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Off the Beaten Path
nown as the “garden of France,” the Loire Valley is filled with vineyards and gardens, and dotted with hundreds of castles steeped in history. Many of these astonishing royal chateaux, medieval fortresses and palaces that were once homes to kings and queens, can be toured and some are available to rent for a long vacation getaway or a fairytale wedding in one of the most beautiful regions of France. Built on the river Cher, renowned Chateau de Chenonceau, with its utterly romantic turrets, arches and wondrous gardens of 40,000 flowers, is the second most visited chateau in France after Versailles. The chateau is said to be a haven of peace and serenity governed by famous French dames, including Catherine de Médicis. Inside this architectural masterpiece, expect Renaissance tapestries, furniture and French masterpieces by Rubens, Rigaud, Nattier and other artists.
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Garden lovers migrate to ogle 16th century stronghold Chateau de Villandry. Terraced on three levels are the finest examples of formal Renaissance gardens. The first level features the chateau, fountains and a reflecting pool. The second level is the flowerfilled Garden of Love and the third level is the kitchen garden sprouting with vegetables, fruit trees and herbs. Vast Fortresse de Chinon has the longest history of any Loire Valley castle as this is where Joan of Arc met King Charles VII during the One Hundred Years War. Visitors can experience views of the architectural developments in castle construction from the primitive 11th century to the end of the 15th century. For that fairytale wedding straight out of “Sleeping Beauty,” Chateau la Bourdaisiere is the castle to rent for a spellbinding stay. The stunning property surrounded by 140 acres of enchanted woodlands boasts
17 rooms, three apartments, a heated pool, tennis courts and a famous tomato garden. The annual September Tomato Festival offers cooking classes, tomato tastings, biodynamic gardening classes and garden tours. Owner Albert de Broglie (a.k.a. “The Garden Prince”) designed the château’s unique tomato conservatory featuring more than 600 varieties. Wine aficionados will enjoy a tasting and tour of celebrated wine cave and museum Chateau de Moncontour with breathtaking views of lush rolling vineyards and the village of Vouvray. Break from touring at a café in one of the many charming wine villages that sprinkle the valley. Fresh river fish, local vegetables and the lauded goat cheese are all natural mates for the crisp, flinty white Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume wines produced in the valley. The food and wine are best consumed sur place, on home turf. – RBS
Stay Domaine des Hauts de Loire domainehautsloire.com Chateau de l’Epinay chateau-epinay.com Domaine des Bidaudieres bidaudieres.com Dine Auberge de Port Vallières www.auberge-de-port-vallieres.fr Le Grand Vatel 8, rue Brule, 37210 Vouvray 02 47 52 70 32 La Cave St. Martin restaurant-la-cave.com don't miss Domaine Huet Winery huet-echansonne.com Organized wine tours loireuncorked.com and loirevalley.com Chateau de Clos Luce Parc Leonardo da Vinci vinci-closluce.com Loire Valley Bicycle Tours frenchcyclingholidays.com
C-Mouton – CRT Centre
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Chateau de Villandry