Top Reasons to Go

Sleeping Beauty's Castle: Play once-upon-a-time at Ussé—gleaming white against an emerald forest backcloth, it's so beautiful it inspired Perrault's immortal tale.

Kingly Chambord: The world's wackiest rooftop, with a forest of chimneys to match the game-rich woodlands extending in all directions, marks the Loire's grandest château.

Splendor in the Grass: The Renaissance reblooms at Villandry, whose geometric gardens have been lovingly restored to floricultural magnificence.

Romantic Chenonceau: Half bridge, half pleasure palace, this epitome of picturesque France extends across the Cher River, so why not row a boat under its arches?

Medieval Magic: Fontevraud is the majestic medieval abbey that is the resting place of English kings…and you can sleep on the spot.