La Tonnellerie Hotel, Tavers

The Château Meung is one of the largest and most ancient châteaux in the Loire Valley. Until the Revolution, it was the prestigious residence of the bishops of Orléans and welcomed some great names in French history. Everything began with the 1st château which served as the framework for the treaty of 861 between Robert le Fort (the Strong) and King Charles le Chauve (the Bald). Significantly, this treaty marked the start of the ascent of the Capetian dynasty. The château was also a strategic location during the Hundred Years' War; Joan of Arc released it after her victory in Orléans. The château also has its dark side; it served as a prison. Its most famous prisoner was the poet François Villon. Bought by one of the founders of the Banque de France, the Château Meung is a private residence open for tours.

This arboretum is a national conservatory of the Holly tree, with over 400 different species of Holly in a landscaped park. The park is recognised by the Ministry of Culture and Communication as a Remarkable Garden.

This impressive château looks down onto the small village of Talcy, and dates back to the 16th century. It has a medieval feel and original 18th century interior covered with tapestries and paintings. Its grounds house an orchard of apples and pears.

Taking its name from Valois history, the impressive Cléry basilica is of such size because purportedly a farmer dug up a statue of the Virgin Mary which was invested with miraculous powers. As a result, the location attracted the attention of King Philippe IV who funded the basilica's construction. It continued to attract royal patronage over the years and is the burial place of Louis XI.

This grand royal château is a castle of palatial standards. Building commenced in the 16th century in a classic Renaissance style and took 20 years to complete. It was built for François I as a hunting lodge. The source of its exuberant design is not totally clear, some mention Leonardo da Vinci, though it is more likely to have been designed by Hilbert Delorme. Its extensive surrounding lands are a game reserve. The interior matches the grandeur of the exterior, with lavish ceremonial bedrooms and over 80 staircases. Take a trip up to the roof to admire the views. Château de Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley.

The Hôtel Cabu was built in 1548 by the architect Jacques Androuet for Phillipe Cabu, an Orléans attorney. It is said that the mistress of Henry II, Diane de Poitiers, stayed here a year later. The Orléans Museum of History and Archaeology is now housed in this Renaissance brick hotel, charting the history of Orléans from the Roman period though to modern times. It's definitely worth a trip to this elegant building.