How many chateaux are there in the Loire Valley?
The châteaux of the Loire Valley number over three hundred, ranging from practical fortified castles from the 10th century to splendid residences built half a millennium later. When the French kings began constructing their huge châteaux in the Loire Valley, the nobility, drawn to the seat of power, followed suit,...
What is the most visited Castle in the Loire Valley?
With more than 700,000 visitors a year, the Château de Chambord is the biggest and most visited castle in the Loire Valley. Château de Chambord, 41250 Chambord, France.
What to do in the Loire Valley?
In most castles you can take a little picnic on the grounds. The best way to explore the Loire Valley is by car. You can rent a car for 30-40 Euros a day and explore the castles on your own schedule. The roads are good and most of the châteaux are really easy to reach.
How many wings does the Loiret castle have?
This unique castle in the Loire valley consists of four wings, each in their own architecture style. There are remains of the 13th-century Medieval fortress, a Louis XII Gothic-style wing, a Francis I Renaissance-style wing, and the Gaston of Orléan Classical-style wing.
How many castles are in the Loire?
The castles of the Loire Valley are renowned the world over, and a very major attraction with visitors to France. Altogether there are more than 300 chateaux in the region, many built in the heyday of the French royalty and nobility, centred around the 17th-18th centuries.
What is the biggest castle in the Loire Valley?
With more than 700,000 visitors a year, the Château de Chambord is the biggest and most visited castle in the Loire Valley.
Where are most castles in France?
The Normandy region of Northern France is home to many castles, but there's one iconic site that most visitors to France have on their bucket list…
Where are the Loire Valley castles in France?
The châteaux of the Loire Valley (French: châteaux de la Loire) are part of the architectural heritage of the historic towns of Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Montsoreau, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours along the river Loire in France.
Why are there so many castles in the Loire Valley?
The accident of geography, battles between armies and the patronage of royal families brought fantastic castles into the area of the Loire Valley.
Why does France have so many castles?
So, all in all, there are a few reasons why there are so many castles in France, but it comes down to two key reasons: they were built either to protect and fortify the surrounding town or community, or they were built to show off wealth and status by tone-deaf aristocrats.
What is the most beautiful castle in France?
8 of the most beautiful castles in FranceChâteau de Chambord. With its Renaissance architecture and romantic moat, Château de Chambord in the Loire Valley is one seriously impressive pile. ... Palace of Versailles. ... Château Chenonceau. ... Château de Villandry. ... Chateau d'Augerville. ... Mont St. ... Cité de Carcassonne. ... Château d'Amboise.
What country has the most castles?
The country with the most castles is Germany! It's thought that Germany has around 25,000 castles within its borders.
What's the oldest castle in France?
France has over 40,000 castles and fortresses dating from between the 9th and 21st centuries. The oldest one is the Château de Thil, started in 850 AD, and the most recent one is the Château Louix XIV, completed in 2011.
What is the best chateau in the Loire Valley?
13 Best Chateaux of the Loire Valley to Visit in France [2022]Château de Chambord.Château de Sully-sur-Loire.Château de Cheverny.Château de Chaumont.Château de Chenonceau.Château d'Amboise.Château de Villandry.Château de Chinon.More items...
What is the Loire Valley famous for?
The valley is known for its dry white wines, such as Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé and Chenin Blanc. (Vouvray wines must be 100% Chenin Blanc.) It also has the second highest concentration of sparkling-wine producing vines in France. There's a terrific variety of wine styles and wine touring styles.
How many chateau are there in France?
With over 40,000 chateaux to be found all over France, it's no surprise that wherever you go, you are sure to see or visit a chateau.
When was Chinon castle built?
While a Roman fortification existed on the site dating back to the 5th century, the first castle within Chinon was constructed during the 10th century by the Count of Blois, Theobald I.
How many castles are in France?
France has over 40,000 castles and fortresses dating from between the 9th and 21st centuries. The oldest one is the Château de Thil, started in 850 AD, and the most recent one is the Château Louix XIV, completed in 2011.
How many days do you need in Loire Valley?
Three days is the perfect amount of time for enjoying the Loire Valley and its châteaux! The starting point of your itinerary is the city of Amboise. Situated just 2hr 10min by car from Paris (226 km), you can easily travel here in a hire vehicle.
When were the Loire Valley chateaux built?
The most famous luxury hunting lodges here, masquerading as fortresses, were built in the early 1500s.