Live Like a Royal on a Holiday in Pays de la Loire

The scenic location of Pas-de-la-Loire in western France is a wonderland of fairytale-like châteaux nestled in rolling green hills amongst glittering blue rivers. Visit the palatial Chateau de Chambord, a 440 room hunting lodge decked out in true Renaissance style. It is especially beautiful at sunset, when the pink and orange hues of the setting sun reflect off the river and colour the walls of the chateau a wonderful, warm golden tone. The Chateau de Chenonceau is famous for its spectacular white stone turrets, and elegant arches resting on the banks of the pretty River Cher. This was the home of many prominent historical figures such as Diane de Poitiers, mistress of King Henry II, and Catherine de Medici, to name a few, and as such is rich in historical artefacts, medieval furniture, and Gothic and Renaissance design. And the Chateau de Villandry is well worth a visit for its gorgeous gardens made up of colourful flower beds and labyrinth of low hedges. Rent a holiday home in the historic seaport town of Nantes, and visit the Castle of the Dukes of Brittany, a complex of aristocratic buildings ranging from the 15th to 19th centuries, or the Cathedral of St. Peter and St. Paul, a stunning white stone structure with high vaulted ceilings, majestic Gothic columns, and beautifully ornamented tombs. You can even rent your own luxurious holiday chateau in the countryside and live like a royal in whimsical Pays de la Loire.