Château de Chenonceau from Tours

Escape the bustle of Tours for a leisurely half-day at one of the Loire Valley's most iconic châteaux, built directly over the River Cher. Chenonceau's elegant two-story gallery stretching across the water is instantly recognizable, and the story behind it is equally compelling — shaped by powerful women including Diane de Poitiers, who laid out the formal gardens and bridge, and Catherine de Medicis, who added the Venetian-inspired gallery. Inside, furnished rooms spanning three centuries house a remarkable tapestry collection, while outside the Renaissance gardens, hedge labyrinth, and working flower atelier reward an unhurried stroll. The château is open every day of the year with seasonal closing times — arriving early helps beat the queues at France's second most-visited château.