A designated Parc Naturel Régional, Brenne is one of only 43 national parks in France and features a number of public hides, visitor centres and footpaths for the convenience of ornithologists and nature lovers.

The animal paradise is a haven for rare birds, and dawn hears the lakes ring to the sound of their songs and beating of their wings. In the magical season of spring up to 150 species make their nests in Brenne.

Apart from birds, small turtles, dragonflies and other elegant insects are among the species that inhabits the welcoming area. There is also 1,200 plant species to be seen including orchids, the floating water plantain and the marsh dock in drier areas.

In this area of infinite discoveries, Brenne has an information centre and a guide present in the morning from 10 to 12 except on Fridays. All of the hide facilities have car parking and there are maps available that indicate the hiking paths.

• 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. This chateau associates four different periods of French architecture and is home to the chamber of Henri III – where the Duc de Guise was assassinated. Beyond the 200 sculpted wooden panels in the private cabinet of Catherine de Medici and the wide wing of François I, the grandiose setting will take you back to the drama, love and mysteries that have shaped the history of France.

• The Loiret between the Loire River and forest: On the banks of the Loire, visit the chateau of the first Duc de Sully – Château de Sully-sur-Loire. Follow the meanders of the Loire towards the Forest of Orléans, perhaps taking a canoe trip along the river or an excursion into the wildlife of the Loire. Take time to admire the basilica of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire and the church of Germigny-des-Prés, one of the oldest in France. And outdoors, the grounds offer a breathtaking insight into the soul of the Renaissance landscaped gardens.

• Visit the Chateau de Villesavin and museum of French marriage, situated 6km from Cheverny. Admire the richly decorated castle and its Renaissance décor, including a collection of costumes and objects recalling the history of French marriage since 1840.

• Take a Loire Valley excursion along the Loire River. Many tour operators offer scenic boat tours down the Loire River, giving spectacular views of the French countryside and the stunning Chateaux that line the banks.

• Journey through one of the many Loire Valley wine regions and taste some of the most renowned wines in the Loire Valley. Popular vineyards to visit include the Maison du Vin d’Anjou and the Domaine des Herbauges. These Loire Valley excursions will give you a tour of the extensive wine cellars and the splendid vineyards.

• Wander through the township of Orléans and see the Château de Sully-sur-Loire, a medieval fortress once the property of Maximilien de Béthune, better known as the Duke of Sully and the Master of King Henri IV’s artillery. Be taken back through history as you stand in front of the scent panel with 270 bottles of varied essences – once a perfume cellar for elegant women to envelope themselves in back in the 16th century.

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 landscaped gardens, Loire Valley day trips are both mesmerising and unforgettable.

Here are two of the most popular Loire Valley day trips to take:

• A stroll along the Loire River and its tributaries showing the finest architectural heritage left by the kings of France is a divine sight for day-trippers. Chateau de Chambord was a popular residence for many kings and is now a symbol of the French Renaissance. It stands in the heart of an estate almost the size of Paris. A day trip to Chambord will involve plenty of excursions including walks, bike rides, and boat trips on the Cosson. And those visiting on summer nights can enjoy the “Chambord, rêve de lumières”, a sound and light fantasy show that lights up the façades of the chateau.

• In the north of Bourges, in the hollow of the valley of Sauldre, the museum of Witchcraft stands to lift the veil on the enigmatic universe of the wizards and witches of the mysterious Berry. A day trip to Bourges, a town of art and history will reveal itself to fantasy lovers little by little. It will also include a visit to the World Heritage listed tower of Saint-Etienne Cathedral, with a stunning view atop its steps. And from May to September, the medieval town can be visited at night during the magical blue light tour – the “Nuits Lumière de Bourges”.

The fertile banks of the Loire River are prime ground for vineyards and are the home of the Muscadet region near the city of Nantes. Muscadet expands to the Atlantic coast and through to Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, just southeast of Orléans. The best-known wine regions in the area include Anjou, Saumur, Bourgueil, Chinon, and Vouvray.

Loire Valley wine has a long history dating back to the 1st century. It is said that the wines of the Loire Valley were the most esteemed wines in England and France throughout the High Middle Ages – more prized than those from Bordeaux.

The majority of Loire Valley wine production is derived from white grapes such as the Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc and Melon de Beourgogne grapes. Red wines are also produced in the Loire, primarily from the Cabernet franc grapes grown in the vineyards of Chinon.

In addition to still wines, sparkling, dessert and rosé wines are also prominent in Loire Valley wine regions. Among these different wine styles, Loire Valley wine tends to exhibit characteristics of fruitiness with fresh, crisp flavours – especially when young. With Crémant production prominent throughout the Loire, it is the second largest sparkling producer in France after Champagne.

• 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 Paris. The course itself is tranquil and comfortable amidst perfect surroundings. The Vaugouard offers the kind of luxury you have to pinch yourself to enjoy. If you don’t mind indulging in a little luxury, this is the place for complete relaxation with the family, including swimming, fitness and sauna, billiards, mountain biking, and of course, an 18 hole golf course.

• Blue Green Golf de Limère
  Closer towards the Loire township of Orléans and across the Loire River lies the Blue Green Golf de Limère. This Loire Valley golf course is just over an hour from Paris (120km), 10km south of Orléans and is situated within the huge Sologne Forest. Golf Européen has voted Limère as the 7th best golf course in Europe, and it is easy to see why. Limère winds its way through the birches and features many doglegs, rivers, ponds and 94 bunkers for those up for a challenge. The holes are varied and do not run parallel to each other so there is no risk of monotony while at Limère.

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 on its right bank. In 2000 the central part of the Loire Valley was added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.

The Loire River is normally gentle and calm, but the occasional storm can cause it to overflow its banks. As a result, leeves were built to protect the land and surrounding buildings, with some of the leeves being centuries old.

During the French Renaissance, the Kings of France built their luxurious chateaux around the Loire River Valley to complement the artistic renewal that had begun in Italy. Each chateau and estate was designed to be more magnificent than the others.

Royalty and nobility resided in the chateaux lining the Loire River until King Henri IV moved the court to Paris. As a result, the chateaux have been preserved in almost the same condition in which they are built and their beauty and extravagance can be seen today.

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 and into the unspoiled nature, beautiful gardens and breathtaking castles within the Loire Valley on your bike.

The terrain of the Loire Valley is ideal for cyclists, being mostly flat, and is filled with tinkling rivers, luscious trees and vibrant colours. On a Loire Valley cycling tour you can explore the various regions within Loire such as Amboise, Blois and Cheverney castles among others.

And if your Loire Valley cycling tour spans over a number of days, the cost of your Loire Valley cycling tour will include accommodation at selected luxurious hotels. Often the tour will also include meals at some of the local restaurants and allows you to indulge in the Loire’s various local produce such as seasonal game, goat cheeses and fresh fruits and vegetables.

Loire Valley gastronomy includes: vegetables and fresh fruits such as berries, pears and apples and the famous “Tarte Tatin” as well as poultry, game and fish. Hunting season also brings regional game to the table: pheasant, quail, dear, duck and boar.

Loire Valley gastronomy is not only famous for its wine. The Loire boasts a number of succulent cheeses, five of which are certified local products. Here are some of the top cheeses to come out of the Loire Valley:

Sainte Maure du Touraine – from the Tourraine region, this soft and supple cheese is made from goat’s milk and has a distinct and flavourful taste. Unlike other cheeses made from goat’s milk that are soft and spreadable, Saint Maure is crumbly, hard and tangy due to being aged. It can be recognised by its log-like shape and mouldy ash coating.

Pouligny St. Pierre – a mouth-watering cheese characterised by its cone shape and sour yet nutty flavour. Being a goats cheese, the St. Pierre is soft and spreadable. Ideal for crackers and Hors D’Oeuvres.

Crottin de Chavignol – produced in the small town of Chevignol, this is the Loire Valley’s most popular goat cheese. Shaped like a small cylinder, this cheese is delightful baked or fresh in salads and has a lovely nutty, mild taste.

Loire Valley cottages are set on exquisitely landscaped parklands amongst vibrant forests and rich farmland. The accommodation quality is of the highest level – elegant furnishings and convenient amenities.

Unlike a hotel room, each cottage in the Loire Valley is designed and presented in a way that promotes its individual character. The careful conversion of estates into rental cottages has ensured the character and beauty of each individual Loire Valley cottage is flawlessly preserved.

Staying in a cottage has many advantages over other kinds of holiday rentals. Loire Valley cottages are set nearby local villages and are a short distance away from local shops and grocers. Residents can purchase their own fresh food from the village and prepare meals within the privacy of their own classic Loire Valley cottage. Some cottage estates even have bread and croissants delivered to all the units on a daily basis as part of the rental package.

And although a stay at a Loire Valley cottage is unlike a hotel experience, there are still many of the same luxuries. The majority of Loire Valley cottage estates have their own private swimming pools, tennis courts, barbeque, boules and play areas for guests to use. Depending on the cottage estate, some even have bicycles that can be borrowed by guests and used to explore the local lanes. In any case, staying in Loire Valley cottages is a unique way to experience all Loire has to offer.