E-Book Overview
The Rough Guide to Loire Valley is your essential guide to the “garden of France.” Discover the spectacular ch?teaux of Chenonceau to the glorious cathedral of Chatres, the full colour section gives a real sense of the best this bourgeois paradise has on offer. Get clued-up… all the practical information you need for exploring the cultural landscape, sampling the regions wine, cycling and hot air ballooning, plus special tips on keeping the kids happy. Comprehensive reviews of where to find the finest cuisine, drink, and stay in all price ranges, plus the brand new “Authors’ Pick” feature will highlight the very best options. The guide also takes an informed look at the region’s rich history, fine wine and festivals and comes complete with maps and plans for every area.
E-Book Content
ROUGHGUIDES THE ROUGH GUIDE to The Loire About this book Rough Guides are designed to be good to read and easy to use. The book is divided into the following sections and you should be able to find whatever you need in one of them. The colour section is designed to give you a feel for the Loire, suggesting when to go and what not to miss, and includes a full list of contents. Then comes basics, for pre-departure information and other practicalities. The guide chapters cover the Loire’s regions in depth, each starting with a highlights panel, introduction and a map to help you plan your route. The contexts section fills you in on history, wine and books, while individual colour inserts introduce châteaux and the River Loire itself, and language gives you an extensive menu reader and enough French to get by. The book concludes with all the small print, including details of how to send in updates and corrections, and a comprehensive index. This second edition published June 2007. 51999 US $19.99 CAN$24.99 781843 537915 I S B N 978-1-84353-791-5 9 The publishers and authors have done their best to ensure the accuracy and currency of all the information in The Rough Guide to The Loire, however, they can accept no responsibility for any loss, injury, or inconvenience sustained by any traveller as a result of information or advice contained in the guide. The Rough Guide to The Loire written and researched by James McConnachie with contributions from Hugh Cleary NEW YORK • LONDON www.roughguides.com • DELHI Colour section 1–16 Introduction.............................. 04 Where to go.............................. 05 When to go............................... 09 Things not to miss.................... 11 Basics 17–56 Getting there............................. 19 Getting around.......................... 27 Accommodation....................... 30 Food and drink ........................ 34 Festivals................................... 38 Outdoor activities..................... 41 Travelling with children............. 45 Travel essentials....................... 47 Guide 57–324 1 Touraine........................59–136 2 Blois and the Sologne.......................137–180 3 The Orléanais..............181–218 4 The Haut Berry............219–240 5 The Saumurois............241–268 6 Central Anjou..............269–298 | C ONTENTS | Contents 7 The northern approaches.................299–324 Contexts 325–362 History.................................... 327 Writers of the Loire................. 340 Books..................................... 348 Wine....................................... 352 Language 363–376 French.................................... 365 Glossary................................. 375 Travel Store 377–