The Loire Valley in 8 days

Eight days through the Loire Valley, beginning in Orléans — Joan of Arc's city — where the soaring Sainte-Croix Cathedral and the Renaissance Hôtel Groslot set the tone for the journey ahead. From there the route moves to Blois, whose Royal Castle alone spans four centuries of French architecture, and which serves as a base for day trips to Chambord's 440-room hunting lodge, the impeccably furnished Cheverny, and the terraced gardens of Chaumont-sur-Loire. In Amboise, the Château du Clos Lucé preserves Leonardo da Vinci's final workshop, complete with scale models of his inventions. The final days are based in Tours, with its medieval half-timbered Place Plumereau and the elegant Saint-Gatien Cathedral, plus excursions to Chenonceau — the château spanning the River Cher — and the ZooParc de Beauval, one of Europe's largest zoological parks. The pace is moderate, with one major site or excursion per day and free time to wander. Several châteaux close on Tuesdays, so checking schedules before departure is worth the effort.