France's Supremely Regal Valley Of The Loire River
By Corina Clemence

 Renowned for its lavish castles, the relics of royal days gone by, the glorious valley of the Loire is rich in both history and architecture. Like the river Loire, this huge area runs through the heart of French life. Its sophisticated cities, luscious landscape and magnificent wine and food add up to a bourgeois paradise. The lush Valley of the Loire River is incredibly regal.

In the 13th century, Orleans was the intellectual capital of France. Artists, poets and troubadours were attracted to its royal court.

Also ripe for discovery are the troglodyte caves, sleepy hamlets, and small Romanesque churches decorated with frescoes. Inviting guesthouses offer game, fish and plentiful fresh vegetables to be lingered over with full-bodied Bourgueil or a light white Vouvray. Overindulgence is no sin in this rich region.

The Chenonceau Chateau, the "Chateau des dames", is incredibly breathtaking and built on a bridge across the river Cher. King Henri II gave it to his favourite, Diane de Poitiers, but his wife Catherine de Medici demanded it back upon the untimely death of Henri II after a jousting accident - who can blame her it is such a gem. Diane was offered Chateau Chaumont on the banks of the Loire River opposite Onzain in exchange. But Diane never set foot there, instead retreating to Chateau Anet, where she died in 1566, seven years after Henri's demise.

Madame Dupin also had a pivotal role in the development of Chenonceau in the 18th century and was responsible for encouraging literary events to be held here. The likes of Rousseau, Voltaire and Montesquieu all spending time here. Today Chenonceau is a profitable business owned by the Menier family who are known as respected chocolatiers.

The Blois Castle, capital of the kingdom from (1498-1595), was stirred by the last starts of the Valois dynasty. It is like visiting four different chateaux rolled into one - so different are the architectural elements at play in the four wings.

The Medieval heart is centred on the Salle des Etats Generaux that is where the court and council were based. Flamboyant Gothic flair is evident in the Louis XII wing whereas Renaissance architecture is the dominant style in the Francois 1 wing. It is in the Francois 1 wing that you'll find Catherine de Medici's private rooms complete with her array of poisons.

This was also the spot where the Duc de Guise was brutally murdered in 1588 after he was thought to be planning a Catholic uprising against Henri III. Apparently, it was Henri who carried out the deed himself only to be murdered himself a year later by a monk.

Lastly, the Gaston d'Orleans wing will satisfy any cravings for Classical architecture. Evenings are a particularly good time to visit Blois especially if you book to see the 'son et lumiere' shows that recount the chateau's turbulent past.

One of the purest creations of the Renaissance, the Chateau Azay le Rideau, was built on an island of the River Indre River ideal setting for an architectural treasure

The Chambord chateau, pinnacle of the Renaissance, combined the dream of King Francois the First with the imagination of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived at Clos Luce also open to the public, in Amboise for the last four years of his life.

The result is a real "mathematisation" of architecture, a grandiose creation: 440 rooms,a fabulous double helix staircase,a chimney for every day of the year and unique roof terrace. Over its history Chateau Chambord has only ever been used as a residence for 20 years. It is the most recognisable chateau roof line in the world.

The Loire Valley is full of not only royal castles and renaissance palaces, national museum and large magnificent chateaux, but also medieval castles and fortresses, small fairy tale manors, private chateaux, medieval cities, churches, abbeys, and cathedrals. Many chateaux and stately homes are open to the public: some are state owned, such as Chambord and Blois; others are private, and still lived in. A large proportion of them run son-et-lumiere shows during the tourist season. Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chambord are definitely worth a visit and are close to Blois.

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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. Hire castle - hire chateau Rent chateau France http://www.loirechateau.com Rent castle

Essential Tips For Relocating To Paris!
By Abhishek Agarwal

 Imagine that you have been told by your company one day that you are posted to Paris. You will definitely be excited about it. The next thing on your mind would be relocating to the city and thee process involved for completing the process.

Moving to the exotic place excites you but the shifting would make you nervous. There are a lot of things required to be done if you are moving to another country. It's not as easy as moving from one city to another city or one state to anther state. It is always recommended that a specialist company, which is expert in relocation process. By hiring the service of the company you should not be worried about the details involved in relocation to Paris.

The relocation companies of Paris specialize in moving you into the city and they provide complete assistance to you while moving. They take care of the procedures like, shifting of luggage and finding a suitable place for you to live. The relocation to Paris is not very complicated and you can work out different options with your company to move to the new place. The companies specialize in reducing your pressure and stress which you might face when you are relocating. The relocation companies provide different services.

Relocating to Paris is a costly affair, specially if the shipping charges have to be paid by you and you also have to ensure that all goods are packed properly. Check whether your company will pay the bills for relocation or not.

The company you hire for your job will ensure certain things, depending on the kind of services you have asked for. It includes:-
* Packing all your belongings for the move, so that they are not damaged during the journey.
* Ensure the safe arrival of all things.
* Make sure that you are provided with translator services at the airport.
* Shipping of your vehicle.
* Find a suitable house for you to live.

By hiring a relocation company you can be sure of this thing that all the things would travel smoothly and you would have no problems as far as relocation is concerned. You can make the process of relocation totally exciting y removing the element of stress form it. This is only possible if you hire a relocation company. If you try to do everything your self then you are bound to land into trouble and case yourself pain and agony.

Paris is a city where you should enjoy, not only the city itself but also the very feeling of moving into it. This is made possible by a good Paris relocation company.

Abhishek has relocated several times in the last 30 years! Visit his website www.Relocation-Guru.com and download his FREE Relocation Report and learn some amazing Relocation tips and tricks. His report will help you save thousands in moving expenses. But hurry, only limited Free copies available! www.Relocation-Guru.com

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

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