Loire Valley · Things to do

Still privately lived in, and the model Hergé used for Marlinspike Hall in the Tintin books.

An international garden festival runs each year in the grounds above the river, with commissioned plots replanted annually.

A steep town of staircases below the royal château, with markets in the squares and a bridge worth crossing at sunset.

One of the largest monastic complexes in Europe, holding the tombs of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II.

Chinon, Bourgueil, Saumur-Champigny and Vouvray all sit within the valley, and most domaines will pour for walk-ins outside harvest.