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Loire Valley Holiday Guide

The Loire Valley is undoubtedly one of the most majestic and romantic regions of France. The undulating scenic landscapes peppered with 16th century fairy tale castles and chateaus make this destination an ideal vacation spot. Also known as the bike estate, the perfect to way to explore this region is by riding through the beautiful towns such as Blois and Amboise.

Explore this region at your own leisure and pace by choosing to stay in a vacation rental home that makes you feel just like home while being away from home.

Sightseeing in the Loire Valley

• Château d'Amboise
  A royal palace, this chateau is remembered for Leonardo da Vinci staying as a guest and was once home to Leonardo’s tomb. The chateau was the stage for the Amboise conspiracy, which resulted in the death of 1200 conspirators. It is little wonder then you do experience a wee bit eerie feeling as you walk through it. However, a visit to this palace is a must to marvel at the lovely gardens ornamented with a Flamboyant Gothic gem and the little chapel of St. Hupert with its carvings of Virgin Child.
• Pagoda de Chanteloup
  Situated 3 km south of Amboise, this 140, seven-storey Chinese style lakeside pagoda is one magnificent sight. Climb up to the top to marvel at some of the most majestic views of the surroundings.
• Château de Blois
  One of the finest chateaus in the valley, this magnificent site pays tribute to several architectural periods. Make your way to the 13th century hall and the tower that offers you majestic views of the surroundings and admire the imprints of the Renaissance period in the Louis XII and François I wing. The painstakingly restored spiral staircase leads you to a series of rooms that are adorned with the gilded porcupine, Anne of Brittany’s ermine and François I's salamander.
• Château de Chambord
  One of the most extraordinary structures in Europe, this is the largest of the Loire chateaux and is situated right in the middle of a game forest. It boasts a staggering 420 feet long façade, 440 rooms and 365 chimneys and a 32 km long wall to enclose a 13,000 acre forest.

Dining in Loire Valley

• Au Rendez-Vous des Pêcheurs
  Exuding a warm ambience, this friendly restaurant is known for serving an inventive array of fish, seafood and poultry specialties.
• Relais de Bracieux
  Situated in Chambord, this is one of the most famous restaurants of this region where the chef churns out delectable delights such as lobster with dried tomatoes or shepherd’s pie with oxtail and truffles. The sumptuous nouvelle cuisine is carefully prepared and most marvel at some of the chef’s exquisite creations.
• La Licorne
  A painted unicorn adorns the outside of the shop, which beckons you to enter this pretty town-house restaurant that serves a sumptuous range of local specialties. The tiny salons or the table-decked terrace provide just the excuse to spend an evening in warm and cozy surroundings while feasting on delectable delights.

Nightlife and Entertainment in Loire Valley

• Angers L'Eté
  If you enjoy concerts and happen to be in Loire Valley in the moths of July and August, don’t miss out on the Angers Summer when a series of concerts are hosted at the Cloître Toussaint.
• Batucada
  Enjoy an evening of fun and frolic at this trendy bar that has a great ambience and plays Trendy Soul, Jazz, R&B and modern music.
• Riverside
  Situated in the centre of town in Blois, this pub is ideal to visit and unwind with a drink after a day of sightseeing. Relax and get into the mood to enjoy your drink while you initiate a conversation with the locals.
• El Cid
  If you are in the mood to dance away till the wee hours of the night then a visit to this popular discotheque in Blois, should not be given a miss.

Golfing in Loire Valley

• Domaine & Golf de Vaugouard
  This 18-hole golf course with tree-lined fairways and beautiful ponds offer the perfect surroundings to enjoy a good game of golf. The course is known for its varied species of trees including hornbeams, beach, birch and acacias that are inhabited with red squirrels, woodpeckers and cuckoos.
• Blue Green Golf De Limère
  Situated in the huge Sologne Forest across the River Loire, this is one of the most beautiful courses in France. Featuring dodges, rivers and ponds, the course winds its way through birches and heather. Voted as the 7th best in Europe, golfers can enjoy a challenging game amid majestic surroundings.