Situated towards the west of France, the Loire [France's longest river] and its many tributaries weave intricately through some of the country's finest landscape. This diverse area made up of pastoral farms, grand forests and the Loire-Anjou Regional Park is a stunning place to experience some off the beaten track walking in France.
The terrain in the Loire Valley is gentle and the weather is ideal for bringing the whole family and enjoying the plentiful walking options this region has to offer. The Loire has a rich cultural history so why not indulge yourself and visit one of the glorious Renaissance castles or fine abbeys or perhaps taste some of the regions fine wines or remarkable cuisine? With so much to offer the visitor it is no wonder the likes of William Turner and many of his compatriots drew such inspiration from the marvels that have now gained the Loire a UNESCO status.
The Plantagenet Way
This famous pilgrim route is part of the St James' Way, which covers France from north to south. The section that passes through Anjou is known as The Plantagenet Way, named after the Plantagenet dynasty that came from England and populated the area.
In the Middle Ages many a pilgrim would have walked this route down through France to northern Spain. Along the route you can visit Doue-la-Fontaine, close to the troglodyte dwellings of the past and famous for its festival of roses, of which 800 varieties are known to be grown here. The sections of the route are well marked and there is abundant information available to help make the most of your your holiday, walking in France.
Capitals and Castles
Spending time in the capital city of Anjou, Angers, will not disappoint. Its incredible chateau, once court of the Dukes of Anjou, houses the world's largest medieval tapestry and is a breath-taking piece of work. The Musee des Beaux-arts and the Galerie David d'Angers will delight art lovers, while those preferring a more relaxed city experience can soak up the ambiance in one of the buzzing street cafes.
The Loire Valley is the site of over a thousand chateaux, many of which can be visited, making an interesting addition to your holiday walking in France. The Chateau of Chambord was one of the originals and is the largest, while smaller chateaux, for example Azay-le-Rideau demonstrate a more stylish side of life during the Renaissance.
Walking with wine
Taking a holiday walking in France would not be complete without enhancing your hikes with some serious wine tasting at one of the regions many opportunities. Whether it is a muscadet or a sancerre there is plenty of choice. The climate and geography associated with this dramatic river valley has supported the fertility here and is responsible for the multiplicity of crops and flowers and the diversity of grapes grown in abundance. The area is well known in the rest of the country as the 'garden of France'.
Liz Olkowicz is the Business Development Manager for Footprint Holidays, a tour operator, based in Surrey, offering self-guided walking in France holidays. Explore the countryside, beautiful coastlines and charming villages when you go walking in France with Footprint Holidays.
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