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Centre
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Wall to wall châteaux and then more so, Centre has all the
best. From the monumental splendour of Françcois I’s
Chambord to the dreamy Azay le Rideau it is a region of visual delights.
It was the Hundred Years’ War when the English and Burgundians
kicked the royals out of Paris that led to the Loire gaining in
importance. The best architects were drafted in to create ever more
elaborate châteaux to prove their owners' importance.
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Château Cheverny
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Today the river is a shadow of its former self, silted up and largely
impassable but still ideal for picnics while staring across at the splendour
of yet another fairytale turreted castle.
The region is awash with medieval history from the Maid of Orléans
(Joan of Arc) to the flamboyant Francois I. Chambord may be the most impressive
château in the region but there are plenty of others to see and
enjoy – all with fascinating stories of their history.
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High on the hill, Sancerre is king of the valleys producing
this select wine
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12th century cathedral in Bourges is a celebration of medieval
craftsmanship
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Charles VII’s château at Mehun sur Yèvre
where he lived after being beaten at Agincourt
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Chartres cathedral is awesome from any angle – its stained
glass shines
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Nogent le Rotrou’s old town was rebuilt in the 15th century
and remains intact
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The Thimerais area is popular with mountain bikers and the
Senonches forest for picnics
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Argenton sur Creuse has a beautifully preserved medieval quarter
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Château de Villegongis is known as a mini Chambord
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16th century white stoned Château Vallençay also
has beautiful gardens
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The fairytale château Azay le Rideau is a pinnacle of
renaissance architecture
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Medieval power and might oozes from the ruined château
at Chinon, also famous for its wine
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Perfectly preserved 17th century Richelieu and Château
Chenonceau are too beautiful to miss
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Francois I’s mammoth Château Chambord has a double
helix staircase supposedly by Leonardo da Vinci
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The important market centre of Blois has a beautifully ornate
octagonal carved stone staircase
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Château Cheverny has one of the most beautiful interiors
on the Loire
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Gustave Eiffel’s iron aqueduct at Briare
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Joan of Arc was the Maid of Orléans and the city celebrates
her life everywhere
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Off the beaten track Gien and Montargis make ideal bases from
which to explore
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