Loire Valley: Châteaus de Chambord & Chenonceau, Loire Valley

Visit two of the Loire Valley's most popular chateaus, starting with Chambord, whose French-Renaissance construction dates back to the early 16th century. Thanks to its stately facade and sprawling grounds, this extravagant chateau is one of France's most famous and recognizable. 

Take the grand double spiral staircase to the second floor to see the royal apartments of François I and Louis XIV. During its heyday, residents used the chateau and nearby forests for royal hunts and other pleasure activities. Continue up to the terraces, where views of the surrounding landscape offer a glimpse into the charmed lives of the castle's royals. From here, you can also get a good look at the roofing and chimneys of the chateau, rising above the wide moat. 

 

Stop for lunch, then continue to Château de Chenonceau, built over the centuries by several women. The first chateau was built in the 12th and 13th centuries, although it burned down in the 14th century. Only the medieval dungeon—Tour des Marque—remains from this construction. 

Thomas Bohier and his wife Catherine Briçonnet, who oversaw and directed most of the construction, built the chateau in its current form between 1513 and 1517. Since then, a long and dramatic line of women has owned, loved, repaired, expanded, and restored the chateau. It's so well-loved that it's the second-most visited chateau in France, after Versaille. 

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