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Inside the castle at Chinon
Parts of the castle have been staged as they were seen in the past, but many more are explored through an app on an iPad that encourages children to explore the history of the site.
The fortress at Chinon
The fortress at Chinon was originally built in the 12th century, and the site is full of history waiting to be explored. This view shows the town of Chinon below the clock tower at the fortress.
The chapel at Fontevraud-l'Abbaye
The impressive Eleanor of Aquitaine was buried here in 1204; her husband, Henry II of England; her son, Richard the Lionheart; and his wife, Alice, are also interred here.
The town of Fontevraud-l'Abbaye, also known as Fontevrault-l'Abbaye.
Even the walk from the parking lot into town was beautiful in Fontevraud-l'Abbaye.
The chateau at Ussé
The chateau at Ussé is said to have inspired the tale of Sleeping Beauty.
The chateau at Villandry
The gardens at Villandry are the highlight, rather than the chateau, which you can see in the background here.
A vineyard at Villandry
This vineyard is on a terrace above the plots of the formal gardens below.
The natural gardens at Villandry
The gardens at Villandry are meticulously maintained, with formal and natural areas, as well as a rose garden and grapevines.
The natural gardens at Clos-Lucé, including a tank designed by da Vinci
The gardens at Clos-Lucé are done in the natural style. In 2019, they featured a variety of inventions created by former resident Leonardo da Vinci. (Can you spot the tank?)
The chateau at Clos-Lucé
The chateau at Clos-Lucé is most known for its most famous inhabitant, Leonardo da Vinci. He stayed here at the request of King Francis I, possibly paying for his rent with several paintings, including the Mona Lisa.