More of the Loire for less

  France, France
Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Renowned for its elegant chateaux and famous name wines, nowhere conjures up the beauty and tranquility of rural France quite like the Loire Valley.



But if you thought the words affordable holidays in the Loire Valley were a contradiction in terms, think again.

The secret is knowing how to live like a "bon viveur" on holiday without it breaking the bank. For low-cost escapes to France, choose a comfortable self-catering apartment in the Loire Valley, hire a car and you can discover the region's spectacular food and wines and enjoy many active outdoor pursuits, all on an affordable budget.

The Garden of France
The Loire Valley is known as the 'Garden of France'. The beautiful River Loire snakes its way through rolling hills and past some of the grandest and finest architecture in Europe. Chateaux, wineries, medieval cities, and some of Europe's most charming countryside are all reflected in the river's gently flowing waters.

Beaucoup de Chateaux



The Loire Valley has more chateaux than you can shake a French bread stick at, so here's a quick guide to the pick of the bunch:



Chambord is a riot of over-the-top extravagance, whereas Chinon is too romantic for words.



Valencay is without doubt the most opulently decorated and furnished, and visitors with an interest in gardening will be swept away by the landscaped grounds at Villandry and Chaumont.

Loches and the Indre River



The most impressive fortress to be found anywhere in the Lore Valley is at Loches. This must-see landmark stands close to the banks of the Indre river. Its illustrious history dates back to the days of Joan of Arc and King Chales VII who used to hold court - and wild parties - here.



The medieval town in which the fortress stands is no less impressive. Nowadays, its streets are filled with restaurants, brasseries and cafes, and of course, shops selling local produce.



Loche is a high-point for many people visiting the Loire Valley and makes for an ideal base from which to explore the rest of the region. There are plenty of accommodation options, including charming self-catering apartments. What's more, self-catering allows you to mix shopping for yourself in the charcuteries and markets with dining out when you feel like a treat.


Ramparts and cobbles

Chartres is home to one of the greatest cathedrals in all Christendom, and it's also a must-see for fans of the Da Vinci Code. Bourges is a rich historical town of paved stone streets, medieval and Renaissance architecture and the remarkable Gothic Cathedral of St-Etienne which dominates the hilltop.



Blois, Chambord and Tours are also popular with history lovers and are packed with monuments, mixing the Renaissance with the Neo-classical and the Gothic.



Gastronomy
Local tables groan under an abundance of farm-fresh products: poultry, game and fish, vegetables and fresh fruit, including berries, pears and apples. And, of course, the famous tarte tatin, a caramelized, upside down apple tart is the must-try dessert.



Eating out is a serious pastime and the whole region boasts wonderful restaurants. With a little shopping around you can eat very well indeed for as little as £25-£30 per person.



Typical of restaurants in this price range are Au Rendezvous des Pecheurs in Blois for fish, and Diane de Meridor in Montsoreau, or La Licorne at Fontevraud for more traditional local French cuisine.



But wherever you are, you'll be spoilt for choice and half the fun is discovering charming little eateries for yourself.


Wine
In the Loire Valley, you're never very far away from a vineyard. Be sure to sample some of the very best fruits of the vine, including the fruity reds of Chinon and Bourgueil, the dry white Cheverny and the flinty Sancerre, or even the sparkling Vouvray.



Wineries come in all shapes and sizes with co-operatives, small independent producers and large concerns. Most have 'caves', wine cellars carved out of the local stone. Tasting is generally free, but etiquette suggests you should buy a bottle or two.
At some of the smaller vineyards, don't be surprised to be shown round personally by the owners. Or you can explore the region with the various 'route de vignobles', which are organised vineyard tours. You'll find details in local tourist information offices.

Outdoor pursuits
Walking and rambling is popular along the Loire with deep forests, quiet villages and peaceful river banks to enjoy.

Cycling is another great way to explore the region and in many towns you can rent bicycles by the day. Another is to saddle up and explore the 450 kms of designated horse trails. Any local tourist office will have the latest details.
And for fun on the water, you can paddle your own canoe or kayak along the river, or take a river cruise through the famous bridge-canal of Briare.



Brenne Nature Park
The Brenne Nature Park is a natural wilderness of lakes, woodlands and wetlands, famous for its rich variety of flora and wildlife, including 300 species of birds. The park is dotted with traditional buildings and criss-crossed with trails for walking, hiking, mountain bike and horse riding.



How to get there
Return flights with Ryanair London (Stansted) - Nantes cost from around £77.

A car with 4 passengers (two adults and two children) return on Eurotunnel (Folkestone to Calais) costs from £219.

Hot offer

French self-catering specialist P&V is offering seven nights at the Pierre & Vacances residence at Loches, in an apartment for up to four people, for just 430 Euro.

Ideally located on the banks of the Indre and opposite the "Logis Royal", the residence is housed in converted flour mills, to which small modern buildings respectful of the surrounding heritage have been added. It offers very comfortable apartments with a loggia or small garden, except for the mill apartments.

On-site activities include a swimming pool with terrace-solarium, while the medieval town of Loches is just a five-minute walk away. For further information and bookings, visit www.pv-holidays.com