Richelieu nestles low in the southwest reaches of the Loire valley. The surrounding countryside of rolling hills provides vistas of crops and valleys, hilltop towns and hamlets and stately farming domaines. Little changes here. The region is still as famous for it’s wine, cheese, mushrooms and the many seasonal fruit and grain crops, as it always has been. Ancient chateaux sit formidably in this landscape. They are spectacular and plentiful, the closest just minutes from Richelieu. The region is further enhanced by abbeys, fortresses and historic river towns; with vineyards and woodlands beguilingly setting the scene.