Autorondreis Loire vallei | Frankrijk

About the destination: Saint-Nazaire is a commune in the Loire-Atlantique department in western France, in traditional Brittany. The town has a major harbour on the right bank of the Loire River estuary, near the Atlantic Ocean. The town is at the south of the second-largest swamp in France, called "la Brière". Given its location, Saint-Nazaire has a long tradition of fishing and shipbuilding. The Chantiers de l'Atlantique, one of the largest shipyards in the world, has constructed notable superliners such as SS Normandie, SS France, RMS Queen Mary 2 and MS Symphony of the Seas, the largest passenger ship in the world as of 2018.

About the destination: This elegant and spirited town is located in the heart of the Loire Valley, which make it a convenient base for exploring the Touraine region. Notable for being an economic and cultural core, the city draws more tourists than any other Loire town. Tours treasures a beautiful old town. Châteauneuf neighbourhood emerged in the Middle Ages around the Basilica of Saint Martin and Plumereau square. St-Gatien cathedral has beautiful 13th century windows and a quiet cloister with unusual buttresses. Above tall and simple arches lend a look of incredible height to the nave. Appetizing restaurants abound in the old quarter offering regional specialties. Tours may be the ideal starting point to unravel the secrets hidden within the Loire. Its valley, described as 'The Garden of France’, boasts unparalleled architectural heritage, with its impressive and lovely castles. The declaration as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO of this area confirms the crucial importance and the enormous interest that this destination has for travellers.

About the destination: It is often said that Amboise has the most Italian flair of all the Loire Valley cities. The presence of many tourists from the other side of the Alps is a cheerful reminder of what the Italian Renaissance brought to the area five centuries ago. Amboise is a serene, easygoing town, true to the image of splendour that characterised that blessed era. Pedestrians will appreciate the shopping areas as well as the esplanades located along the riverbanks of the Loire, the best place to take in fantastic views of the river. Must-see attractions in the area include the royal castle, Clos-Lucé (where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last days), and the Chanteloup pagoda. The city is also home to one of the largest markets in the area, every Friday and Sunday morning.

About the destination: Blois is a city and the capital of Loir-et-Cher department in central France, situated on the banks of the lower river Loire between Orléans and Tours. Château de Blois The Château de Blois, a Renaissance château once occupied by King Louis XII, is located in the centre of the city, and an 18th-century stone bridge spans the Loire. As Blois is built on a pair of steep hills, winding and steep pathways run through the city, culminating in long staircases at various points. To the south of the city, the Forêt de Russy is a reminder of the thick woods that once covered the area. The house of magic La Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin is a museum fronting on the Château. As a museum of France, it is the only public museum in Europe which incorporates in one place collections of magic and a site for permanent performing arts, and is directly reflects the personality of Robert-Houdin.

About the destination: Orleans is the capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region of north-central France, located some 120 km south-west of the French capital Paris. The main reason to travel here is not the city itself, but the many castles in the area. Some of the most famous and beautiful 'Chateaux' in the Loire Valley are: the 'Chateau de Chinon', the 'Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau', the 'Chateau de Langeais', the 'Chateau de Villandry', the 'Chateau de Chenonceau', the 'Chateau d'Amboise', the 'Chateau de Chaumont sur Loire', the 'Chateau de Blois', the 'Chateau de Cheverny' and last, but definitely not least, the 'Chateau Royal de Chambord'. This latter one, probably, is the most famous Castle in France. Visiting it, is not only recommended, but compulsory. A visit to Orleans would not be complete without a visit to the Cathedral. With a similar design to Notre Dame in Paris, the Cathedral can been seen above the buildings from most of the town. Another major attraction of the city is the House of Joan of Arc, the heroine of the city. The best way to get to know Orleans is to walk around the center of town, or along the banks of the river Loire and visiting some of the city's great boulangeries.