Centre
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.
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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