Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / France / Rhone-Alpes / Loire
 |  | Fact File : Loire |
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| | | Loire | | Did you know?
The Loire is the longest river in France, following a 1,020km-long course.
Language
French
Visas
None required for holders of UK passports.
Getting there
From London to Paris by plane, ferry or Seacat; by Eurostar from London to Lille and then train to Angers or Nantes; or take a bus from Victoria Coach Station via the Dover-Calais ferry to Tours or Poitiers.
Flying time from London
One hour
Getting around
Regional buses can be frustrating if you're trying to fit in more than one chateau a day. An extensive train system takes in Blois, Amboise, Tours, Saumur, Angers and Nantes. In high summer a 1930s steam train links Ligre with Richelieu.
Currency
Euro
Costs
Half pint of beer £2, roll of film (24) £2.30, moderate restaurant meal £5-£13, litre of petrol 70p.
Weather
The Loire's temperate climate gives spring and late summer the best weather. Rainfall is unpredictable. Being close to the Atlantic, the west is more humid. Seawater temperatures average a bracing 13C/55F.
Time difference
One hour ahead of GMT
International dialling code from the UK
0033 2
Voltage
220 volts 50Hz. Plugs are two-pin so adaptors are needed.
Opening hours
Most museums close on Monday or Tuesday. In the July-August holiday period many shops and businesses shut down completely. Shop opening hours vary but most take a long lunch and stay open till 7pm. Few shops open Sunday.
Health - Before you go
No jabs needed. The UK has reciprocal medical care agreements with France - take an EHIC form with you, available from UK post offices.
Health - When you are there
No major health problems here. French pharmacies are usually marked by a green cross.
Warnings
Theft is a serious problem - keep an eagle eye on your luggage, especially on the beach, in tourist offices, train stations, etc.
Emergency
Police dial 17, ambulance 15, fire 18. British Embassy 16, Rue d'Anjou, Paris. Tel 01 44 51 31 00.
Customs
Food is considered an extremely important topic. Never express even mild dislike for a traditional dish such as andouillette (tripe sausage) - it's social death.
Pets
Under the Pet Travel Scheme you can now take your dog or cat to France, with all the required paperwork and vaccinations. This takes several months to set up. See your vet for further details.
Tipping
There's a 10%-15% service charge in restaurants and hotels. Taxi tip is 70 cents to one euro (about 50-60p) whatever the fare.
Tourist office
Maison de la France, 178 Piccadilly, London W1V OAL. Tel. 09068 244123 (60p per minute).
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| | Available rental properties in Loire |
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| |  | | Vergnon I
4 fully renovated, bordered gites in the added building of a farm on a big forestry property. In the centre of France (north of St-Etienne), in a comp
|  | | Vergnon II
4 fully renovated, bordered gites in the added building of a farm on a big forestry property. In the centre of France (north of St-Etienne), in a comp
|  | | Vergnon III
4 fully renovated, bordered gites in the added building of a farm on a big forestry property. In the centre of France (north of St-Etienne), in a comp
|  | | Vergnon 4
4 fully renovated, bordered gites in the added building of a farm on a big forestry property. In the centre of France (north of St-Etienne), in a comp
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