| 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.
Cher
- High on the hill, Sancerre is king of the valleys producing this select
wine
- 12th century cathedral in Bourges is a celebration of medieval
craftsmanship
- 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
 Loiret
- Gustave Eiffel’s iron aqueduct at Briare
- Joan of Arc was the Maid of Orléans and the city celebrates her life
everywhere
- Off the beaten track Gien and Montargis make ideal bases from which to
explore
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.
 Domaine Des Portes De Sologne Hotel Orleans 
Set in the midst of an extensive golf course, this popular hotel is only 7 km
south of Orleans, near the motorway exit. All rooms are medium sized and fully
equipped with modern comforts. Some of them have golf view. Bathrooms are medium
sized and in very good condition. The hotel restaurant offers the perfect
ambience for intimate gourmet meals. It has a big terrace overlooking the
swimming pool and a beautiful traditional Sologne fireplace. The hotel also has
a separate restaurant for groups only. This multifaceted property is a haven of
tranquillity. Its vicinity to Orleans, its peaceful green surroundings and the
golf and sport activities make it suitable not only for golfers but for all
tastes.
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Hotels Orleans |
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