Loire Valley Castles: a visitor's guide

Along the way, the medieval village of Beaugency, in the heart of the Val de Loire, is well worth a stop. It carries the label of one of the most beautiful detours in France, and its beautifully preserved historic center, with its old houses, cobblestone streets, and a 23-arch bridge dating from the twelfth century, makes a charming pause between the great castles. It is the kind of place where a simple stroll becomes part of the journey.

The Loire Valley is far more than its castles. Beyond the monuments lie the cellars and restaurants that are treasures of the region in their own right, along with the hotels and guest houses where a meal becomes a memory. Drawing several million visitors each year, the valley rewards those who take the time to wander into the landscape that surrounds the châteaux, between vineyards, rivers, and villages. Here, the pleasure of the journey lies as much in the détours as in the destinations.

• The castles lie in the Centre and Pays de la Loire regions, a few hours from Paris.
• Beaugency, one of the most beautiful detours of France, has a 23-arch bridge from the 12th century.
• The Loire Valley draws several million visitors each year.