The Loire Valley once held court as the home for royalty and nobility during French Renaissance. Crusaders returning from the east brought with them news of their lavish lifestyles and blissful surroundings, and soon nobility and royalty were building showy chateaux stuffed with designer furnishings and works of art. Henri VI eventually moved the extravagance back to Paris, but the Loire Valley Castles remain, with fairy-tale inspiring examples found at Amboise, Blois, Chenonceaux and Chinon.

France's famous daughter, Joan of Arc, liberated capital city Orleans in 1429 from a lengthy seige by the English. The Berry Region is rooted with vineyards crafting unforgettable wines, including Sancerre's light and dry whites. Vouvray is reputed to have mastered Chenin Blanc, and their sweet vintages, known as moelleux, are some of the world's most versatile and enjoyable. The cuisine of the diverse Loire Valley is extra special, and Tours' restaurants showcase its high points with recipes including fresh salmon pulled from the Loire River, rillette, or potted pork, wild boar, deer and duck.