CAMPING & HOLIDAY PARKS 2019


Centre-Val de Loire


The Valley of Kings is shaped by beautiful gardens and numerous châteaux


CENTRE-VAL DE LOIRE is brimming with historical intrigue and lush greenery, both of which are refl ected in its twin titles of 'Garden of France' and 'Valley of Châteaux'. The royal palace of Chambord is, no doubt, the Loire's


crown jewel – and certainly one of the fi nest examples of Renaissance architecture in France. Built between 1519 and 1547, it is the largest château


in the Loire Valley and perhaps the most easily recognised castle in the world. Francis I's vanity project is a sight for sore eyes all


right, with its array of opulent period features and elaborate gardens.


The Valley of Châteaux We've always had a soft spot for Chambord's neighbour: the Château de Chenonceau. Uniquely positioned abreast the Cher river, this 'fl oating' 16th-century castle could have been plucked straight from a fairy tale. Blending late Gothic and early Renaissance architectural styles, it is sometimes referred to as the


Château des Dames, owing to the succession of noblewomen who shaped it over the centuries – not least Catherine de' Medici and her love rival Diane de Poitiers, both of whom established their own gardens on the estate. Other must-see castles include Villandry, famed for


its gardens, Chaumont-sur-Loire and Clos Lucé in Amboise, the last home of Leonardo da Vinci, no less. Francis I offered it to him as a place to stay and work until his death in 1519. And let's not forget the Château de Blois (Francis I's


fi rst stab at Italianate style and design). Blois was where Joan of Arc headed in 1429 in order to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before fi ghting the English in under-siege Orléans. Orléans itself is worthy of a day trip. Essentials visits include a museum stop at the house where Joan stayed. But back to Blois. The humble town has made a name


for itself recently as a pioneer of modern art, thanks to the launch of the bizarre but wonderful Fondation


LA GRANDE TORTUE 


Well equipped family camp site.


Large pitches. Shop, restaurant with terrace and bar. Entertainment in the high season.


Swimming pools with slides and games, big pool is covered and a separate toddler pool. Sauna, Whirpool. Pitches with private sanitary.


 toddlers. Renting of mobile homes and chalets. Cycling and walking routes in the surrounding.


41120 Candé-sur-Beuvron Tel. 00 33 (0)2 54441520 E-mail : camping@grandetortue.com Internet : www.grandetortue.com


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