Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire

This 560-mile French Bike Trail Has Châteaus, Charming Houseboats, Surreal Gardens, and Limestone Wine Caves

"I toured the 11th-century estate at Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire and was struck by its connected cylindrical towers with coned roofs and, above all, the extensive gardens: the site hosts the annual International Garden Festival (April–November), has seen more than 900 gardens over 30 years, and this year's theme, “Once Upon a Time, in the Garden,” produced walk-in, fantastical installations (Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket, wire mythical creatures around a pond, a keyhole entrance leading to benches that play a soft melody beside an encased scented flower); from the aerial view the 15 gardens look like leaves hanging off branches, making the place feel like experiential art." - Joe Baur