Thinking about a visit to the Loire Valley? Join me as I recall my adventure into the heartland of France–a Loire Valley tour. Along with my “partner in crime” Nancy McGee from Absolutely South France, our challenge was to visit as many chateaus and vineyards as we could cram into three days in the Loire Valley, plus two travel days.
Day One: Sete to Amboise, via Millau Viaduct and Clermont Ferrand
Starting out from Sete, we drove non-stop to Clermont Ferrand , crossing the Millau Viaduct. Frankly, I had no idea I would be seeing the infamous bridge on this journey to the Loire Valley. What a treat! The tallest bridge in the world, the Millau Viaduct’s tallest mast reaches 1,124.3 (343 metres) above the base. Designed by architect Sir Norman Foster and French structural engineer Michel Virlogeux, it was completed in three years.
Millau Viaduct
Loire Valley Route
Clemont Ferrand
The home of Michelin Tires, Clermont Ferrand shows its rich heritage with impressive buildings and magnificent St. Pierre Cathedral. Known for being a city surrounded by volcanoes, the Chaîne des Puys, Clermont Ferrand is also famous for its International Short Film Festival.
Clermont Ferrand
Clermont Ferrand
Loire Valley Route
Cityscapes
It only we’d had more time to see the city! Especially the Cathedral. Here are some of the picture-perfect scenes that make Clermont Ferrand “oh, so French.”
Apparently, the town’s favorite boulanerie
One very special stop in Clermont Ferrand was the Artisan Fromagerie Nivesse. Nancy visited there with a tour group and she raved about the selection and quality of the cheeses. She was so right! In fact, since tasting their 36-month aged cheeses, I’m hooked!
Look at the aged goat cheese! Yes, the dark brown logs of cheese
Follow the tour!
3 Days in the Loire Valley: Amboise
3 Days in the Loire Valley: Wine Caves and Parties
3 Days in the Loire Valley: Château Clos Lucé and Leonardo Da Vinci
Loire Valley: Château Villandry and Living Large
Categories: Around France