You could spend a month in France and see a different chateau every day!  Just the index of chateaus in the back of the Lonely Planet guide fills 2 columns.  You can take a day trip out to the closer ones just out of Paris on a commuter train.  Versailles is only about 30 minutes and a short walk from the station.  Fountainbleu is another quick train trip and could take the day to see what is open to view of the 1900 rooms.   But if you are on a driving tour, plan your itinerary to include a stop at your choice of several Loire Valley chateau that are situated along the Seine and Cher Rivers.

Chateau de Chenonceau is a beautiful chateau built on the Cher River near Amboise.  (Amboise has its own fortress and chateau towering above the city.)   We enjoyed a late afternoon tour and walk in the Chateau de Chenonceau gardens.

The Chateau was created by Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of King Henri II.   As you look at the front of the chateau, Dianes' garden is on the left.   When Henri died, Diane was kicked out of the chateau by Queen Catherine de Medicis and Catherine planted her garden on the right.   Both women put their stamps on the Chateau as did subsequent women owners through the ages.

We had driven in from Mont St. Michel using the scenic N roads (also avoiding some of the tolls), and stumbled upon a Ibis Hotel at a crossroads as we headed to the Chateau before closing.  We subsequently found that Ibis hotels are a very affordable choice if you are looking for clean and comfortable budget lodging.  You get a utilitarian cookie cutter room decorated in shades of teal and a very comfortable bed.  It is one of the Accor Hotel brands.  Think Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, etc. for a US comparison.

Chateau de Chambord lies a short drive from Blois and was a good stop for our drive on to Cote D’Or wine region.  It was built in the 1500s by Francois I as essentially a hunting lodge.  Don’t miss the double helix staircase.  Chambord takes time to visit as it is huge, so plan accordingly and give it a half-day.