The Rough Guide to the Loire

Book excerpt: The brand-new Rough Guide to The Loire is the essential guide to one of France''s most popular regions. A World Heritage Site, The Loire is famed for its soft, fertile countryside and a marvellous parade of châteaux. The main section of the guide has informed accounts of every attraction from the fascinating troglodyte dwellings carved out of rock-faces around Saumur to the compelling gardens at Villandry. The listings tell you where to find the best wines, the tastiest goat''s cheese and the most interesting places to stay. There are maps and plans throughout and a full-colour introductory section listing the author''s favourite ''things not to miss''. In the contexts section there is detailed background on the region''s culture, cuisine, wine, festivals and history.