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- Destinations
- Europe
- France
- Loire Valley
Loire Valley
Renowned for its fine wine, sumptuous châteaux and Renaissance
intrigue, the valley of the Loire is rich in both history and
architecture. Like the River Loire, this vast region runs through
the heart of French life. Its sophisticated cities, luxuriant
landscape and magnificent food and wine add up to a bourgeois
paradise.
Historic towns and magnificent chateaux line the valley,
including the striking Chateau d'Usse, which inspired the Sleeping
Beauty fairytale as well as the Disneyland castle. Loire Valley was
for a long period, until Henri IV moved his court to Paris, the
home of Royalty and the intellectual capital of France. The towns
of Tours and Angers, both on the river, act as good bases from
which to explore the area and its many delights. Although there are
train and bus services to most towns they are limiting for tourists
and it is best to hire your own transport to fully explore the
region. Consider renting a bike; this is wonderful and easy cycling
country.
Information & Facts
Climate
The Loire Valley climate can be split into three regions. The
western coast, from the Loire valley to the Pyrenees, is mild and
during the summer months hot weather prevails, while further west
near Nantes the climate is cool. In the middle Loire, the climate
is mild with moderate rainfall, while in the upper Loire, a
continental climate prevails with short, hot summers.
Language
French is the official language.
Money
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency in France. Currency can
be exchanged at banks, bureaux de change and some large hotels,
though you will get a better exchange rate at the ATMs. Major
credit cards are widely accepted, as are travellers cheques,
particularly in major tourist destinations. Foreign currency is not
accepted.
Time
Local time is GMT +1 (GMT +2 between last Sunday in March and
last Sunday in October).