Tintern Abbey in Monmouthshire was the richest monastic foundation in Wales during the sixteenth century. Today, the place of monks is taken by tourists.
The large plates of window glass, now so common, were then rapidly coming into use, and gave to the ground floor offices a distinguished and prosperous look.
In those days everything from furniture to festivity was designed to be enjoyed by the many, so that whatever of pomp or magnificence there might have been did not savour of hauteur.
With its walls and ceilings covered in hand-painted frescoes (including a sublime painted cupola in the living room), this palatial suite is the largest in Europe.
Top of your list should be the castle and grounds of Chaumont-sur-Loire, near Blois, which hosts a magnificent garden festival from spring to late autumn.