Tours and the Loire Valley Castles

A week based in Tours exploring the finest castles of the Loire Valley, with day trips radiating out from this elegant city on the banks of the Loire. The first day is devoted to Tours itself — the Gothic cathedral of Saint-Gatien, the half-timbered squares of Place Plumereau, and the Basilica of Saint-Martin. From day two, the route ventures into the surrounding countryside: the medieval fortress town of Loches with its imposing keep and royal lodgings, the iconic Château de Chenonceau arching gracefully over the River Cher, and ZooParc de Beauval, one of Europe's most acclaimed zoological parks. The second half of the week takes in the Renaissance elegance of Azay-le-Rideau and the extraordinary ornamental gardens of Villandry, followed by the fairy-tale turrets of Château d'Ussé — said to have inspired Sleeping Beauty — and the intimate charm of Montrésor, officially one of France's most beautiful villages. The pace is balanced, with one major outing per day and evenings free in Tours. Most châteaux reduce their hours or close entirely between November and March, so spring through early autumn is the ideal window.