Loire Valley

Don't miss the green study of Catherine de Medici, the great gallery with chequered floor overlooking the Cher, Diane de Poitiers' bedroom, and that of François I with its fine fireplace. — Michelin Guide

Green thumbs get weak in the knees at the mere mention of the Château de Villandry. — Fodor's

Not only is this a beautiful château but is has an incredible view of Loire Valley. — Afar Magazine

Perhaps the Loire's most elegantly proportioned château, Cheverny represents the zenith of French classical architecture: the perfect blend of symmetry, geometry and aesthetic order. — Lonely Planet

On the first floor is the bedroom in which he died in 1519, together with his study. Finally, the cellars are devoted to his extraordinary machines, which are dotted around the grounds. — Michelin Guide

Langeais presents two faces to the world. From the town you see a fortified castle, nearly windowless, with machicolated walls rising forbiddingly from the drawbridge. — Lonely Planet

Behind its harmonious façade, the Château de Serrant is probably one of the finest furnished castles in France, home to a superb collection of furniture and works of art. — Michelin Guide

With its towers and sloping roofs, this château has a proud air to it, dominating the Loire from its pedestal. — Michelin Guide

The Renaissance-style Hôtel Groslot was built between 1530 and 1550 as a private mansion for lawyer and bailiff Jacques Groslot. — Lonely Planet

Most striking is the magnificent staircase of the François I wing, and particularly mysterious is Catherine de Médicis' cabinet with secret compartments. — Michelin Guide

This architectural gem has one of the earliest sloped staircases in the italianate style, a rich decorative scheme and furniture of the highest quality, plus magnificent 16C-17C tapestries. — Michelin Guide

Despite having been damaged many times in its history, the porch retains some remarkable statues. Inside, note the distinctive Angevin-style vaulting. — Michelin Guide

Do not even try and look for a trace of modernity - almost everything here dates from the 15C Renaissance. — Michelin Guide

This museum is home to 700 military vehicles (tanks, armoured cars and artillery pieces), 200 of which are operatonal, from 17 different countries. — Michelin Guide

This elegant Renaissance château remodelled in 1850 by Anjou architect Hodé features a main building, a gallery and entrance protected by two round towers, laid out around a courtyard. — Michelin Guide

Perched on a rocky escarpment above town, Amboise's castle was a favoured retreat for all of France's Valois and Bourbon kings. — Lonely Planet

In the Louis-XII wing of Blois chateau, you will notice a fine collection of 16C and 17C tapestries along with a series of fifty terracotta medallions by Jean-Baptiste Nini. — Michelin Guide

Has exhibits on the art and archaeology of Chinon and its environs from prehistory to the 19th century, displayed in the turreted, 14th- to 16th-century États-Généraux (States-General) building. — Lonely Planet

This keep was built in the 11C by Fulk Nerra to defend the fortified town from the vulnerable south side. — Michelin Guide

This gallery is housed in a church whose collapsed ceiling has been replaced by a glass roof, allowing natural light to flood the building and bring the statues of David d'Angers magically to life. — Michelin Guide