The Loire Valley, in the centre of France, at the heart of its history, and chosen by kings. Rich in culture and tradition, this region seduces the holidaymaker with its diverse choices.

The Touraine, capital city Tours, and situated on the Loire, is called the ‘Garden of France’, with its vast apple and pear orchards, producing succulent vegetables and fruit. In pretty little villages you will find country markets offering the best of this produce. Traditional dishes – delicacies such as andouillettes, rillettes, succulent warm goat cheese salads, foie gras and mushrooms grown in tunnels dug into the limestone hills. All this washed down with a choice of local wine. And what a choice! From Blois to Tours, the climate and soil are perfect for a surprising range of red, white, fizzy, dry or sweet wines. Cheverny, Touraine, Vouvray, Montlouis to the prestigious reds of Chinon, Bourgueil and Saint-Nicholas de Bourgueil.

The river Loire has on its banks many of the great chateaux built by the kings of France. Langeais, Ussé – the ‘sleeping beauty’ castle, Villandry, with its famous gardens through to Amboise – Leonardo de Vinci came and settled here, with ‘Mona Lisa’ amongst his luggage! The Manor of Clos Lucé houses models of his inventions.

The medieval chateau of Chinon has a magnificent view from its ramparts of the Vienne River. In August the Medieval weekend market brings back the atmosphere of bygone times in the old part of town.

Chenonceau, built over the river Cher is impressive and always one of the most famous chateaux to visit. Around Montrichard, also on the banks of the Cher, can be found mushroom caves at Bourée, and demonstrations of eagles from the donjon of Montrichard. Further along, near St Aignan, the zoo at Beauval, continuing to the famous vineyards of Mennetou-sur-Cher.

Many famous and smaller chateaux can be found along the banks of the Indre – Azay-le-Rideau, one of the most beautiful of the Renaissance chateaux, Saché, often visited by Balzac. Bouges, worth visiting for its French style gardens and museum of horse drawn carriages. Loches, see the description later, Valençay whose park is roamed freely by deer and peacocks. Montresor gracefully overlooks one of the most beautiful villages in France. George Sand lived in the little Chateau of Nohant, visited by many famous people, Flaubert, Balzac, Liszt, Chopin and Delacroix among them.

Apart from the many Chateaux, there are numerous museums (pre-historic, old vehicles, ancient tools), an aquarium, a zoo, the Labyrinth at Reignac (a maze of maize!), the Regional Natural Park of the Brenne and, of course, Futuroscope, an hour’s journey away near Poitiers.

Most weekends of spring and summer see village fêtes, brocantes, festivals and concerts. Many activities to do and spectacles to see!

Ligueil
Ligueil is a pretty market town of about 2000 inhabitants. There are two bakers, two pharmacies and two banks. Atac supermarket sells everything, including fresh meat and fish, with petrol/diesel pumps and a car wash. The Pizzeria, near the church, overlooks a small flower filled square, which has a fountain playing. A more traditional restaurant, Le Colombier, can be found in another square. Adjacent to the splendid Mairie is another restaurant and bar, Le Croissant, newly refurbished and excellent value for money. Market day is Monday, when you can buy locally made goat cheeses, oysters and mussels, cooked chicken or pork, sample the local wine before buying and then watch the world go by whilst sipping a coffee in one of the town’s bars.

Loches
15 km from Ligueil can be found Loches, where the Citadel is reputed to be one of the most magnificent fortified cities in Europe and one of the most impressive pieces of defensive medieval architecture. Loches castle offers an annual music festival and ‘son et lumière’, and in nearby villages there are numerous fêtes, jazz festivals and painting exhibitions. There are many restaurants, tea-rooms, chocolate shops and bakeries. Gift shops and boutiques line the narrow, winding cobbled streets. The town offers markets on Wednesdays and Saturdays – a ‘must’ for anyone visiting.

Restaurants
The choice of restaurants is phenomenal, with somewhere to suit everyone’s tastes and pockets. From crêperies and pizzerias through the many traditional restaurants to a ‘gastronomic’ eating experience in Michelin starred restaurants. Local produce is used where possible – foie gras, river fish from the Loire, smoked duck breast, sheep and goat cheeses and ‘géline de Touraine’, the famous black chicken of the region, noted for its flavour. Superb wines from the area complement your meal and make it memorable.