Castles of the Loire (France): which to see


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What are the Castles of the Loire to see, an itinerary to discover the summer homes of the French sovereigns, inserted in the valley defined as the garden of France.


Tourist information

A centrally located region of France, the Loire Valley extends from the Dutch to the Sologne, from the Blessois to the Touraine and Anjou.

It is a land with a mild climate and cultivated for centuries, which offers excellent fruits, fine wines, protagonist of important episodes in the history of France and Europe.


In the heart of the Renaissance it hosted numerous rulers of France, it was also the favorite residence of princes and kings.

This region, which boasts a great cultural heritage and includes important historical cities, including Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Nantes, Orléans, Saumur and Tours, is known above all for its magnificent castles, located not only on the Loire, but also on the Cher, Indre, Maine and Vienne, tributaries of this great river.

The central part of the course of the Loire river between Maine-et-Loire and Sully-sur-Loire has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.


Castles to see

The Château d'Amboise dominates the city of the same name, located along the Loire.

Charles VIII, who was born and raised in Amboise, had the thirteenth century old fortress transformed into a magnificent Renaissance-style castle.

Louis XII began the construction of a second wing in the Renaissance style, whose work continued with Francis I, who invited the great Leonardo da Vinci, who settled in the nearby Cloux castle, today Clos Luce.


The St. Hubert chapel houses the alleged remains of Leonardo, who lived in Amboise until his death.

Although the complex has changed over time and many buildings have been destroyed, including the Italian Renaissance gardens, the Château d'Amboise remains one of the most impressive residences in the Loire valley.

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Among its wonders are the two spiral towers, Tour des Minimes and Tour Heurtault, with helical ramps, once practicable by horses and carriages, which allow you to get to the castle floor, the chapel of ST-Hubert, in style flamboyant Gothic, and the elegant royal residence.

From the terrace of the Castle, the view over the Loire and the characteristic roofs of the small village of Amboise is very suggestive.

The Castle of Azay-le Rideau, located in the municipality of Azay-le Rideau, belonging to the department of Indre-et-Loire, was built between 1510 and 1528, under the reign of Francis I, by the wealthy treasurer of the Finance and Mayor of Tours, Gilles Berthelot.

The building is considered a masterpiece of elegance, located on an island in the middle of the waters of the Indre, where it is reflected in all its beauty and perfection.

With a richly furnished interior, this castle is a valuable example of the early French Renaissance.

Chambord Castle is a grandiose building, the largest of the Loire castles.

It was built by Francis I, between 1519 and 1547, near a curve of the Cosson river, a sub-tributary of the Loire, about 14 km north-east of Blois, in the heart of the Boulogne forest, rich in game.


The most famous architects of the time participated in the project of this fantastic Renaissance-style castle, including Leonardo da Vinci.

The building includes 450 rooms, 70 stairways and a fireplace for each day of the year.

The circular double-sided circular staircase is magnificent, leading from the courtyard to the upper floors.

The Château de Chenonceau is a chateau located near Chenonceaux, straddling the Cher river, whose waters reflect all its splendor.

The building, characterized by harmonious and elegant architecture, is immersed in a very beautiful natural setting, surrounded by waters, gardens and spontaneous vegetation.

Its history is linked to the women who lived there, from the Renaissance to the nineteenth century, so much so as to be called "Château des Dames".


Built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, it was later embellished by Diane de Poitiers and Caterina de 'Medici, and was also saved from the rigors of the Revolution by Madame Dupin.

The visit of the interior reveals a rich collection of art, Renaissance furniture and tapestries of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

Cheverny Castle is located in the municipality of Cheverny, in the Loir-et-Cher department.

This manor was built in 1624 by Philippe Hurault, son of Henri Hurault, Earl of Cheverny and military treasurer of Louis XI.

Although the property has changed several times over the centuries, the castle is still the residence of the Viscount of Sigalas, descendant of the Hurault, who opens it to the public.

The castle, built in white stone, which contrasts with the gray slate that covers the roof, is classic and welcoming, known for the beauty and artistic importance of its perfectly preserved original furnishings.

The Château de Villandy, located in Villandry in the Indre-et-Loire department, was built in the early 1532s by Jean Le Breton, minister of King Francis I of France.

Two centuries later it was bought by the Marquis of Castellane, until it was confiscated during the French revolution.

In the early nineteenth century, Emperor Napoleon bought it for his brother Giuseppe Bonaparte.

In 1906 Dr. Joachim Carvallo, great-grandfather of the current owners, bought the property and returned the castle and its famous gardens to their former glory, considered among the most beautiful in France.

Top 10 best chateaux to visit in the Loire Valley of France | Loire Valley Castles (March 2024)


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