Also known to Americans as Chateau country. Chambord and Chenonceaux, but also the gardens of Villandry, the fairytale turrets of Azay-le-Rideau and the final house of Leonardo da Vinci -Le Clos Lucé-, are a few of the 400 castles built in the Loire Valley. Also ripe for discovery are the troglodyte caves and the wineries of light white Vouvray wine or full-bodied Bourgueil. The TGV train takes us in the heart of the Loire Valley region from Paris within less than an hour, making a full-day excursion one of the favorites for incentive programs.