We'll be doing the Canal du Midi trip in Sept., and enroute back to Paris we want to stop in the Loire Valley. Any suggestions on the best castles or Chateaux that we should not miss?
The best castle itinerary depends on where you base yourself, as the region is quite large. I'm most familiar with the central area around Amboise, Blois and Tours. Some of the more popular chateaux in this area include Chenonceaux (that's the one that spans a river), Chambord (the one with all the chimneys), Chaumont (would fit in well in a Disney park), and Cheverney (supposedly the most opulently decorated).
Rick gives good descriptions of the Loire chateaus in his book on France, including his suggestions of the best. Two that are favorites with some travelers are Chambord and Chenonceaux.
Villandry is great, too.