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By Corina Clemence
 The Loire Valley known as "the Garden of France" is a fertile place where a rich farmland is spread on both sides of the enchanting Loire river. The region became the favourite residence of French Kings from the middle ages to the Renaissance. Little by little, strongholds had become magnificent castles of the Renaissance, which had been restored during the 17th and 18th centuries.
These chateaux tell about the surprising history of the great kingdom of France and display the charm of its fabulous past. The chateaux still stand in all their glory representing the majesty and grandeur of the architecture of that period.
Everyone knows French cooking is one of the best in the world if not the best. With more than 365 cheeses, thousands of different wine producers, foie gras, sea food, fishes and good meat, and of course specialties like snails, frogs' legs, bouillabaisse, pot au feu, and boeuf bourguignon, France is heaven for those who like quality and innovative cuisine.
Classic French cuisine is very much on the menu in most restaurants in the beautifulLoire Valley. The
French table is a deity - a great social organizer and leisure activity.
Each aspect of a French speciality has a root, origin, tradition, and cult attached to it by the French. This is because of the sheer diversity of excellent products and related recipes available all over France. The french have an amazing affinity for the land. It is part of their identity. . If French gastronomy has such prestige, it is because the French spend their time on it.
Freshwater River and lake fish take pride of place in dishes. Vegetables thrive in the sandy soils around the Loire River. Local asparagus is delicious in spring. Most vegetables have a long season. Goat's cheeses are a particular speciality of the region.
Meat specialities of the Loire Valley include pork rillettes (a coarse pate), not to be confused with another very tasty, more local tradition, rillons (big chunks of pork cooked in pork fat). With so many forests in the Loire Valley, the region's restaurants are strong on game. Autumn is the season not just for wild game, notably wild boar and venison, but also wild mushrooms.
The French have a sweet tooth and they love rich, creamy, chocolate patisseries and they insist on quality. Blois has exceptional patisseries.
Tarte Tatin, upside-down apple tart, is a classic of the Loire Valley region. The area is rich in excellent pears and apples, tasty strawberries and melons.
The tourist route around the vineyards of the Loire valley leads foodies and wine lovers from cellars to vineyards, offering wine-related discoveries punctuated by visits to imposing castles, abbeys, cave dwellings and gardens along the Loire, now classed as part of the world heritage of mankind by UNESCO. Because, gastronomy in France is a veritable paradise you should try it at least once in your lifetime.
Corina Clemence operates a luxury french chateau in the Loire Valley near Blois, for up to fifteen people perfect for family holidays and for touring vineyards and chateaux and relaxing. It is ideal for a french wedding, party or event. Rent the whole castle or rent a suite. Rent a castle in France. Rent chateau France http://www.loirechateau.com Rent castle Hire castle - hire chateau Go Ahead and Spoil Yourself - Rent a Castle in the Majestic Loire Valley in France
By Corina Clemence
 What child reading about fairytale castles in Europe doesn't dream of being a handsome prince or beautiful princess, being waited on hand and foot and living a life of complete romantic luxury. Now you are an adult, you can realise this childhood fantasy by renting a luxury Loire Valley chateau for your next vacation. Here you can totally relax and unwind and feel like royalty.
The Loire Valley is one of France's best kept secrets, located some 200km south of Paris. The Loire River is over 1000 kilometres long and it is the longest last wild river of Europe.
The Loire Valley is actually France's third most popular tourist destination after Paris and the French Riviera. But the Loire Valley is so vast, that families return year after year and never tire of its many attractions. It has something to offer every tourist.
Firstly it is famous for its renaissance chateaux: town chateaux like Chateau Blois and Chateau Amboise, Chateau Usse the original inspiration for Sleeping Beauty, Chateau Cheverney with the best collection of furniture in the Loire Valley and Herge's inspiration for mythical Moulinsart from the Tin Tin cartoon, Chateau Chenonceau spanning across the River Cher mirroring her beauty, Chateau Chambord the largest hunting lodge in the world
Francois I was not content with just Chateau Blois and Chateau Amboise as his residence, he commissioned Chateau du Chambord the largest chateau in the Loire Valley as a mere hunting lodge. It took 20 years to build and then he spent only seven weeks there hunting.
Then there are also Chateau Chaumont with its incredible summer long international contemporary garden festival, and Chateau Villandry with its famous gardens. If you need inspiration for a vegetable garden you must visit Chateau Villandry.
Gardening in the Loire Valley takes on a mystical quality, and even Mick Jagger, gyrating thick lipped lead singer of the Rolling Stones who has his preferred second residence, a 16th chateau he purchased 26 years ago called La Fourchette at Pose-sur-Cisse near Amboise, is a keen gardener. Artistic historian John Richardson says of Mick Jagger and his new walled garden "he became completely part of the garden, knew every single thing about all the plants, the flowers, the way the fruit trees were espaliered".
Fans of Leonard Da Vinci can visit Chateau Clos Luce and admire his bedrooms, kitchen, salons and the chapel and see frescoes painted by his pupils. His paintings and drawings are set out in the park of the castle with giant models of the most incredible machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo da Vinci and his disciple Melzi.
There is so much more to the Loire Valley than turrets, towers, topiaries and tapestries. The Touraine region also has the reputation for being the region where the best French is spoken in the world.
The Loire Valley is also a popular destination for followers of the Knights Templar and Holy Grail because of its close association with Leonardo Da Vinci and because it is so seeped in history.
The combination of vineyards and chateaux make the Touraine region of the Loire Valley an incredible destination for any wine lover and his or her family. The Loire Valley really is the most beautiful wine region in the world.
The Loire is France's last great unrecognized wine region. The Val de Loire wine area is located south west of Paris typically a little over 2 hours drive from the Paris peripherique and extending out as far as Nantes. It is a region blessed with rich soil and a gentle climate, allowing for the production of diverse appellations with vast degrees of character.
Some of France's best winemaking occurs in the Loire though few Americans are aware of it. Even many French are unaware of some of the gems now being produced in the Loire Valley. No other wine region in France welcomes visitors with such warmth or simplicity. Sommeliers, wine-shop and wine-bar owners, the wine press from Brussels, London, Paris and Tokyo in the know spend their vacations visiting the Loire Valley.
White wines of the Loire Valley typically improve with being aged from five to fifteen years depending upon the vintage and the AOC. A new bottle of French Loire Valley white wine may be fine, but a properly aged bottle is even better.
Then there is the food. French cuisine is famous and flourishing in the Loire Valley. Little village bistros whip up amazing dishes at incredibly cheap prices. Goat's cheese is a speciality. The local produce is divine. And the glorious local food is best accompanied with a glass or two of Loire Valley wine.
The Loire Valley is especially well-appointed for two wheels because of the gentle gradients and intricate network of back roads that are refreshingly free of motorised traffic. The Loire et Velo track is heaven for cyclists.
The Loire Valley offers everything the travelling golfer requires. If you are a golfer and you bring your clubs you will not be handsomely rewarded.
In France there are 280,000 registered golfers for 340 courses. This translates into lots of available tee times and no crowds on a course. Many golf courses are designed around magnificent chateaux. The finest course in the region, is Les Bordes near Chateau Chambord, consistently ranked in the top five of France's best courses.
This fine relaxed living is one of the reasons why Mick Jagger holidays at his chateau every summer. With his wealth and his connections he could holiday anywhere.
Don't just visit a french castle - rent a castle in France and truly experience the grandeur of living in a castle in France. You will be absolutely amazed.
Corina Clemence runs a luxury french chateau in the Loire Valley near Blois, for up to fifteen people perfect for touring vineyards and chateaux and relaxing french holidays. It is also ideal for a french wedding, party or event. Rent the whole castle or rent a suite. Rent a castle in France. Hire castle - hire chateau Rent castle http://www.loirechateau.com Rent chateau France Top Campsites In France
By Daniel Johansson
 Each year millions of tourists from all over the world choose to spend their holidays sleeping under canvas or in static mobile homes in fantastically equipped campsites throughout France. With a staggering 11,000 to choose from it can be quite a daunting task to find the campsite or holiday park that ticks all the boxes for your holiday. So, here is a suggested list of top 10 campsites in France drawn from Normandy, Atlantic Coast, the Mediterranean Coast and central regions. This is by no means a definitive list but highlights 10 of the campsites that have fantastic facilities for the entire family.
Let's start in the North and head to the Normandy coast. Definitely making it into our top 10 campsites in France is the illustrious two-star Domaine de Litteau in Calvados. If you love the past this is the place for you; close to the historic town of Bayeux and the beaches of World War Two's Normandy landings, this intimate park is situated in beautiful woodland, and is easily accessible from the UK. Also worth serious consideration in this area is the compact site at Chateau Lez Eaux.
Further west, down the coast in beautiful Brittany we find the stunning Domaine de Kerlann holiday park. With great accommodation options this park has fantastic facilities that appeal to all the family, and benefits from a superb location too! In the same region you'll find another great park at La Pointe St. Gilles featuring a great selection of water slides to keep the little ones amused!
Moving south down the Atlantic Coast, and offering a sublime combination of sun, sand and surf, we find the magnificent La Reserve Park based on the beautiful coast with an enormous pool complex providing the focal point. Surrounded by lush pine forests in a fantastic rural setting, you will need your own transport to reach it, but it is well worth the drive. Also worth special mentions in this area and making our top ten are the glorious campsites at Le Ruisseau, Biarritz and Le Vieux Port, near Messanges.
France's Mediterranean coast has long been associated with opulence and glamour and would not, at first glance, appear to be the ideal place to enjoy a cost-effective camping holiday, but you'd be wrong! One of our top 10 campsites in France found in the heart of Languedoc is located only a short drive from the bustling centre of Argeles sur Mer and the sleepy fishing village of Le Racou. Le Bois du Valmarie is a four-star park that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean from its fantastic split-level pool area.
In central France, around Paris and within easy reach of both the capital city and Disneyland Paris, we find two of our favourite campsites and parks. Les Etangs Fleuris is set in the heart of Brie country, has superb on-park facilities and also boasts an extensive fishing lake. Finishing our top ten, glorious International is beside the Seine, just outside Paris and all the attractions.
Daniel Johansson writes article travel related market. Siblu the new name for Haven Europe, offer superior family holidays in France, Spain and Italy. We also offer a selection of France camping holidays for you to enjoy. Top Campsites In France
By Daniel Johansson
 Each year millions of tourists from all over the world choose to spend their holidays sleeping under canvas or in static mobile homes in fantastically equipped campsites throughout France. With a staggering 11,000 to choose from it can be quite a daunting task to find the campsite or holiday park that ticks all the boxes for your holiday. So, here is a suggested list of top 10 campsites in France drawn from Normandy, Atlantic Coast, the Mediterranean Coast and central regions. This is by no means a definitive list but highlights 10 of the campsites that have fantastic facilities for the entire family.
Let's start in the North and head to the Normandy coast. Definitely making it into our top 10 campsites in France is the illustrious two-star Domaine de Litteau in Calvados. If you love the past this is the place for you; close to the historic town of Bayeux and the beaches of World War Two's Normandy landings, this intimate park is situated in beautiful woodland, and is easily accessible from the UK. Also worth serious consideration in this area is the compact site at Chateau Lez Eaux.
Further west, down the coast in beautiful Brittany we find the stunning Domaine de Kerlann holiday park. With great accommodation options this park has fantastic facilities that appeal to all the family, and benefits from a superb location too! In the same region you'll find another great park at La Pointe St. Gilles featuring a great selection of water slides to keep the little ones amused!
Moving south down the Atlantic Coast, and offering a sublime combination of sun, sand and surf, we find the magnificent La Reserve Park based on the beautiful coast with an enormous pool complex providing the focal point. Surrounded by lush pine forests in a fantastic rural setting, you will need your own transport to reach it, but it is well worth the drive. Also worth special mentions in this area and making our top ten are the glorious campsites at Le Ruisseau, Biarritz and Le Vieux Port, near Messanges.
France's Mediterranean coast has long been associated with opulence and glamour and would not, at first glance, appear to be the ideal place to enjoy a cost-effective camping holiday, but you'd be wrong! One of our top 10 campsites in France found in the heart of Languedoc is located only a short drive from the bustling centre of Argeles sur Mer and the sleepy fishing village of Le Racou. Le Bois du Valmarie is a four-star park that offers stunning views of the Mediterranean from its fantastic split-level pool area.
In central France, around Paris and within easy reach of both the capital city and Disneyland Paris, we find two of our favourite campsites and parks. Les Etangs Fleuris is set in the heart of Brie country, has superb on-park facilities and also boasts an extensive fishing lake. Finishing our top ten, glorious International is beside the Seine, just outside Paris and all the attractions.
Daniel Johansson writes article travel related market. Siblu the new name for Haven Europe, offer superior family holidays in France, Spain and Italy. We also offer a selection of France camping holidays for you to enjoy. Lista de significados de palabras urbanas o callejeras de Rep. Dominicana
By Beto Romero
 Lista de significados de palabras urbanas o callejeras de Rep. Dominicana, Colombia, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Mexico y mas. Tambien, chistes, cuentos, musica, cultura, refranes, poemas, piropos, informacion y/o noticias. Que pagina mas completa, callejeras, noticias, musica, piropos, refranes, poemas, informacion, video juegos dominicanos, tambien te ensena como hablar y/o entender el ingles callejero, o mejor dicho ingles de la calle, aporta mucho a la cultura de los paises latinos. La verdad es que es un diccionario muy completo e importante. Ya se esta considerando como la pagina mas importante para los Dominicano, Boricua, Mexicano, De espana, Venezuela, Colombia y agregando mas paises. Ya hacia mucho tiempo que se necesitaba un diccionario callejero online como ese. Es que ahora con el regaeton tan popular y toda esa frases de puerto rico que se usan en el regaetton, uno necesita saber o entender lo que los regaettoneros dicen. Y con esa ligadera de nacionalidades que hay en puerto rico, estados unidos, dominicana, y demas paises, se puede entender mejor a los amigos. Y para mas completo, tambien incluye traductor de varios idiomas, de ingles a espanol, frances a ingles, espanol a frances, italiano tambien y hasta chino jejeje, wao!!! que completo. Ya no hay que comprar diccionario otra vez.
Beto Romero is the author of this article on Lista de significados de palabras urbanas o callejeras de Rep. Dominicana.
Find more information about Colombiahere.
The Loire Valley - An Incredible Gastro-Cycling Paradise
By Corina Clemence
 Envisage a land of mile after mile of nearly flat bike routes that gently sluice across a fertile river valley irrigating some of the world's finest acclaimed vineyards. Imagine enchanting renaissance castles, quaint villages, and sun-flower-filled hillsides. Then, combine all this with cuisine that would make even the most seasoned chef salivate. The few drivers you encounter are pleasant and courteous showing an admiration for the cyclist. Do you know where you are? This is not fantasyland - it is the beautiful Loire Valley.
This magnificent majestic region is best experienced if you don't approach it as a Tour de France speed. Take your time. Remember you are on vacation and you are not trying to set any records. Leisurely drink in the scenery and the culture and sample some of the acclaimed local wine whilst enjoying a picnic beside the Loire always remembering you have to get back on that bike.
The town of Blois, gateway to the Loire Valley, makes for an ideal point to start a cycling adventure through the "Garden of France."
Spend one day cycling past vineyards and fields of sunflowers around the magnificent chateaux of Chambord and Cheverny just east of Blois. These two famous castles have lured visitors for centuries. Chambord is the largest of the Loire Valley castles with a facade of over 18 stories high with 440 rooms and 365 chimneys it has been referred to as "the mathematisation of architecture". It was originally designed as an ostentatious hunting lodge for Francois I. In its five hundred year history it was only ever used as a royal residence for 20 years. Chambord sits proudly surrounded by the largest hunting estate in the Loire Valley.
Chateau Cheverny has a richly furnished interior that attracts art aficionados and antiques roadshow fans fans from all over the world. Allegedly, the exterior was the inspiration for Marlinspike, in the Tintin comics by Herge. Cheverny has a working pack of dogs and you can visit the kennel at feeding time to see the frenzy. Cheverny is also an AOC wine appellation region worthy of some wine tasting.
After you've had your fill of ogling architecture, spend another day, cycling around beautiful Amboise on the Loire River with its medieval chateau and quaint village. Leonardo's home, the Chateau du Clos-Luce where he spent the last four years of his life, is located just outside Amboise. Here you can visit his sitting rooms, chambers, and kitchen. There is a working museum with over 40 models of some of his amazing inventions. The park at this chateau is breathtakingly beautiful. Da Vinci's remains are interned at Chateau Amboise.
You can pedal southeast across the Cher River to the castle of Chenonceau, one of the loveliest sites in the Loire Valley. Straddling the River Cher and backing off into an expanse of forest, the chateau is hemmed in by two beautiful gardens. It is the most visited castle of the Loire with over one million visitors a year.
The history of the four ladies of Chateau Chenonceau is absolutely fascinating and probably much more interesting than your schoolteacher ever alluded to. Henri II was thirteen when he took Diane de Poitiers 20 years his senior as his mistress. Catherine de Medici was 18 years younger than Diane de Poitiers and three years into her marriage to Henri II, Diane was announced as his official mistress. He gifted Chateau Chenonceau to Diane de Poitiers even though it was inalienable royal property
Henri spent most of his days and nights with Diane. Diane became acutely concerned that Catherine might not produce a male heir resulting in her marriage possibly being annulled thereby exposing Diane to a potential combatant possibly not so understanding as Catherine. Diane the older wiser woman set about encouraging Henri to spend more time with Catherine. Henri would visit her chamber first then go and spend a few hours in Catherine's chamber before returning to Diane's bedchamber to finally retire for the night. Apparently Diane even advised Catherine on some finer points on marriage and eventually a male heir was born.
Unfortunately Henri II not being the type of monarch to sit on the sides at festivals succumbed to a nasty jousting accident and died at an early age leaving a succession of infant heirs to the throne of France. In 1559 when he died in 1559 Catherine forced Diane into exile to slum it in the smaller far less prestigious chateau of Chaumont on the banks of the Loire River closer to Blois.
After Catherine moved in to Chateau Chenonceau she had the beautiful gallery added, which is 180 feet long, 18 feet wide, with 18 windows and set on arches over the Cher River. It was originally used as a ballroom, and in war world II it became a hospital and the wounded soldiers used to fish out the windows.
Villandry lies west of Chenonceau and beckons cyclists. The Chateau de Villandry is most famous for its wonderful gardens, and is considered a must see for gardeners. There are 3 different gardens in all: a Louis the XIV style vegetable garden, an ornamental mosaic flower garden, and a water garden with pools and waterfalls. Many people skip the interior of the 16th century chateau and come for the gardens alone.
Luxury castles sprinkle the region, ready to soothe away any saddle sores with their great cuisine and crisp, cool acclaimed local wine. You can chose to hire a room or a whole chateau together with your friends or family members. You could not pick a more comfortable and leisurely, more picturesque, palate-friendly vacation destination anywhere in the world.
Corina Clemence runs a luxury french chateau in the Loire Valley near Blois, for up to fifteen people perfect for touring vineyards and chateaux and relaxing french holidays. It is also ideal for a french wedding, party or event. Rent the whole castle or rent a suite. Rent a castle in France. Hire castle - hire chateau Rent castle http://www.loirechateau.com Rent chateau |
