Brenne lies 60 miles south of the Loire and is known for its watery landscape and wealth of botanical treasures. The region is also called “la Région des 1,000 étangs / the region of the 1000 ponds” and is not a popular tourism site despite being a popular haunt for bird watchers because of the quietness of the vast landscape. The region has a multitude of hedgerows, moorland, woods and fields...

Even a short stay in the Loire will thrill visitors like no other place on earth. The vivid expanse of fairytale-like castles, fresh foods and leisurely sports is easy to get carried away with. Fill your things-to-do list with our suggestions for Loire Valley weekends: Royal Chateau of Blois: Discover the Royal City of Blois and see the favourite residence of the Kings of France, the Royal Chateau of Blois....

When in the Loire Valley, there is no possibility of running out of things to do and see. There are many attractions and breathtaking sights to enjoy amidst the luscious gardens and countryside, not to mention to the grandiose chateaux and rich vineyards beckoning your attentions. Here are some ideas for Loire Valley excursions while in this fairytale land:

Those pressed for time and keen to absorb as much of the Loire Valley as they can in a short period are advised to take Loire Valley day trips. Loire Valley day trips are special tour packages designed to cram as much Loire sightseeing into one day as humanly possible. Whether it is a voyage amongst the royal residences on the banks of the Loire, a trip through the rustic town of Tours or a stroll through the...

The Loire Valley is famous for many stunning sights and unique activities. Playing golf in the Loire Valley is just one of the highlights. Loire Valley golf courses are plentiful, but here are two of the best: Domaine & Golf de Vaugouard Situated near Montargis, north of the Loire and bordering a 50 000 hectare forest (“Forêt Domaniale de Montargis”), this golf course is just over an hour south of...

The majestic Loire River is the longest river in France at a length of 1,013 kilometres and an area of 117,000km². It spans more than a fifth of France’s land area and its fertile banks are lined with vineyards and Loire Valley chateaux. The main tributaries to the Loire River include the Allier, Cher, Indre, Vienne and the Sèvre Nantaise rivers on the left bank and the Maine, Nièvre and the Erdre rivers...

Prepare to be delighted on a Loire Valley cycling tour. Cycling tour packages range from single day to week-long cycling tours and incorporate every kind of Loire Valley adventure from well-established bike trails to treks off the beaten track. The valleys of the Loire, Cher and Indre rivers are a harmonious sight amidst rich vineyards and vast forests. A Loire Valley cycling tour can take you beyond the landscapes...

The Chateau d’Ussé was built during the 15th century. It had many owners, one of which was Charles Perrault (who is said to have been inspired by the Chateau when he wrote he famously authored “Sleeping Beauty”). Other famous writers Voltaire and Chateaubriand have also lived there. It was probably Antoine de Bueil who decided to re-build the castle in 1460. The castle has been owned since...

Chateau de Villandry is best known for its superb formal gardens which are tended by eight full time gardeners who care for its five hectares or so. The gardens are considered the most extensive of the Loire Valley. These elegant gardens boast the worlds largest ornamental kitchen garden, where flowers and vegetables are grown in strictly geometric patterns. The highlight of the gardens is the beautiful Garden...

For more than six centuries, the Chateau de Cheverny has belonged to the same family; the Hurault family. It was an ancestor of the current owners, the chancellor to King Henri III and IV, who constructed it. It is one of the purest expressions of French classical architecture. It is undoubtedly what inspired Hergé when drawing the castle of Moulinsart – the castle of Captain Haddock in the popular Tintin...