Chateaux of the Loire

Because France does not change that much, Michelin Green Guides do not change either. They still keep this handy pocket format that all other publishers copied. You will find more color pictures in this new 2000 series. They are not very artistic. You might prefer drawings that Michelin used in their first editions. They just show most common aspects of Loire valley cultural heritage. Alphabetic order is still an original (and useful) feature for a guide book (as long as you start reading with "itineraries propositions". New: suggestions about restaurants and places to stay. Michelin authors don't tell you everything you would expect from a french guide-book. Still, they tell you what is most important. You cannot make any mistake if you follow their advice. So bring this guide-book with you ... and buy the Knopf or Eyewitness guide to get a more detailed view of our nice region.

The most typical feature of this collection is the alphabetical order used for touristic sites presentation. This book is very useful as long as you buy another guide-book such as Knopf "Loire valley" or Eye Witness guide on the same subject. Colour pictures, restaurant recommandations are part of the renewal of the Michelin collection (best known for its restaurant bible: "The Red Guide"). "A wine and food guide to the Loire" is book that will bring some excitement to your trip. Books like "Really rural" or "the french café" will help you to push doors never opened yet by any foreigner. "Loire, touring wine country" is also a very useful book. While in the Loire Valley, be sure to rest some time 100 miles from Mont-St-Michel at Chateau de Bois-Briand (a very small "ordinary" castle in Nantes where we spend a simple, happy life after years of travelling).

Because France does not change that much, Michelin Green Guides do not change either. They still keep this handy pocket format that all other publishers copied. They still are very shy with pictures. They don't tell you everything you would expect from a french guide-book. Still, they tell you what is most important. You cannot make any mistake if you follow their advice. So bring this guide-book with you ... and buy the Eyewitness guide to get a more detailed view of our nice region.

Just returned from Loire (2/00) and found the book very useful in picking what places to go while on limited time budget but I can see where the book would be really handy for those with more time. Very useful general historical and architectural background info. Only drawback is that there's no info on hotels/restaurants. I think you need their red series for that.

The book was very informative as to the regions, including excellent recommendations on food and accommodations.