The Loire valley is justly named La Douce France (sweet France). The rich and noble have been coming here for centuries to enjoy the gentle climate and the fertile land. Neither too hot nor too cold, not too wet or too dry. The glorious landscape is full of châteaux and stately homes, fortified manor houses, monasteries and cathedrals amongst the vineyards, orchards, woods full of game, meadows and pasture land, sunflowers and maize.

There are beautiful gardens and kilometers of twisting caves. The local stone, tufa, has been quarried here for centuries and the caverns this has left behind are ideal for storing wine or growing mushrooms. The Loire valley is home to some fifty wine regions including Anjou, Azay-le-Rideau, Bourgueil, Chinon, Coteaux du Layon, Touraine and Vouvray. All of these are within an hour’s drive of our house and we’ll be happy to take you a local grower if you would like to sample the range available. White, rosé and red, sparkling or still, and a couple of very famous dessert wines are all produced locally. If you wish to buy anything after your tasting you are welcome to bottle it at our place if you wish.

Some of the caves are home to complete homes and restaurants. There is also the fascinating mushroom museum at Saumur. There are more famous museums and galleries in Angers and Tours, at the Le Mans circuit and of course at some of the many châteaux.

There are luxury shops, intriguing old stores selling bric-a-brac, several markets and some huge supermarkets within half an hour’s drive. What is striking is the hospitality of the area; you will get the friendliest welcome wherever you go.

The Loire valley lends itself to getting around by bicycle, in a car and especially by motor bike.