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Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is known as the Garden of France for its lush greenery and amazing architecture. The land is filled with historic towns and villages and more than 300 chateaux. The Loire Valley is where the royalty and members of court have all built homes and spend the majority of their time. A trip through the Valley will bring you over rolling green hills and through quaint villages. Of course, you will want to stop at at least one chateau while you are there, and you have a diverse selection to choose from.

One iconic possibility is Azay-le-Rideau a splendid 16th century palace that is now a national monument. Azay-le-Rideau is an elegant piece of Renaissance architecture famous for the near-perfect reflection of its facade in the Indre River.

Another highlight is the Chateau Royal de Bois. During the Renaissance, this was a royal residence and seat of power. Today it houses an art gallery as well as being home to the a famous Light and Sound Show that tells the history of the chateau everyday during the summer months at 10:00 p.m. in the courtyard.

A must-see for any romantic is the Chateau d'Usse. Nestled in the surrounding Chinon Forest, the unique location and many turrets of this charming chateau were the inspiration for the story "La belle au bois dormant" also known as "Sleeping Beauty." A life-size diorama of the story can be found in one of the towers. Chateau d'Usse is also notable for its caves and dungeons, which can be explored freely by visitors.