France - Chateaux of the Loire
The Loire Valley is the quintessence of romantic France and the fine chateaux are the main reason why this region is so famous.
Kings, feudal lords and ladies of the court, seduced by the beautiful natural setting of this ‘garden of France’, built several hundred castles, manor houses and dreamy residences. Villandry, Langeais, Ussé, Chinon, Saumur, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceaux, Chaumont, Blois, Chambord are some of the more well-known that dot a cycling and walking route of this area.
The rural charm of this region is in no way inferior to the cultural wealth and you walk/cycle through vineyards, past wine cellars, small villages, along meadow paths on seldom-used country lanes or side roads through the mostly flat and slightly uneven Loire and Indre Valleys. There are a few short ascents but the route is mostly flat so suitable for children.
Most tours commence in Tours and head west into the Loire Valley. The River Cher leads directly to the castle Villandry with its terraced gardens. Walk along beautiful shadowy footpaths, beneath flower-bedecked bowers and pretty fountains to the artistically laid out vegetable gardens. Some kilometres further on you will exchange the bank of the Cher for the bank of the famous Loire. The next castle that comes into your sights is Langeais. From the top of the fortified tower this castle exclusively served for military purposes there are spectacular views of the river and its surroundings.
On the verge of the dark forest of Chinon rises Ussé, the castle of Sleeping Beauty. It’s like being transported into the fairy tale world reminiscent of childhood as the castle is equal to the image portrayed. Arguably the best preserved medieval monastery is Fontervraud which is enroute to the village of Samur. Here mushrooms are grown in dark and humid caves. These ‘cave gardens’ are approx. 800 km long. But not only the champignons are of interest in Samur but also its stunning castle.
The next spectacular sight is the beautiful castle of Azay-le-Rideau. Balzac wrote about it, “a diamond with a thousand facets, set by the Indre”. A highlight not to be missed is the ‘son et lumiere’ (sound and light) show at the stunning chateau of Azay Le Rideau.
Following the Indre, you reach Montbazon. After a short ascent over a mountain ridge you descend into the Cher Valley where quiet meadow paths lead to Cher to Bléré, a small market town. For many visitors the castle of Chenonceau is the topping on the cake. It is the epitome of a romantic castle.
The route traverses the lovely landscape of the Touraine to the Castle Chaumont, and then along the Loire to Blois. The Chateau Blois with its galleries, projected balconies and bay windows is a ‘must’ to explore.
From a distance, the walls of the biggest and most magnificent residence on the Loire, the Chateau Chambord, comes into view. As far as the eye can see the ‘Domaine de Chambord’ stretches. It is the immortal legacy of a disloyal king.
Typical of the area between Blois and Tours are the rock houses, which are built into the soft limestone.
Cross the Loire in order to appreciate the most royal of all the Loire chateaux, Castle Ambois. It accommodated five kings and a Roman emperor. In addition, a genius of the 16th century attracts your
attention – Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his last years in Ambois.
The gastronomy of this region is renowned for its’ wine, cheeses, fruits and vegetables. Many of its’ chateaux have artistically laid out vegetable gardens such as Villandry. Vineyards abound and
Sancerre is arguably the best wine of the region.
The cycling route covers some 335 kms during the week and the grade is easy. The longest day is 70km and the shortest 45 km. This may be preferable to walking as it covers more ground and therefore more chateaux..
A walking route is around 75 kms on equally easy terrain and the longest day is 18 km. Time is allowed to visit the beautiful castles on the daily walks and cycle trips.
The trip begins in Tours which is just over an hour from Paris by the fast TGV train.
FACT FILE
Weeklong guided or self-guided walking and cycling trips are available between April and September.
COSTS:
Self guided cycling week is from $1,589 per person share twin and guided $2,246 plus bicycle hire.
Self guided walks for one week with luggage transfers, breakfast and dinner daily plus 4 picnics, is $2,225
share twin.
Visit www.walkersworld.co.nz
To receive brochures call A Walker’s World – Ph 09 4867473/1 or walkworld@xtra.co.nz
THIS ARTICLE IS THE PROPERTY OF JILL GRANT NdipJ(Grad), FREELANCE JOURNALIST AND PHOTOGRAPHER. 306 Lake Road, Takapuna Auckland Fax 09 4840091