The Loire Valley of France is famous for its many romantic chateaux and its wines. Here are five excellent venues to be found east of the city of Tours. They are in relatively close proximity and can be visited in a quick two days or a leisurely three by car. One can visit these sites in the order listed going in a generally easterly direction. These are all top-notch attractions, and a visit to the Loire Valley is not complete without seeing them all. Each of these chateaux have regularly scheduled guided tours.

Amboise
The impressive chateau which overlooks the Loire river from the top of a cliff was a royal residence in the 15th and 16th centuries. Famous French kings and royalty were raised here, including Francois I, who later as king invited Leonardo da Vinci to live in Amboise. Leonardo spent the last few years of his life living and working close by at Clos Luce. He is buried in the small chapel of Saint-Hubert, just outside the chateau walls. At Clos Luce an interesting museum has been built. Using plans drawn by Leonardo da Vinci, a number of his machines and inventions have been constructed in modern times and are displayed. They attest to the genius of this man who was hundreds of years ahead of his time. In the 17th and 18th century the chateau fell upon hard times and was a prison at one point. Numerous restoration projects took place over time, and these continue today under the direction of a foundation managed by descendants of the former king Louis-Philippe, who also spent time in Amboise during his reign.

Chenonceau
Perhaps the most famous of the Loire chateaux, Chenonceau spans the Cher river. It is an amazing sensation to be touring the chateau and see the rushing waters of the river pass underneath. The grounds boast two magnificent gardens, each one built by a famous lady in French history. One was Diane de Poitiers who was a mistress of king Henri II and was given the chateau by her admirer. The king