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The
Centre Region to the southwest of Paris is located, unsurprisingly
in central France. Its name is intentionally bland as it consists
of several old provinces such as Orleanais, Touraine and Berry that
have distinct historic identities. Centre actually contains most
of the famous chateaux of the Loire
Valley that you would otherwise expect to find the Region of
Pays de la Loire. The Loire River is around 1,000 km in length and
passes through several regions and spawning a many different wines.
Notwithstanding its pedestrian name, Centre is a beautiful region
of historic and elegant towns and picturesque countryside. The region
is also within striking distance of Paris (less than an hour by
TGV)
so you can have a peaceful (and cheaper) stay in the country, but
still get to experience the bright lights of Paris. Getting to Centre
doesn’t need to be via Paris either as there are daily flights
between the UK and Tours for example.
Tours | Indre-et-Loire | Centre | 37000
Tours is an attractive city on the banks of the Loire River, was
a established as a Gallo-Roman settlement around 2000 years ago.
The history of Tours is an interesting and turbulent one. It was
where the advancing Moors (arabs from North Africa) were halted
in 732 by Charles Martel (still revered in France today). It became
one of the most important religious sites in Christendom during
the middle ages. During the renaissance period Tours was one of
the most enlightened cities in France. There was a large Protestant
(often referred to as Hugenots) population who developed an important
silk industry that saw the city prosper. The Edict of Nantes saw
the removal of all protection of the Hugenots in France and massacres
followed soon after and the mass exodus of protestants from France
began. During the Franco-Prussian War with Paris under siege, Tours
became the capital of France for several months. Tours today is
rather genteel, priding itself speaking the purest French in the
country and having beautiful gardens. It has a reputation as being
a little staid, but with a large student population and proximity
to a marvelous wine region this is debatable. Tours is on the main
TGV line to Paris so is only about an hour away from the bright
lights. Ryan Air flies there daily from London.
Orleans | Loiret | Centre | 45000
Orléans is an ancient and important city in central
France with a population of around 120,000. It was a major centre
for the Gallic Celts and later for the Romans, naming it after the
Emperor Aurelian (eventually becoming Orléans). The city
built a reputation as a centre for learning since the 6th century
and was extremely influential throughout the middle ages. The university
in Orleans was established only a few years after Cambridge and
the Sorbonne. Joan of Arc made her name here (the Maid of Orléans)
successfully lifting the English siege on the city, marking a turning
point in the ‘Hundred Years War’. Orléans is
the namesake for New Orleans in Louisana, which the French sold
to the United States in 1803.
Bourges | Cher | Centre | 18000
Bourges is an attractive city located in France’s
Centre Region. It has a handsome medieval quarter and an impressive
gothic cathedral. The city hosts a major music festival every summer
featuring every thing from chamber music to hip hop. Bourges is
worth a visit for the keen golfer as there are ten courses located
around the city.
Chartres | Eure-et-Loire | Centre | 28000
Chartres is the Precfecture of the Eure-et-Loire Department
in the Centre Region. It is an ancient city founded by the Canutes,
then becoming a Roman town. Its medieval cathedral is World Heritage
listed and the surrounding medieval heart is very well preserved.
The picturesque Eure River flows through the town’s centre
and there are some beautiful parks and gardens.
Châteauroux | Indre | Centre | 36000
Châteauroux is located near Chartres in the centre
region. It was the birthplace of Gerard Depardeiu and has a national
2nd division soccer team.
Getting there
By road with Viamichelin.com
routeplanner
By air via Tours or
Paris
By rail from Paris
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