The Loire Valley is loaded with interesting things to do. Fontrevaud Abbey, where Richard the Lionheart is buried is very interesting (southwest of Blois). There are chateaux everywhere, including at Azay Le Rideau and Amboise as well as the better known Chenonceau etc. The Bayeaux Tapestry I'm sure is in the Samur area, there's also a place where Leonardo da Vinci lived but I'm more vague on that one. The garden at Villandry is fantastic, the borders are of vegetables such as cabbages and lettuce, and the display when viewed from the higher walls is extraordinary in it's geometric layout. The gelato that's for sale outside the gate is pretty decent as well. I'm sure you'll wish you had more time there.

Regards, Sally from Sydney