Known as the ‘Garden of France’ the Loire Valley has attracted builders of great chateaux and makers of large gardens. The central section of the valley was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. An airport and car-hire facility at Tours combined with a network of good quiet roads makes it an attractive destination for a fly-drive vacation. Garden visitors are attracted to: Château de Chenonceau, Château de Villandry, Chaumont and Chateau Amboise.