Indre-et-LoireIndre-et-Loire is a rural area, and a good number of the inhabitants are involved in wine production. It is also reputedly the area where the 'purest' French can be heard. This part of France is famed for its châteaux but there are other things to see here too, such as the ancient craft of basketry in Villaines-les-Rochers. In Tours, there is a museum dedicated to the Compagnonnage du Tour de France, a society dedicated to craftsmanship, be it the building trade, jewellers, mechanics, bakers and other professionals. The chenin blanc grape gives us the crisp and sparkling white wines of Touraine; the famous wines of Vouvray come from vineyards near the River Loire. The region is probably better known for its wines than its cheeses but there are some remarkably good local ones. There are various types of goat cheese, including crottin de Chavignol and Ste-Maure, Olivet cheeses and of course Port-Salut. In 1990 an association of parks and gardens was created to promote the many hitherto unknown but lovely gardens in Central France. Herb gardens, rose gardens, arboretums and even a garden boasting more than 600 varieties of tomato all feature here. There are many splendid châteaux in the Loire Valley, including the beautiful Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau and the Château d'Ussé. The gardens of Villandry are unsurpassed; designed by Carvallo, who bought the château some 100 years ago, the gardens were also some of the first to open to the public. Another curiosity of the area is the leaning tower at Chanteloup, built by the Duc de Choiseul.
Credit photo: Laurent Massillon / CRT Centre-Val de Loire
<< Back
 |
|
|
| News |
What's happening in Paris/Ile De France? |
|
|
|
| 29/09/2011 Freedom of the city of London for ABTOF Member |
|
|
|
|
|
| 07/12/2011 Winning article - Online |
The winning article from the online category of the French Travel Article of the Year awards, written by Sharron Livingston
|
|
|
|
| 07/12/2011 Winning article - Magazines |
Winner of the magazine category of the French Travel Article of the Year awards, written by Eve Kerswill
|
|
|
|
| 07/12/2011 Winning article - Newspapers |
Winner of both the Newspaper category and overall winner of French Travel Article of the Year Award, written by Mary Novakovich
|
|
|
|
| 29/11/2011 Villa La Tosca |
Ever wondered what type of holiday villa you can get for 25,000 Euros a week? Here's the answer.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe
October (Annual)
|
Paris
|
| Held at the world-renowned Longchamp racecourse, the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe sees equine athletes from around the world competing to take away the €4 million prize fund, making it the world's most richly rewarded turf race. |
|
|
|
Paris Gay Pride
June (Annual)
|
Paris
|
|
The romantic, enchanting city of
Paris celebrates Gay Pride at the end of June with a massive parade that draws more than 500,000 spectators and participants as well as a series of parties, balls, and other lively events.
|
|
|
|
Rallye Paris - Deauville
October (Annual)
|
Paris
|
| The Paris - Deauville rally is an annual event which sees the gathering and exhibition of pre-1940s vintage cars, cabriolets and coupés. |
|
|
|
Carnaval de Paris
February
|
Paris, Ile-de-France
|
Parisians ome out in force to participate in this cheerful annual procession, which runs from the Rue le Vau to the Hôtel de Ville.
|
|
|
|
Banlieues Bleues-Jazz in Seine-Saint-Denis
March - April (annual)
|
Seine-St-Denis
|
More than a simple blues or jazz festival, Banlieues Bleues brings together the old and the new in a celebration of music in Paris' Seine St Denis suburb. Every year the festival attracts big names to venues throughout the area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Newsletter
|
|
|
|
Sign up to our newsletter for latest news, offers and deals
 |
|
|
|
| Offers |
|
July & August from £733
European Camping, mobile home & lodge holidays from £733 per family per week.
|
|
Free lift passes and free creche
2014 chalet holidays with free ski passes and free creche with Le Ski.Chambery flights included.
|
More Offers on French Holidays
More Offers ...
|
| Holiday Options |
Accommodation
Loading
|
Disneyland Paris
Specialist Disneyland Paris Agent. Get the latest offers & discounts plus ALL packages include hotel accommodation & park tickets. Make
further savings by adding a discounted ferry, Eurotunnel or Eurostar crossing.
|
|
Serviced Apartments in Paris with Adagio
Choose from 12 Adagio City Aparthotels in Paris including Eurodisney.
|
|
Paris holidays with French Connections
Self catering apartments in Paris for both long and short breaks. Search now for your next holiday in Paris!
|
|
Alan Rogers Guides & Travel Service
Pitch reservations & mobile home holidays across France & Spain. Pay at-the-gate prices, with a small, one-off admin fee and we'll organise it all for you. Free Child Places and Special Offers available. Alan Rogers Guides have been the market leading campsite guides since 1968. Also Camping Cheque programme (www.campingcheque.co.uk) for low season touring with savings up to 60%.
|
|
AA Getaways - French city breaks by Eurostar
Speed off by Eurostar to some of France's best loved cities, enjoy amazing offers or free nights in hand-picked hotels. Breaks to suit all budgets and occassions.
|
|
Camping in Paris / Ile de France
Excellent family camping and caravanning parks across France. Great coastal and inland locations with a wide range of facilities.
|
More Holiday Options ... |
|
 |
Average Temperature
Dependant on When
|
|
Sunshine Hours
Dependant on When |
 |
Average Rainfall
Dependant on When |
|
|