Start your holiday by renting a holiday home in the Centre-Val-de-Loire, the heart of France. This region has a rich historical past and connects architecture with natural heritage. In this region lies the Loire Valley, also known as the garden of France due to its green landscape of forest and meadows blending together. It's definitely worthwhile visiting the villages of Amboise, Blois, Bourges, Chartres, Orleans and Tours. These cities are known for their beautiful monuments such as castles and ancient buildings.
The Loire is the latest wild river of Europe and stands on the UNESCO World Heritage list, as well as the famous cathedrals of Chartres and Bourges. The river flows straight through the Loire Valley and through four cities mentioned previously; Blois, Tours, Orléans and Amboise. From a holiday home in France, you will discover this beautiful region and its hidden treasures.
During your vacation in the center, it is also recommended to visit the city of Chartres. This city is located near Paris and you will find culture and "art de vivre" (way of life). Stroll through picturesque streets and visit different kind of museums. You will not get bored in this beautiful city. The capital if the region, Orléans, is mostly known by the French heroine Jeanne d´Arc. On May 8, 1429 the city was liberated under her leadership. Orléans is located on the edge of the Sologne, where people can hike and cycle through a wildly forest and along several lakes.
If you want to enjoy an active holiday you should visit the vibrant city of Bourges. In this elegant and romantic city you will enjoy the `The Printemps de Bourges´, an annual music festival. You can also enjoy the route of Jacques Coeur. In the town of Blois you can discover many historical findings from the Renaissance. Visit the castle of Chambord en wander through the impressive gardens during the ‘ Festival International de Jardins’. If you go to Amboise you can visit the Chateau Chenonceau and the Hubertus Chapel where you can find master pieces of Leonardo da Vinci.
During a stay in a cottage in the beautiful and versatile Centre you will be introduced to the Gallo-Roman town called Tours. In this historical city u will find lots of art and history, in the early days this city was once the capital of the France kingdom. To capture that historical feeling you cannot miss the Saint Martin Basillica and the Cathedral Saint-Gatien.
In the Centre, near the banks of the Loire, you will find many vineyards. This vine region of the Loire contains two important resources: precious historical heritage and many different and unique wines. Well known grapes such as Sauvignon blanc, Chenin, Cabernet franc and Pinot Noir are coming from this area. These different kind of grapes make the most delicious wines such as Coteaux, du Layon, Saumur, Sancerre and Muscadet. Cognac cellars can be found a little bit more to the south. The 800 km long wine route of the Loire can be partly discovered on foot, by bike or by car.