Castles of the Loire map. Castles of the Loire Valley. Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?
The Loire Castles are a number of French castles located in the Loire Valley. They have a certain historical feature - the castles were built or significantly modified during the Renaissance, at a time when the kings of France settled in this region.
The concept of “Loire Castles” has a greater tourist significance due to the high density of outstanding monuments in one place. Thus, there is no exhaustive list of castles that would be included in the list of Castles of the Loire. Exceptional sites are usually confined to the ancient provinces of Anjou, Touraine and Orleans. But some authors expand the area of Laura's castles to the city of Nantes in the historical province of Brittany and to the city of Nevers.
The large concentration of historical monuments in one region led to the inclusion of this place under the collective name “Loire Valley from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalons-sur-Loire.” The Loire Valley is a natural region located in the floodplain of the Loire River in the territory of four departments: Loiret, Loire et Cher, Indre et Loire (Centre region) and Maine et Loire (Laure Land region). Here are several vineyards and most of the castles, which are commonly called castles of the Loire.
Below we have given a list of 28 castles that are of royal origin, or were built by gentlemen close to royal power. All of them are located in a valley on the banks of the Loire or its tributaries, are outstanding examples of the architecture of the past and are of great historical and cultural significance.
Castles of the Loire Valley - PHOTO
The Castle of Angers, also known as the castle of the Duke of Anjou, is located in the city of the same name in the department of Maine-et-Loire. It stands by the River Men on a towering headland, the lands around it have been inhabited since ancient times. Starting from the second half of the ninth century, the castle changed its royal owners many times, was partially destroyed and rebuilt. Despite this, the external monumental walls have remained virtually unchanged since the time of Louis IX. Angers Castle is famous for the Apocalypse tapestries kept within its walls. Their inspection, along with a tour of the wonderful garden and some of the internal buildings, is available to tourists.
Hotels: Angers city
2. Amboise Castle (Château d’Amboise)
Amboise Castle stands on a hill near the Loire River in the city of the same name in the Indre-et-Loire department. Before it was attached to the French crown in 1434, the castle belonged to the powerful Amboise family for four centuries. During the Renaissance, it became home to several kings of France. The castle was largely destroyed after the revolution, until in 1872 it was transferred to the disposal of the House of Orleans. Many travelers suggest starting their exploration of the Loire Castles from this castle. Its architecture expressively reflects the gradual transition from Gothic to Renaissance, and the interior decoration houses antique furniture, rich works of art and artifacts. Leonardo da Vinci rests in a chapel in the park.
Nearest hotels: Château d'Amboise
3. Azay-le-Rideau Castle
The first medieval defensive fortress of Azé was built on this site in 1119. Its purpose was to protect the road between the cities of Tours and Chinon. The fortress was burned in 1418. The modern castle - a masterpiece of the French Renaissance - surrounded by a landscaped park, was built in the period 1518-1523 under the leadership of the treasurer of King Francis I. Today, the interiors of the castle of Azay-le-Rideau delight visitors with rich sculptural decorations, Flemish tapestries, antique furniture, portraits of royalty and many other cultural and historical masterpieces.
4. Beauregard Castle (Château de Beauregard)
The castle is located on the edge of a forest in the small town of Cellettes in the Loir-et-Cher department. It is about ten kilometers from the city of Blois. The original house was built in the fifteenth century and its ruins can still be seen in the park. However, the real builder of the castle is considered to be the Minister of Finance of France, Jean de Thiers (Seigneur de Beauregard). He purchased the property in 1545, after which he built a modern building in the Renaissance style, and invited a large number of famous artists to decorate the interior. Beauregard Castle is famous for its museum collection of 327 portraits of statesmen covering more than three hundred years of French history.
Nearest hotels: Beauregard Castle
5. Castle-Palace of Blois (Château de Blois)
The Royal Castle of Blois is located in the Loire-et-Cher department in the center of the city of the same name on the banks of the Loire River. The Blois Palace is one of the largest in size among the castles of the river valley, it is the most beloved residence of kings Louis XII and Francis I. The castle, built around a courtyard, represents a visual panorama of French architecture from the Middle Ages to classicism. This makes it a key structure for understanding the evolution of architecture over the centuries. Today, the royal apartments, carefully restored and decorated, are available for tours.
Best hotels in Blois
6. Brissac Castle
Brissac Castle is located in the department of Maine-et-Loire, fifteen kilometers from Angers, in the small town of Brissac-Quincé. The fortress was originally built by Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou in the eleventh century. The castle was purchased in 1435 and reconstructed in 1455 by Charles VII's minister, Pierre de Brezé. Later, it changed hands several times, was subjected to looting and partial destruction, but was always restored. In 1890, a theater was opened within the castle walls. It was completely restored in 1983. Today, it hosts annual theater festivals and various art exhibitions.
Book a room: Château de Brissac
The French castle of Chambord is located in the city of the same name in the Loir-et-Cher department. According to French Wikipedia, Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire. It is located in the heart of Europe's largest closed forest park area. The castle is surrounded by a garden and significant hunting grounds. The first buildings on this site appeared in the fourteenth century. The origins of the modern palace go back to the sixteenth century during the reign of Francis I, who oversaw construction from 1519. The King of France built this magnificence to be closer to his beloved, Countess Touri, who lived nearby. Magnificent Chambord is one of the most recognizable castles in the world.
Hotel 5 km from Chambord Castle
8. Château de Cheverny
Chateau de Cheverny is a castle located in the city of the same name in the Loir-et-Cher department, not far from the castles of Blau and Chambord. The castle was built in the seventeenth century in a classical style designed by Jacques Bougier. For most of its history, the residence was owned by one family. Thanks to this, the interiors of Cheverny have preserved their original appearance better than other castles in the Loire. The castle is famous for the hound hunts that are regularly held here. The residence is still the private property of the descendants of Philip Huro. Despite this, Cheverny is one of the first castles in France open to free visits by tourists.
Hotels in Cour-Cheverny
9. Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle (Château de Chaumont)
The Chateau de Chamont is located south of Blois in the town of Chaumont-sur-Loire in the Loir-et-Cher department. It rises above the Loire on a steep slope, and provides a picturesque backdrop to the small village lined up along the river bank. The history of the castle dates back to the twelfth century. Later it changed its owners several times and was completely rebuilt. During the global economic crisis of the thirties of the last century, the last owners were forced to sell the castle to the state. Since 1992, an international garden festival has been held here annually.
Hotels in Chaumont-sur-Loire
The castle is located in the city of Chenonceau in the Indre-et-Loire department. It was built in 1513 under the leadership of Katherine Briçonnet, the wife of the financial secretary of the kings, Thomas Boyer, who, in fact, financed the construction. Catherine has a decisive influence on the style and design of the castle. Later, the castle belonged to Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici and Louise Dupin. That is why Chenonceau is called the “Ladies' Castle”. Women decorate the castle both inside and outside, the interiors contain antique furniture, rare paintings and tapestries, and the castle grounds are decorated with beautiful gardens and parks.
Nearest hotels: Chenonceau
11. Chinon Castle (Château de Chinon)
The Royal Fortress of Chinon, like many castles, is built on a cliff overlooking the city and the Vienne River. Chinon Castle is built on the site of former Roman fortifications from the fifth century. The history of the modern castle dates back to the end of the tenth, beginning of the eleventh century. It consists of three parts: the central one, where the churches and royal apartments were located, and two defensive forts - one on the flat side and the other on the cliff side. In the seventeenth century, the fortress began to lose its strategic importance and gradually fell into disrepair. Gradual and partial reconstruction began only in 1854.
Nearest hotels: Chinon
12. Rivaud Castle (Château du Rivau)
The Rivault Castle is located in the city of Lemère in the Indre-et-Loire department, literally a ten-minute drive from the Chinon Castle. It was significantly fortified in the fifteenth century and then rebuilt during the Renaissance. Today, this place is primarily associated with the fairytale gardens laid out on the fifteen acres of land around the castle. The construction of gardens and restoration of destroyed buildings began by the new owners in 1992. Among other outbuildings, it is worth noting the magnificent stables. Back in the fifteenth century, horses were supplied from here to the royal court. And at the end of the Hundred Years' War, Joan of Arc came here in search of horses for her army.
Hotels near Rievaulx Castle
13. Castle of Clos Lucé
The French medieval castle of Clos Luce, more reminiscent of an ancient mansion, is located in the center of the city of Amboise. The first buildings appeared on this site at the beginning of the twelfth century. The manor house, which later became the royal residence, was built here in 1477. Francis I, the future king of France, spent his youth in Clos-Luce. In 1516, Leonardo da Vinci settled in the mansion, and here he died on May 2, 1519. Today Clos Lucé has been turned into a house-museum of the great artist. In the halls of the house, interiors from the time of Leonardo have been recreated, and a small park has been laid out around the castle.
Popular hotels in Amboise
14. Gizeux Castle
The castle is located in the French commune of the same name on the territory of the Loire-Anjou-Touraine National Natural Park. It is a green, wooded area about halfway between the cities of Angers and Tours. The castle was built in the fourteenth century on the site of a former fortress. The complex includes parts that were built in different historical periods. Medieval style and Renaissance architecture have been preserved here. Within the walls of the castle there are two large galleries decorated with works of painting by seventeenth-century artists. In 1829, a park appeared around the castle.
Book a room: Chateau de Gizeux
15. Langeais Castle
The medieval fortress of Langeais is located in the Indre-et-Loire department. It was built at the end of the tenth century by Count Fulk the Black on a rocky promontory overlooking the Loire Valley. Richard the Lionheart later expanded the castle significantly in the twelfth century. During the Hundred Years' War, the fortress was destroyed, only the façade of the main tower was preserved. The restoration of the castle began in 1465 by order of Louis XI and lasted four years. Today the castle is surrounded by a beautiful garden, and its fifteen rooms house a rich collection of unique tapestries from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
Nearest hotels: Langeais Castle
16. Château de Loches
Chateau de Loches is a castle located in the Indre-et-Loire department, built in the ninth century by Fulk Nerra. The huge fortress rises on a hill above the Indre River. The castle is famous primarily for its massive quadrangular donjon, which, towering, dominates the skyline of the city of Loches. The walls of the donjon reach an impressive thickness of three meters. In 1204, after several attacks, the castle was finally conquered by King Philip II. Starting from the fifteenth century, a prison was located within the walls of the fortress for a long time, some rooms of which are today available to tourists. Major restoration work began in 1806, but to this day some parts of the fortress are still in ruins.
Nearest hotels in Loches
17. Chateau de Meung-sur-Loire
The Chateau de Meun-sur-Loire is an old fortified residence located in the town of the same name. The fortress was built in the twelfth century and was the country residence of the bishops of Orleans. In the thirteenth century, the bishops left the castle, which became a prison; the most famous prisoner there was the Poet François Villon. The building was almost completely abandoned during the period of the religious wars from the late sixteenth to the early eighteenth century. Then the castle is restored, its facade is built in the classical style. Beneath the castle are dungeons, a chapel and various medieval instruments of torture.
Nearest hotels: Meun-sur-Loire
18. Montpoupon (Château de Montpoupon)
The Montpoupon castle is located in the Indre-et-Loire department, ten kilometers from the city of Montrichard, in a picturesque valley in the heart of the forest. The castle was founded in the twelfth century. Over time, the requirements for strategic structures changed, so the fortress was completed several times. The outbuildings, which today house a large museum dedicated to hunting, were built in the 1840s. In addition to the exhibition of amateur hunting, visitors can explore pavilions dedicated to forestry, animal husbandry and various medieval crafts.
Nearest hotels in Céret-la-Ronde
19. Château du Plessis-Bourré
The castle of Plessis-Bourret is located in the department of Maine-et-Loire in the valley of the Loire tributaries of the Mayenne and Sarthe rivers. This is one of the Loire castles, whose architecture and appearance have remained almost unchanged and have not changed since its construction. And its construction began in 1468 on the site of the former estate, after King Louis XI transferred the lands of Plessis-les-Vins into the possession of his confidant and treasurer Jean Bourret. He created a small fortress residence here with all the necessary amenities and the opportunity to hold holidays and lavish balls. The well-preserved state of the castle made it popular for filming.
Nearest hotels: Angers
20. Castle of Plessis-les-Tours
Built in the Renaissance style, the Château de Plessis-les-Tours was the favorite residence of Louis XI. On August 30, 1483, the king died within the walls of this house. The current building is only a part (about one third) of the palace that Louis XI built at the end of the fifteenth century. Inside the castle there are iron cages that were suspended from the ceiling to hold prisoners. The cages are so small that the prisoners could not stand in them. Today, by agreement with the Polish community, which owns the castle, only some rooms of the former royal residence can be visited.
Nearest hotels: Chateau de Plessis-lès-Tours
21. Les Réaux Castle
Le Reo Castle is another pearl of the Italian Renaissance, lost among the vineyards in the Loire Valley. The castle belonged to the Bueil Briconnet family and later became the home of the writer and poet Tallemann de Reo. The history of this place begins more than seven centuries ago in the era of charm and elegance of the great dynasties. Today, the castle, surrounded by ten acres of gardens, still exudes harmony, tranquility and romanticism. A small hotel is located in several of its rooms. In 2005, the property was purchased by a Ukrainian businessman who intends to continue the hotel business of the previous owners.
Nearest hotels in Chouzay-sur-Loire
22. Chateau de Saumur
Chateau de Saumur is located in the French city of the same name near the confluence of the Loire and Thouet rivers. The fortified fortress was originally built in the tenth century by order of Thibault I of Blois to defend against Norman raids. In 1026, the fortress came into the possession of Count Fulk Nerr of Anjou, who bequeathed it to his heirs. A couple of centuries later, the castle changed owners several times, was a soldiers’ barracks and a prison. Today it houses a museum of antique toys and a horse museum.
Hotels: Saumur city
23. Castle of Sully-sur-Loire (Château de Sully-sur-Loire)
The castle is located in the center of Sully-sur-Loire on the left bank of the river next to the bridge. The first mention of it dates back to 1102. For many centuries, the fortress belonged to three families, the most noble of which were the Dukes of Sully. The castle acquired its recognizable appearance today at the beginning of the seventeenth century. In 1652, young Louis XIV took refuge in these brick walls during the Fronde of the Princes. In 1715, the castle welcomed Voltaire, who fled from persecution for his satirical works. The castle is surrounded by a moat with water, and there is a beautiful park nearby. An international classical music festival takes place here every year.
Nearest hotels: Sully-sur-Loire
24. Talcy Castle (Château de Talcy)
The castle was built in 1520 by the Italian banker Bernardo Salviati, who was at the court of King Francis I. The building is located in the small village of Bos within the city of Talsi. The interiors of the castle were extensively renovated in the eighteenth century; 18th-century furniture has been preserved in its halls. The modern territory includes an orchard, a dovecote and outbuildings. Next to the castle there is a windmill, renovated in 1976.
Nearest hotels: Talsi Castle
25. Ussé Castle (Château d’Ussé)
The castle is located in the town of Rigny-Ussé. It is built on the banks of the Indre River, which flows into the Loire, and is located 33 kilometers west of the city of Tours and 14 kilometers from Chinon. The local lands have been inhabited by the Golo-Romans since ancient times, as evidenced by artifacts found during excavations. The first wooden fortress was built in 1004. In 1040 the construction of the first stone castle began. In 1424, Mr. Usset built a castle, the main architectural features of which have been preserved to this day. There is an opinion that Andre Le Nôtre himself had a hand in the castle park, and also that in the fairy tale “The Sleeping Beauty” C. Perrault described the castle of Usset.
Hotels near Usse Castle
An outstanding monument of Renaissance architecture and French classicism, Valence Castle is located in the city of the same name in the Loire Valley. In 1540, construction of the existing castle began on the site where the twelfth-century fortress stood. The castle has changed many owners. In 1803, by order of Napoleon, Valence became a residence for receiving foreign ambassadors. At the beginning of the twentieth century, a Regular Park was laid out around the castle. The castle became the property of the Association of National Monuments in 1979. A museum of antique cars appeared here, and exotic animals and birds were released into the park.
Hotels in Valence
27. Villandry Castle (Château de Villandry)
Vilandry Castle is famous primarily for its six beautiful themed gardens and an ornamental vegetable garden. This residence is located fifteen kilometers west of the city of Tours. The construction of the modern buildings of the castle, which was supervised by Jean Le Breton, was completed around 1536. His descendants owned the property until 1754. In 1907, the castle was purchased by doctor and philanthropist Joachim Carvalho. He restores it in full accordance with Renaissance architecture, and arranges the gardens that can be seen today. Inside the castle you can see a small art gallery and a dining room.
Hotels in Villandry
28. Villesavin Castle (Château de Villesavin)
The small castle of Villesavin is located in the Loire-et-Cher department between the castles of Chambord and Cheverny on the banks of the Beuvron River. Like many other castles of King Francis I, the construction of Villesaven began in 1527 and was supervised by Jean Le Breton. In the nineteenth century, the property received some architectural improvements in the historicist style, making it a rare example in the Loire Valley. The castle is currently privately owned but is open to the public on tours.
Nearest hotels: Chateau de Villesavin
England, Scotland, Czech Republic, Spain, Portugal, Germany, France - all these countries have medieval fortresses. Perhaps the most impressive structures still remain in the valley of the French Loire River. If you like our article, you can always purchase an excursion to the castles of the Loire on the website paris-tourist.ru
Villandry
The last castle of the Renaissance 
The Villandry fortress was built much later than its neighbors - in the 16th century. This area is famous for its Italian gardens, located on three levels. The upper one is occupied by ponds. The middle one is the “Garden of Love” - it is divided into four large squares of box, depicting allegories of love: stricken hearts (passion), a yellow massif (infidelity), hearts separated by flames (tenderness), swords and blood (tragic love).
Downstairs there is a decorative vegetable garden: in it you can find cabbage, carrots, beets, lettuce, as well as apple and pear trees. The landscape is completed by fountains, previously intended to irrigate the land.
Saumur
Prison of the Marquis de Sade 
In the 10th century On the site of this building a monastery and a military fortress arose, designed to protect the local population from attacks by the Normans. Later, the fort came into the possession of the Count of Anjou and turned into a luxurious castle. The golden times for him were the 14th and 15th centuries. Then a royal garrison was stationed here, and then for two hundred years Saumur served as a prison for people from the noble classes. For example, the Marquis de Sade once spent two weeks here.
Cheverny
Family heirloom 
This castle belonged to the same family for several centuries, passing from one generation to another. This tradition was interrupted only once and not for long: when the king settled his favorite Diane de Poitiers here. That is why the building itself and the interiors of the halls are well preserved. In the rooms on the ground floor you can find original paintings from the era of Louis XIII, and you should also visit the basement trophy room filled with deer antlers and the castle kennel, where hundreds of hunting dogs live. These places have long been famous for hound hunting.
Chambord
Castle-labyrinth 
One of the most recognizable buildings in France. They say that Leonardo da Vinci himself had a hand in his project - this is probably why the architecture of the castle is so exquisite and complex: 426 rooms, 77 staircases (sometimes in the most unexpected places) and 282 fireplaces. The castle was owned by King Francis I, who loved to visit Countess Turi, who lived next door.
Chaumont-sur-Loire
Castle of Catherine de Medici 
This place was made famous by the wife of the French king, Catherine de Medici, who bought it in the 16th century. Now it is a museum where you can see the room of the queen herself, the tower of her astrologer Ruggieri, a meeting room, a hall of guards, a dining room, a library, a billiard room, a chapel and the chambers of Diana de Poitiers, the king’s favorite, who had to move here after his death. It will also be interesting to visit the castle stables - look into the saddlery workshop, the kitchen for preparing feed, the carriage house and the pony arena.
Lange
France's oldest surviving stone fortress 
The history of this castle is associated with the names of such legendary figures as Fulk the Black and Richard the Lionheart. Here you can look at one of the last functioning castle drawbridges, French tapestries of the 15th-16th centuries, Gothic chandeliers, ancient paintings, sculptures and, of course, the main pearl of this building - a wax recreation of the wedding of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, which took place here and celebrated the beginning of the annexation of Brittany to France.
Yusse
Sleeping Beauty Castle 
There is a legend that Charles Perrault was so fascinated by this structure that he described it in his famous fairy tale. In the round tower you can now see wax recreations of episodes from there. In addition, the history of this castle is associated with the names of two more famous writers: Chateaubriand wrote his “Grave Notes” here, and Prosper Merimee ensured that in 1861 it was included in the state list of historical monuments of France.
Losh
The most massive castle 
The local donjon is considered the oldest surviving one in the country. The construction of the fortress on this site began in the 9th century, and it, of course, was wooden. The tower that has survived to this day was built at the very beginning of the 11th century, and the thickness of its walls is 3 meters. Many famous historical names are associated with the castle. In the 12th century. it was owned by the English king Richard the Lionheart, and later, for a long time, the “Beautiful Lady” Agnes Sorel, the first favorite of King Charles VII, lived here. She was buried right there, in the church at the castle.
Amboise
The final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci and the Huguenots 
Francis I grew up here and loved this castle very much. In 1515, he settled Leonardo da Vinci on the Cloux estate, connected to Amboise by an underground passage. The artist painted his most famous work here, La Gioconda, and died in 1519. His remains are kept in the castle chapel of St. Hubert. This place is also famous for the fact that the court of Henry II and Catherine de Medici lived here, their children and daughter-in-law Mary Stuart were raised here, and the execution of Huguenot conspirators who planned an assassination attempt on Francis II took place here.
Chateaudun
The most gothic castle 
Lovers of the Middle Ages will find here everything that interests them: an ancient donjon, frescoes depicting the Last Judgment, tapestries with scenes from the life of the prophet Moses, an exquisite staircase, gardens in medieval style, which are planted only with those plants that were known in medieval times and were used in cooking, medicine and cosmetics.
Chenonceau
"Ladies' Castle" 
At various times, this building was owned by the king's favorite Diana de Poitiers, queens Catherine de Medici and Louise de Vaudemont, Catherine Brisonnet, as well as Louise Dupin, the wife of a wealthy landowner. All of them moved in intellectual circles and patronized the arts, so the castle was often visited by writers, artists, musicians of that time and, of course, left their mark on it. For example, a collection of paintings by Poussin and Rubens, as well as Flemish tapestries of the 16th century, appeared here.
Blois
Favorite residence of French kings 
From the XII to the XVII centuries. 7 kings and 10 queens of France lived here in turn. Blois was especially loved by Louis XII and Francis I. They spent a lot of time here. Joan of Arc once prayed in the local chapel. Now the castle is a museum and contains about 35 thousand different works of art.
Azay-le-Rideau
The most crowded castle 
It was built by the treasurer of Francis I, Gilles Berthelot, or rather, his wife Philippa. It was thanks to her taste that graceful external towers, an elegant staircase with paired loggia windows, and a complex system of moats and ponds appeared here. Azay-le-Rideau was a pleasure palace: it came to life in the summer and was empty in the winter.
Chinon
Place of blessing of Joan of Arc 
Once upon a time it was not even one castle, but three. Then they were united, and Chinon became the favorite residence of King Charles VII. By the way, it was here that Charles (then still a prince) met with Joan of Arc and received from her God’s message that he would be crowned on the throne in Reims. In the 17th century Chinon became the property of Cardinal Richelieu, who left it as an inheritance to his descendants.
The Loire Valley is the birthplace of the French Renaissance, one of the most picturesque and poetic places on Earth, where the literary French language developed. Natives of these places were Francois Rabelais, Pierre Ronsard and Honore Balzac. Here, François Villon and Victor Hugo, Stendhal and Jules Verne, Oscar Wilde, George Sand and Charles Perrault drew their inspiration to write new works.
But, of course, the main attraction of the valley are the numerous castles, most of them built or significantly rebuilt during the French Renaissance, which served as a refuge for royalty in difficult times. The abundance of magnificent architectural and historical monuments in this part of France determined the inclusion of the Loire Valley in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Traditionally, 42 castles are called castles of the Loire (although English Wikipedia mentions as many as 300). Let's look at a few of the most famous ones.
Chenonceau Castle (Chateau de Chenonceau) is unique for its original location on the Cher River, as well as for its destiny. He was loved, cherished and protected by women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici. These days, Chenonceau Castle is the second most visited castle in France after Versailles.
Valencay Castle (Chateau de Valencay) combines two architectural styles - Renaissance and classicism. It is fully furnished and surrounded by superb French-style gardens and an English park. At one time, the castle belonged to Talleyrand, for whom it was acquired by Napoleon in 1803.
The castle of Azay-le-Rideau (Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau), built on an island in the middle of the Indre River, in its present form was built during the reign of Francis I by the wealthy financier Gilles Berthelot, who wanted to implement Italian innovations in French architecture. Surrounded by greenery, The castle is washed by the waters of the Indre, in which its walls are reflected.
The Royal Castle of Blois (Chateau Royal de Blois) is the favorite residence of the French kings Louis XII and Francis I. The castle is located in the center of the city of Blois, on the right bank of the Loire, and offers tourists a real panorama of the art and history of the castles of the Loire.
Chateau de Saumur is located in the town of the same name, considered the cavalry capital of France (the National Equestrian School is located here), also known for its champignons and wine. Inside the castle there are three museums: applied arts (porcelain, tapestries of the 15th century), horses (stirrups, bridles, a collection of saddles and sleds from the Russian "troika") and ancient toys (animals, clowns and soldiers).
Chateau de Chambord is the largest of all the castles of the Loire. It was built by order of Francis I, who wanted to be closer to his beloved lady, Countess Turi, who lived nearby.
Cheverny Castle (Chateau de Cheverny) is recognized as the castle with the most magnificent furnishings. It is famous for its kennel and regular hound hunts. The Moulensart castle from the comics of the Belgian artist Hergé was copied from the Cheverny castle.
Angers Castle (Chateau d'Angers) - a large medieval fortress with seventeen towers was built by the young St. Louis on the border of his kingdom in the 13th century. From Neolithic times to the 21st century, this place constantly changed its appearance and purpose, with each period leaving its own next Behind the fortress walls there are living quarters and gardens.The castle displays the famous Apocalypse tapestry, the largest work of medieval masters.
Castle of Clos Luce (Le Clos Luce) - House-Museum of Leonardo da Vinci. At the beginning of 1516, Leonardo da Vinci accepted the invitation of King Francis I and settled in France. The artist died on May 2, 1519 and was buried in the Amboise castle, which is located nearby and connected to the Clos-Lucé castle by an underground passage. The d'Amboise family saved Clos-Lucé from destruction during the revolution. It then became the property of the Saint-Bris family. This family has preserved the castle to this day. Today the Leonardo da Vinci Museum is organized in Clos Luce. In the castle and park, the universe of Leonardo da Vinci is recreated and comes to life.
The Royal Castle of Amboise (Chateau Royal D "Amboise), towering above the Loire in the city of Amboise, became a royal residence during the reign of kings Charles VIII and Francis I (late 15th - early 16th centuries). Many European artists and writers lived at the court in Amboise during the invitation of kings, like Leonardo da Vinci - here he finished La Gioconda, and here he died in 1519. The great artist, as is commonly believed, was buried in the castle chapel of St. Hubert.
Chapel where Leonardo da Vinci is buried
Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire is located on the estate of the same name, where there is also a landscape park with hundred-year-old cedar trees and the International Flower Festival. The sharpest and most original minds lived here - Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitiers, Nostradamus, Ruggieri, Benjamin Franklin, Germaine de Staël, as well as the wayward Princess Broglie, who turned Chaumont-sur-Loire into a sophisticated and sophisticated residence in the French style.
Langeais Castle (Chateau de Langeais) was founded at the end of the 10th century by the Angevin Count Fulk the Black (the founder of the Plantagenet dynasty) on a cliff hanging over the Loire Valley. In the 12th century the castle was expanded by his descendant Richard the Lionheart. Philip II Augustus recaptured Langeais from the Angevin counts in 1206, then it was partially destroyed by the British in the Hundred Years' War. The façade of the main tower, nicknamed the “donjon of Fulk the Black,” has been preserved from the building of that era; it is considered the oldest surviving stone fortress in France. The rest of the castle was built in the second half of the 15th century, under Louis XI.
Villandry Castle (Chateau de Villandry) is located 15 km west of Tours on the D7 highway. Famous for its 3 gardens, a keep rising above the ornamental vegetable gardens (1 hectare), an ornamental garden and a garden with a pond.
Fontevraud Abbey (Abbaye de Fontevraud) is one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe, the tomb of the royal Plantagenet dynasty. Fontevraud Abbey amazes with its size and originality. Turned into a prison by Napoleon in 1804, it escapes destruction and becomes a formidable place of detention. The last prisoners will leave it only in 1985. Today it is the Cultural Meeting Center (according to the terminology of the Ministry of Culture and Communication). The Abbey hosts concerts, conferences and exhibitions. The Abbey also encourages creativity to flourish by welcoming and housing artists.
Loire Land is the name of one of the regions in the western part of France. It is located where one of the most beautiful and most mysterious rivers in Europe - the Loire - connects its waters with the Atlantic. However, before reuniting with the Atlantic Ocean, the Loire “lives” a magnificent life filled with peace and stormy passions.
Home of the Renaissance and home of kings
Loire Valley bears the “title” of the birthplace of the Renaissance; many castles and fortresses were erected in these mysterious places back in the distant Middle Ages. Many castles and fortresses were built as defensive structures.
In those days, infighting and power struggles were common. And during the Hundred Years' War, after being captured by the Burgundians and the English (1428), it was in the Loire Valley that the royal family was able to take refuge, traveling from castle to castle, from city to city. And with the advent of peace, this tradition of “travel” was not in a hurry to be forgotten, and the royal court was in no hurry to return back to.
So the capital and parliament of France were moved to the city of Tours, where they remained until Henry IV came to power in the 16th century, who moved the capital back to.
Land of Castles
Loire Valley preserved many castles. Influenced by the Renaissance in Italy, ancient castles and fortresses were converted into elegant, elaborate palaces. More and more castles appeared. They rose on new hills, and in their valleys the amazing natural landscapes echoed new architectural trends for those times.
Each of the castles has its own appearance and its own history, its own life line.
A unique and sophisticated “castle of beautiful ladies” or Chenonceau castle, stands out for its two-story arched gallery. This is a powerful and reliable medieval castle.
Amboise- residence of Francis I and Charles VII. It was to this castle that the brilliant painter Leonardo da Vinci was invited. And he lived nearby in the small and cozy castle of Clos Luce, in which the famous Mona Lisa came out from under his brush.
Chinon was once a royal fortress. Here the Knights Templar were kept in casemates. And here a significant meeting between Joan of Arc and the future king Charles VII took place, and it was decided to hold the coronation in Reims. After the coronation, Charles VII returned to the Loire Valley again, and lived there in his residences - Loches and Amboise.
The symbol of France and the jewel in the crown of the Renaissance is undoubtedly Chambord castle. This was the dream of Francis I.
Chambord is the largest palace complex; it is here that the famous spiral staircase of Leonardo da Vinci is located, rising in the form of a double spiral, thanks to which people walking along the two parts of the spiral staircase do not intersect with each other.
Blois Castle
Blois Castle- a miracle that combines two such different styles as late Gothic and classicism, Renaissance and Baroque. Louis XII was born in this castle. The Guise brothers were killed here and Marie de Medici was sent into exile here. Blois Castle was the residence of 10 queens and 7 kings.
On the spot Langeais Castle Once there was a stone estate of Richard the Lionheart; later, Lange Castle appeared at the request of Louis XI. It hosted the wedding ceremony of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII. Thanks to this significant event, the lands of Brittany were annexed to France.
The Castle of Angers was the seat of the Angevins. Built in the Middle Ages, the castle was impregnable.
Castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire
The silhouette of Chaumont-sur-Loire is almost always shrouded in fog. And its powerful and strong walls were gradually rebuilt into an elegant and sophisticated residence where Diana de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici, Nostradamus and Benjamin Franklin lived.
Castle of Azay-le-Rideau
Lock Azay-le-Rideau definitely grows out of the water. And its fabulous appearance seems to take you to the pages of fairy tales about beautiful princes and princesses.
It is a symbol of the splendor and power of the French Empire. The interior decoration of the Valensay Castle harmoniously combines impeccable taste with the elegance of antique interior items made in the Empire style. This wonderful castle was given by Napoleon to his Foreign Minister Tyler.
Villandry
This is a masterpiece not only of architectural thought, but also of landscape art. It is famous for its gardens, located on three levels.
Undoubtedly Loire Valley- This edge of castles, where the fairy tale comes to life!
Cathedral of Notre-Dame de Chartres.
What else can surprise the Loire Valley?
One of its main treasures is Notre-Dame de Chartres - the Cathedral, built in the small town of Chartres on the site of a burnt local church in the 13th century. It houses an ancient holy relic - the Veil of the Virgin Mary.
From afar, the temple attracts our attention with its bell towers, made in two different styles - Gothic and Romanesque.
Notre Dame de Chartres- a Gothic temple, with the exception of the Romanesque bell tower, its appearance and wealth of architectural decorations are amazing and invite you to go inside.
Inside the temple, medieval decoration has been completely preserved, which in itself is very interesting and valuable. In addition, the largest stained glass ensemble in France is preserved here.
Standing in the temple, you observe how the blue light (due to the predominant blue glass in the stained glass windows) permeates everything around. The secret by which this glass with its unique shade was made, unfortunately, was lost over the centuries and has not reached us.
A special impression of the temple Notre Dame de Chartres produces from the inside when the weather is cloudy outside. Then the “Chartres blue” creates a particularly mysterious atmosphere in the temple.
Legendary Orleans
The center of the Loire Valley and the entire central region of France and also the largest city is the legendary Orleans.
It is located on the banks of the majestic Loire River and is inextricably linked with the fate of the legendary figure Joan of Arc. Many squares, streets, houses and monuments, churches and cathedrals are named here in her honor. After all, it was thanks to the Maid of Orleans that a turning point came in the Hundred Years' War, and the inspired French won.
I think it's time to diversify your trip to France and take a walk around Loire Valley or Loire Valley. I have put together a little guide for you to the 7 castles of the valley. What's interesting here: rolling hills, old wineries, wide rivers and, of course, the most famous medieval castles in France.
A long time ago, all the French nobility were concentrated in the Valley of Laura. The majestic royal palaces of France were built here in order to strengthen their dominance in this commercial and beautiful region.
By the middle of the 16th century, all high-ranking gentlemen moved to Paris so as not to waste extra time traveling to the capital and back, but the castles of the Loire continued to be built. They still decorate the landscapes of the valley to this day.
In total, there are about 80 castles in the Loire Valley, but in this article we will discuss with you only 7, but which ones! And at the same time, you will learn how to save money while exploring French chateaus.
Castles of the Loire Valley on the map
Chambord Castle, France
© 22746515@N02 / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
Chateau de Chambord is the most famous castle in the Loire Valley and one of the most beautiful in the region. He's truly great. Detailed façade, intricate decorations and turrets, and huge gardens. A brief summary of the history is as follows: Chambord was started by Francis I in 1519. In 1547, Francis died, and the castle stood idle for almost 80 years. But in 1639, Louis XIV came to the valley and ordered construction to be completed according to the original plans. This happened to many palaces in the Loire.
Now imagine, the castle is very beautiful in the photograph, but in real life it makes a stronger impression. I was amazed by the intricate masonry and delicate spiers of the building. The massive double staircase attracts attention. I liked the symmetry of the large halls and the old paintings of the royal family.
The castle is very large and you will need several hours to explore it all. The view from the roof is amazing. But most of all I liked the gardens, I just wanted to stop and stare at every inch of this place. Insanely beautiful.
Advice: I highly recommend walking around the castle with an audio guide. From it you will learn the history of some paintings and artifacts, what rooms looked like in the 17th and 18th centuries. The audio guide contains a lot of useful and interesting information. The audio guide itself can be purchased in the AppStore application.
Where is: 16 km east of Blois.
How to visit: 25 minutes by bus or taxi from the nearby town of Blois.
Villandry Castle
Villandry was originally a fortress built in the 14th century for King Philip Augustus. At the beginning of the 16th century, a local nobleman acquired the estate, destroyed almost all the buildings and erected a new fortress with a moat. During the French Revolution, the estate was confiscated by the state, and at the beginning of the 19th century, Napoleon Bonaparte gave it to his brother Jerome. The current owners, the Carvallo family, bought the castle in 1906 and spent a lot of money making it look the way it does today.
Despite its external beauty, the inside of the castle is boring, and I quickly looked around it all. Apart from the richly decorated first rooms, further rooms are simple and almost identical, you can safely skip them.
The most beautiful thing about Vilandry Castle is its famous Renaissance gardens. Here you will find a water garden, several ornamental flower gardens and vegetable gardens growing over 60,000 vegetables. All plants are planted in intricate geometric shapes and separated by hedges.
This is a beautiful place to walk, there are a lot of nooks and benches to sit and think about life. In the neighborhood there are forests with trails where few people go. Therefore, you have every chance to wander alone. I think you understand that the gardens and forests are the best part of the castle and are worth spending more time on.
How to get there: On Wednesdays and Saturdays there are buses from the city of Tours. On other days you will need a car to get here.
Blois Castle
© 44005149@N02 / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
Since you still have to stop in the city of Blois to see the royal castle of Chambord, I advise you to go and see the local castle, whose name the city bears. Initially, Blois Castle was a medieval fortress. It was built in the 9th century, and only in 1498 did Louis XII turn the fortress into a royal palace in the Gothic style, where French power was concentrated for many years.
Interesting fact, it was here that Joan of Arc was blessed in 1429 before she went to fight the British in Orleans.
Nowadays, little remains of the medieval fortress. The main part of the castle was completed by François I in 1515 in the Renaissance style, it was at this time that the famous circular staircase leading to private bedrooms and ballrooms appeared.
The Château de Blois is relatively small, and its facade cannot boast of the splendor of decorations. But the interior is beyond praise. Intricate rooms with information signs and stunning antique furniture. From the outside you will have a beautiful panorama of the city and the river.
How to get there: from Paris by 2-hour train, or 45 minutes from Tours.
Amboise Castle
© 23351536@N07 / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
Amboise is my favorite French castle. It may not be as richly decorated as the others, but it makes a unique overall impression. I was literally disarmed by its fabulous appearance, and then the luxurious interior inside, beautiful gardens and an equally beautiful view of the Loire River did their job.
In the 15th century, this castle was confiscated by the French monarchy, and it became a privileged royal residence. Charles VIII significantly changed its original appearance, and then died here in 1498, simply hitting his head on the door.
Already the successors converted it into a luxurious palace in the best traditions of the Renaissance. During the French Revolution, the castle was severely damaged and was only reconstructed in the 19th century.
What I liked most was the combination of architectural styles. History breathes from every corner here. I really liked the gardens where the oak trees grow. There is even a church with the remains of Leonardo da Vinci.
How to get there: 30 minutes by train from the city of Tours and 10 minutes on foot from the station to the castle.
Castle of Clos Luce
© 44005149@N02 / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
Clos Lucé was built in the mid-15th century. In 1490 it was bought by Charles VIII. There are not many rooms here, but they are very charming. Leonardo da Vinci brought fame to the castle. He lived here from 1516 to 1519. In the basement you can find replicas of his famous inventions.
The castle's exterior clearly has Italian influence. There are very beautiful squares nearby. There is a restaurant, gardens with geese, streams, walking paths and places for solitude. It's easy to imagine how Leonardo wandered through the gardens in search of inspiration.
How to get there: 30 minutes by train from the city of Tours, and half an hour on foot from the station.
Azay le Rideau
© etienne_valois / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
The original Azay-le-Rideau was built in the 12th century and burned to the ground in 1418 by Charles VII. It remained a heap of ruins until 1518, when it was restored by a local nobleman. However, like many other castles, Azay-le-Rideau was confiscated by Francis I in 1535 and given to one of his knights as a reward for his service. The knight did not finish building the castle; it stood there until 1820, when it was restored by the new owner.
In 2017, many rooms were still closed because... the castle is still under construction. The interior of the castle is simple and well marked with signs. There are no decorative furniture, paintings or lamps, but I really like the way the castle looks. Its attractions are the towers, the garden view, the pond below the windows and the long cobblestone road leading into the city. Here it's easy to imagine royalty rolling in horse-drawn carriages towards the wrought iron gates.
How to get there: 30 minutes by train from Tours, 20 minutes walk from the station to the castle.
Chenonceau Castle, France
© 44005149@N02 / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0
Chenonceau is another well-known Loire castle. It was built in 1514 on the foundations of an old mill. In 1535 Francis I confiscated it for debts. Then in 1547 Henry II gave it to his mistress Diane de Poitiers (one of the most famous women in French history). Diana supervised the creation of the garden, which still retains her design.
After Henry's death, his widow Catherine de' Medici forced Diana to leave the Château de Chenonceau and turned the castle into her residence. In the 1560s, the first fireworks display in France was organized here. In 1577, Catherine built a grand gallery along the river, making the castle what it is today. After her death, the castle changed many owners, successfully survived the revolution, and then became state property.
Walking through the woods that begin adjacent to the old-style gardens, I was struck by the beauty of this delicate Loire castle spanning the river. The castle has very small rooms, they are well preserved, but due to the number of tourists they seem cramped. A very beautiful view of the river opens from the gallery. There is a small labyrinth in the castle park.
How to get there: 35 minutes by train from Tours.
Excursions
You can visit the castles of the Loire from Paris on your own, reaching the city of Tours. And from there you can get to each of them by car, bus or train. If it’s safer for you to travel with a sightseeing tour from Paris, then I advise you to use the Wheatlas service. This is a convenient search engine for organized excursions with Russian-speaking guides. But keep in mind that the price of excursions will be higher than if you went to see the castles on your own.
Prices for castle tours from Paris
- It’s easy to see the castles of the Loire Valley even without a car; almost all of them are accessible by bus or train. Only some of them will require 20-30 minutes of pedaling on a bicycle from a neighboring city.
- But the 10 euro entrance fee can quickly empty your wallet if you get serious about exploring the castles. Fortunately, there are always ways to save money, and I will be happy to share them with you.
- At the tour desk of the city of Tours you can buy entrance tickets with a discount of 1-2 euros. I advise you to buy all tickets exactly.
- Most castles are within walking distance from the station. The longest walk I took was to the castle of Azay-le-Rideau. Therefore, there is no need to buy expensive excursions that will take you to several castles at once in one day. Plan your trips around trains and buses.
- To get to more distant castles, rent bicycles. For 15 euros you can ride all day.
- The most convenient way to explore the Loire Valley is by car. Renting a car in France costs 30-40 euros/day.
- Some castles sell food, which is very expensive even by French standards. But you can always take food and drinks with you to have a small picnic in the royal garden.
- Castles can also be visited in winter. At this time of year they have a special fairy-tale charm.
My only regret is that I didn't get to see more castles. Spending 20-30 euros a day on the castles of French kings may seem crazy, but it was a very pleasant expenditure. Each castle is beautiful and unique in its own way, each has its own history, which helps to better understand the region and France itself.