A holiday in France takes you to one of the most popular places on earth. The population is around 70 million but every year French tourism doubles that number! That being the case you might think the place was pretty busy but although like any destination there are many hot spots, there are also places you can go to get a bit of peace and quiet.

As with anywhere, the coast is very popular. From the rugged north with it’s volatile Atlantic coastline to the calm and hot Mediterranean, there are fabulous and evocative places to visit but in peak season you would have to say they do get crowded. In places like Nice and Cannes you would be lucky to find somewhere to park your car if you wait all day!

So if you want some peace and quiet, a more refined vacation while at the same time getting the flavor of “real” France, head for the Loire valley. The Loire in France is actually the largest river. People tend to think it’s the Seine because it passes through Paris but it’s the Loire which is the bigger, 629 miles long in total. The Loire (not to be confused with the much smaller Loir) rises in the south east and travels all the way to the Atlantic coast in the west.

One of the great attractions for Loire valley tourism are the many chateaux. So many in fact that it has been called “the valley of the kings”. From the huge ruin at Angers to the remarkable “hunting lodge” at Chambord there is a fascinating historical trail. Some of them may be past their best but even so they are places of amazing character. Loches and Chinon in particular are “must sees”. Others are beautifully restored and you can see examples of art and furniture from a bygone era. Chenonceau is actually built half way across the river like some magnificent bridge, and in one leg of the bridge are the kitchens!

Of course a holiday in France would have to take in a wine region or two and once again you will find a huge variety. In the west the Loire valley wines offer whites and reds but it is perhaps the Rose D’Anjou which is best known. Those with a sweet tooth should also investigate the Coteau Du Layon. As you move east you go through the Touraine region and on to the tiny but impressive Reuilly and the even smaller Quincy (one of France’s oldest wine regions where they are only allowed to make white wine). Moving north east you have Menetou Salon and Sancerre, south you descend towards the Rhone.

This is not a region of funfairs and theme parks, it’s largely farmland with gently rolling hills, vineyards, the occasional chateau and of course a fair sprinkling of very nice restaurants. If you are looking for the crowds, go to the coast, if you are looking for a holiday in France that’s full of atmosphere, history, great food and a slice of what France is really like, try the Loire valley.