Au Coeur de Vendôme

This Loire valley and Touraine region is crammed with old architecture, lush vineyards and jaw-droppingly stunning châteaux within easy day trip distance – or you could just travel around by foot or bike for river strolls, picnics, fishing or hiking the many trails of the Vendômois. Vendôme is the third biggest town in the Loir-et-Cher department and one of France's designated towns of art and history. There's stacks to see around its medieval centre, such as the former castle of the Vendôme counts, overlooking the town; the 11th-century abbey, also housing the town museum, and half-timbered houses aplenty in the town centre. As you're in the Loire valley, châteaux trips should also be in abudance: at your day trip disposal are famed French piles such as the Château de Blois, about 40 minutes' drive away, and the Château de Chaumont, Château de Chambord and the Château d'Amboise, all within about 50 minutes.