The Loire River divides western France, running from south-east of Paris to the Atlantic ocean. The access between Paris and the Atlantic has made the Loire strategically important throughout history. For example, both the Vikings and the English used the Loire to capture land deep into France. At the same time, the scenery and fertile soil of the Loire valley attracted the rich and powerful who built fortress homes and, in more peaceful times, large mansions away from the noise and busy-ness of Paris.
The Loire valley continues to draw people from across the world for the history, the beauty, and the great food. It was for all of these reasons that we visited the Loire valley in May of 2001 with Lori's parents.
From a rented home near Azay le Rideau, we saw chateaux (the large homes and fortresses), zoos, aquariums, and a few other surprises. Come and see some of what we saw. The map below will give you some idea of where things are located and the links will lead you to the many chateaux we saw. Or continue to read along and see some of the other sites we saw.
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Aquarium de Touraine
Fish in tanks. What is it about fish in tanks that is so interesting? I'm not sure, but they are and we enjoy seeing them.
The Aquarium de Touraine, just east of Amboise, is a small aquarium with some neat displays. Alex was particularly impressed with the shark tank that you walk through and under. Having a large shark swim over your head is an all new experience for us! They also had some of the clearest water we've ever seen. The fish seemed to float in the water.
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What do you do with old quarries?
Many of the Loire chateaux are built from a distinctive white stone. This stone is local and has been mined for centuries. The result is that there are many deep caves looking for a use. What can you do with all these caves? The residents of the Loire have come up with several uses.
For one, you can live in them. Troglodyte homes and outbuilding are fairly common in certain areas. The constant temperature of is a great benefit.
The constant temperature can be used for the production of food. In particular mushrooms and wine. The Loire valley is justly famous for both. Most of the button mushrooms grown in France come from the caves of the Loire, as does some incredibly good wines.
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The Zoo of Doue
Another interesting use for an old quarry is as a zoo. Quarries that open to the surface make a natural and convenient place to have a zoo. The Zoo of Doue, near Saumur, shows what can be done in such a setting. Natural habitats let the animals live comfortably while letting people watch.
Juli especially enjoyed the vulture show where she was taught how to walk like a vulture.
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Other sights in the Loire
The Cadre Noire is the 18th century equivalent of the Blue Angels performance flight team. This French national team trains horses to march, jump, and sidestep in a display of precision horsemanship that is impressive. They have approximately 10 public performances a year and we were lucky enough to see them.
Wherever you go in Europe you see spires reaching to the sky. But none quite like the spire in Baugé. They say the twist is intentional but the lean is a result of the internal structure warping over time. Either way, it is very unique.
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The 100-year war between England and France was going badly. Orleans was under heavy siege and if it fell, so would Paris. Along came young Joan of Arc, saying she was sent by God to save France. And save it she did. Her army pushed the English out of Orleans and turned the tide of the war in favor of the French. For this miracle, she gave her life--betrayed by the King of France.
Today, however, Joan is St. Joan and a great heroine of France with statues to found across the country. We have yet to see one, however, that is quite so full of drama and motion as this one.
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Usse
The writer of Sleeping Beauty visited here while he was writing the story. It is believed that this chateau provided the descriptions used in the story.
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On to the Chateaux
As you have hopefully begun to appreciate, the Loire valley is more than big homes and fortresses. Having said that, the homes of the valley are justly famous. Follow the links below to see more about several of them.