"Vallée de la LOIRE & The Chateaux Of FRANCE" France by Krystynn

France Travel Guide: 68,520 reviews and 147,969 photos

The winter fog with Chateau Chambord (background)

In the land of Kings and giants, the Center Val de Loire conceals a unique heritage: the magnificent Châteaux of the Loire Valley and many other architectural marvels...

The LOIRE VALLEY, a captivating area located in central France, is also popularly known as the Garden of France. With its meandering rivers, mild climate, lush green vineyards, fields of sunflowers, charming villages and picturesque towns.... it is no wonder why this region is one of the most appealing places to visit in France!

Chateau de Chenoceau in autumn

Some of the beautiful Renaissance castles (châteaux in French) you shouldn't miss include - Azay-le-Rideau, Chambord, Chaumont, Chenonceau and Villandry. Try and pick at least 3 (minimum) to visit from the above list.

So, if you've always been impressed with the magnificent French chateaux (ahem! Like yours truly here) , then c'mon in and read on as I bring you along on a lovely journey through the lush and splendid Loire Valley ... Fontainebleau and then, ending off later at Versailles.

So, just enjoy and let your imagination flooooow!

Me at Versailles on a wintry/rainy day! ;-(

THE FRANCE FACTFILE:

Full country name: French Republic

Area: 551,000 sq km (214,890 sq mi)

Population: 59 million

Capital city: Paris (pop 13 million)

People: 92% French, 3% North African, 2% German, 1% Breton, 2% Other (including Provençal, Catalan & Basque
Language: French (also Flemish, Alsacian, Breton, Basque, Catalan, Provençal & Corsican)

Religion: 90% Roman Catholic, 2% Protestant, 1% Muslim, 1% Jewish, 6% unaffiliated

Government: Democracy

Monetary unit: Euro

International dialling code: +33

Visas: Nationals of the EU, the USA, Canada, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia and Israel DO NOT require visas to visit France (hooray!) as tourists for up to three months. Except for people from a handful of other European countries, everyone else must have a visa.

Health risks: Your main risks are likely to be sunburn, foot blisters, insect bites and upset stomachs from overeating and drinking. :-D

Time: GMT/UTC + 1 hour

Electricity: 220V, 50Hz

Weights & Measures: Metric

Tourism: 60.5 million visitors

Above info courtesy of: The French Tourism Board (2001)

Copyright: © Krystynn 2002.
Please do not take my personal pics without prior permission. Thanks.

Pros and Cons

Pros:The most awesome chateaux are scattered around the LOIRE Valley. This alone is worth your visit to France!
Cons:Can't think of any! Good to rent a car and just drive around the Loire Valley...
In a nutshell:The Loire Valley alone will make your trip to France very worthwhile. Move away from the major cities for once... and explore, explore, explore the Valley areas!

Last visit to France: Dec 2002
Intro Updated Dec 21, 2003
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Reviews (16)

If you've always dreamed of... Hotels (1)

If you've always dreamed of staying in a French chateau, then check out this cool website:... more travel advice

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Still in VERSAILLES.... Here's a pic of me outside the palace on a rainy day in December (Christmas week!).... more travel advice

also make a beeline to King... Favorites (8)

also make a beeline to King Louis' (aka the Sun King) grand residence in VERSAILLES, a short distance away from Paris -... more travel advice

check out another great French... - France

check out another great French... Favorites (8)

check out another great French chateau here in the LOIRE VALLEY - CHATEAU DE BLOIS. more travel advice

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See All Here I am (together with...

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Comments (107)

rozehill Mar 25, 2003 at 3:07 AM Report Abuse

Chateau de Amboise looks especially exquisite, excellent pics and tips.
mickitu Aug 7, 2002 at 7:56 AM Report Abuse

thanks for the french lesson and tips
Packerman Aug 4, 2002 at 3:38 AM Report Abuse

So informative and good
PFerreira Jul 30, 2002 at 11:42 AM Report Abuse

Grea info and photos . excellent work
b1bob Jul 24, 2002 at 4:17 PM Report Abuse

I need to see more of France.
PSK808 Jul 19, 2002 at 1:30 PM Report Abuse

Excellent
svillegirl Jun 27, 2002 at 4:46 PM Report Abuse

One of the best pages I`ve seen!
traps Jun 20, 2002 at 9:59 AM Report Abuse

Great Advice there.. =)
kiwi May 7, 2002 at 5:17 AM Report Abuse

Great tips and info here for a visitor,thanx.
RoadWarrior7 May 4, 2002 at 6:18 AM Report Abuse

Terrific!