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© NZwombat

The Loire Valley is a picturesque and historic region of France known for its wine and castles. The many chateaux that dot the landscape provide fascinating places to spend a day exploring. One of the most impressive is the Chateau de Chambord, which is the largest of the castles you will encounter as you travel Loire Valley.

This is an excellent place to visit for those who want to learn a little more about the French royal family. The castle was originally built as a hunting lodge for Francois I in the 16th century, but it later fell into disrepair before being renovated and becoming a favorite chateau of Louis XIV. One of the fascinating architectural features you will notice is the double-helix open staircase in the center of the castle. Another excellent place to visit is the Chateau d'Angers, home to the Apocalypse Tapestry. This 1,000 meter-long needlework that was created in medieval times depicts the apocalypse as described in the Bible.

© jamesonf

For the many travelers headed to the Loire valley this summer, predicting the Loire valley weather may be a confusing proposition. In order to make this a wee bit easier lets divide the year into four parts.
The loire valley weather in the period of April and May is a pleasant mix where temperatures are around 20 degrees Celsius. There are misty mornings which give place to pleasant days. The presence of rain is minimal and even if it is there it doesn't rain for a lot of time.
During the period of June to September, summer makes its presence felt with temperatures rising up to almost 27 degrees in July. Its marked by the presence of dry spells with almost no rainfall. The loire valley weather at this time is most dependable.
In October and November the loire valley weather takes a predictable turn and cools down from 17 degrees in October to around 12 degrees in November. It's a beautiful time of the year when the days could be marked by long walks and some sightseeing.
The winter period of December to March is marked by heavy rainfall. It's a particularly cold period in loire valley weather where temperatures dip to almost 8 degrees. It's a good time for activities other than travelling like house hunting.

© DRB62

The Loire Valley is not just any valley. It is a place that is full of castles you thought you could only see at storybooks and that is home to the well-known Chateauz de la Loire. If you find yourself at this part of France, be sure to visit these places.

You can start by admiring the serene Atlantic coastline near St. Nazaire, where France's best luxury liner originated. Here, you can also see the Espadon, a submarine that has been part of the unforgettable World War II. You can also go to Nantes where you can witness the majestic Dukes of Brittany Castle. Here, you will find three museums dedicated to Nantes history. You can also go to this 19th century mall, Passage Pommeraye, adorned with angels and glass decorations. Another castle you can visit is the Saumur Castle which houses two museums.