Loire Chateaux
 

I am looking for some advice concerning the Loire Chateaux and the area. My wife and I plus friend will be staying in Bourgeuil (just west of Tours) 22 Sept through 25 September. In the past we have visited the following chateaux:
Anger
Azay-le-Rideau
Chambord
Chenonceau
Vilandry
Usse'
With this in mind, what additional chateaux would you suggest to visit? What other sites are not to be missed? And lastly, is there a dining experience not to be missed? Thank you all.

Amboise, Langeais, Loche.

Chinon (ruined), Blois, also check out the Abbey Fontrevauld (burial place of Richard Lion Heart, his parents and other French kings of england),

Our favorite is Valencay. This was Tallyrand's home. Lots of furnishings and objets d'art. Excellent audio guide with lots of historical perspective.

Cheverny and the dogs being fed.

Angers. And for a unique dining experience, try one of the troglodyte restaurants. And we love L'Epicerie in Amboise (where my favorite castle is located, along with the Clos Lucé).

I agree with Amboise and Langeais. Loved the drawbridge and village at Langeais.

Abby5205, I second CLOS LUCE – smaller, charming, and interesting where Da Vinci spent his last three years.

Lovely garden – creperie and gift shop (of course.) Well maintained.
Perfect for a visit of a few hours.

Thank you all for your replies. I absolutely love this site and the various threads and travel reports. I tend to over plan these trips but I always find some useful tidbits here.

Aug 28 thru Sept 27 will be our month in France. Paris, a few days, then on to the Luberon for 15 days followed by the Dordogne for 10 days, then the Loire for 4 days and Paris 1 day. After reading many trip reports over the past year, I have decided to try and document this visit. A very intimidating task.

As for the chateaux.. I have been to Clos Luce' and it is a wonderful place to stop and stroll. But I think that Valencay, Blois and Langeais will make the list.

As a last note, any recommendations for dinner around Bourgueil?