Located just outside the Ile de France, this region serves as a gateway from Paris to the well-known château country to the southwest. Here, some of the earliest sections of the French canals, dating from 1604, are still in service.

Christened the Garden of France because of its mild climate and pastoral countryside, the Upper Loire became the favorite playground of French kings. Architecture, landscape design, and natural beauty merged as many of the royal hunting lodges evolved into stately châteaux.