Castles of the Loire Valley, medieval heritage of France

<body topmargin="0" leftmargin="0"> <p>Alternately majestic, wild, romantic, unusual and tamed. The exceptional heritage of the Loir-et-Cher gives rise to a wide range of emotions and sensations. Poets and writers have sung the praises of its gentle way of life. Kings, enchanted by its mild climate and forests full of wild game, built sumptuous residences here. As well as the State Châteaux, certain private inhabited châteaux and manors are also open to you. Welcome to the Loir-et-Cher. Loire castle The Loire valley with its castles, with the artistic and historical city of Blois, warmed by the fascinating light of the river, are waiting to welcome you like a king. The most beautiful chateaux of the Loire Valley come alive during your visit, with many different shows to make your visit special. <a href="http://www.chambordcountry.com/UK/detail.asp?rub=chateaux_autr_sit&ssrub=chareaux&cle =41AASOR100137">chambord Castle</a> This 16th century chateau is the most visited monument in the department of the Loir-et-Cher. It is a National Historical Monument , and has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981. This masterpiece of the Renaissance, largely inspired by Italien feudal society, is said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. With its reputation of being uninhabitable, Chambord is famous for its double staircase. Let's not forget its enclosed park, the largest in Europe, which is a national hunting reserve. A royal chateau such as Chambord has so much to offer in terms of shows and animations that you can spend the entire day without getting bored. <a href="http://www.chambordcountry.com/UK/detail.asp?rub=chateaux_autr_sit&ssrub=chareaux&cle =41AASOR100128">Cheverny castle</a> Sophistication of its charming decor. You will see : paintings by the masters, tapastries by the Paris workshops, 17th century Flander tapistries, a remarkable Louis 15th clock, a rare Louis 14th chest of drawers, the kings bed, and a thousand other jewels.... Also, the chateau is known for its hunting hounds. Only for visitors to the chateau: Permanant exhibit dedicated to Tintin, "The Secrets of Moulinsart". Moulinsart was inspired by Cheverny. Thanks to this exhibit, Tintin, Haddock and Professeur Tournesol relive the events that took place around this mythic chateau. Discovery of the park and canals in coach and electric boat. Visit the dog stables, and maybe attend the feeding of the hounds. <a href="http://www.chambordcounrty.com/UK/detail.asp?rub=chateaux_autr_sit&ssrub=villes&cle= 41AASOR1001184">Blois</a> Blois is listed as a City of Art and History and since 2001, City of Character. Royal city, rich with a prestigious past, former home of the kings of France and his court in the 16th century, Blois is a captivating city. Tucked into the very heart of the city, the chateau of Blois unites 4 centuries of history and architecture, from the 13th to 17th century. Around the château, the city invites you to wander and discover the medieval and renaissance streets, its religious heritage, its poetic gardens... <a href="http://www.chambordcountry.com/UK/detail.asp?rub=chateaux_autr_sit&ssrub=chareaux&cle =41AASOR100135">blois castle</a> The royal castle of Blois. Is listed on the national historical monument list. It offers a stunning panorama of the different architectural trends of French architecture , including the famous double-ramp staircase of king Francis I. The entrance ticket gives access to the following visits in the chateau of Blois : royal appartments, Gaston of Orlean's Dome, Saint Calais' Chapel, Lapidary Museum and archeological rooms, Fine Arts Museum, temporary exhibition. <a href="www.chambordcountry.com/UK/detail.asp?rub=chateaux_autr_sit&rub=ville&cle=41AASOR100210">Vendome</a> Visit to the city Vendome. Classified as City of Art and History and City of Water, Vendome, the gateway to the Loire Valley, is located in a wonderful site at the foot of a hillside bathed by the Loir river. In the centre is Trinity Abbey Church, the old Oratorian school and Saint Jacques Chapel, remains of the ramparts and the water gate, not to mention the remains of the Chateau of the Bourbons. Many green areas, parks and gardens are in bloom and are enthusiastically cared for on approximately one hundred hectares, earning to Vendome the Grand Prix National de Fleurissement (National Flowering Grand Prize) since 1994. Free self visit any time. </p> </body>