Named "Centre" for its location in the heart of France, the Center Loire Valley is easily accessible from Paris via car or TGV high-speed train. The Loire is the longest river in France, flowing 635 miles from its source in the center of the country to the Atlantic. But it is the 150-mile stretch from Angers to Orleans, a favorite location of the pleasure-loving nobility who built feudal fortresses and ornate palaces there, that has made this region a major attraction for travelers. In addition to the vast number of castles that dot the landscape of the Western Loire Valley, including the famous chateaux at Chambord, Chenonceau, Blois and Villandry, the region offers visitors well-preserved medieval villages, the grand cathedrals of Bourges and Chartres and a variety of fine local cheeses and wines.
Tourist Office 9, rue Saint Pierre Lentin 45041 Orleans Cedex 1