Once witness to the buzz of mediaeval regional society that followed the times of Charlemagne, and built France's contribution to the Renaissance, later emboldened by agricultural prosperity, no less than 35,000 châteaux adorn the Gallic hills and vales, and myriad manoirs, logis, gentilhommières, homes to the rural gentry, tempt the adventurer. Ageless granite manors or elegant limestone castles, they peer majestically across their tempting lawns, the perfect refuge for special holiday celebrations, weddings, birthdays and other grand family parties or inspirational gatherings.