| vers of fine wine and all finer things in life, one would | | | | drawings and paintings are set out in the park of the |
| be hard-pressed to find a better setting than the | | | | chateau with giant models of the most spectacular |
| exquisite famous fertile valley of the Loire River; a | | | | machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo |
| region seeped in rich history from regal chateaux to | | | | da Vinci and his disciple Melzi. |
| its long viticulture tradition. | | | | The Loire Valley is also a popular destination for |
| The Loire Valley wine area is located south west of | | | | followers of the Knights Templar and Holy Grail |
| Paris typically a little over 2 hours drive from the Paris | | | | because it is so seeped in history and because of the |
| peripherique and extending out as far as Nantes. It is | | | | close association with Leonardo Da Vinci. |
| a region blessed with a gentle climate and rich soil, | | | | Chateau Chaumont lies on the banks of the Loire |
| allowing for the production of diverse appellations | | | | River opposite the Touraine-Amboise vineyards and it |
| with vast degrees of character. | | | | holds an international garden festival each year from |
| The Loire Valley is most famous for producing fine | | | | April to October being France's equivalent of the |
| white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Muscadet, and | | | | Chelsea Garden Fair. Last year the theme was play |
| Chenin Blanc with accounts for seventy-five percent | | | | and many of the gardens on exhibit were highly |
| of the wine produced in the region. As well as these | | | | interactive and a great success with both children and |
| lovely white wines, you can enjoy the delightful, | | | | adults. This year the theme is going to be mobility. |
| fruity and pleasant reds produced in the Loire Valley, | | | | Self-guided wine tours can be combined with hiking, |
| such as Cabernet Franc and Gamay. | | | | bicycling, or hot air ballooning through the scenic |
| A fairytale wine-tasting adventure awaits the wine | | | | countryside. All wine lovers should make their next |
| lover touring the Loire Valley as wine-tasting can be | | | | wine tasting holiday destination the Loire Valley |
| enjoyed along with visits to many spectacular historic | | | | because the excitement of their senses will stretch |
| chateau sprinkled throughout the region. Chateau | | | | far beyond their palate. Many of the historic chateaux |
| Chambord which is the largest Loire Valley chateau | | | | hold laser and firework shows at night during |
| and the architecturally breathtaking Chateau | | | | summer. For chateau enthusiasts staying at a |
| Chenonceau spanning the River Cher are just two of | | | | chateau can heighten the enjoyment of your |
| many jaw-droppers for tourists to enjoy. | | | | vacation. Remember to bring lots of film or memory |
| Fans of Leonard Da Vinci can visit Chateau Clos Luce | | | | for your camera, as there really is not a prettier wine |
| can admire his study, salons, kitchen and bedrooms, | | | | region in the world. |
| the chapel and see frescoes painted by his pupils. His | | | | |