SEE & DO
Chateau de la Bourdaisiere
— Don't miss the Tomato Festival held each year in September (13 and 14 in 2008). I never thought tomatoes could be so interesting! Lots of other lovely stalls selling anything from honey to jewellery.
www.chateaulabourdaisiere.com
Montlouis-sur-Loire
The Royal City of Loche
— This medieval town holds many surprises, including a working tortue chamber, (well it hasn't been used for a while) dungeons and tunnels that give a glimpse of the arduous middle ages.
Chateau de Loches is one of oldest castles in the Loire, built in the 11th Century it was once the home of Agnés Sorel, mistress of Charles VII. Renown for her beauty, sex appeal and intelligence her influence over the King was envied at court and it is suspected she was poisoned by mercury. Don't miss the dungeons and a gentle wonder around the town. Lunch at the Gerbe D'or or there are numerous 'moins cher' bistros close by to the chateau.
www.chateau-loches.fr
Chateau de Chaumont
— Each year, creative and innovative displays of rare and common species of plants are woven into several different spaces that are both entertaining and visually stimulating. The 2008 theme is 'Des jardin en partage".
You will observe how we can share gardens, large and small, contemporary and traditional. The festival is a burst of energy and a challenge to our ideas about gardens but more importantly, its a celebration of nature!
After your visit you can dine either in the restaurant or cafe, there are also several boutiques offering garden products and advice.
26 April - 19 October, 2008 10am Daily.
www.chaumont-jardin.com
Chaumont sur Loire
Chateau de Valençay
— Elegant renaissance architecture and grand formal gardens dedicated to the Duchess D’Estampes. Each room is equipped with museum pieces and remarkable period furniture. The kitchen is in its orignal state since the time of Prince Talleyrand.
There's a wonderful park and maze for children. The town is a little sleepy however. During the summer actors parade in period costumes.
www.chateau-valencay.com
Valencay, 36000
Chateau de Chambord
— This Chateau is the largest in the region, it is so big that denies belief. Some 440 rooms, it was built as a hunting lodge but the King only visited a few times.
The vast woodlands would have kept some of the 365 fireplaces going in winter! Its renaissance architecture blended beautifully with classical French overtones. It is certainly one of the most impressive in the region. There are numerous activities on offer such as cycling, boating and many restaurants, casual and formal. This is a great visit but allow a full day to really enjoy.
www.chambord.org
Chambord, 421250, t: 02 54 50 40 00
Chateau de Amboise
— One of the more imposing chateaus of the Loire with telescopic views of the village Amboise and its surrounds. Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb rests in the Chateau’s church.
Deep with history from the days of Charles VIII and François 1er the chateau's grounds are not as pretty as Villandry or Chenonceau but enjoyable. In Summer there's a night spectacle, and while in French is impressive and an insight into the castle's history. Combine this visit with Clos Lucé, the last home of Leonardo and home to many of his inventions (reproductions), scale models and an opportunity to interact with the larger scale models in the gardens.
www.chateau-amboise.com
Amboise, 471230, t: 47 57 00 98
Chateau de Langeais
— One of the oldest castles with remnants dating back to 10th century. The wax museum recounts the marriage between Charles VIII and Duchess Ann of Brittany.
Each year, late April, the working drawbridge is used in the exhibition of “La mode au Moyen”. Go back to the middle ages with costume characters as they go about daily life. 26 April to 26 July
www.chateau-de-langeais.com
Langeais 37130 t: 02 47 96 54 54
Jewel of the Loire - Chenonceau
— Otherwise known as the ‘Château des Femmes' (Don’t forget to venture into the maze and visit the wax museum exhibiting garments worn at balls by the woman of Chenoceau). New iPods are available to recount the history of each room.
Lunch at the Cafeteria or choose a little bistro in the town of Chenonceau a couple of minutes walk from the chateau.
www.chenonceau.com
Chenonceau, 37150 t: 02 47 23 90 07