The beauty of the Loire Valley
Spring is a wonderful time to visit the “Valley of the Kings”, when you will find wisteria covered facades on every corner, flowers are in bloom and visitors to the area are in fewer numbers. With over 80 chateaux to choose from, it is essential to seek expert advice when fine-tuning your itinerary. A “must see” is the exquisite Chateau de Chambord, en route to our overnight accommodation in Amboise. Hotel Le Choiseul is a wonderfully peaceful property, overlooking La Loire, yet just 500 metres from the town and its chateau. I would highly recommend booking a table in the hotel’s restaurant, Le 36 and request a window table in order to enjoy the spectacular sun setting over the river. One of my most memorable meals of the trip was a delicious cote de boeuf followed by my favourite part of the meal…...‘le chariot de fromage’.
My following two days were spent visiting several chateaux in the region, each one of which was different from the next. Many have excellent restaurants, offer wine tastings and have magnificent, extensive gardens so you really can make a day of your visit. My personal favourites were Chateau Villandry (specifically its impressive kitchen garden) and Chateau du Rivau, where 450 varieties of fragrant roses are grown, being just one of its highlights.
I then continued my journey further west, travelling 140 miles to Ile de Ré. My first impression was seeing the beautiful sandy beaches coming in to view, whilst crossing the bridge linking the island with La Rochelle. Development restrictions mean the island maintains its authenticity and as cyclists outnumber cars, the island has a wonderfully sedate pace of life. The last night of my stay was spent at the beautiful Villa Clarisse, (the ‘little sister’ to Hotel Toiras) just 200 metres from the harbour front. Tucked away from the main centre of Saint-Martin-de-Ré the property provides a peaceful retreat, with an outdoor heated pool, a pretty walled garden and comfortable lounge.
The best way to explore the island is by bicycle and rental can be organised directly with your hotel. The cycle route I chose, took in the coastal path where you can watch the oyster fishermen preparing and selling their catch and returned through sprawling vineyards. Make sure you allow a pit-stop for an ice cream at La Martinière, recommended several times by the locals - there is a queue in all seasons!