LANDSCAPE: The Loire river glides through a broad, flat valley fringed by low hills and a landscape of tidy market gardens, vineyards, poplars and fields of sunflowers and golden wheat. On its journey, a dazzling string of fairytale chateaux stand mirrored in its waters. The Loire river was the source of inspiration for many great artists who were summoned throughout history to work on some of the gems of French architecture. The kings of France set up their homes near the vast forests and the majestic river of this region. Some of the most famous châteaux in France are here, including Amboise, Chambord, Blois, Azay-le-Rideau and Chenonceau. Also within the Loire boundaries are the cathedrals of Bourges and Chartres, both Unesco World Heritage sites. With its nature, heritage, and cities packed with character and special events, the Loire has an enviable balance of gifts to offer.

The Loire is a land of vast open spaces with three regional nature parks. The Western Loire region stretches along the Atlantic Ocean, just below Brittany includes 30 miles of the Jade Coast, plenty of green countryside, and 250 miles of waterways. The huge beaches are perfect for windsurfers, and for people looking for a relaxing holiday.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS: As well as touring the region's renowned châteaux, be sure to visit the lively and historic town of Blois which has many wonderful shops and picturesque streets down by the river.The old town of Angers, on the River Mayenne, is well worth a visit for its Gothic cathedral and fortress château which houses, the great 'Tapestry of the Apocalypse'. Futuroscope is a theme park of the moving image, situated near Poitiers. It features an array of magical special effects and optical illusions.

FOOD & WINE: Local specialties include potted pork in rillettes or rillons, fresh pike, perch and salmon, and dishes with veal, lamb, mushrooms, asparagus or artichokes.Try the goats' milk cheeses and frimault cendré - related to Camembert. The valley is famed for light, fruity white and rosé wines, from the very dry (Quincy, Muscadet and Sancerre) to the luscious Coteaux de Layon. Fine reds are Bourgueil, Saumur-Champigny and Chinon. For the Loire's ultimate taste sensation, enjoy a Crottin de Chavignol with a glass of Sancerre.

HISTORY: A valley of kings ever since the Plantagenets, the great château building period of the Loire began in the 1500s, when architects mingled elements from the Gothic and the Italian Renaissance. Each château has stories to tell: Cheverny was Tintin's château, Chaumont-sur-Loire where Catherine de Medici lived, and Ussé was the model for Charles Perrault's tale of Sleeping Beauty. The great Châteaux of the Loire were originally built as defensive fortifications, but the introduction of firearms made their purpose redundant. They evolved into more decorative symbols of wealth and standing. Feasts were frequent and often riotous.

ACTIVITIES: This is wonderful cycling country. Pack a picnic and ride on country lanes from château to château. Take day trips to the Vendée and Atlantic beaches. Fly in a hot air balloon over the Loire châteaux, and treat yourself to a gastronomic barge trip on the Cher.

LOCAL EVENTS:

• Summer after dark- no visit to the Loire would be complete without seeing one of the dramatic Son-et-Lumière spectacles held at many châteaux.
• June-July.The Festival d'Anjou - a feast of music, theatre and dance.
• June-August Amboise. Festival of lights, sound and fireworks (classical music).
• July-August Summer evenings at Chartres. Concerts and spectacular street events.

CLIMATE: Spring comes fresh and early to the Loire Valley - an ideal time to visit. Summers are quite hot and September is a golden month of harvest.