Gîte des Caves, 16th century, near Beauval and Chenonceaux, troglodyte pool

Close to motor boating, cycling, and more, this smoke-free vacation home brings it all within reach. Château de Montrichard is an easy 7-minute walk away, so you can leave your car at the property, which offers covered onsite parking, or jump in your vehicle to make short work of the 31-minute drive to Chateaux de la Loire. If you're looking to expand your horizons and see other nearby locales, you can catch a train at Montrichard Station, a short 6-minute walk away.

Spend a day at the nearby beach, relax by the heated pool, or sip a drink in the garden of this 2153-sq-ft vacation home, which also features a deck or patio. As for the great indoors, you can come inside and enjoy the free WiFi and cable/satellite TV.

This 3-bedroom, 1-bathroom rental features a living room, a dining area, a BBQ grill, and a desk. Bathroom amenities include a hair dryer and towels. The kitchen is equipped with an oven, a stovetop, and a refrigerator, as well as a coffee maker, an electric kettle, and a microwave. And there's access to laundry facilities, so you can even pack a bit lighter.