"Cinq Mars, a Page out of History" Cinq-Mars-la-Pile by Beausoleil

Ina Caro wrote a marvelous book about traveling through French history ("The Road from the Past") and we followed it in reverse one year. It was great fun. One of our first stops outside Paris was at Cinq Mars la Pile. If you leave Tours headed west, Cinq Mars is two-thirds of the way to Langeais and on the Loire River.

You park at the local B&B on the site and go through their courtyard to visit the ruins of the old chateau. We happened to be there in the rain so had the place all to ourselves which was fun. You can climb the ancient towers and wander down into the moat. There are ancient machines of war to view and from the gardens you have spectacular views up and down the Loire.

The moat at Cinq Mars

Walk the moat in the rain. Fun. You can take pictures of the ancient war machines there and climb all over the place. It would be a great place for children.

Castle Towers

There are steps covered with moss and other steps that appear to go nowhere. Climb them and explore. No grand furnishings nor flower arrangements, but great ruins and the garden is full of lavender that you walk through as you look up and down the Loire and over the lovely little town.

• Pros:Out of the way, stunning views, fun for kids
• In a nutshell:Few tourists and stunning views, near many chateaus