Where to stay in Loire Valley, France?

Where to go in the Loire Valley, France?

• I'm staying with Friends in La Rochelle, and on the qway back to calais, looking to spend two nights/3days in the Loire Valley? Whats the best places to see, and the best base to ...show more

• Answer:

  I think my favourite town in the Loire Valley is probably Chinon altho' it is not on the Loire but on the River Vienne. It has a ruined chateau and a wonderful "old quarter." However, if you wish to be on the Loire then Saumur takes some beating. It has a chateau set high above the river, it has Ackermann's, the producers of (probably) the best sparkling wine in France; almost next door to this is France's largest mushroom producer and then there is the National Equitation Centre, the home of the Cadre Noir (literally "The Black Squad") who demonstrate their superb skills to the public. The trouble with the Loire Valley is that there is so much to see with dozens of chateaux, ranging from the grandiose Chambord tto pretty little Azay-le-Rideau. I suggest that next year you spend a week (at least) there so you can really explore the area. And Loire Valley wines are very good!! Vouvray, Sancerre, Saumur, Montlouis, Chinon, Bourgueil, Roses d'Anjou, Cremant de Loire, Coteaux du Layon, etc., etc. You'll need somewhere to stay and I would suggest either a B & B (Chambre d'Hote) or a motel of either the Ibis or Campanile chains.