Amboise, France

Twenty kilometres upstream of Tours, AMBOISE is one of the highlights of the Loire region, with a beguiling mix of beauty, excellent food and drink and a genuine sense of history. The château dominates the town, but there are many other attractions, most famously Leonardo da Vinci's residence of Clos-Lucé, with its exhibition of the great man's inventions. Amboise draws a busy tourist trade that may detract from the quieter pleasures of strolling around town, but makes it a good destination for children. In July and August, son et lumière shows are held around 10pm at the château (Wed & Sat; adults from € 14, children 6–14 from € 7; Web: www.renaissance-amboise.com ), with Leonardo images projected on the walls and costumed actors prancing about to loud Renaissance-style music.