Vallée du Loir - www. vallee-du-loir.com

The Vallee du Loir is just 40 km north of its big brother the Loire. Running along the Loir river (meaning dormouse!) this is an area of sleepy countryside, pretty villages, bustling towns and unusual things to se. Once a popular resting place for pilgrims on the Road to Santiago, the Loir Valley now provides a similar pilgrimage destination for art lovers; for example, many churches in the area display murals, stained glass windows and carefully hand carved pews. The architectural skills of earlier settlers is evident in the region’s châteaux, particularly Château du Lude – constructed as a medieval fortress, it is now home to an array of floral, musical and gourmet events, allowing adults and children alike to live out their favourite fairytale in the grounds.

In summer, take the opportunity of peace and quiet into the Valley’s great outdoors – sail a yacht, paddle your canoe along Le Loir or cycle some (or all!) of the 280km tracks around the Bercé Woods. Year-round, the Loir Valley hosts a number of festivals; from Montoire’s World Dance and Music International Folklore festival (in mid-August) to the Apple Festival in Vaas (last weekend in October), there is a celebration for all aspects of Loir Valley life, offering a perfect opportunity to experience the region’s hospitality.

For the 2014 press pack click here