Loire Valley

Be amazed by The Garden of France

For a truly enchanting holiday, book a trip to the Loire Valley. With its fairytale setting, an abundance of castles and stunning landscapes, it’s no wonder it’s known as ‘The Garden of France’.

Located on the banks of the Loire, Orléans is one of the oldest cities in France. It has a fascinating history with French heroine Joan of Arc at its core - the famous Maid of Orléans liberated the town on 8^th May 1429. Take a walk through Orléans and discover a myriad of tributes to the famous saint. The Maison de Jeanne d’Arc is a re-creation of the house she stayed in and brings to life the story of the iconic heroine through interactive experiences and displays, including an animated film. Travel along the road named after Joan of Arc which leads to the Cathedral of Sainte-Croix, a stunning piece of gothic architecture that looks particularly special at night.

Museums in the area that are worth visiting include the Musée Historique et Archéologique de l’Orléanais (where you can admire a rare collection of Gallo-Roman bronze statues), the Musée des Beaux-Arts (a fine arts museum) and, for fans of contemporary art, the FRAC Centre which is nicknamed…‘Les Turbulences!’ You’ll have to visit to find out why! While you’re in the area, pop along to the Hôtel Groslot, a quaint renaissance building which has its own Joan of Arc statue.

You’ll be blown away by the delicious food offerings that are available in Loire Valley. Add a little spice to your meal with some locally-grown saffron, which is harvested by hand in the autumn. Did you know it takes up to 150,000 flowers to produce just 1kg of saffron?

If you enjoy savoury foods, sample a Fouace Angevine. It’s a little oven cooked bread roll stuffed with mushrooms, butter, white beans or pate. And for those with a sweet tooth, try Pralines de Montargis – grilled almonds coated in caramel. Delish!

Just 1 hr 30 mins from Paris, the Châteaux of the Loire Valley span 280 kilometres of amazing landscapes with 23 stunning châteaux to explore. Step back in time with renaissance homes and medieval fortresses and take a stroll through their wondrous, bright gardens that bloom with all types of flowers and vegetables. And if you fancy something a little bit more romantic, visit the ‘garden of a thousand roses’ in the Jardin de Roquelin and the Les Chemins de la rose de Doué-­la-­Fontaine.

There are many ways to discover the majesty of the Loire Valley: walk along the Grande Randonnée (long distance footpath), sit back and watch the world whizz by in the comfort of a train carriage, or jump onboard a boat and enjoy a leisurely cruise!

For a truly magical holiday that will leave everlasting memories, pack up the car and discover the wonder of Loire Valley!