The name of France's longest river primarily stands for high artistic enjoyment. A reliable companion to these treasures is the present art travel guide "The Valley of the Loire." It covers the most artistically interesting section of the Loire, the approximately 300 kilometers between Gien and Angers. The wealth of this cultural landscape is first evidenced by the numerous châteaux, foremost among them Chenonceau, Chambord, and Amboise, which are associated with the names of famous builders, mostly French kings or influential court officials. The authors provide knowledgeable insights into changes in plans and difficulties during construction, political intrigues and lavish festivities, as well as the fate that befell these châteaux after the deaths of their builders. Additionally, notable sacred buildings such as the cathedral in Tours and medieval urban ensembles are discussed.