Vendôme

The little Loir Valley: No, it is not a typographical error, Loir is also spelled without an e, but it then refers to a smaller river, running 30 km North of the UNESCO heritage site of the Loire. This region is still off the beaten track, and you will therefore be almost alone as you drive along the many small countryroads, through buccolic scenery, from one picturesque little village to the next, visiting romanesque churches with XIIIth century frescoes, small renaissance manor houses, local farmers markets and discovering fun little antique shops. Vendôme is the largest town along the little Loir, and in the summer months, you can take a boat along the many canals of this small city. Further upriver, the castle of Chateaudun, built by Dunois, the companion of arms of Joan of Arc during the 100 years war, stands impressively intact looming over the surrounding countryside. Between Vendôme and Chateaudun, a knight templars fortress, the Commanderie d'Arville, offers a remarkable insight into XIIth century life.