Top 10 stops on the Loire River
Loire is the longest river in France, famous for its castles. People from around world come to visit it. Some choose to take a cruise, some travel by road. Whether you decide to travel on land or water these 10 stops are must see.
You might not know who Troisgros family is, but people in Roanne sure do. Members of Troisgros family are famous for their influence in French cuisine and their restaurant, awarded with Three Michelin stars, that attracts visitors from around the world. But if fancy restaurants are not you thing, Museum of Fine Arts and Archaeology Joseph Déchelette with its Egyptian collections won’t disappoint you.
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If you think that there is nothing to see in small town of little above 6000 people, you’re wrong. Decize is hidden treasure of Loire. This town on the island on Loire is haven outdoor lovers. You can cycle through town and along canal, paddle on the calm waters of Loire, or take long walks on the Walls around the city or through Promenade des Halles (avenue of plane trees).
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You’ve probably heard about Nevers as one of the Formula One circuits - Circuit de Nevers Magny-Cours. But more people come here for a different reason. First castle in range of famous castles of Loire is here, in Nevers. It is Ducal Palace of Nevers. When you see the castle and it surroundings you’ll want to take a boat and go down the river and see all of them.
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Don’t skip this town just because it’s small. It’s big enough to have hotels, bar, restaurants and shops, but it’s small and cozy and gives impeccable French charm. This medieval village also has moderate climate – not to hot, no to rainy – what’s more beautiful than a glass of wine, with light music and sunset over Loire?
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When you’re cruising down the Loire, first thing that will attract you is typical French architecture on houses next to the river. You will want to have a croissant in one of cafes by the Loire. But once you get your croissant on a very colorful plate, you will realize what Gien is famous for – pottery. Some of the finest French faience is made in Gien factory which you can visit and shop at special prices.
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Tourists come to Loire Valley not because of city itself but because of all the famous castles nearby. But we suggest that you also pay a visit house of Joan of Arc and Hotel de Ville, which is very prestigious hotel, with royal curtains and gold drippings. It is also a city hole, so everybody who’s getting married in Loire Valley has to do that here.
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It’s a magical city. But not because of its fine architecture or French cuisine. Blois is a city of real magic. Famous magician Jean Eugène Robert Houdin was born here and today Blois’s main attraction is his museum, where visitors can learn more about him and his life, but also enjoy everyday performance and magic shows. All guides in museum are illusionists.
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Tours is jewel of central France. It has French architecture, with half-timber houses and blue rooftops. People here speak perfect French. The city is called Garden of France, because of its enormous parks. Every bridge in Tours is worth crossing. Whether you come to see Paris-Tours bike race or it’s a stop on your Loire cruise, Tours will delight you.
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When you visit Saumur, home town of famous Coco Chanel, you don’t drink fine wine – you drink the best wine in France. Chinon, Bourgueil and Coteaux du Layon are just some of the wines that come from this region. And if that doesn’t make you feel prestigious, than go and see annual horse shows at Cadre Noir, National School of Horsemanship, one of the best in the world.
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Just before Loire meets the Atlantic ocean lies the city of Nantes, claimed to be "the most livable city in all of Europe". Powerful history, island with exhibition of fantastic mechanical animals, shopping mall that with 19th century décor, ship as a museum, pedestrian area with plenty of bars and restaurants, nature lake park and ocean nearby – this city has it all. It may not convince you to live here, but Nantes will fulfill all your expectations.
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