Cher
* High on the hill, Sancerre is king of the valleys producing this select wine
* Described by Julius Caesar as "one of the most beautiful cities in all of Gaule", Bourges has continued to delight and inspire visitors down through the ages. The Gothic cathedral, sculpted mansions, stately palaces and a bustling medieval quarter are all reminders of its rich historic past. Inaugurated in the year 2000, the "Nuits Lumière" sound and light show sets the city aglow and makes the Middle Ages come alive each evening in the summer. 12th century cathedral is a celebration of medieval craftsmanship.
Hotels Bourges
* Charles VII’s château at Mehun sur Yèvre where he lived after being beaten at Agincourt
Eure-et-Loir
Chartres cathedral is awesome from any angle – its stained glass shines
Nogent-le-Rotrou’s old town was rebuilt in the 15th century and remains intact
The Thimerais area is popular with mountain bikers and the Senonches forest for picnics
Indre
Argenton sur Creuse has a beautifully preserved medieval quarter
Château de Villegongis is known as a mini Chambord
16th century white stoned Château Vallençay also has beautiful gardens
Indre-et-Loire
The fairytale château Azay le Rideau is a pinnacle of renaissance architecture
Medieval power and might oozes from the ruined château at Chinon, also famous for its wine
Perfectly preserved 17th century Richelieu and Château Chenonceau are too beautiful to miss
Loir-et-Cher
Francois I’s mammoth Château Chambord has a double helix staircase supposedly by Leonardo da Vinci
The important market centre of Blois has a beautifully ornate octagonal carved stone staircase
Château Cheverny has one of the most beautiful interiors on the Loire
Gustave Eiffel’s iron aqueduct at Briare
Off the beaten track Gien and Montargis make ideal bases from which to explore
Loiret
Orléans - Orléans was badly damaged during World War II and is now a shadow of its former glorious self. Its long history stretches to a time before the Romans but its most famous event was Joan of Arc's deliverance of the city from the English in 1429 that is remembered most fervently with Joan of Arc Day celebrated each year on the 8th of May, when the town makes merry with street parades in medieval style.
Hotels Orléans
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