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The Loire Valley is famous for its numerous castles, the number of which is close to 3000. Many of them were built due to the war between Blois and Anjou. The Loire Valley castles are a must-see. Some castles are located very close to each other, and in 1 day you can visit 2, 3 and even 4 castles.
The Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In this article, we will find out which of the Loire Valley castles must be visited and how to plan your trip. In another article, I will explain how to get to the Loire Valley.
The most magnificent castles of the Loire:
- Château de Chambord
- Château de Chenonceau
- Château de Villandry
- Château de Blois
- Château de Cheverny.
Château de Chenonceau
The Château de Chenonceau is often referred to as the Ladies’ Chateau. One royal mistress and six queens lived in this castle. Two of them owned it and created that beautiful look which brought the castle its incredible fame.
In 1547, King Henry II makes a present to his mistress Diane de Poitiers. He gives her the Chenonceau castle. During the reign of Diana, luxurious gardens were laid out in the castle, and the famous bridge over the Cher River set out the unique appearance of Chenonceau.
After the death of Henry, Catherine de Medici kicked out countess Diana de Poitiers from the Chenonceau castle to Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire.
The castle has a bedroom of five queens:
- Mary Stuart,
- Elizabeth of Austria,
- Louise Lorraine,
- Queen Margo.
- Elizabeth Valois.
The main attractions of the castle are magnificent interiors, a garden, donkeys and wine tasting. If you wish, you can rent a boat and sail along the powerful castle walls.
Information & Facts
- When it was built. In XVth century.
- Style. French Renaissance.
Practical information
- Tickets. There are long lines to tickets in peak season. Skip-the-Line Château de Chenonceau Tickets here
- Accommodation. Where to stay in Tours.
- When to go. All year around.
- Unique experience. Wine tasting at the castle, boat ride, donkey feeding
- How to get to the Château de Chenonceau. Take a train from Tour. Guided tour from Paris here.
Château de Chambord
The Chambord Castle is the largest castle in the Loire Valley. Chambord was considered to be the most extravagant and beautiful castle in France before Versailles was built. Among numerous castle ornaments , you can see the salamanders – the coat of arms of King Francis I, by whose order the castle was built.
A donjon with four round towers is surrounded by powerful outer walls. “Lantern” – the tallest tower of the castle is an exquisite example of unusual architecture, consists of a spiral staircase and royal emblems (crown and lily) at the top. Walking on the castle roof is a breathtaking expirience! The promenade terrace follows the contours of the castle, with starecase turrets, chimneys and views of the park around every turn.
Information & Facts
- The main feature of the castle is the unique spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Two people climbing it up will never meet, but they will totally be able to see each other.
- Plays such as “The Bourgeois in the Nobility” by Moliere were premiered here.
- When it was built. year 1519; Louis XIV finished the construction of the castle.
- Style. French Renaissance.
- Great personalities, that lived here. Francis I, Henry II, Louis XIV
- Number of rooms. 426 rooms + the French gardens.
- Unique expirience. Rooftop observation deck.
Practical information
- Presence of long ticket lines – Yes. There are long lines to tickets in peak season.
- Tickets. Skip-the-Line Château de Chambord Tickets here
- Accommodation. Where to Stay in Blois / Paris.
- Open for visit. Open every day of the year except 1st January, 30th November and 25th December. From 19th May to 25th October: 9am – 6pm. Other days : 9am – 5pm
- When to go. All year around
- How to get to the Château de Chambord. By a shuttle from Blois station (April-October), timetable here. Guided tour from Paris here.
Château d’Amboise
Château d’Amboise is located on the mountain with beautiful views of the Loire and the town of Amboise. The castle is harshly destroyed, but the remaims of may impress you.
Information & Facts
- Leonardo da Vinci is buried in the chapel of the castle.
- When it was built. 1492 y. by Charles VIII.
- Style. Gothic.
- Great personalities that lived here. Charles VIII, Leonardo da Vinci, Francis I, Henry II, Catherine de Medici.
- Main attraction. Rooftop observation deck.
Practical information
- Accommodation. Where to stay in Amboise.
- When to go. All year around
- How to get to Amboise. Take a train from Blois, Tour and Paris. Guided tour with lunch from Amboise to Chambord and Chenonceau here.
- Unique experience during summer. Evening visit: unique light show. The castle hosts costumed performances of life of the court of Francis I. Read more
There is another castle in Amboise. Clos-Luce Castle became world famous because Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life here. Tickets here
Château de Blois
The main attraction of the city is the medieval castle of Blois. It was kings favorite residence during the Renaissance. Here François Villon read his poems at a poetry competition, and Ronsard met his muse at the ball. Here Louis XII was born and Anne of Breton and Catherine de ‘Medici died.
The castle became the residence of Louis XII and Francis I. In every piece of the interior and on the facades we can see elements of the coats of arms and the first letters of the names of these monarchs: Louis ‘porcupine (with the letters L and A – Queen Anne of Breton) and Francis’ salamander.
From the ramparts of the thirteenth century, only the Tower du Foix remained. From here a wonderful view of the Church of Saint-Nicolas de Blois opens up.
Information & Facts
- The entrance to the castle is through the Louis XII wing, next to the chapel of Saint-Calais.
- In the Francis’I wing there is the oldest civic Gothic hall in France – the State Hall, which was built in 1214.
- When it was built. XIII-XVII century.
- Style. Gothic, Renaissance, Classic.
- Great personalities that lived here. Louis XII, Anne of Breton, Francis I, Catherine de Medici.
Practical information
- Accommodation. Where to stay in Bloi.
- When to go. All year around
- How to get to Blois. Take a train from Tour or Paris. Guided tour with lunch from Amboise to Chambord and Chenonceau here.
View of the Church of Saint-Nicolas-Saint-Lomer and the castle of Blois from the opposite bank of the Loire
Château de Villandry
Villandry Castle was built in 1536 and is considered the last of the most famous ones to be built during the Renaissance. In the beginning of the 20th century, the castle underwent a complete restoration. The restoration also consisted of materials of architecture and gardening art of the Renaissance. Villandry is famous for its gardens: twice during the summer season, the castle’s gardeners transplant all the flowers in the gardens so that visitors can enjoy the riot of colors and aromas. There are several viewing platforms within the territory of the castle, from where a spectecular view of all the gardens, the labyrinth and the park opens.
Information & Facts
- When It was built. 1536 y.
- Style. Renaissance.
Practical information
- Accommodation. Where to stay in Toir.
- When to go. All year around. The gardens of Villandry are open every day of the year.
- How to get to the Château de Villandry. FilBleu buses run from Tours to Villandry Centre in July and August. Timetable here.
Château d’Angers
Angers Castle is one of the few survived examples of military architecture. The castle is surrounded by a fortress wall 30 meters high with 17 towers, the three sides of the castle are surrounded by a deep moat, and on the fourth side the castle rises above the river, thanks to which the Angersky castle is considered one of the most inaccessible. You can walk along the fortress wall and admire the whole city, and then degustate blue chocolate and Cointreau liqueur in the local shops. These delicacies were presented to the world by the city of Angers.
Information & Facts
- The main masterpiece of the castle interior is the Tapestry of the Apocalypse, a unique masterpiece of Medieval art.
- When it was built. 1240 y.
- Style. Gothic.
- Great personalities that lived here. Dukes of Anjou.
Practical information
- Accommodation. Where to stay in Anger.
- When to go. All year around
In addition to the castle, there are many architectural attractions in Angers: medieval half-timbered houses, churches and narrow streets.
Château de Cheverny
Cheverny Castle became the first private property available to visitors in 1922. It is one of the most visited castles in the region (along with Chambord and Blois), and for a very good reason: it is the only castle in the Loire Valley to retain its interiors. The magnificent interior of the castle is the work of Jean Monier. After decorating the Luxembourg Palace in Paris, he was invited to the Château de Cheverny.
For more than 6 centuries, the castle has belonged to the representatives of the Yuro family – famous financiers and officers who glorified their family by faithful service to many kings of France. Twice the castle left the family’s possession: the first time this happened in the 16th century, when it was acquired by Diana de Poitiers, who was in ones turn ousted by Catherine de Medici from Chenonceau. The second time the change of ownership took place in the 18th century, when the heirs of the daughter of the creator of the castle showed no interest in the inheritance they got. In 1825, Anne-Victor Huro, Marquis de Vibre bought the castle that belonged to his ancestors.
The castle stands in the middle of a landscaped park planted with wonderful trees, including century-old linden trees, giant sequoias and various types of cedars.
Information & Facts
- When It was built. 1624.
- Style. Renaissance, Classic.
Practical information
- Tickets. How can I skip the line. Buy ticket online
- Accommodation. Where to stay in Bloi.
- When to go. All year around
- Unique experience. Wine tasting at the castle. You can watch how dogs are fed in a huge kennel, preserved from the past. The castle hosts a regular jazz festival.
- More experience. Not far from the castle, in the back rooms, there is the Tintin Museum – “Secrets of Mulensar”. Mulensar is the name of Captain Haddock’s castle, of which Cheverny became the prototype. If you are traveling with a child, then it is definitely worth going into it. In addition to the manuscripts of the artist – the creator of the comic book Hergé – the interiors and situations were prototypes for the comic. Just a masterpiece.
Chateau d’Usse
Yusse Castle has another name, the Sleeping Beauty Castle. It is a country chateau overlooking the Indre and Loire valleys. The French-style terrace and gardens of the castle were designed by the famous architect, the author of the plan for the reconstruction of the royal gardens at Versailles. The legend, which makes more and more tourists come to this castle, says that Charles Perrault wrote “The Sleeping Beauty” here, and it was this castle that he described in a fairy tale. Let it remain a legend.
Information & Facts
- Charles Perrault really recalled the castle with admiration in his memoirs.
- When It was built. In XVth century.
- Style. Gothic.
Practical information
- Accommodation. Where to stay in Toir.
- Open for visit. February – March, October – November: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm. April – September: 10.00 am – 7.00 pm. : 10.00 am – 6.00 pm.
- When to go. February – November
Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire is located on the banks of the Loire between Amboise and Blois. It is an excellent example of the Romanesque and Renaissance styles. In the middle of the 17th century, the castle becomes the property of Catherine de Medici. She invited astrologers and scientists to the castle. Legend has it that in the castle, one of the astrologers predicted to the queen that she would have to survive the death of almost all of her children. One of the famous guests of the castle was Nostradamus: it was in this castle that he made many of his predictions.
Information & Facts
- When It was built. XV century.
- Style. Gothic, Renaissance.
- Great personalities. Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitiers.
- The castle’s stables are considered the most luxurious in Europe. They were equipped with electric lighting the same time as the Paris City Hall and the Opera Garnier.
Practical information
- Accommodation. Where to stay in Bloi.
- When to go. April – October
- Unique experiences. Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle is famous for the International Gardens Festival, which is held annually and is considered one of the most amusing events in the Loire Valley.
Château de Beauregard, Loire Valley
The Château de Beauregard is an underestimated gem of the Loire Valley and is located only ten kilometers away from Blois!
The main pearl of the castle is the Portrait Gallery. The portrait gallery has impressive dimensions (6 meters wide and 26 meters long) and stores 327 portraits. The tiles that cover the gallery floor were produced in Delft.
In 1617, the then owner of Beauregard, Paul Ardier, planned an ambitious project: he wanted to create a portrait gallery in the main gallery of the castle, which was supposed to reflect 315 years of French history. For more than 60 years, three generations of his family have continued the work of his entire life.
All portraits are half-length, with the exception of the equestrian portrait of Henry IV (hung over the fireplace) and the ceremonial portrait of Louis XIII.
The dates of the reign, the royal emblem and the motto are engraved on the wood panels.
Paul Ardier followed his passion for history and paid tribute to the fashion for portrait collections. At that time, the most famous galleries in France were the galleries of Henry IV in the Louvre and Cardinal Richelieu in the Palais Royal. But these portraits have not come down to us. And Paul Ardier’s project has rightfully become considered the most important and largest collection of portraits of historical figures in Europe (one of the most famous collections is located in the Uffizi Gallery and holds 240 paintings).
Information & Facts
- Grelo’s office has the most beautiful ceiling in France
- At the end of the XXth century, the “Garden of Portraits” appeared in the castle park.
- When It was built. In XVth century.
- Style. French Renaissance.
Practical information
- Accommodation. Where to stay in Bloi.
- When to go. April – October
Read more about the Loire Valley:
10 best Сastles of the Loire Valley
How to get to the Loire Valley
How to get to Nantes
