Pays-de-la-Loire Region of France

The Loire Valley, more than most places in the world, personifies the good life. This garden region of France is nourished by the Loire, Eure, Cher and Loiret rivers, and it boasts well maintained and manicured outdoor spaces inspired by generations of talented gardeners, whose lives’ work it was to beautify the gardens of kings.

The Domaine de Beauvois Hotel is hidden away in the Loire Valley. Surrounded by the wooded slopes of a forest, this peaceful castle hotel makes a perfect base for exploring the chateaux and attractions of the surrounding countryside.

Joe Millionaire isn't the only peasant to live like royalty in a French chateau. There are many chateaux open for mere commoners seeking overnight stays.

The white stone chateau of Chaumont-sur-Loire in the department of the Loir-et-Cher in the Loire Valley is a great place to visit. Located between Blois and Tours, it’s near other great castles along the Loire, including Chambord and Cour Cheverny. Chaumont is also famous for its annual International Garden Festival which takes place between...

There’s a surprising amount of places to visit in Angers, but dominating the whole of the town is the impressive Chateau. Not much is left apart from the walls and towers, but inside you’ll come across one of the great treasures of France –- the Apolaypse Tapestry.

Each year the grounds of the Chateau of Chaumont-sur-Loire fill with the International Garden Festival. This year, the Festival from April 25th to October 21st is in its 20th year and chose as its theme “Gardens of delight, Gardens of delerium”. With its castle, a new permanent garden, 5 restaurants and 2 boutiques, the Chaumont International...

The Tapestry of the Apocalpyse in Angers Castle, Anjou, is one of the most impressive tapestries in the world. The medieval tapestry ilustrates the Apocalpyse from the Book of Revelations.

Angers in the western Loire Valley is less well known than the posher part nearer Paris where kings, queens, princes and aristocrats built their fabulous chateaux. But this secret part of the Loire Valley is delightful with its own hidden treasures.

Angers in Anjou in the western part of the Loire is a great place to visit. It's well known for its food and has a good selection of restaurants, from the Michelin one-star restaurants Le Favre d'Anne, and Une Ile, to plenty of welcoming bistros serving local specialities, all washed down with Anjou wine.