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La Loire, France

An Artist's Paradise

Norman
2004-08-11 16:40:53

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One of the most rewarding and exhilarating experiences is to attend an art workshop in Loire France and even if you are not an artist you will enjoy your stay in the "real" France. Some have even referred to the area as a paradise for painters. This is evidenced in its lush fertile rolling hills, beautiful rivers and meandering streams, majestic oaks, quiet old towns and hamlets, chateaux and fields of sunflowers and abundant vineyards.
You will also find fortified towns like St-Suzanne, the old beautiful town of Avesničres sur Včgre with its 12th century bridge and towns like Guerche-de-Bretagne or Chateau-Gontier that have very colorful markets every day.

The Loire Valley is often called the playground of the kings and the garden of France. Located just about one-and-a-half hours out of Paris via the TGV, this area was where generations of French kings and their courtiers built large castles and chateaux in order to entertain and indulge in wild parties.

The reputation as being the garden of France was due to its mild and soft climate and pastoral countryside that is ideal for touring around the sights, taking relaxing walks along the river banks and indulging in painting and drawing. There are also little sandy beaches along the Loire river with water sports as popular as those that exist along the coast of France.

The many chateaux and castles number approximately 40. As an example of one of the many chateaux is the 12th century Chateau d'Angers which was the site of many battles during the Hundred Years' War. Other chateaux are the Azay-le-Rideau located 15 miles SW of Tours, Chenonceau, which is about 14 miles SE of Tours, Cheverney, about eight miles SE of Blois, Villandry, 12 miles west of Tours, and Chambord about 10 miles east of Blois.

La Loire is famous for its wines, such as the Muscadets, Anjou, Saumur Champigny and its food such as freshwater fish, delicious cakes, asparagus and ices from fancy tea shops. The world's greatest tapestry is located in Angers as well as the Cointreau factory.

Transportation to the Loire Valley is extremely easy as you have many trains leaving from Paris and other localities such as Laval, Nantes, Lille, Lyon, Bordeaux. For more information concerning schedules and prices you can refer to the SNCF site.

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