what are the best chateaux to see in the loire valley

Best Loire Valley Chateaux to visit (complete list)

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Which is the best Loire Valley Castle to visit?

Château de Chambord – with more than 1.5 million visitors per year, this is one of the most famous castles in Loire Valley, so book your entry ticket online here. Château de Chenonceau – this is the most visited chateau in France after Versailles. Book your ticket in advance here and then don’t forget to book a time slot for your visit.

Where are the best châteaux to visit in France?

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER. If you are looking for the best châteaux to visit in France, Loire Valley is the perfect place to find them. Many of our favorite French castles are in the beautiful Loire Valley!

What is the most interesting part of the Chateau de Loire?

The most intriguing part of this castle is the underground fortress and web of tunnels that take you through the turbulent history of this and many other châteaux of the Loire Valley. It wasn’t all parties and extravagance during this time! The dry moats here are also among the deepest in Europe.

Why visit the Chambord Chateau?

Château of Chambord is easily the most spectacular chateaux of the Loire Valley. Built by Francois I when he was only 25, it exhibits the wealth of the French monarchy and its unprecedented power.

What are the best châteaux in Loire Valley?

Château de Chambord. ... Château Sully-sur-Loire. ... Royal Château de Amboise. ... Château Royal de Blois. ... Château de Chenonceau. ... Villandry Château and Gardens. ... Château de Saumur. ... Forteresse Royale de Chinon.More items...

What is the most famous château in the Loire Valley?

the Château de ChambordWith more than 700,000 visitors a year, the Château de Chambord is the biggest and most visited castle in the Loire Valley.

What is the most beautiful château in France?

PALACE OF VERSAILLES The home of the French monarchy in the 17th and 18th centuries, Versailles is one of the most famous buildings in the world and the most famous chateau in France. It's an exquisite chateau with phenomenal gardens.

What is the largest château in the Loire Valley?

ChambordChambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley; it was built to serve as a hunting lodge for Francis I, who maintained his royal residences at the Château de Blois and Amboise.

Which city is in the Centre of the Loire Valley and its magnificent chateaux?

Follow the Loire River from east to west and you'll reach its UNESCO-listed Loire Valley region about halfway along. The Loire's chateau heartland starts at Orleans – and, if you drift downstream, takes you all the way to Angers via Tours. Extraordinarily, there are over 300 chateaux in the area.

How many chateaus are in the Loire Valley?

The Loire isn't the only place in France with chateaux (castles) but it does have the densest collection. There are some 300 in the 175-mile stretch of the river known as the Loire Valley.

What are 5 most beautiful châteaux in France?

5 Most Beautiful Chateaus in FranceChateau de Chantilly[SEE MAP]Chateau de Pierrefonds[SEE MAP]Chateau de Chaumont[SEE MAP]Chateau de Chambord[SEE MAP]Chateau de Versailles[SEE MAP]

Why are châteaux cheap in France?

Why these properties are so seemingly cheap is obvious to the French: The castles are a money-suck. They demand constant repairs. The lower-priced ones are often located in isolated areas, far from the nearest train station or grocery store. They consume massive amounts of energy.

Where are the most beautiful castles in France?

15 Most Beautiful Castles in FranceChâteau de Villandry, Indre-et-Loire. ... Fort de Salses, Pyrénées-Orientales. ... Château du Haut-Kœnigsbourg, Bas-Rhin. ... Château de Fontainebleau, Seine-et-Marne. ... Château d'Angers, Maine-et-Loire. ... Château de Vincennes, Val-de-Marne. ... Château de Langeais, Indre-et-Loire.

Can you stay at the Château de Chambord?

At the heart of the Domain the Chambord Welcome to Relais de Chambord, the only hotel in the château's enormous private 5,440-hectare estate. Deep in the French countryside, a unique journey to remember is about to start.

What are two of the things that the Chateau of Chenonceau is famous for?

An architectural masterpiece, property of the Crown and then a royal residence, Château de Chenonceau is a truly exceptional site by its original design, but also its history: loved, managed and protected by women, including Diane of Poitiers and Catherine de Medicis, it is also known as the 'Château des Dames'.

How many castles are in Loire Valley France?

300The Loire isn't the only place in France with chateaux (castles) but it does have the densest collection. There are some 300 in the 175-mile stretch of the river known as the Loire Valley.

Where are the chateaux in the Loire Valley?

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 chateaux in 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.

Where in France is the Loire Valley?

The Loire Valley lies to the South West of Paris and makes up the "Centre" region of France. The Loire, France's longest river (1,020 km) runs from the Massif Central to the Atlantic coast, and provides what many regard as a north-south climatic divide.

How do you get from Paris to Loire Valley?

Paris Charles de Gaulle airport should be your arrival point in France. Head to the “Train de Grande Vitesse” (TGV) train station in Terminal 2 of the airport. Trains will speed you to the Loire Valley in 1.5 hours. Take a TGV to either Angers St Laud or Tours Saint Pierres-des-Corps.

What is the oldest chateau in the Loire Valley?

Not to be confused with the one we discussed above, Château de Chaumont is one of the oldest chateaux of the Loire Valley.

How many châteaux are there in Château d'Azay-le-Rideau?

There are two châteaux at Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, the one in the Indre river and the one above it. The whole structure magically ascends from the water and seems like something from a storybook. Surely, such a place doesn’t actually exist?

What is the phone number of Château of Chambord?

Phone number: +33 2 54 50 40 00. This is where you can live your fairytale dream, wearing that vintage dress. Château of Chambord is easily the most spectacular chateaux of the Loire Valley. Built by Francois I when he was only 25, it exhibits the wealth of the French monarchy and its unprecedented power.

How many chimneys are there in the Loire Valley?

The façade itself is 156 metres high with 282 chimneys that can’t be seen anywhere else. This symmetrical castle of French Renaissance style was built in 1519 and is now protected by UNESCO. There’s a good reason it’s crowned one of the most stunning chateaux of the Loire Valley.

What is the difference between French and English gardens?

The difference to typical English gardens is that ours are wild and left to nature as a design choice. Not here though!

When was the Loire fortress built?

This medieval fortress was built in 1395 and offers an earlier take on Renaissance architecture. With two floors to explore and multiple towers, a short visit here will give you a taste of what the chateaux of the Loire Valley have to offer.

What do French believe about gardens?

The French believe something as beautiful as a garden has to be ruled over, ordered and designed down to the last detail.

What is the best château in Loire Valley?

Château de Chambord. The Château de Chambord may just hold the crown as the best château in Loire Valley! As the biggest château in France, and the most magnificent, it was constructed by King Francois I in 1519 as a purpose-built hunting lodge (and to impress foreign dignitaries).

How many castles are there in the Loire Valley?

Spanning over 280 kilometers of the longest river in central France, the Loire Valley, or Vallée de la Loire, is home to an astonishing 80 recorded châteaux. Most of us don't have the time, or luxury, to visit all 80 of these castles. So, it can be tricky to choose from such a wide selection and to come up with your own list ...

What is the name of the castle in France?

3. Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire. The stunning Château de Chaumont truly looks like a castle on the hill, where it’s surrounded by a lush park. Rebuilt a few years after Louis XI had the château burned and razed to the ground in 1465, the restored chateau is now famous for its yearly garden festival.

What is the oldest staircase in France?

The château is also home to the Escalier d’Honneur, the oldest surviving staircase of its kind in France. In a true nod to its history, you can also admire a number of artworks depicting French royals along the castle walls.

When was the Château of Amboise built?

Built as a strategic viewpoint as early as the Neolithic period (the last period of the Stone Age), the Château of Amboise only saw prominence in the 6th century when King Clovis of France took up arms against the Visigoths.

What is Louis XIV's style?

Also known as French classicism, the style of Louis XIV developed over three distinct periods coinciding with stages of his life, which were marked by mythology and influenced by flora and fauna. The château’s interior is also a 3D depiction of famous stories including the Chambre du Roi, which is adorned with 5 tapestries portraying the story of Ulysses. The immaculate dining room also features 34 wooden panels which tell the tale of Don Quixote.

Where to visit in France for a castle?

If you are looking for the best châteaux to visit in France, Loire Valley is the perfect place to find them. Many of our favorite French castles are in the beautiful Loire Valley!

What is the most famous castle in the Loire Valley?

Château de Chambord is the most famous Loire Valley castle (and the most visited one). If you have time for one chateau only, choose this! It is the most impressive castle in French Renaissance style in the Val de Loire.

How to get to Loire Valley?

The fastest way to get to Loire Valley from Paris is by train. You can reach Tours (Gare de St-Pierre-des-Corps) in 1h10min by train from Gare de Paris-Montparnasse. Blois (Blois – Chambord) is 1h30min away from Austerlitz train station in Paris.

How many days do you need to visit the Chateaux?

If you want to see the 5 most popular castles in the region, you’ll need 2-3 full days. Yet, the towns of Tours, Blois and Amboise themselves are worth a visit, so plan some additional time for them as well.

Where is Château de Blois?

Château de Blois is located right in the historic centre of the medieval town of Blois. Looking at its facade, you’ll see four different architectural styles – from Medieval through Gothic and Renaissance to Classical. With more than 560 rooms and 75 staircases, it’s one of the largest chateaux in Loire Valley!

Where is Château d'Azay-le-Rideau?

Built on an island of the Indre River, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is one of the most romantic castles in Loire Valley. The building is surrounded by water that reflects its unique facade and gives the illusion of a floating castle.

What castle inspired Sleeping Beauty?

Château d’Ussé is a must-see for every Disney fan. This is the castle that inspired Charles Perrault, the famous author of many French fairy tales, to write the story of Sleeping Beauty. Walking through the estate you can admire different displays about the story.

Where is Château de Meung-sur-Loire?

Château de Meung-sur-Loire is one of the hidden secrets in Val de Loire region . Built in the 12th century, it served as the private residence of the Bishops of Orléans. Touring the castle, you’ll get a glimpse into the daily lives of the people who lived and worked there.

What is the name of the castle in France?

Château de Villandry by the River Cher, is one special castle in France. Loire Valley many have many castles with impressive gardens, yet Villandry stands out above all of these, specifically for its landscaping. Completed in 1536, was the last major renaissance chateau built on Loire valley.

What is the significance of the Château d'Amboise?

In the Château d’Amboise, you will notice the impact of Italian renaissance when French big shots went to Italy they returned enthused by art and architecture they saw, tastes, food, gardens, and artists were all influenced by Italian culture.

How many miles of wine cellars does France have?

For a wide guided trip of one of France’s best makers of sparkling wine, this is the place to visit. It owns no fewer than 10 miles of wine cellars— with a tasting at the end of the tour. Don’t worry about having to walk so many kilometers; the winery offers wonderful cycling tours. If you have energetic teens it’s a good way to keep them away from their devices. If they can’t taste, they can still learn about wines.

Where is Château de Cheverny?

The royally hunting Château de Cheverny is located at Cheverny, in the department of Loir-et-Cher in the Loire Valley. It is a magnificently preserved castle which was designed and built in 30 years, in the 1600s. its conspicuous architectural harmony and unity of elegance is still visible.

What is the Loire Valley?

Its chateaux are one of the Loire Valley’s defining features and have much to do with the area’s designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The oldest parts of the earliest of the 300 or so chateaux (or “castles”) date to the tenth century. However, the majority of the building work took place during the Renaissance period when the nobility followed the Royal Family’s example and decamped to the beautiful valley.

What is the largest chateau in France?

The largest of the Loire Valley’s chateaux, Chambord is a Royal chateau, constructed as a hunting lodge for Francois I. Never completed, it is nonetheless one of France’s most iconic buildings. Although its layout, including a water-filled most, nods towards traditional castle architecture, this was really a structure built to impress. Leonardo da Vinci is thought to have had a hand in its design but, whatever the truth of this assertion, this 440 room chateau offers opulence on a grand scale. It is also situated in an enormous deer park, still home to herds of red deer.

What is the name of the garden in the Columbine?

It is now known best for its stunning gardens, which are terraced on three levels. Although they are a twentieth century re-creation of the Renaissance originals, they are no less beautiful for that. Surrounded by low box hedging, they include a water garden, vegetable gardens and formal flower gardens.

What is the most visited chateau in the Loire Valley?

Chateau de Chenonceau. Chateau de Chenonceau is the most visited chateau in the Loire Valley. It’s famous now for its arches that span the River Cher. This impressive chateau was built in the 16th century by Thomas Bohier and Katherine Briconnet.

What is the best town to visit in the Loire Valley?

Amboise. Amboise was the perfect town to base in for visiting the Loire Valley. It’s close to some of the most famous chateaux including Chenonceau and Chambord as well as a reasonable distance to others. The town also has its own impressive chateau and lots of dining options.

How to see Chenonceau?

Chenonceau is visible for free from across the river. To get to this viewing point, it’s best to use GPS. Set your GPS to “Parcheggio per Belvedere del castello di Chenonceau.” There is a road to access it that is very easy to miss as it is a small side road. Even though it looks like on Google Maps you can take Parc de Chenonceau to the viewing point, this road is actually gated. Go a bit past this to an unnamed road across from Rue du Cher. The road will take you next to the river into a small wooded area. You can view Chateau de Chenonceau from here for free. There is no access to the Chateau however as the bridge is locked from this side of the river.

What is the most beautiful chateau in France?

Most Beautiful Chateaux in the Loire Valley. The Loire Valley has long been famed as the perfect day trip from Paris. Known as the Garden of France, the Loire Valley is full of rolling fields and orchards. With more than 300 chateaux, the Loire Valley is the perfect place to visit if you want to see an abundance of castles in France.

How to see Chateau d'Usse for free?

If you don’t want to pay tour the chateau, its very easy to see for free. Drive across the bridge across from the Chateau d’Usse and pull over just after the bridge. From here you will be able to look up and see the entire chateau.

How many chateaux are there in the Loire Valley?

With more than 300 chateaux, the Loire Valley is the perfect place to visit if you want to see an abundance of castles in France. The Loire Valley wasn’t somewhere I was initially sure I would enjoy. A lot of descriptions I read in guidebooks made it sound boring but stated it was a must-visit in France.

Where to go to see Chateaux in Amboise?

You can also get the train to Amboise and then join tours from there to see the chateaux. If you are staying in Amboise, this tour takes in Chenonceau and Chambord, while this tour takes in Villandry and two other chateaus.

How many châteaux are open in the Loire Valley?

The list of top Loire Valley castles is long, and it takes some time to visit them all. With more than 100 Loire Valley châteaux open to the public, it’s still a work in progress for us!

What is the most famous castle in the Loire Valley?

Château de Chambord is one of the best castles of the Loire Valley and also the most magnificent. Commissioned by King François I, the building majestically erects in the forest as far as the eye can see. Considered the most famous of the Loire châteaux map, its impressive 156-meter façade with countless towers and chimneys is the witness of 500 years of French history.

What is the name of the last castle in France?

Château de Villandry is one of the most beautiful chateaux in France. Known as the last castle to be built during the Renaissance period in Loire Valley, Napoleon Bonaparte acquired this château for his brother, Jerome Bonaparte, during the early 19th century.

Why was the Loire Valley so popular?

Because of its beauty, the Loire Valley was frequently visited by the French kings and noblemen who built magnificent castles and country retreats, creating an ensemble of fairy-tale castles unlike any other on the planet.

What is the Loire's most famous castle?

Château de Blois is the Loire’s finest in-town château, the residence of Kings and Queens. They all left their marks in the château’s architecture and visitors just need to do a 360º tour in the courtyard to see the evolution of its architecture: the Gothic wing of King Louis XII whose equestrian statue is located above the entrance, the Renaissance wing with its iconic see-and-be-seen outside staircase commissioned by King François I, the classic wing of Gaston d’Orléans built in the 17th century and of course what remains of the 13th-century royal fortress.

What is the Loire Valley?

The Loire Valley in Central France is the perfect combination of stunning castles, enchanting countryside, and good wines. Known as the “Garden of France”, the entire area is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is a must-see of any first trip to France. Because of its beauty, the Loire Valley was frequently visited by ...

Where is the castle of Amboise?

Château d’Amboise. The Château D’Amboise dominates the town of Amboise with its position high on a hill overlooking the Loire river and the village of Amboise. The views from the château are amazing and you must see the small, charming chapel where Leonardo Da Vinci was buried.