LOIRE VALLEY: THINGS TO SEE
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-BLOIS CHATEAU
-TOURS CHATEAU
-AMBOISE CHATEAU
-BLOIS
-TOURS
-AMBOISE

BLOIS CHATEAU
Chateau de Blois
This is not the most impressive chateau in the Loire Valley but it has a mix of architectural styles including early Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic, early Renaissance and classical. It also houses a small museum. It is open mid March to mid October, 9am to 6.30pm (to 8pm in July and August), closed noon to 2pm. Cost? See the getting around section for details how to get here.

Chateau de Chambord
This is the largest and most visited of the chateaus in the Lorie Valley. It was begun in 1519 with Renaissance architecture and decoration. It has a double helix staircase and some 440 rooms although just 10 are open to the public. Open 9.30 to 4.45pm (October to March), 5.45pm (April to June and September) or 6.30pm (July and August). See the getting around section for details how to get here.

Chateau de Cheverny
Magnificently furnished and completed in 1634. There are 17 rooms open to the public with tapestries, paintings, ceilings and decorated panels. Open 9.15 to noon and 2.15pm to 5pm (November to February), 5.30pm (October and March), 6pm (from mid September) or 6.30pm (April and May). From June to mid September it is open every day from 9.15am to 6.45pm. Cost? See the getting around section for details how to get here.

Chateau de Chaumont
This chateau is set on a bluff overlooking the Loire and is almost like a feudal castle. Open 9.30am to 6pm (10am to 4.30pm from October to mid March). Cost? See the getting around section for details how to get here.


TOURS CHATEAU
Chateau de Chenonceau
This chateau is fairy tale like with a stylised moat, drawbridge, towers and turrets. Inside are period furniture, paintings, and tapestries. Open 9am to 7pm (to 4.30pm mid November to January). Cost? See the getting around section for details how to get here.

Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau
This Chateau is built on an insland in the Indre River and is surrounded by a quiet pool and lovely park. It is elegant but only seven rooms are open to the public with few furnishings. Open 9.30am to 6pm (April to October), to 7pm (July and August), the rest of the year 9.30am to 12.30pm and 2 to 5.30pm. Cost? See the getting around section for details how to get here.

AMBOISE CHATEAU
Chateau d'Amboise
Perched on a rocky outcrop with a panoramic view overlooking the town. The remains of Leonardo da Vinci who lived in Amboise when he died are under the chapel's northern transept. Open 9am to noon and 2 to 5 or 5.30pm (winter), 9am to 6.30pm (April to October), to 7.30pm (July and August). Cost? See the getting around section for details how to get here.

BLOIS
The old city has been turned into a pedestian area with signs in English. Some of the attractions include the Cathèdrale Saint Louis, the view of the Loire Valley from the Terrasse de l'Evèchè, and the 15th century Maison des Acrobates (medieval house).

TOURS
There are a number of museums in Tours including:
Musèe Archèologicque de Touraine, 25 Rue du Commerce in the Hotel Gouin. Renaissance residence.
Musèe du Compagnonnage, 8 Rue Nationale. French artisan work including wood carving, metal work and cake icing.
Musèe des Vins de Touraine (Museum of Touraine Wines), 16 Rue Nationale. 13th century wine cellars.
Musèe des Beaux-Arts (Museum of fine arts), 18 Place Francois Sicard. 14th to 20th century collections.

AMBOISE
A picturesque hillside town. Things to see include the 15th century brick manor house Le Clos Lucè where Leonardo da Vinci came to live just before he died. Open 9am to 6pm (7pm March to December). Cost?
Caveau de Dègustation, free wine tastings, 10am to 7pm (early May to late September).