Centre Region of France - France's Loire Valley
The Centre Region of France, France's eastern Loire Valley, was the epicenter of French royalty. It features amazing chateaux and cathedrals, including Notre Dame de Chartres (in the village known as the Stained Glass Capital of the World). Centre is also a wonderful destination to experience fine cuisine, wine and art.
Loire Valley Chateau Castles in Pictures
Take a photo tour of France's Loire Valley chateaux, once the homes of Europe's elite lords and kings.
Take a photo tour of France's Loire Valley chateaux, once the homes of Europe's elite lords and kings.
Loire Valley Gardens & Chateaux
Approaching an imposing moat-surrounded château, embellished with hedges trimmed into designs and patterns called parterres de broderies, gravel crunching underfoot, is an unforgettable experience. The Loire Valley, more than most places in the world, personifies the good life.
Approaching an imposing moat-surrounded château, embellished with hedges trimmed into designs and patterns called parterres de broderies, gravel crunching underfoot, is an unforgettable experience. The Loire Valley, more than most places in the world, personifies the good life.
Orleans
The village of Orleans, made famous for its connection to Joan of Arc, also is in the heart of Chateau Country.
The village of Orleans, made famous for its connection to Joan of Arc, also is in the heart of Chateau Country.
Chartres Cathedral
This site has lots of images and details about Chartres Cathedral, one of the world's most stunning cathedrals. The city itself is a great place to visit, with bakeries, cafes and boutiques. It is also the world's stained glass capital.
This site has lots of images and details about Chartres Cathedral, one of the world's most stunning cathedrals. The city itself is a great place to visit, with bakeries, cafes and boutiques. It is also the world's stained glass capital.
Tours Tourist Office
This site is packed with information and alluring pictures of Tours. The "city of 30 markets" has lots of street markets to tempt the visitors. The site also has information on excursions by mini bus or hot air balloon to see the castles of the Loire Valley.
This site is packed with information and alluring pictures of Tours. The "city of 30 markets" has lots of street markets to tempt the visitors. The site also has information on excursions by mini bus or hot air balloon to see the castles of the Loire Valley.
Chateau d'Esclimont
This chateau-turned-elegant-hotel is a world unto itself. Situated about 45 minutes from Paris and 15 minutes from Chartres, guests live in the lap of luxury. The grounds are wooded with a lake, canoeing, fishing, gardens to walk through, tennis courts and a heated outdoor pool. The hotel's restaurant is acclaimed as well (don't miss dessert!).
This chateau-turned-elegant-hotel is a world unto itself. Situated about 45 minutes from Paris and 15 minutes from Chartres, guests live in the lap of luxury. The grounds are wooded with a lake, canoeing, fishing, gardens to walk through, tennis courts and a heated outdoor pool. The hotel's restaurant is acclaimed as well (don't miss dessert!).
Centre Region Tourism Office
The official site has details about the many chateaux and cathedrals in this blessed region, as well as festivals, art, culture and nature.
The official site has details about the many chateaux and cathedrals in this blessed region, as well as festivals, art, culture and nature.