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Regions of France : Centre/Loire ValleyRecommended & Featured Hotels Centre/Loire Valley Hotel Saint-Aignan, Orléans 
Hotel Saint-Aignan is 3 minutes walk from the SNCF train station, and only 5 minutes from the city centre. It offers free Wi-Fi. Rooms are spacious and individually decorated. They come fully equipped with TV and private bathroom. Buffet breakfast is served daily in the cosy dining room. Hotel Saint-Aignan is a great base for exploring the Loire Valley and the nearby vineyards of Sancerre. Book now or look for more information & guest reviews! More Hotels Centre Wall to wall châteaux and then more so, Centre has all the best. From
the monumental splendour of Françcois I’s Chambord to the dreamy Azay le
Rideau it is a region of visual delights.
It was the Hundred Years’ War when the English and Burgundians kicked the royals out of Paris that led to the Loire gaining in importance. The best architects were drafted in to create ever more elaborate châteaux to prove their owners' importance. Today the river is a shadow of its former self, silted up and largely impassable but still ideal for picnics while staring across at the splendour of yet another fairytale turreted castle. The region is awash with medieval history from the Maid of Orléans (Joan of Arc) to the flamboyant Francois I. Chambord may be the most impressive château in the region but there are plenty of others to see and enjoy – all with fascinating stories of their history. Cher
* High on the hill, Sancerre is king of the valleys producing this select wine* Described by Julius Caesar as "one of the most beautiful cities in all of Gaule", Bourges has continued to delight and inspire visitors down through the ages. The Gothic cathedral, sculpted mansions, stately palaces and a bustling medieval quarter are all reminders of its rich historic past. Inaugurated in the year 2000, the "Nuits Lumière" sound and light show sets the city aglow and makes the Middle Ages come alive each evening in the summer. 12th century cathedral is a celebration of medieval craftsmanship. Hotels Bourges * Charles VII’s château at Mehun sur Yèvre where he lived after being beaten at Agincourt Eure-et-Loir
Chartres cathedral is awesome from any angle – its stained glass shines
Nogent-le-Rotrou’s old town was rebuilt in the 15th century and remains intact The Thimerais area is popular with mountain bikers and the Senonches forest for picnics Indre
Châteauroux - Situated two hours from Paris, Châteauroux is well known for its metallurgy and farm-produce industries, but also for its expertise in aeronautics, electronics and information technology, ensuring development in the high-tech sectors.Hotels Châteauroux Argenton sur Creuse has a beautifully preserved medieval quarter Château de Villegongis is known as a mini Chambord 16th century white stoned Château Vallençay also has beautiful gardens Indre-et-Loire ChinonChinon, the favourite residence of kings Henri II Plantagenet and Charles VII, stands on the right bank of the Vienne, on the border of Touraine and Anjou in a crossroads position that earned it strategic importance during the Hundred Years’ War. The town’s long history manifests itself through its architectural wealth, notably in the vestiges of the feudal castle Château de Chinon which dominates the banks of the Vienne. Old houses, with their spiral staircases, wells and mullioned windows, are huddled together along the alleyways that wind around the Place du Grand Carroi, the Romanesque church of Saint-Maurice and the Gothic church of Saint-Étienne. Hotels Chinon 
The fairytale château Azay le Rideau is a pinnacle of renaissance architectureMedieval power and might oozes from the ruined château at Chinon, also famous for its wine Perfectly preserved 17th century Richelieu and Château Chenonceau are too beautiful to miss Loir-et-CherFrancois I’s mammoth Château Chambord has a double helix staircase supposedly by Leonardo da VinciThe important market centre of Blois has a beautifully ornate octagonal carved stone staircase Château Cheverny has one of the most beautiful interiors on the Loire Gustave Eiffel’s iron aqueduct at Briare Off the beaten track Gien and Montargis make ideal bases from which to explore Loiret Orléans - Orléans was badly damaged during World War II and is now a shadow of its former glorious self. Its long history stretches to a time before the Romans but its most famous event was Joan of Arc's deliverance of the city from the English in 1429 that is remembered most fervently with Joan of Arc Day celebrated each year on the 8th of May, when the town makes merry with street parades in medieval style.
Hotels Orléans Montargis - The square tower called “Poterne” built by King Philip II Augustus, a corner tower overlooking the town and a couple of ruins are what remains of the Montargis Castle. Parts of it can be visited on request at the Tourism Office. The walls facing town are in the course of restoration as well as some of the medieval and Renaissance gardens that surrounded the walls. Hotels Montargis Chartres - Cathedral Chartres Chartres is built on the left bank of the Eure River, on a hill crowned by its famous cathedral, the spires of which are a landmark in the surrounding country. Officially known as the "Cathedral of Our Lady in Chartres", it is ranked as one of the finest examples of Gothic French architecture. The original structure dates back to 1145 and was rebuilt in 1194 after a devastating fire. It was completed over a 26-year period. The cathedral was consecrated under King (Saint) Louis and Pope Alexander IV on October 17, 1260. The 106 stained glass windows, including the three rose windows, are its crowning glory. Made during the Middle Ages and dating from the beginning of the 12th century, they cover an area of 3150 m. Standing before the strange beauty of a Gothic cathedral, one cannot but appreciate the artistry, skill and sacrifice of the medieval stonecutter. The stone has weathered with vicissitudes of Nature making the monument more romantic. Hotels Chartres Château De Lazenay - Résidence Hôtelière Bourges Surrounded by greenery, this 19th-century castle is located next to Val d'Auron Lake and Bourges golf course. It offers charming rooms with free Wi-Fi internet access and a flat-screen TV. The Château De Lazenay - Résidence Hôtelière makes a peaceful base for visiting Bourges. The city centre is only a short distance from the hotel. Enjoy a ... Quality Hotel Harmonie Tours Situated in a peaceful location near the train station and Congress Centre, the hotel features 30 rooms including superior rooms, triple and family rooms with balcony and spa suites. The Quality Hotel Harmonie Tours features cosy and elegant rooms fitted with modern facilities such as flat-screen TVs and Wi-Fi access. The on-site private ... More France travel, golf & sport news |