Cher River Walk
Our host recommended a walk along the Cher River. It’s a nice walk in itself, plus you get to see Chenonceau from the opposite bank.
Loire
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
Azay-le-Rideau was the last and smallest of the chateaus we visited. It’s beautifully situated on the bank of the Indre River.
Château de Villandry
Villandry was our second favorite chateau. If you’re at all into gardening it’s definitely worth visiting. And if you’re not it may inspire you. (It makes me envious.)
Château de Chambord
Chambord is enormous, echoing, and mostly empty. We found the roof the most fascinating part.
Château de Chenonceau
If you only have time for one chateau, we recommend Chenonceau. The setting is spectacular, the rooms are furnished, and the gardens are beautiful.
Amboise
Amboise was a comfortable base for exploring the chateaus in the Loire Valley. We spent 5 nights here and could easily have filled another day or two. (But we still felt like we saw enough.)