Tours (18 minutes): The city is the original birthplace of the French language. Near to the Gallo Roman enclosure one finds the Cathedral Quarter, the museum of fine arts and the nearby St Gatien Cathedral. Old Tours invites pedestrians for a pleasant stroll in a nice abundance of cafes, restaurants and terraces.
www.ligeris.com


Château d'Amboise (25 minutes): This fine chateau has no architectural unity of style. The chapel houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, who died at Amboise. Amboise was the real seat of the French royal power. Many kings lived at the château like Charles VIII, Louis XII and Francis I. (380.000 visitors a year)
(www.chateau-amboise.com)


Château de Chenonceau ( 23 minutes): This chateau is a magical white stone footbridge across the Cher and dedicated to several women. On the first floor you see the bedroom used by 5 different queens. The kitchens are laid out in the château's hollow piles. (900.000 visitors a year).
(www.chenonceau.com)


Château d'Azay le Rideau (26 minutes): This marvellously graceful white chateau was built from 1518 to 1527. The L-shaped chateau was once a fortified manor and is now an elegant edifice. The interior displays remarkably well-preserved decoration and furniture. (375.000 visitors a year)
(www.azay-le-rideau.monuments-nationaux.fr/en/)


Château de Blois (50 minutes): An amazing staircase, and the famous murder of the Duke of Guise, this might well be sufficient to ensure the fame of this amazing castle with its mixture of flamboyant Gothic, Italian Renaissance and classical layout.(370.000) visitors a year
(www.chateaudeblois.fr)


Château de Chambord (57 minutes): This huge chateau is a fine example of French Renaissance architecture. It has 440 rooms and numerous staircases, including the famous dual-rotation staircase. It is certain that Leonardo da Vinci took part in the chateau's development. (700.000 visitors a year)
(www.chambord.org/index.htm)


Chateau de Chaumont (45 minutes): This chateau was purchased by Catherine de Médicis in 1560. She forced Diane de Poitiers to sell Chenonceau for Chaumont. The Council Room is paved with magnificent majolicas and decorated with nice tapestries. (125.000 visitors a year)
(www.chaumont-jardins.com/)


Chateau de Cheverny (55 minutes): This magnificent chateau, built by count Hurault de Cheverny from 1604 to 1634, has a Classical façade which is triumph of symmetry and harmony. The Arms Room houses a surprising collection of 15 and 16C arms and armour.
(www.chateau-cheverny.fr)


Château de Langeais (27 minutes): The feudal stronghold of Langeais, with its high walls, round towers, crenulated sentry walks and drawbridge, has survived intact through the centuries. Built between 1465 and 1470, the castle houses untold treasures, antique furniture and fine tapestries. (140.000 visitors a year)
(www.chateau-de-langeais.com)


Château d'Ussé‚ (39 minutes): The chateau of Ussé‚ inspired Charles Perrault's tale of Sleeping Beauty and was built on the foundations of an 11-century fortress. The Guardroom has a magnificent 17-century ceiling and contains an astonishing collection of oriental weapons.(120.000 visitors a year)
(www.chateaudusse.fr/)

Loches (21 minutes): The natural defensive position of Loches has been exploited since the 6th century. The counts of Anjou and Henri II of England strengthened its defences until King Louis IX transformed it into a royal residence in 1249. The magnificent keep was built in the 11c.
(www.chateau-loches.fr/)


Château de Chinon (43 minutes): This vast fortress was built by Henry II Plantagenet in the 12C. It was purchased by Cardinal de Richelieu in the 17C. The fortress was built on a rocky outcrop and is made up of several elements. (115.000 visitors a year)
(http://www.forteressechinon.fr/)

Château de Villandry (28 minutes): Built at the end of the Renaissance, the chateau has retained the keep of the earlier fortress. The Villandry gardens change with the seasons, continually offering a different picture. The vegetable garden is one of the most beautiful parks in France. (310.000 visitors a year)
( www.chateauvillandry.com)