This Snapshot guide, excerpted from my guidebook Rick Steves’ France, is all about the Loire Valley. What was once the preserve of French aristocracy is now a playground for commoners like us. Exquisite châteaux dot the lush landscape of the Loire Valley like jewels in a crown—I cover 15 of my favorites. Chenonceau delights with its dramatic setting atop a river, while the king’s “hunting lodge” at Chambord astonishes with 440 rooms—and almost as many chimneys. The best gardens are at Villandry, while Cheverny has the most impressive furnishings—and a fun daily feeding of its hunting hounds. When you need a break, rise above it all in a hot-air balloon or get a feel for the countryside by renting a bike. A visit to “the garden of France” confirms why the Loire Valley was royalty’s number-one getaway.
To help you have the best trip possible, I‘ve included the following topics in this book:
• Planning Your Time, with advice on how to make the most of your limited time
• Orientation, including tourist information (abbreviated as TI), tips on public transportation, local tour options, and helpful hints
• Sights with ratings:
▲▲▲—Don‘t miss
▲▲—Try hard to see
▲—Worthwhile if you can make it
No rating—Worth knowing about
• Sleeping and Eating, with good-value recommendations in every price range
• Connections, with tips on trains, buses, and driving
Practicalities, near the end of this book, has information on money, phoning, hotel reservations, transportation, and more, plus French survival phrases.
To travel smartly, read this little book in its entirety before you go. It’s my hope that this guide will make your trip more meaningful and rewarding. Traveling like a temporary local, you’ll get the absolute most out of every mile, minute, and dollar.
Bon voyage!
Rick Steves
