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Chateaux of the Loire Valley

In 1453, following the campaigns of Joan of Arc, the English were expelled from France. And with peace came a new sense of national pride and optimism. This lead to an ambitious royal building program.

The grand age of chateaux building in the Loire Valley had begun, heavily influenced by Italian artisans brought here by French Kings.

The most iconic palace was Chambord, the exterior of which was transformed by Francois the 1stfrom a simple hunting lodge to what can only be described as a superior hunting lodge.

Francois did employ a pretty good interior decorator, Leonardo da Vinci. This place was also was a favourite haunt of Louis VIX better known as the Sun King

Just a few miles south of the Historic town of Orleans in the heart of France’s most ancient forest lies arguably the finest golfing resort in Europe. Originally home to billionaire business tycoon Baron Bich ( famous for inventing the Bic Biro) Les Bordes is now the location of an amazing golf course.

The Loire Valley is also world renowned for its wines., such as those found at the Vouvray Vineyards east of Tours

Wineries have been here since the 12th c. Century. When. monks planted vines

Vouvray wine matures in the bottle. It doesn’t reach maturity for five to ten years, and can reach its peak after 20 to 40 years and depending on the vintage it can even peak after 100 years.