Centre is not, as its name suggests, the Centre of France but rather in the north east. It has a population of two and a half million people and includes well known cities like
Orléans the capital and the largest city of the region,
Tours.
Orléans has another famous connection, the Maid of
Orléans, better known as Joan of Arc. Known provinces include Orleanais, Touraine and Berry.
Centre is actually the rich and fertile Loire river valley, fed by the river and its tributaries Indre, Loiret and Cher among others.
Centre is a fascinating and gorgeous region that gained significance during the Hundred Years’ War, with the Burgundians and the English kicking the Royals from
Paris. The Royals in turn set up in Loire, getting the best builders and architects to build elegant and ornate châteaux, as imposing as the owners’ wealth and importance would allow. The many splendid châteaux include Françcois I’s Chambord, Châteaux de Chenonceau and Azay le Rideau. The Loire valley châteaux and cathedrals continue to attract tourists from all over the world, with their impressive elegance and fascinating history. Well known cathedrals include the Chatres Cathedral, Gothic Cathedral of Saint Gatien and the well known ruins of the Basilica of Saint Martin.
Gastronomy is highlighted throughout the region. Sancerre wine is produced in the city that gave it its name, sitting high on a hill and lording it over the rest of the valley, including the small village of Chavignol where you will discover its famous Crottin of the same name, a goat's milk cheese to the incomparable taste. The "Terres blanches" at the west produce bold wines while the "Caillotes", located just below the city provide a light and fruity wine. To the east, the ground which is rich in flint produce the characteristic bouquet of charnus.
For those who wish to ponder on the old nostalgic way of life, there is the marvelously preserved medieval quarter at Argenton sur Creuse. Another medieval treat is the ruined château at Chinon with its famous Chinon wine. In Nogent le Rotrou, the town rebuilt in the fifteenth century has kept true to its old roots and has been maintained intact just as it was five hundred years ago.
For those keen on visiting the famous château of the area, there are so many that one could spend weeks visiting them all. Some stand out particularly and are a must on the tourist route. There is Francois I’s colossal Château Chambord with its magnificent double helix staircase. The staircase is supposed to have been a work of Leonardo da Vinci. True or not, Leonardo would have been proud of it. The château de Villegongis is considered a mini Chambord. The historic château of Charles VII after losing the battle at Agincourt Mehun sur Yèvre makes one feel like being in the Who’s Who list of French history.
Château Cheverny with its beautiful interiors, the magical château Azay le Rideau with its renaissance architecture and the flawlessly preserved château Chenonceau and seventeenth century Richelieu are again wonderful to behold.
For the nature lover, there’s the white stone château Vallençay dating to the sixteenth century with its beautiful gardens. Other nature treats are the Thimerais area, loved by mountain bikers and for wonderful picnics, the Senonches forest. Gien and Montargis are good starting points.
Other important sites include Gustave Eiffel’s iron aqueduct in Braire and the market Centre of
Blois with its magnificently stone carved, octagonal staircase.
