The Châteaux of the Loire Valley are part of the French architectural heritage in the Loire Valley. By the middle of the 16th century, King Francois I had shifted the center of power in France from the Loire back to the ancient capital of Paris, but the Loire Valley continued to be the place where most of the French royalty preferred to spend the bulk of their time. Today these privately owned châteaux serve as homes, but few open their doors to tourist visits, while others are operated as hotels or bed and breakfasts.