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For a different angle on visiting the Loire Valley (well, the central part anyway) you can now take a helicopter flight to take in some of the very best sights in the Loire - the river itself and the stunning chateaux and estates which make this area a World Heritage Site,
Starting from the airport at Blois (41 Loir-et-Cher, Centre - see map) you can take a 20 minute flight which would cover Blois, Ménars, Chambord, Villesavin, Cheverny and Beauregard, Chambord in particular should be a spectacular sight from the air with its lake and parklands, whilst Cheverny must be quite spectacular, especially if approached from the long drive which becomes the D102 road from Contres to the south,
Or a 35 minute flight includes Blois, Chaumont, Amboise, Pagode de Chanteloup, Chenonceau, Abbaye de Pontlevoy, Fougères, Cheverny, and Beauregard. It's not cheap, but assuming the weather is perfect it would be an unforgettable experience - take the camera!
For more info see www.a-t-h.com
For wines in the area you have a great choice of Touraine AC (especially Touraine Sauvignon but also reds and less impressive rosés) - see Domaine Octavie - and the twin appellations of Cheverny and Cour-Cheverny AC - the latter being reserved only for those dry white wines made from the Romorantin grape. See Domaine des Huards