Loire Valley

Called the "Garden of France" the Loire Valley located in the Central part of the country and covering roughly 310 square miles is a beautiful and colorful region. The first things that visitors to the area notice is the lush green rolling hills, beautiful colorful flowers and acre after acre of lush vineyards dotting the countryside. A trip along the Lorie river in this valley reveals lush vineyards, fruit orchards, asparagus and cherry fields lining the banks of the river.

The climate is mild most of the year though there are often spring frosts and it is not unusual for grape harvest time to be rainy. Summer's are hot, but the cooling breeze from the Atlantic ocean keeps it from becoming unbearable.

This area is noted not only for it's abundance of fine wines, but also for it's historic towns and it's compelling architecture. This region has many sights for the visitor to see such as the Cathedral of Chartres, which is a stunning example of medieval architecture which the Sculpture Rodin called the Acropolis of France. The beautiful castle Blois which for centuries has been linked to French Kings and the Largest of the French castles Chambord. There are many other beautiful castles that dot the countryside of the Loire Valley.

Of course, one would not want to visit the Lorie Valley without visiting the historic city of Orleans, which Joan Of Arc freed from British rule in 1429 as well as many other historic villages as well. Life in the Loire Valley is slow paced which many tourists find vastly appealing. It is a real change from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world.

The Loire Valley has one of the largest harvests of grapes in all of France and is noted for it's wonderful muscadet, a crisp dry wine made from the Melon de Bougogne grape. This wine is prefect with seafood as the sea air gives this wine it's distinct flavor.

However, keep in mind that the Loire Valley is not limited to just it's fine muscadet. In fact, this area produces grapes perfect for the production of every type of wine imaginable from wonderful rich bodied red wines, to exquisite whites and roses, and including sparking, dry, off dry and sweet wines. This area is truly a wine tasters paradise and many of the tourists to the region enjoy trying different wines with the regional cuisine of the area. This valley is truly a treat for the palate as well as feast for the eyes.

If one has limited time to spend in France and wants to taste a fair offering of almost every type of wine France has to offer then the Lorie Valley might be the perfect place for you to visit. For those wishing a little inside information about the Loire Valley and the great wines produced there. A visit to medranowine.com may prove to be helpful if you are planning a trip to this area, knowing a bit of what to expect will make your trip all the more enjoyable.