The Loire is within easy driving distance of the French ports linked by ferry to Ireland. Brittany Ferries, sailing from Cork to Roscoff, has special low September rates, tel 021 277801. Irish Ferries sails to both Roscoff and Cherbourg, tel 01 661 0533.

Alternatively, fly to Paris-Charles de Gaulle with Aer Lingus (£99 return midweek staying Saturday night, £129 weekends) or CityJet & Air France (same fares as Aer Lingus). Ryanair flies into Paris-Beauvais (£90 midweek, £110 weekends, minimum stay two nights). You can rent a car and drive to the Loire, or travel by high-speed train. The TGV goes to Angers in an hour and a half, both from the Gare de Lyon in Paris, and from the new station at Charles de Gaulle airport.