Chateaux
This is the château of Cheverny as seen by Eveline Schoorl, a good friend of ours who has visited Lavignon. It's well known as the model for Château Molensloot in the popular Tintin strip cartoon.
Chenonceau is said to be the most beautiful chateau in France. It is built over the river surrounded by formal gardens. It's only about 15 minutes drive from Lavignon.
Azay le Rideau is probably my favourite château, it's small enough to be on a human scale, I could imagine living there. And it's furnished - you could almost imagine bumping into one of the residents!
Villandry is famous for its carefully laid out and tended gardens.
Chambord is a highly decorated hunting chateau. My fondest memory of it is sitting on the terrace of a nearby restaurant with a glass of cool white wine on a warm day with a view of the castle.
Chaumont sur Loire - this is Joke’s favourite chateau, situated high up on the banks of the Loire affording panoramic views.
The Château of Montpoupon is very close to La Grange, it's a small hunting château which is still lived in (by the owners I believe) so only parts of it are visitable.
Not far from Montpoupon, there is the beautiful 15th century Chateau de Razay which offers chambres d'hôte and banqueting. It's not open to visitors as the others are, but it's worth driving up to it to see it.
One of our favourite places is not a château but we think it probably belongs here as well as anywhere: it's the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud. Apart from being a wonderful collection of buildings (I especially appreciate the kitchens!) it is rich in history, it hosts frequent musical and other artistic events, and is a cultural centre in the widest sense. Well worth a visit in our opinion! It's a couple of hours' drive from La Grange - but to get there you have to pass close to Chinon / Bourgueil (see the wine section!).
To find out about historic monuments, you might like to visit the Monum web site which provides background information about historic sites all over France - but of course also in the Loire Valley, Azay le Rideau for example.