Loire Valley at a Glance
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.
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