Loire Valley

WHERE TO STAY

The Domaine des Hauts de Loire near Amboise for that luxury château feeling. For a historic and cosy stay, Closerie Falaiseau just outside of Blois.

WHERE TO EAT Château Belmond in Tours (fine dining); the Sunday market in Amboise for local food stalls; La Guinguette du Tours sur Loire for food and fun in summer; Au Coin D’Table in Blois for local treats and hospitality.

WHAT ELSE TO VISIT If you are château-ed out, visit this unusual museum in Tours: Musée Du Compagnonnage. Set in an old abbey, it houses true masterpieces of craftsmanship, from miniature buildings and tiny spiral staircases to beautiful mini-metal gates.

WHEN TO GO Spring and autumn are lovely and not too hot or too busy. Catch the light and music shows in Chartres (April to October) and Orléans (May to August).