Centre-Val de Loire, Administrative region in central France
Centre-Val de Loire is an administrative region in central France with Orléans as its capital, covering six departments through which the Loire winds for several hundred kilometers. Fields, forests and vineyards alternate across the landscape, while towns such as Tours and Blois sit along the river.
The French crown moved its seat to this area in the early 15th century, building castles such as Chambord and Chenonceau that now rank among France's most recognized structures. Proximity to the capital and fertile soil made the valley a favored retreat for nobility and royalty.
Gardens and vineyards line the banks of the river, where visitors can walk through centuries-old estates and taste wines produced from grapes grown on limestone soils. Many estates open their cellars to guests, offering a direct encounter with winemaking families who have worked the same plots for generations.
Numerous cycling paths connect castles, wineries and small villages, allowing multi-day tours through the valley. Local tourism offices provide maps with marked routes suitable for families and less experienced cyclists.
Beyond the well-known castles, the territory produces large quantities of cereals and sunflowers, so wide fields alternate with vineyards across the landscape. Some stretches feel more rural and quiet, forming a contrast with the grand estates.
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