"La vallée des châteaux" Top 5 Page for this destination Pays de la Loire by Martinewezel

Pays de la Loire Travel Guide: 929 reviews and 2,114 photos

"This page is still under constuction"

The Loire region has a micro- climat and is called the garden of France.
That's why the French kings built their castles here, not too far from Paris.
Maybe difficult to believe, but I saw a tall banana tree with almost ripe bananas in a little front yard in Amboise.

The little towns are all cosy and charming, with their houses built in grey stones, which are typical for the region.
I think the Disney designers of "The Beauty and the Beast" must have got their inspiration here.

I visited the Loire valley and it's castles many times since I was young and later with my husband and kids. It's usually an obligate stop on our way to our vacation destination or on our way back.

I can assure you that you can overeat yourself visiting too much castles at one time. Some can be overcrowded in high season, which is very stressy.
We experienced that Spring is a better season than July and August.

Pros and Cons

Pros:good food, good wine
Cons:some castles are rather crowded in high season
In a nutshell:Visit them all, but take your time

Last visit to Pays de la Loire: Jul 2006
Intro Updated Mar 10, 2011
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Reviews (7)

Loches: what to see? where to park? Favorites (3)

Loches, a city South East of Tours has a Medieval center upon a rock, enclosed by remparts. It's here where it all... more travel advice

Loches: The Donjon (Dungeon) Things to Do (4)

The "Donjon" is an impressive fortress in the Medieval city of Loches. I guarantee you, this visit will make your day!... more travel advice

Loches: Church of St.-Ours Favorites (3)

The Roman church in the Medieval City. Take a view inside on your way between the Logis and the Dungeon. It's free. Not... more travel advice

Loches: Le Logis Royal Things to Do (4)

Located in the Medieval City. As we saw lots more castles in the Loire Valley, I thought this one is not really the most... more travel advice

Comments (6)

Nemorino Feb 4, 2011 at 12:26 PM Report Abuse

Nice videos and tips on this lovely region. I'm trying to imagine what the "vegetable fun zone" in the artisanal kitchen garden must have been like, with people walking through celery, parsley, garlic etc. and producing "aah" and "ooh" sounds.
balhannah May 23, 2010 at 9:59 PM Report Abuse

Really nice photo's and good tips, it looks an interesting area to visit.
ray_d Mar 7, 2007 at 2:57 AM Report Abuse

Enjoyable Album. Even more impressive photographs. Thank you.
tini58de Jul 22, 2006 at 6:03 AM Report Abuse

I loved the Clos Lucé a lot - fascinating exhibition inside! Hahaha - and after having seen so many castles, we skipped Azay-le-Rideau! It was just too much!!!
Wiseman1964 Mar 30, 2006 at 9:35 PM Report Abuse

Hi Martine, Nice photos and tips.... best wishes to you and your travels!!!! Ken
painterdave Mar 29, 2006 at 1:10 PM Report Abuse

Extremely great shot of Azay-le-Rideau. You got great clouds...the angle is better than I have seen it photographed. And the reflection, you got it all. You take me back in my memories, thanks.