The Loire Valley is an outstanding cultural landscape of intense beauty, containing historic towns and villages, great architectural monuments, its many chateaus, and fine wines.
UNESCO listed the central part of the Loire River valley, between Maine and Sully-sur-Loire, among the World Heritage Sites. The area that includes the French départements of Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire, and Maine-et-Loire.
The soft limestone forming tha base of the Loire Valley has been quarried for centuries. Many cathedrals, castles or bridges in the area are built of it. As a result, the Loire Valley also now a vast network of tunnels - cavities left after quarrying.
Maybe, if you'll ever only have 7-10 days to visit all of France, you should spend them all in the Loire Valley, as it will give you good insight into French history, architecture, wine and lifestyle.
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