France - Loire Valley (Steve)

France - Loire Valley (Steve)

"The Loire is the longest river in France, which rises in the mountains in the south of the country. After covering more than 1,000 kilometers, it flows into the Bay of Biscay near St. Nazaire. The Loire Valley, which also includes many of its tributaries, has been inhabited since prehistoric times. In the 10th century, the first stone castles grew here, many of which were later rebuilt into romantic chateaux. For a time, French kings also resided here. The nobility then built their magnificent mansions nearby. Today, the valley is famous for over 300 Renaissance chateaux. The Loire Valley was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2000. The most famous include the chateaux of Chambord, Villandry, Chaumont, Blois and Cheverny. Several historic cities are also located on the river, such as Angers, Tours and Orléans. The Loire Valley is an ideal destination for lovers of history, architecture, wine and cycling; Loire; Château d‘Amboise; Château d'Azay-le-Rideau; Château de Brézé; Château de Chenonceau; Château de Chinon; Château de Montreuil-Bellay; Château de Lys-Saint-Georges; Château de Sarzay; Château du Plessis-Macé; Château de Saumur; Château de Chaumont; Château d'Ussé; Château de Langeais; Château de Montsoreau; Château d'Angers; Château de Cheverny; Château de Sully-sur-Loire; Château de Serrant; Château de Meillant; Château de Villandry; Château de Valençay; Château de Chambord ... music: music: Gabriel Bianco — Domenico Scarlatti: Sonate K.53 ..."