Just a train ride away from Paris, the Loire Valley is home to France’s most famous châteaux: Chenonceau, Chambord, Blois, Amboise…and many more. Among the region’s approximate 140 châteaux and monuments, visitors find architectural marvels, lush and intricate gardens, seasonal festivals, and French Renaissance history.

Beyond the châteaux, there’s the extensive Loire à Vélo bike route, endless charming villages, diverse nature reserves, world-renowned wine such as Sancerre, and five different varieties of local goat cheese. Accommodations include château-hotels, treehouse lodges, converted troglodyte caves, and glamping in the vineyards.