Ah, our beautiful Loire! Picture this: from the 15th century onwards, French kings abandoned Paris to settle here, turning this valley into their royal playground. In 1429, even Joan of Arc crossed these lands to meet Charles VII in Chinon – you can’t choose your neighbors, but they certainly chose their spot well!
From Villandry’s French gardens to Saint-Martin-le-Beau’s orchards, this region boasts over 100,000 hectares of market gardens and fruit farms. And don’t get me started on the vineyards! With 87 different wine appellations, you’re never far from a good bottle between Tours and Saumur. Did you know that France’s first organic vineyard was established here in Bourgueil back in 1962?
It’s no coincidence that Francis I made French the administrative language from his Amboise castle in 1539 – they needed a language worthy enough to describe all this beauty! Today, over 3,000 market gardeners keep this agricultural tradition of excellence alive, making this valley a true open-air pantry.
Divine
Questions
Why is the Loire Valley known as the “Garden of France”?
A hint for you
From vineyards and castles to exceptional gardens, the Loire grows more than just scenery… Can you guess what?
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