High Points en route - Free time on your hands? Take your pick from the following gems: 1/ Henri Bourgeois’ vineyard – Wine and dine The Bourgeois family have been producing wine near the tiny village of Chavignol for ten generations and also own nearby restaurant, La Côte des Monts Damnés. Enjoy a tour and then sit down to dishes like mullet and chest of pig in black Pinot. Don’t forget to purchase a bottle of Henri Bourgeois Pouilly Fumé 2002 in order to sample the family produced wine when you get home. Make sure you don’t drink and drive. 2/ Saint Étienne Cathedral – Gothic city A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cathedral of Saint Étienne in Bourges is a huge, sprawling tribute to Gothic design. You could spend a day just sitting outside admiring the needle-sharp spires and stonework.
4/ Château de Chambord – Architectural showpiece The numbers alone will tell you something about the size of the Château de Chambord: 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases. One of the latter was reputedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci; a double spiral that allows two people to go up or down without ever crossing paths. 5/ Le Mans – Feeling racy One of the birthplaces of motor racing, Le Mans is the site of an annual petrol-heads’ pilgrimage every June. You can visit the Musée de L’Automobile any time, where the huge range of exotic machinery includes the famous Porsche 917 that Steve McQueen drove in the film Le Mans.
3/ Apremont-sur-Allier – Model village As soon as you park here, you’ll see why this is considered one of France’s most beautiful villages. Wander through the lilac-covered cottages, pause at one of many tempting cafés or picnic in the 19th-century park in the shadow of the towers of the local fort.
Avis Great Drives Route Map: Loire Valley
Need to know Round circuit 230 miles (370km); approx. 4-5 hours driving time. If you want to take a rest from the road, follow the Loire by bicycle along the new cycling routes. Ask at tourist offices for information on La Loire a Vélo.
Best time to come May-June for the best of the weather without the crowds.
Soundtrack In Between Dreams, by Jack Johnson
Essential item Smythson notepad – for writing down your favourite places.
With offices in 4,000 locations in 114 countries, Avis can help with your car rental needs wherever you are in the world – and help turn a drive into an experience. For car hire tips or to see other road trips in the Avis Great Drives series visit our blog www.wetryharder.co.uk
To book visit www.avis.co.uk or call 08445 818181 Last updated August 2010.