In August we spent a week in the Loire Valley. We stayed in Blois and visited the chateaux Chambord and Cheverny.  Then we caught the train to Tours and visited Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chenonceau, Chinon, Clos Lucé and Villandry.  The chateaux were stunning, the towns were picturesque and we enjoyed the wine tasting too!

Click on the pictures to see more photos of the chateaux and towns.

The Towns

Blois Chinon Tours
Chateau Blois chateau at Chinon overlooks the Vienne River Place Jean Jaures at Tours
The chateau dominates the town centre. Medieval town with some famous vineyards An ideal base for exploring the region

The Chateaux

Each one was different.  Some were castles depicting a history of bloody battles, some were splendid residential palaces and others were more modest manor houses. 

Amboise Azay-le-Rideau Chambord
John, Leonardo da Vinci and the planets in the gardens at Amboise chateau at Azay-le-Rideau Chambord is the largest chateau in the Loire valley
The one built on a medieval fortress The one on its own little island The big one
Cheverny Chenonceau Clos Lucé
Cheverny chateau the elegant Chenonceau chateau Clos Luce, Leonardo de Vinci's home
The one where the owners go hunting The one designed by women The one where Leonardo da Vinci lived
Villandry
Villandry is famous for its gardens
The one with the amazing gardens