The Historic Traveller Magazine no.1

ITINERARY | FRANCE
Sunset on Loire river, Loire Valley
STAGE 1
Champigné
The Loire Valley is France’s longest and grandest river and has long-inspired visitors with its soft green
beauty, magnificent chateaux and fascinating history. In the 15th - 17th century it was a summer
retreat for the French aristocracy. Their legacy can be seen today in the iconic fairytale chateaux that
follow the valley.
Often referred to as ‘The Garden of France’, the region is graced with vivid markets offering superb
produce, including beautiful speciality cheeses. The region is home to over 4000 wineries that
produce all kinds of wine, but it is the dry whites and rose that the area is renowned for. The
unmissable whites are Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé, but the pink and lively Rosé D’Anjou produced
in the heart of the valley. This wine bursts with flavour and is a great rose to drink at any time of the
year paired with prosciutto and melon, fish or spicy dishes.
WHERE TO STAY
Book up for a night in Chateau des Briottieres
to savour a glass in the luxury of a private 18th
century chateau. The 4* hotel’s restaurant offers a
candlelit restaurant, elegant period bedrooms, and
50 hectares of English park to lose yourself in the
serenity of the setting. www.hhe.travel/briottieres
32 The Historic Traveller | HistoricHotelsofEurope.com