The magic of France, its beautiful scenery and landscapes, as well as excellent culinary masterpieces, made her famous all over the world...
In France, life is lived differently: they made art of their lives, in which most of the time and effort is devoted to enjoyment, both in the presence and in the beauty, food, drinks and art. This country is a destination that is ideal for visiting throughout the year, but the spring in the valley of the Loire something that everyone should experience at least once. This part of France is a paradise for those are in love, those eternally romantic souls that in everything see the love, beauty and grace. Loire Valley is often called the "Garden of France" and it is a real enchanted wonderland - her beauty is made of vineyards, flowers and green hills, as well as a huge number of castles. It is a country of French kings and nobles, where they enjoyed their luxurious summer residences and casual evenings.
This valley has great significance for France, but it is very important for civilization. Since 2000, it is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is adorned by a large number of attractive and eye-catching landscapes, each of them on their way to attract interest and attention of world travelers.
Orléans was once the second largest city in France, situated right in the Loire Valley. Joan of Arc liberated the city from the Englishman and it successfully preserved its attractions such as Renaissance villas and the Gothic cathedral. Another city that boasts French culture in this area is Bourges. This place is filled with cobblestone streets, old ramparts and historic buildings. In this town there is a Gothic cathedral of St Etienne, which dominates the surroundings, by the powerful and vigilantly watching the city from the top of the hill. Bourges is a city of fun and many interesting events and it is absolutely unavoidable location during the tour of the Loire Valley.
In this part of France, as we have already said, there are a number of castles that have marked the history of the country. Blois is a famous castle that is tied to the history of the kings of France. It is located in the heart of Blois, and the interesting fact is that the archbishop here blessed Joan of Arc before she started to release Orleans. Back in 1841, King Louis Philippe declared this place a cultural monument and then this castle was turned into a very interesting museum.
The largest and perhaps most impressive of all the castles located in the Loire Valley is the Chambord castle. It is a magnificent Renaissance building, which was built during the 16th century. In this castle are especially prominent double spiral staircase, and it has over 440 rooms. The environment of the castle, is a beautiful and spacious park, in which a number of wild animals are freely roaming.
Usse castle is that one we all saw when we were kids. It is the castle of Sleeping Beauty. It is located on the edge of the forest Chinon, on the banks of the River Indre. It was built during the fifteenth century, on the foundations of the old fort and then became part of the history of this country.
Chenonceau is a beautiful castle which is adorned by the late Renaissance style. It was originally owned by the French royal family, and later belonged to Catherine di Medici. Since 1914, the castle belongs to the family Menier, which is famous for the production of chocolate and delicious chocolate desserts. After Versailles, this is the most visited castle in France.
Azaj le Rideau is externally very glamorous building. It is located on the island in the river Indre and repeatedly changed their owners, and of the twentieth century is the property of the state. Many called this castle cut diamond of Loire Valley and it is surrounded by a beautiful park reminiscent of English gardens from glamorous and elegant nineteenth century.
Chinon is a castle of the twelfth century, built by Henry II. This is the place where many important historical figures such as Charles VII, Richard the Lionheart, Joan of Arc, and others stayed in. For a time it served as a prison, and has long been completely abandoned. This is one of the best preserved medieval French castles.
Loire Valley is truly a phenomenal destination for an unforgettable time. This is one of the most beautiful regions of France, with a large number of visiting tourists every year. Valley has to offer much more, making the enjoyment of it guaranteed. Memories from the Loire Valley remain for life.
