and see the Loire Valley, the "Garden of France", an enchanted land of vineyards, flowers and rolling green hills dotted with innumerable chateaux. It is perhaps the charm of its gentle paced life that has made it a sought-after location for poets and writers. To get to this fairy-tale land you pick up a car in Paris and delve into this magic world, even sleeping in chateaux. A wide line-up of castles will be seen - spectacular Chateau de Chambord, a royal hunting reserve larger than Paris itself. In Chambord also visit Joan of Arc’s house. Continue your fly and drive and visit the town of Tours, dating back to Gallo-Roman times, which was once the capital of the Kingdom of France. This will take you to the most romantic French chateau found in Chenonceau - the Ladies Castle - built by one of France's great Queens -in nearby Amboise, besides a Royal castle, you may see Clos Luce, where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life. Other notable chateaux will be in Villandry, best known for its magnificent flower and vegetable gardens - in Azay-le-Rideau - in the town of Saumur, set by the Loire River - in Angers, one of France's most beautiful cities, see Jean Lurat's dramatic tapestry "Chant du Monde". A few more gems... savor local cuisine at La Cave; an incredible restaurant located in a cave... and, in a Mont Louis cellar, attends a tasting of red, white, rose and sparkling wines... your last overnight in France at luxurious Chateau Montvillargenne in Gouvieux.