We're fine-tuning our itinerary for our first trip to France in September...we'll be certain to hit the major Loire chateaux (Chenonceau, Chambord, Villandry, etc.) and cities / towns (Arles, Avignon, Aix, Nimes, etc.). Would love to hear about a favorite chateau that's less visited (smaller crowds, particularly memorable for some reason) as well as smaller towns / villages that offer a taste of real Provencal life yet are not overrun with tourists. Thanks to all for your insights!
Posted by
Portland
3603 posts
The chateau de Loches has a unique feature. It was the site of imprisonment for Ludovico Sforza who spent his time frescoing the room which was his cell.
The chateau itself is one of the smaller, less-visited ones; and the town is attractive and interesting. Angers has the magnificent 14th century Tapestry of the Apocalyse, and, I have read, a modern one of the same title.
Posted by
Corsicana, Texas, USA
354 posts
Whichever chateau you decide on, consider visiting a maximum of two per day. When you add up the time on-site, plus travel time in-between, and meals, you can meaningfully see two chateau. Any more than that, and you risk chateau overload.
Posted by
Grapevine, TX, USA
875 posts
There's a small village called Montresor with a chateau of the same name. The village is listed as one of the most beautiful in Franch. The chateau is complete furnished and very interesting. We got to visit with a huge crowd of two other people. We drove there after we visited Chenonceau.