The Playful Past-time Of Chateau Hopping In France's Gorgeous Loire Valley

France's Loire Valley has the grandest selection of fifteenth and 16th century castles. With fifty to sixty "must see" castles sprinkled on both sides of a 100-mile stretch of the Loire River, the first-time visitor can feel overwhelmed. Below are five of the best-known castles.

Chateau Clos Luce

Not more than a half mile from Amboise is Chateau Le Clos Luce, a chateau designed and built by Leonardo da Vinci. Under the generous sponsorship of Francois I' he lived the last three years of his life here. The rooms are filled with 40 models of Leonardo's inventions so you can marvel at his foresight and impressive mental powers five hundred years earlier.

Chateau Chenonceau

Chenonceau Chateau stuns you with its two-story, 260-foot Great Gallery arching over the River Cher. Originally "acquired" by King Francois I, it then passed to his successor, Henri II, who gifted it in 1547 to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Diane extended the chateau and built a bridge over the river.

When Henri II died, Catherine de Medici, his wife, took revenge on Diane by forcing her rival to exchange Chateau Chenonceau for nearby Chateau Chaumont. Catherine then commissioned the construction of the bridge gallery. Incredibly extravagant galas were hosted here until Catherine's son, Henry III, was murdered. His wife, Louise de Savoie, placed the castle in mourning, furnishing it entirely in black and white.

History leaps out as you tour the rooms and the gardens. In WWI the Great Gallery was converted to a hospital. In world war II the chateau marked the boundary between free and Nazi-occupied France and became the location for prisoner exchanges. Today the gardens and the chateau are maintained as if they were at their height under Catherine de Medici.

Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire

Constructed in the fifteenth century by Lord Amboise on the site of a 10th century feudal fortress, Chaumont commands beautiful views of the Loire Valley. It was later the home of both Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers of Chateau Chenonceau fame. Enjoy this chateau for its tapestry, furnishings, drawbridge, fortress feeling, and incredible vistas.

Chateau Amboise

Amboise's narrowed cobbled streets encircle the base of the huge Chateau Amboise. Although only 25% of the original chateau survives, the fortress walls with flying banners look down on the village and neighboring river. It was here that King Francois I hit his head on a low arch, bringing an early end to his life.

Chateau Chambord

King Francois I was not content with just the castles at Chenonceau and Amboise. He acquired over 10,000 acres of hunting land and decided to construct the world's most magnificent "hunting lodge." Chambord was built over many decades by Francois and his successors, Henri II and Charles IX in the 16th century.

Fully restored now, Chambord stands as the most extravagant of all the Loire castles - 500 feet wide with 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces. The central grand staircase was purportedly designed by the great Italian, Leonardo da Vinci. It has double spirals which enable two parties of people to ascend and descend simultaneously without meeting. Chambord will reward any visit with its extravagance and grandeur.

Whilst chateau hopping remember to take the time to visit some local wine cellars, for "degustation" or tasting Take the time to relax and soak up the atmosphere and enjoy your holiday.