AZAY LE RIDEAU: Built from 1518 to 1527, is one of the earliest French Renaissance chateaux. Built on an island in the Indre River, its foundations rise straight out of the river. The long low proportions and the sculptural decorations of Azay are Italianate, in the new antique taste, but the bastion corners capped by pointed cones, the vertical stacks of grouped windows separated by emphatic horizontal string courses, and the high sloped slate roof are unmistakably French. The playfulfortifications and the medieval donjon towers gave an air of traditional nobility to the king's newly-ennobled treasurer. The sculptural details at Azay are particularly remarkable. On the ground floor, fluted pilasters on high bases support the salamander and the ermine, emblems of Francois I and Claude de France.

VILLANDRY: Visit of the famous JARDINS OF VILLANDRY which surround one of the last castle built on the Loire river edge during the Renaissance period (1536). The mere mention of the name Villandry evokes splendor and perfection in the art of gardens.This space, a contemporary creation, is unique in Europe. It is inspired by the gardens of the 16th and 18th centuries.8 gardeners work full time in the gardens of Villandry, and plant about 60,000 vegetables and 45,000 plants in its gardens each year.
A small valley, with a stream running though it, descends from the plateau south of the chateau. Its slope makes it possible to have three levels of gardens on terraces.
- The highest level, surrounded by lindens, has a large pool, where the water needed for the moat is collected.
- The middle level, at the level of the chateau, is in three parts: "the garden of love", "the music garden" and "the herb garden".
- Finally, at the level of the outbuildings, is the most original of the three gardens: the ornamental vegetable garden that covers 12,500 square meters, that is renewed twice per year.

CHENONCEAU: Built in the XVIth c., it is one of the purest Early French Renaissance style works. The square dwellings, built in the riverbed itself on the piles of a fortified mill, the square building is the original chateau. On the bridge built by Diane, rises The two-level gallery completed by Catherine de Medicis. . You will discover the guardroom, the chapel, a superb 60 metres long gallery above the Cher river, Diane de Poitier and François 1st rooms. In the upper levels, you will admire the bedrooms of Gabrielle d'Estrees, Catherine de Medicis and Louise of Lorraine… Settled inside the two piles of the former mill anchored in the Cher river bed, the kitchens will reveal the art and ingenuity of the Renaissance builders. Not far from the gardens of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis, stands "La Galerie des Dames de Chenonceau" settled in the former Royal stables. Here are told the dreams, ambitions, the great projects and the destinies of those women who made the history of the place. A walk in the French style gardens will provide a pleasant end to your tour.

AMBOISE: Built in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries by Charles VIII, Louis XII and François 1er, the chateau is one of the first royal residences and a splendid example for gothic and renaissance architecture.
Still nowadays it shelters an exceptionally well-preserved collection of furniture. Leonardo da Vinci lived there his last years of life. He is buried in the St Hubert chapel, built in high gothic style of the fifteenth century. Overhanging the city of Amboise, you will discover from the gardens of the chateau one of the most famous panoramas in the Loire-Valley.

LEONARDO DA VINCI PARK: A marvel of the Renaissance art, in red bricks and tuff, pure happiness accentuated by the playful game of red brick with white stone, was the residence of Leonardo Da Vinci during the last years of his life. THE CHÂTEAU where you will enter Leonardo intimacy (visit of his bedroom, workshop, kitchen and beautiful rooms of red brick and white stone) and dicover his 40 marvellous inventions;Fascinating exhibit of models of his inventions.
THE ENVIRONMENTAL TRAVERSES where you will carry out an initiatory trip with Leonardo and his disciple. You will activate 12 gigantic and spectacular machines, will listen through 8 sonorous points to listen Leonardo' reflections and will admire 32 translucides canvass.