Here is the place to see the elegant and sumptuous estates of an earlier France’s royalty and landed gentry. Each “castle” has seemingly tried to rival or surpass its neighbor. The overall effect is breathtaking.

     If you leave from Paris, you should stop along the way to Loire at Chartres to see the famous cathedral.

Chartres Cathedral

 One of the first palaces is one of the most dramatic. I don’t particularly like the style but Chambord is certainly impressive.

Chambord

  The town of Blois has its own chateau, overlooking one of the few bridges over the Loire.

Blois Chateau & Bridge

  My favorite chateau in this region is Chenonceau. The palace spans the Cher River.

Chenonceau

 The grounds are also lovely.

Chenonceau Grounds

 A common town used as a base of operations for an exploration of the Loire Valley is Tours, which contains the impressive St. Gatien Cathedral.

St Gatien Cathedral

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