renaissance castle of Chenonceau with it’s arches spanning the Cher River is often referred to as “the ladies château” you’ll definitely notice its feminie touches 282 fireplaces all situated in the largest enclosed forest park in Europe (over 5,000 hectares) which is said to be as big as the city center of Paris Chambord’s grandeur and enormous size makes it one of the most awe-inspiring and one of the most visited castles in the Loire Valley Some of Chambord’s highlights include the revolutionary design double helix staircase by Leonardo da Vinci the stone ceiling with 800 carvings of crown salamander sigils as well as the rooftop which is adorned with impressive spires and chimneys where visitors can get breath-taking panoramic views of the entire property including the gardens and park Château de Cheverny is considered to be the most lavishly furnished castle of the Loire Valley castles This perfectly symmetrical castle is also known for being in the comic book The Adventures of Tintin as the Tintin château Marlinspike Hall was modeled after Cheverny you can also visit the 3D Tintin exhibition on the grounds Other things to discover at Cheverny include the Lego exhibition as well as the feeding of the 80+ hunting hounds Cheverny is definitely a great castle to explore with kids as the castle seems like it came straight out of a fairy tale since it is said to have inspired Disney’s Cinderella Castle Though Chaumont isn’t the most lavishly furnished chateau in the Loire Valley and creative installations of artists throughout the château and gardens Some pieces you might like while others you might find bizarre Chaumont also hosts the annual “Festival International des Jardins” a garden festival in which different landscape architects and artists design the gardens of the château around a selected theme The display of flowers and colors are a sight to see Royal Château of Amboise offers magnificent views of the Loire Valley River and the town of Amboise you can get a glimpse into the royal residence of several French Kings during the Renaissance while on the grounds you can explore the must see Chapel of Saint-Hubert where Leonardo de Vinci is said to be buried Amboise can easily be visited as a day trip from Paris by train Perched on a hill above the Loire River in the medieval town of Blois The castle is a masterpiece that reflects the architectural styles from the 13th to 17th centuries when it was occupied by seven French kings and ten queens make sure to visit the king and queen’s bedchambers The Royal Château of Blois can be reached directly by train from Paris as a day trip and the Blois town makes for a great base to visit other castles in the area Sitting on an island in the Indre River with a shimmering mirror image of its magnificent facade in the water Azay-le-Rideau is considered one of the most romantic places in the Loire Valley This masterpiece of Renaissance architecture depicts a beautiful integration of classical French architecture and Italian decor Notable features include Escalier d’Honneur the oldest surviving staircase of its kind in France the numerous tapestries and artworks depicting French royals along the castle walls as well as the rib-vaulted kitchen and the dining room with a richly decorated chimney be sure to add the nearby castle Château de Langeais to your Loire Valley itinerary The interior of Château de Villandry is truly captivating but it’s nothing in comparison to it’s gardens Villandry memorizing Renaissance gardens can be rivaled by very few French gardens The formal gardens which all have a love theme are made up of endless geometric patterns bordered by carefully manicured and clipped boxwood the Herb Garden with over 30 types of medicinal herbs and the Water Garden with a large reflecting pool and fountain are just a few of the awe-inspiring things you’ll discover at Villandry Another highlight during July and August is the “Nights of a Thousand Lights” event during which the gardens are illuminated with 2,000 candles If you’re looking for what to do in the Loire Valley beside just castle hopping here are some of the best things to help diversify your itinerary Chartes is a lovely town worth exploring while in the Loire Valley as it is home to the world famous Chartres Cathedral which is adorned with amazing sculptures and impressive stained-glass windows from the 12th century is considered the high point of French Gothic art is the most well preserved Gothic cathedral in Europe and is also home to the Sancta Camisa an important religious relic believed to be a piece of cloth worn by the Virgin Mary on the night of Christ’s birth be sure to spend time exploring the lovely town of Chartres Most winery tours will include a guided tour of the vineyard a tour of the wine cellar and of course some wine tasting If a hot air balloon isn’t your cup of tea, how about soaring above the Loire Valley in a private plane This experience would truly make your trip to the Loire Valley unforgettable No sightseeing activity gives you a glimpse into how much the French love and appreciate fresh food like the traditional French market known as “Le Marché”.  Here you can taste local cheeses and pastries in the same place where you can buy clothes Marchés are a world of their own and worth a visit “Marché in ______” will give you a list of marchés near you along with opening hours everything you need to know to have a magical visit to the Loire Valley in France comprehensive guide to th Loire Valley – thanks very much Have put it in my file for our trip later this year Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. 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