Where to stay in Loire Valley, France?

Where to stay in the Loire Valley?

• I am going to be in France from March 12-19. I would like to spend a few days in a rental car cruising the Loire Valley. Will take any recommendations on things to do at that time ...show more

• Answer:

  The châteaux of the Loire Valley (Val de Loire) number more than 300. They represent a nation of builders starting with the necessary castle fortifications in the 10th century to the splendor of those built a thousand years later. When the French kings began constructing their huge châteaux here, the nobility, not wanting or even daring to be far from the seat of power, followed suit. Their presence in the lush, fertile valley with its moderate climate, began attracting the very best landscape designers. Before long, and to this day, the valley of the Loire is known as the "Garden of France". The châteaux today Today, these privately owned châteaux serve as homes, a few opening their doors to tourist visits, while others are operated as hotels or bed and breakfasts. Many have been taken over by a local government authority or the giant structures like those at Chambord are owned and operated by the national government and are major tourist sites, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Some châteaux Château d'Amboise Château d'Angers Château d'Apremont Château d'Azay-le-Ferron Château d'Azay-le-Rideau Château de Beauregard