Loire

At 630 miles, the Loire is France's longest river (1,013 km). It rises in the Ardèche department's Massif Central, high in the Cevennes mountain ranges. The spring is located 1,350 meters (4,430 feet) above sea level, at the base of the desolate Gerbier de Jonc. The Loire River travels across much of France before draining into the Atlantic Ocean.

The river begins slowly, running northwest, first past Le Puy-en-Velay, one of France's great pilgrimage routes in the rocky, lonely Auvergne where it is really small, before turning north. It runs past Nevers and up into the less-known eastern side of the Loire Valley, which is full of surprises and some beautiful gardens. It travels past some of the most well-known Loire Valley wine districts, including Pouilly and Sancerre, on its way to Orléans. The Loire flows southwest from Orléans through its most famous section, the magnificent valley lined with châteaux. It was here that French history was written, and Kings and Queens plotted their conquests and futures.

Length: 1.006 km