Amboise is a town nestled under its most impressive, fortified château. Though rich in history, it has retained much of the traditional flavour of a small, provincial French city. Leonardo da Vinci lived the last three years of his life in Amboise, in a manor house called Le Clos Lucé. It now houses an exhibition of some of his inventions, constructed by using his original notes.

Vichy, a well known spa resort in the Massif Central, is a very pretty town which has retained much of its glamour from its heydays of 'La Belle Époque.' The Grand Casino, the Opera House and large park have ensured that Vichy is still a great favourite with both French and foreign visitors. As an added bonus, this smart town offers excellent water sports facilities.