Near Amboise, there will be a quick stop for pictures at Clos Lucé, which used to be the official residence of Leonardo da Vinci, between 1516 and 1519.

Next is a real jewel of a château, and the most famous of the Loire region: Chenonceau with its magnificent gardens. Chenonceau is a unique castle, situated above the Cher river, that is also known as “Chateau des dames.” It’s a beautiful mixture between Gothic and Renaissance styles with ornateness that one might only imagine seeing in fairy tale books. Next to Versailles, this is the most visited castle in France. Walks of the grounds reveal a dizzying labyrinth, and a tour of the interior with your private expert guide might take you to the chapel, Francoise I's drawing room, and the gallery over the bridge

In the afternoon, you will finally discover Chambord, a grandiose château. Set on 13,000 acres of parkland, this former royal residence represents the pinnacle of France’s 16th-century architectural revolution, and the double helix spiral staircase at the heart of the château, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, is simply mind-blowing.

Spend the day visiting some of France’s most spectacular castles, and the birthplace of the French Renaissance, on this luxury tour of Loire Valley from Paris tour.