Less visited than its sister châteaux, peaceful Beauregard has charms all its own. Built as yet another hunting lodge by François I, the highlight is an amazing portrait gallery depicting 327 notables of European royalty, clergy and intelligentsia. Spot famous faces including Christopher Columbus, Sir Francis Drake, Cardinal Richelieu, Catherine de Médicis, Anne de Bretagne, Henry VIII of England and his doomed wife Anne Boleyn, and every French king since Philippe VI. The quiet, 40-hectare grounds encompass numerous gardens , including the Garden of Portraits with 12 colour variations.
TLC line 18 château shuttle from Blois, 8km southeast, serves Beauregard.
