The Loire Valley, stretching east of Nantes to Gien, attracted great men who built splendid chateaux, and inspired local writers such as Rabelais, Ronsard and Du Bellay. It was also the cradle of the French Resistance. The wide variety of the landscape of the region ranges from the well-stocked game-forests of the Sologne to the picturesque valleys of the Cher and Indre, the immense plains of the Beauce, the green, winding valleys of the Loir, Sarthe and Mayenne, and the wooded farmland of Anjoi. This guide to the chateaux of the Loire Valley is designed specifically for tourists and contains itineraries for varying lengths of visit. Also included are details of local culture, economy, history, geography, architecture and places of interest, as well as practical information.