SEE & DO
Chateau de Chambord
— François the 1st created such grandeur in building this château that it 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 Châteaus with a range of activities such as cycling, boating and many restaurants for a day's visit.
www.chambord.org
Chambord, 421250, t: 02 54 50 40 00
Chateau de Langeais
— One of the oldest with remnants dating back to 10th C. The wax museum recounts the marriage between Charles VIII and Duchess Ann of Brittany.
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
Chateau Montsoreau
— A small bit intriguing chateau in one of France's "Village de charme'. Its where the Loire and the Vienne rivers meet. You can rest and enjoy refreshments from a nearby cafe. There's a very fine restaurant, 'Diane de Meridor' situated on the path leading up to the chateau for those who like a little 'refined dining'.
Hours of opening are a bit irregular:
March : weekends only 2pm - 5pm
April: Daily from 2pm - 5pm
May - Sept: everyday from 10am - 7pm
Oct-Nov: daily 2pm - 5pm Phew!
www.chateau-montsoreau.com
You can't miss it dominates: Montsoreau
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
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.
www.chenonceau.com
Chenonceau, 37150 t: 02 47 23 90 07
Chateau de Beauregard
— This chateau is still a residence although it is open to visitors. You can view the grand cuisine, private salons, wonder the garden, and if you’re a group of 25 of more book lunch.
I would combine this visit with an attraction in Blois
8 Feb – 31 March every day except Wednesdays
1 April 30 June, daily 9.30a to 12 then 2pm to 5.30pm
www.beauregard-loire.com
Chateau de Troussay
— One of the smaller chateaus of the Loire. It is still lived in so only six rooms are open to the public. It would be one you would combine with your visit to Cheverny perhaps.
1 April t0 30 May 10.30am 12.30 then 2pm – 5pm
1 July 31 August, 10am – 6.30pm
Entry 5€
no site yet
Troussay t: 01 45 04 21 58
Chateau Montreuil-Bellay
— Spend the day exploring the extensive grounds, afterwards why not book a wine tasting from one of the Chateau's own vintages. Must be pre-booked but what a nice way to spend an afternoon!
Visit from April-end Oct
Closed Nov - April
www.Chateau-de-montreuil-bellay.fr