Top Reasons to Go

Step into a fairy tale at Sleeping Beauty's castle: Play once-upon-a-time at Ussé—gleaming white against an emerald forest backdrop; it's so beautiful, it inspired Perrault's immortal tale.

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

Find splendor in the grass at Villandry: The Renaissance reblooms in these geometric gardens that have been lovingly restored to floricultural magnificence.

Indulge in a bit of romance at 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?

Revel in medieval magic at Fontevraud: The majestic abbey is the resting place of English kings—and a queen.