I have been a regular visitor to France since I was young, and recently stayed in the small village of Ste Catherine de Fierbois. The weather was lovely (apart from a couple of thunderstorms), and the locals friendly.
Just north of my campsite was the city of Tours, which I found to be a beautiful, bustling city with an excellent shopping centre.
I would advise visitors to France to buy a phrasebook and try to speak French to the locals - they really appreciate it (I got a glass of wine for free just by asking for 'un verre de vin rouge si'l vous plait'). The phrasebooks come with pronunciation guides in them, but if this confuses you I would suggest a short course or even a beginners French tape.
Overall, the place was beautiful and had ample places to eat out (be careful to check opening times, as some places are shut on particular days, or even shut for the annual holiday during August-September.)
Good places to shop are large hypermarkets such as AUCHAN, which contain lots of smaller shops and even cafes inside.
For buyers, this area is wonderful - there are many 'Gites' (small cottages) run by both locals and Britons alike, and some houses come with gites - either empty or already renovated.
I would recommend this area of France for family holidays, but not if you want the seaside.
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Hotel - Lotissement, Centre d'Activities du Pin, Beaucouze, 49070 Angers, Centre d'activité du Pin, 49070 Beaucouzé, Pays de la Loire, France - 2 Stars - 42 Rooms
You're so right about the 'learn French' bit, even though you just learn the basics the locals will love it (and we French people think Britons speaking French with an English accent are soooo cute) :) Ingrid
cortex101 29.09.2002 16:51
this sounds like a nice place to go, a good op but I only gave you a helpful rating because maybe you could have included more details. If you change it I would be happy to re-rate.cheers cortex101
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Advantages: Great Wine, Great Castles, Great People.....those are kick a** advantages Disadvantages: It's not really easy to access via Train, you really do need to have a Car to fully appreciate it
i_heart_elo 05.03.2009 (05.03.2009)
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Review of Loire Valley (France)
Sep 29th, 2002
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