La Tonnellerie Hotel, Tavers

This relatively new course, set in beautiful Saumur, is a pleasant 9-hole round if you're searching for a change from historical monuments and châteaux.

Read more about Saumur Golf Course, Saumur

This 18-hole course is set in the grounds of an 18th-century château which is now a leisure complex with outdoor pool and tennis courts as well as a charming hotel.

Read more about Domaine de Vaugouard Golf Course, Fortenay-sur-Loing

In the grounds of the 17th century Château Perrièrre, the golf club is within ancient trees, water features and different plant varieties that create this undulating course offering a diverse round.

Read more about Blue Green Avrillé Golf Course, Avrille

NaviLoire offers short guided boat trips on the Loire river from Rochecorbon, taking in cave dwellings, discovering the rich wildlife along the banks, as well as catching a glimpse of the wine-producing Château de Moncontour.

Read more about Le Saint-Martin-de Tours

This theme park is a historical tour around a medieval city, an 18th-century village and a year 1900 town square. It also has a number of historical shows reenacting Ancient Roman gladiator fighting, attacks from the Vikings and medieval adventures. The summertime evening shows are an explosion of colour, lights and entertainment. An incredible spectacular.

Read more about Le Puy du Fou

Take in the magnificent scenery of the Loire by air in a hot air balloon. Offering a number of different tours and launch sites along the Loire river, what better way to take in the châteaux from up above where their size and splendour can really be seen.

Read more about Art Montgolfieres

Charming little coffee shop and lunch spot offering good food on its terrace or tucked away in the cellar. Look out for the decadent dessert selection.

Read more about Cak'T Restaurant, Bourges

This wonderful restaurant run by Bernard Robin, the renowned chef, used to be a coaching house. Today is serves excellent traditional cuisine in a fine dining setting accompanied by an excellent wine selection. A top dining spot in the Loire with a Michelin star to match.

Read more about Le Relais d'Artemis Restaurant Restaurant, Bracieux

This restaurant brands itself as 'almost traditional' and offers contemporary twists on classic French cuisine.

Read more about BarJu Restaurant, Tours

Escape into the countryside and discover this rustic French restaurant serving traditional meals with pretty views of the gardens.

Read more about Ferme Auberge la Lionniere Restaurant, Mareuil-sur-cher

An Asian-influenced menu in a great setting with beautiful views over the Loire. The fabulous setting was designed by Jean-Pierre Wilmotte. The fabulous menu was created by Jean-Yves Gueho. It has a fabulous wine cellar too. Definitely worth a visit.

Read more about L'Atlantide Restaurant, Nantes

This excellent restaurant in Orléans serves traditional French fare using quality local produce.

Read more about Atelier Manzo Restaurant, Orleans

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.

Read more about Chateau de Meung, Meung-sur-Loire

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.

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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.

Read more about Chateau de Talcy, Talcy

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.

Read more about Basilique de Clery

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.

Read more about Chateau de Chambord, Chambord

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.

Read more about Hotel Cabu and Musee Historique et Archeologique de l'Orleans