Europe's last wild river, and its tributaries, flow through the Loire Valley Region. It is an area that has for centuries attracted international acclaim for architectural heritage, and for its rich, beautifully preserved countryside. Mother Nature cares lovingly for the picturesque settings of the distinguished get unforgiving Loire, with its spellbinding marshland and vine-covered hillsides One visit to the Natural Regional Park of Loire-Anjou Touraine, is enough to show the pre-eminence of nature in the region. The park blooms with the life of sprawling fauna and its infinite variations. What's more, the Loire Valley has now been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. The Natural Regional Parks in Brenne and Perche are equally deserving of a mention as the wooded heathland of the Sologne. This region has been home to countless kings, artists and famous writers. They can't all be wrong. Their presence is ingrained in the very history of the surroundings, countryside and architecture. Indeed, the architecture is wonderfully eclectic, ranging from troglodyte caves and hillside villages to Renaissance Châteaux, medieval fortresses and historic cities with ancient monuments. The area is so beautiful that we decided to write a guide showing how to get the very best out of the Loire Valley Region; ten detailed itineraries through châteaux country pointing out the must-sees on the way. In fact, you may be surprised by what you find as you peer into our cultural and natural heritage, for the is a place that is not only full of history, but that teems with colour and life.
The Queens and the Kings
