Only 15 kilometers from Tours, with its imposing and benevolent silhouette, the castle of Luynes offers an exceptional panorama of the Loire Valley.

Built in the 12th century on a rocky spur to defend the crown of France, it bears witness, thanks to its intimidating surrounding wall and impressive towers, to the turbulent medieval past in Touraine.

It is only in the XVth century and then in the XVIIth century that it will become a residence of pleasure.

Many Kings of France (Philippe IV the Fair, Charles VII, Louis XI, Catherine de Medici, Charles IX and Louis XIII on three occasions) stayed there, attracted to the domain by hunting.

Since its first construction, the castle has always been inhabited, which explains its perfect conservation today. Only three families succeeded one another: the Lords of Maillé, those of Laval and, since 1619, the descendants of Louis XIII's famous favorite: the Dukes of Luynes.

Beyond the strong historical interest, the castle of Luynes offers the charms of a family monument; through the visit, discover the apartments fully furnished and inhabited by the XIIIth Duke of Luynes and his family.

End the visit by letting yourself be surprised by the gardens, the ditches of the castle and the Gothic chapel with its upside down boat hull frame.

The Jardin Exotique de Monaco is a botanical garden located on a cliffside in Monaco. Visitors can walk along paths and up and down steps amongst the many exotic species of plants including cacti plants, admiring their colourful flowers.

Not only do you see hundreds of cacti and Mediterranean plants of a size you will rarely if ever have seen before but the view over Monaco and the French and Italian Riviera are simply stunning.

Chamerolles was built at the dawn of the Renaissance period according to the traditional shape of a medieval fortress.

It offers you a historical and romantic visit through history of perfume and hygiene since 1992.

Having turned into wasteland after a long neglect, the Renaissance garden created by Lancelot II du Lac at the end of the 16th.

Century has today been rearranged in the style of the period. It has been restored, courtesy of records, particularly due to an 18th.

The Fontanalba Valley is, like the Valley of Wonders, an exceptional open-air archaeological site, where thousands of prehistoric engravings have been recorded.

It is also a very pleasant and quite easy hike, you will discover several high altitude lakes, and certainly chamois or ibex, in the heart of the Mercantour National Park!