As the early cold weather begins to tease, warm colors gild the landscapes and a toast warms the atmosphere. A glass of Chinon, “S’il vous plaît,” before heading out to discover some magnificent châteaux mirrored along the flow of the Loire River. This French region, only an hour from Paris, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a veritable concentration of beauty and the renowned French-style “Art de Vivre,“ an ideal destination to rediscover the pleasure of good living, between culture and nature.
The Loire Valley is ideal for an open-air touring tour, an opportunity to visit magnificent castles such as the iconic Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and so many others, princely mansions (it has to be said) that not only kings, but also influential court figures allowed themselves the vein to inhabit. Also beautiful are the charming cities of art rich in history, from Orléans a Tours, from Blois a Chartres, so the small and charming villages, the lush forests, the lush gardens (even in autumn), the neat vineyards, and the wineries, perfect stops for some local wine tasting, goblets to go with fine traditional dishes. The Loire is an important French wine region, renowned for Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc, but also for Cabernet Franc, white and red grape excellences.
Small pleasures for the palate alternate with a vacation full of exercise. There are plenty of activities to do outdoors, ideal for enjoying the landscapes that frame the banks of the great river at a time of year when temperatures are still mild and the first pleasant cold spells. On foot or by bicycle, the region is crisscrossed by a large number of cycle paths and routes. In total there are more than 5,000 kilometers of routes to ride in total freedom. To live these beautiful experiences you can follow the itinerary La Loire à Vélo, a long distance of 900 kilometers that allows you to cross the Loire Valley from one end to the other.
Alternatively, you can try your hand at a kayak or canoe excursion by letting the leisurely pace of the Loire,Indre or Cher rivers (tributaries of the Loire) carry you along, a unique opportunity to view flora and fauna from a whole different perspective, and even reach the castles by paddling.
As suggested by the tourist office of the Région Centre-Val de Loire: “You will only have to choose the excursion that suits you, starting from one of the many marinas or nautical bases scattered along the Loire, Indre or Cher rivers. They will be your water access to the opulent chateaux of: Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon, Amboise and Chaumont-sur-Loire. At your disposal are a large number of easily accessible circuits for half-hour, one-hour or half-day excursions.”
The Loire Valley is a fabulous destination, especially in autumn, when the warm colors fade the viewpoints, the temperature is perfect for a variety of outdoor activities, and tables are set with the first fruits of the season, always accompanied by good local wine. There are many itineraries that can be traced along the river, exploring the nature, villages and castles along it, staying in cozy camping facilities.
Camping in the Loire Valley
Choosing an open-air property at this time of year is ideal for experiencing an exciting vacation and practicing many activities, escaping the summer heat and enjoying the warm, enveloping colors of autumn. In the Loire Valley you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to staying en plein air. There are numerous facilities surrounded by nature that promise green experiences. La Région Centre-Val de Loire proposes a long list of facilities e rest areas for those who want an open-air vacation, whether in a tent, bungalow or in a camper or caravan.
On the other hand, those who wish to organize a touring vacation by bicycle, the invitation is to stay in the facilities in the Accueil Vélo network, all located within 5 km of a bike path, with a wide range of tailor-made services.
© Riproduzione Riservata
