We're heading off to France in a few weeks and plan on spending two days in the Loire valley. We'll be based in Amboise and plan on visiting Château de Chenonceau, Chambord and maybe Chaumont-sur-Loire. I've seen chateaux and chateau type places all over Europe so I think two or three are enough. What I wanted to find out is recommendations of especially scenic drives or quaint (read photogenic) small towns in the area. Montrésor looks gorgeous but what else?
Posted by
IJzendijke, The Netherlands
2087 posts
Loches nearby Montrésor is nice anyway, a bit out of the way but I liked Richelieu, the place of the famous cardinal / secretary of state Richelieu some 20km south of Chinon.
Personally I like to use Michelin's Departements France maps (scale 1:150.000 / €6), with enough detail to find remote little places and not to get lost. Practical for touristic info, scenic routes and itineraries. Also you can buy an atlas, where all these maps of France are bundled.
Posted by
211 posts
Chinon is lovely. Has a great castle and fantastic views over the town.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Marcus - You could check the website for Les Plus Beaux Villages de France for info on beautiful villages in France.