SOTC Blog

What’s better than taking a trip to Europe? Taking a trip to Europe’s romantic best the continent must offer, in the shape of France.

Bet it the culture, the tradition, their food, the architecture of the country, hell something as simple as the French language. Everything about France screams, extraordinary. Europe Tourism, in itself is something that will leave your Spell bound!

And so here we are, to talk about the gorgeous Loire-valley in France. For the next Europe tour, you take, it is important that your itinerary consists of these names.

If it’s France’s style and gastronomy you seek, the Loire Valley will exceed beyond what you hoped for or ever read about. Located between northern and southern France, and just a short ride from Paris, history suggests that back in the day during the war between French and the English, the region was of immense strategic importance. The Kings, Queens, Dukes and Noblemen came to the Loire Valley to establish feudal castles and, later on, sumptuous pleasure palaces. Which is why the valley is scattered with France’s most extravagant fortresses. The Loire Valley has been now categorized as an enormous UNESCO World Heritage Site – also popular for its outstanding wines and lively, sophisticated cities, including Orléans, Tours, Saumur and Angers.

Besides castles and spectacular scenery, Loire Valley is spread with several lively towns and cities – from Nantes, a thriving cultural hub in the west, to the ancient cathedral town of Tours, the main town in the valley, and Angers with its busy nightlife.

Now let’s get to know the valley a little deeper now that we have painted a picture of France’s which part are we talking about.

Chateaux

At every turn in the road, a magical chateau appears. More than 100 are open to the public, but it’s best to focus on a few. Sixteenth-century Azay-le-Rideau is a fairytale castle, with its turrets and moat. The vast Château of Blois, located in the middle of the town, has been frequently re-modelled, with buildings dating back from the 13th to the 17th centuries dotted around the courtyard. The sound and light show is impressive. Chambord, the largest of the Loire chateaux, is a white-limestone masterpiece of Renaissance architecture.

Great gardens

Some of the chateaux gardens are a separate destination who earned that title for a reason. Château de Villandry is one such Renaissance building renowned for its small but exquisite art collection, and its gardens are amongst, wait for it, the best in the world.

Wine tasting

While it may not be as famous as wines of Bordeaux or Burgundy, the Loire creates some of the finest wines you could have ever tasted. While there are countless opportunities for wine tasting at vineyards, but you could start off at the Maisons des Vins de Loire in Nantes, Angers, Saumur and Tours.

You know how they say in French “Enchanté de votre presence” (enchanted by your presence).

That is exactly how you will feel the moment you step in to the enchanted valleys of Loire. Book your France tour packages with SOTC Holidays to explore the best of the places in France!