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Mention the Loire Valley and two words spring to mind - chateaux and wine.
For centuries French royalty and the very rich built their country residences in the Loire.
These famous "pleasure castles" still stand and offer a glimpse of those decadent and exalted lives. Many of the most beautiful chateaux of the Loire Valley such as Chenonceau, Villandry and Azay le Rideau are no more than 40 minutes from La Cure.
Less well known, but just as impressive, is nearby Loches, a picturesque medieval town complete with chateau. Only a 15 minute drive from La Cure, it hosts a colourful and lively food and flower market twice a week.
But the Loire Valley is equally well known for its world class, medium bodied wines. The wine areas of Chinon, Samur, Vouvray and Borgueil are all within an hour's drive of La Cure. Almost all are open for tasting and cellar door sales - the biggest problem you're likely to encounter is dissuading the friendly proprietors from pouring glass after glass when you know you still have your homeward journey to negotiate!
Best of all, the Loire wines are generally best enjoyed young and are great value - a big plus whether you're simply tasting or whether you're buying to drink under the fruit trees of La Cure.
The fragrant and fresh chenin blancs and sauvignons sit beautifully with fresh goat's cheese - a delicacy for which the region is world renowned.
And if you are looking for some culture after all that wine - the elegant city of Tours (described by Lonely Planet as a "mini Paris") is 40 minutes north of La Cure. About the same distance away is the atmospheric town of Chinon.
For more information about what the Loire Valley has to offer
visitors have a look at the
Experience Loire web site.
One of the Loire's many attractions is its proximity to Paris and La Cure in only a 2 hour drive from the south of the city (Orly airport) or an extra 45 minutes from Charles de Gaulle (Roissy) airport in the north. Alternatively, you can travel by train from Paris (either CDG airport or the city) to Tours in less than one hour. This makes La Cure a perfect option for international visitors not wanting a connecting flight or a long drive after arriving in Paris. There is also the option of flying into Tours or Poitiers (which have bargain flights from London on Ryan Air). La Cure can be reached by car from the UK in one day, with many of the ferry ports within about 4 hours' drive.
Each of the seasons has its own appeal in the Loire. Summer is glorious with hot days and clear blue skies, perfect for lazing near the pool. But spring and autumn are wonderful too, with more temperate weather and the incredible burst of spring blossoms, or the changing earthy colours of autumn.