Royal luxury: 10 most interesting castles of the Loire Valley

The castles of the Loire Valley, a World Heritage Site, are the second most popular tourist destination in France after Paris. It is unlikely that you will be able to see all the castles in the valley at one time (there are about 60 of them here), so we have chosen the 10 most interesting castles of the Loire for your first acquaintance.

To make your trip as comfortable as possible, we recommend renting a car or staying in the city of Tours, where you can easily reach most of the castles in the Loire Valley by public transport.

1. Chenonceau

This castle, one of the most beautiful and most visited in France, is called “women's” or “ladies'” - representatives of the fair sex played an important role in its history.

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Chenonceau, built on the site of a medieval chateau in 1513-1517, was confiscated shortly after the death of the owner and became the property of King Francis I. His son Henry II, upon ascending the throne, gave the castle to his favorite Diane de Poitiers, who was 20 years older than the monarch . Diana had to leave the estate under pressure from the king's legal wife, Catherine de Medici, after his death at the tournament.

Later, the castle changed hands more than once, but one thing remained unchanged - it was mainly taken care of by the wives of the owners. Chenonceau is still privately owned today, but is open to visitors.

The most valuable exhibits of the museum are antique furniture, tapestries and paintings, including works by Rubens, Tintoretto, Van Dyck and other outstanding European masters of the 16th-18th centuries.

Schedule: 9:30-17:00 (20:00), depending on the season.

Ticket price:€13. Audio guide - €4.5.

How to get there:

• by car from Paris in 2-3 hours (coordinates: 47.3249, 1.07029);
• by train from Paris with a transfer at Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station in 1.5 hours.

The castle was built at the beginning of the 16th century for King Francis I, who wanted to be able to hunt and meet with the lady of his heart who lived nearby. Leonardo da Vinci, who was the court architect at that time and died a few months before construction began, participated in the design of the building. While walking around the castle, you will see the famous double spiral staircase - the idea of ​​a genius, the implementation of which he did not have the chance to witness.

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The building is striking in its size: 156 by 117 meters, 426 rooms, 77 staircases, 282 fireplaces... There is evidence that the king even wanted to correct the course of the Loire so that the river flowed directly under the windows of his residence, but abandoned this idea.

Chambord is surrounded by a huge park where you can see rare plants and animals (the area is under state protection). This is the most visited of the Loire Valley castles, with approximately 700,000 people visiting each year.

An interesting fact for fans of the Disney studio: Chambord became the prototype for the protagonist’s castle in the cartoon “Beauty and the Beast.”

Schedule: 9:00-17:00 (18:00), depending on the season.

Ticket price: €13.

How to get there:

• by car from Paris in 2-2.5 hours (coordinates: 47°36"58.3"N 1°31"02.1"E);
• by train from Paris to Blois (1.5 hours), and then by taxi or bus to the castle.

3. Clos-Lucé

The castle and three hectares of land around it were bought by Louise of Savoy, mother of King Francis I, at the beginning of the 16th century. Clos Lucé is worth seeing if only because Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life here. The interior of the rooms where the artist lived has been recreated, and his inventions are exhibited in the museum and park, including prototypes of a helicopter, plane, tank and parachute, striking tourists with their resemblance to modern analogues.

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Da Vinci was buried in the chapel of the nearby Castle of Amboise.

Schedule: 9:00 (10:00)-18:00 (20:00), depending on the season.

Ticket price:€13-15.5, depending on the season.

How to get there:

• by car from Paris in 2.5-3 hours (coordinates: N 47°24.466, E 0°59.655);
• by train from Paris in 2 hours (from Austerlitz station) to Amboise TER - Loire Valley station, from there by bus to the city center of Amboise, and then 300 meters on foot to the entrance to the castle.

4. Usse

The most fabulous castle in the Loire Valley, where young travelers will not be bored! Firstly, the children's room on the top floor houses a collection of toys from the 19th century. Secondly, it is believed that Usset inspired Charles Perrault to write “The Sleeping Beauty,” so part of the exhibition is dedicated to the famous fairy tale and its characters.

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Adult visitors will appreciate the unique 18th-century furniture, a collection of 18th-19th-century costumes and Saracen weapons, as well as sparkling wine produced by a local winery, which can be purchased in the castle store.

Schedule: from 10:00 to 17:00 (18:00), depending on the season. The castle is open to visitors from mid-February to early-mid November (in 2017 - until 05.11).

Ticket price:€14, audio guide - €3.

How to get there:

• The most convenient way is by car. The trip from Paris will take approximately 2.5 hours (coordinates: 47º 15′ 03″ N, 0º 17′ 33″ E);
• by train from Paris to Tours (about an hour on the way), and from there by taxi (about 50 minutes) or a rented bicycle (about two hours) to the castle.

5. Valence

The most famous owner of this chateau was the diplomat Charles de Talleyrand - a master of political intrigue, French Foreign Minister under three regimes, Napoleon’s “right hand”. He is buried on the territory of his former estate in the Loire Valley.

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The castle was built from the 12th to the 18th centuries and today is considered an outstanding monument of architecture of the Renaissance and French classicism. It is famous for its well-preserved interiors (including the kitchens where one of the greatest chefs of the 19th century, Antonin Careme, worked) and a collection of antique furniture, as well as the imperial theater and a huge park inhabited by peacocks, llamas and other exotic birds and animals. There is a museum of vintage cars nearby.

Schedule: rivers from 9:30 (10:30) to 17:00 (19:00), depending on the season.

Ticket price:€13. Entrance to the automobile museum costs €5.5, you can visit both objects for €16.5.

How to get there:

• by car from Paris in 2.5 hours (coordinates: 47.159812900, 1.561919100).

6. Cheverny

This castle in the Loire River valley is not like others; according to visitors, it has absolutely no museum atmosphere. It's easy to imagine that you are invited to a reception, and the owner in a luxurious outfit is about to appear from the door. The Counts of Cheverny owned the castle for several centuries, and then King Henry II confiscated it and gave it to his favorite Diane de Poitiers.

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Due to the fact that for six centuries the castle belonged to representatives of the same family, the original interiors have been preserved, including antique furniture and portraits of the owners by leading French masters. Cheverny is famous for its kennels, where 100 hunting dogs live (at 11:30 you can be present at their feeding).

Schedule: from 9:15 (10:00) to 17:00 (18:30), depending on the season.

Ticket price:€11-20.5, depending on the chosen tour, additional payment for excursion support - €4.

How to get there:

• by car from Paris in 2-2.5 hours (coordinates: 47.500277800,1.458055600);
• by train from Paris: from Austerlitz station to Blois-Chambord station (1 hour 40 minutes) or from Montparnasse station to Vendôme station (42 minutes). Then you will need to take a taxi.

7. Villandry

Erected in 1536 on the ruins of a feudal fortress, of which only one tower remained. It was the last castle in the Loire Valley built in the Renaissance style. In 1906, it was acquired by the brilliant scientist Joachim Carvallo, who abandoned his scientific career in favor of reviving the estate. In particular, he returned the gardens to their original appearance, guided by the design documentation, and made them the pearl of the complex, attracting tourists even today. The best view of the three-level park ensemble opens from the roof of the building.

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The main attraction of the castle is the Moorish ceiling in the Mudejar style from the Palace of the Princes de Maqueda in Toledo. It was brought here disassembled and reassembled from 3600 parts (this took a year!).

Schedule: from 9:00 (9:30) to 16:30 (19:00), depending on the season.

Ticket price: park - €4.5-7, castle + park - €8.5-11, depending on the season. Audio guide - €4.

How to get there:

• by car from Paris in 2.5-3 hours (coordinates: 00°30’29″ E, 47°20’21″ N);
• by train from Paris (from Montparnasse station) to Tours or Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station (55 minutes), and from there to the castle by taxi.

8. Blois

The largest castle in the Loire Valley, the favorite residence of Louis XII and Francis I. In total, 7 French kings and 10 queens visited here. By visiting the museum, you will learn about the daily life of the French court during the Renaissance: you will see the rooms where the monarchs lived (the chambers of Catherine de Medici are the only room in the castle, the interior of which has been preserved in its original form), and also enjoy a collection of works of art, including works by prominent European masters .

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In the wing of Louis XII there is one of the best art museums, the collection of which contains works by Rubens, Boucher and other talented painters.

Every evening (at 22:00 or 22:30) from the beginning of April to the end of September, the “Sound and Light” show begins in the castle courtyard, during which the history of Blois comes to life on the walls of the majestic building. Guidance is provided in French, but audio guides are available in several languages, including Russian.

Schedule: from 9:15 (10:15) to 16:00 (19:00), depending on the season.

Due to its location - in the center of France and close proximity to Paris - the Loire Valley has been built up by the metropolitan elite for more than 600 years. Intrigues and amorous passions of the French royals were in full swing here, providing many subjects for Dumas’s novels. The variety of architecture of castles, successfully “fitted” into the bewitching landscapes, attracts not only history buffs, but also all connoisseurs of beauty to the valley. Traditionally, 42 palaces are classified as castles in the Loire Valley, although their total number is close to 300.

Usually people want to “see Paris and die” in the spring, or at most in the summer, but the most comfortable time to visit castles is autumn. This is a time when the weather is still warm, but the massive flow of tourists has already subsided.

How to get to the castles of the Loire Valley

Where to stay

The two most convenient starting points for visiting castles are the cities of Blois and Tours. Blois is a pleasant, intimate city that maintains reasonable prices and a cozy atmosphere, despite the abundance of tourists. In addition, Blois can boast of having its own castle, and not just any castle, but the largest of all the castles in the valley. The tour is larger, there are more hotels, 2 train stations. From here it is convenient to get to the castles downstream of the river - Chenonceau, Villandry, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon. Architecture lovers will love its ancient half-timbered houses.

One of the accommodation options: staying not in a standard hotel, but in a real castle - is guaranteed to enhance the experience. However, you won’t be able to feel like a medieval king or queen in its entirety, due to the presence of sewerage, hot water and air conditioning, but this is hardly a reason for frustration, rather, on the contrary. The cost of pleasure is from 100 EUR for a double room.

Maps of the Loire Valley

Locks

Chambord Castle

The castle of Chambord appears as a fairy-tale palace, in which, over the five centuries of its existence, people lived for at most twenty years, using it only for hunting and temporary entertainment. For this reason, the interior decoration of the halls is poorer than its architectural composition, and during the trip, tourists usually examine the castle only from the outside.

Amboise Castle

Amboise Castle is directly connected with the life history of three kings at once - Charles VIII, Louis XII, Francis I - and the famous Leonardo da Vinci, whom Francis I managed to invite to France. It was here, in Amboise, that the great Italian spent the last years of his life. Unfortunately, today, of the entire ensemble, only the Royal House has survived, the facade of which overlooks the Loire, the chapel of St. Hubert and two towers - the Minimsky and the Gurto Tower. The most beautiful part of the castle is undoubtedly the Chapel of St. Hubert, whose amazing stone patterns are often compared to lace.

The gastronomic pleasures of the valley - oysters, goat cheese and tender pate on toast with onion marmalade accompanied by white young wine from the “royal garden of France” - logically complement the visual ones.

Chenonceau Castle

In the heart of the Loire Valley stands the Chateau de Chenonceau. Its “folk” name is “Dame Castle”, and it is one of the most beloved, famous and visited buildings in France. In its current form, the castle was founded between 1513 and 1521 by Thomas Boyer. The magnificent landscape, French-style gardens and park that surround the castle make an indelible impression. Chenonceau is remarkable not only for its architecture and history, but also for the richness of its collections: furniture in the Renaissance style, wall hangings and tapestries of the 16th and 17th centuries and numerous paintings by Rubens, Primaticcio, Corrage, Tentore, Rigaud, Nattier, Van Loo and Mignard.

Here, in addition to visiting the castle itself, you can go to the Wax Museum, walk through the labyrinth, and taste wine in the cellars of the citadel.

Cheverny Castle

From its creation in 1634 to the present day, Cheverny Castle has been in the hands of the same family, thanks to which it appears to us in almost unchanged form. The descendants of the founder of the castle, Jacques Hurot, occupy the top, third, floor of the castle (there is no access there), but the remaining rooms, lavishly furnished with furniture from the era of Louis XIII, seem residential and inhabited. The castle is famous for its kennel with sixty hounds trained for hunting, as well as its beautiful English-style park. You can stroll past giant sequoias and cedars not only on foot, but also by electric car, and motor boats ply along the canal crossing the park.

Villandry Castle

The multi-level gardens of Villandry Castle are a true work of park art. Just look at “Gardens of Love” - allegories of love, tragic, tender, passionate and fickle. “Boxwood living rooms”, an intricate decorative vegetable garden and a garden of medicinal plants, surrounded by fountains, will touch the hearts of even those completely indifferent to botany. The palace, matching the gardens, is elegant and unusual, built in the shape of a U with an asymmetrical façade, and was built in 1536.

The stone for Villandry Castle was extracted from caves located a kilometer away, the origin of which dates back to the Mesozoic era. The water that forms stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave is used to obtain original souvenirs: various products are placed under streams of water, which covers them with a kind of “glaze.”

Castle of Azay-le-Rideau

Rising above the bend of the Indra River, the snow-white castle of Azay-le-Rideau seems to float along its waters. Owned by the treasurer of Francis I, Gilles Berthelot, it was built under the careful guidance of his wife, Philippa Lebaye. It was thanks to her refined taste that the castle became a real pearl of the valley. Azay-le-Rideau is one of the castles with preserved original interiors.

From July 1 to August 31, in the evening (from 21.00 to midnight), the walls of the castle are illuminated with the lights of the light and music show “Les Imaginaires d’Azay-le-Rideau”.

Chinon Castle

Unlike most of the Loire Valley castles, which date back to the Renaissance, Chinon Castle is a real medieval fortress. The main building of the castle was erected in 954, later several more buildings appeared around it, occupying a total of 400 meters in length and 70 meters in width. The castle played a significant role during the Hundred Years' War: it was here that Joan of Arc appeared to the future king Charles VII, encouraging him to start a liberation movement. For 6 years, from 2003 to 2010, large-scale restoration work was carried out in the castle, and now a unique interactive exhibition telling about the history of the fortress is open to visitors. The castle houses the Joan of Arc Museum.

Chinon Castle

Angers Castle

The towers of the fortress walls of the castle in Angers rise like gloomy giants. Inside, behind perfectly laid out and manicured lawns, there is a church and a small castle. It is worth visiting the castle not only to be impressed by the scale of medieval architecture, but also to “read” the “Angers Apocalypse” - a series of tapestries made based on the Revelations of John the Evangelist.

The composition is recognized as one of the “regional wonders of France”, it took five years to create, its length is 103 meters (originally 144 meters), and its width is 5.5 meters.

Every year thousands of tourists visit these priceless works of architecture. We would like to tell you what is worth watching and give you practical advice. In the article you will also find a map of the Loire castles that we describe. The author of the article was in all the listed castles, you can trust us.

The magnificent castles of the Loire were built and some restored during the Renaissance. At that time, the courtiers of the royal court decided to settle in this region of France. In 2000, most of them were classified as World Heritage Sites and are protected by UNESCO. There are more than 300 castles and they are scattered throughout the region. To make your search and the journey to the castles easier, you can book our excursion from Paris or drive yourself.

Where to begin?

Of course it's a castle Sully-on-Loire (Sully- sur- Loire). Firstly, it is the gateway to this rich historical region. Secondly, it is noticeably distinguished by its medieval architecture, which will help you overcome time and travel back to that era.

Don't miss the opportunity and visitroyal (châ teauroyaldeBlois) , which was the residence of seven kings of France. It represents a unique synthesis of Renaissance architecture and was the first palace to be restored, which served as a model for other castles of the Loire.

Map of the main castles of the Loire

When to go?

If you want to avoid long queues and bustle, we advise you to visit the Loire castles during the low tourist period, from November to April. But you should keep in mind that most castles have gardens and parks, and cold and rainy weather may prevent you from fully enjoying their splendor. Some castles, for example Saumur, are closed for the winter. But on the other hand, in winter there are almost no tourists, so there are no queues or crowds, but only the enjoyment of beauty.

In the summer, the castle estates are crowded with tourists, however, you will be offered interesting entertainment, such as light and sound shows or night walks through the illuminated gardens and parks. Moreover, the flower beds and gardens make this season more attractive than visiting in winter.

Prices

Depending on the season, prices may differ by 1-2 euros. It should also be taken into account that if you want to visit the castle and its gardens at the same time, the price will increase.

In some estates, a visit to the castle may cost an additional 7 euros per person. You may also have to pay extra to rent an audio guide.

In our article we will introduce you to the prices valid during the winter season and only taking into account a visit to the castle.

And now, before you go on your trip, we invite you to familiarize yourself with the 10 best castles of the Loire.

Tours of the Loire Castles

As you already understand, the Castles of the Loire are a very attractive place, but getting to each castle on your own is sometimes difficult. There are usually two options here: or a tour. Since not all castles can be reached by train. Of course, there is also a bicycle, but this is not for everyone. Therefore, for the first acquaintance, we recommend that you take a tour for 1-2 days and see the main palaces. In addition, you will also learn a lot of interesting things. This is especially convenient if the main goal of your trip is Paris, and the Castles of the Loire as a small additional trip. Excursions are available directly from Paris.

Check out the most interesting tours of the Loire Castles at this link.

Chateau de Chenonceau

Royal Castle of Amboise

Castle of Clos Lucé

Located just 500 meters from, it is the last house where the great Leonardo da Vinci lived. Here you can not only visit the Renaissance castle, but also discover the creations of the famous inventor. You can also stroll through the romantic six-hectare park.

Here is an exhibition of a fleet of 20 working machines of Leonardo da Vinci

Price: from 14€ for adults, 10€ for children and 10€ for students

You can view and book the best accommodation options and hotels near the Clos Lucé castle using this link

Castle d'Azay-le-Rideau

Honore de Balzac called this castle “a cut diamond in the frame of the Indre River.” The castle in the French Renaissance style was built on an island in the middle of the river during the reign of Francis I. Carved stone facades invite you to admire this masterpiece of architecture, and the English park invites you to dream. The castle is state property and is open to visitors throughout the year.

There is also a walk through the illuminated park on a summer night

Price: 6.5€ for adults, children under 18 years old free.

You can view and book the best accommodation options and hotels near the castle d'Azay-le-Rideau using this link

Castle of Sully-sur-Loire

Another interesting place to visit in the Loire Valley: Sully Castle. Surrounded by a moat, it consists of a tower and a small castle and is a fine example of medieval architecture. At one time, the castle walls saw famous guests such as Louis XIV, Anne of Austria and Voltaire.

An annual classical music festival is held for children.

You can view and book the best accommodation options and hotels near the Sully-on-Loire castle using this link

Castle of Saumur

Originally, in the 13th century, it was a fortress, then the Duke of Anjou reconstructed it for the royal court. Under Louis XIV, the castle overlooking the city served as a prison, then, during the time of Napoleon, it was converted into an arsenal for storing, repairing and assembling weapons and ammunition. Over time, the castle partially collapsed, but by 2007 it was restored. It is currently closed to visitors in winter, but welcomes visitors in summer.

Royal Fortress of Chinon

The English kings Henry II gave the castle the appearance that we know now. Over time, it passed to the French government, so the names of Joan of Arc and Cardinal Richelieu are closely associated with its history. In the 19th century, it was transferred to the district council (now the general council), which carried out extensive restoration work.

This is the most atypical castle of the Loire. It is least of all related to the concept of "chateau", rather it is a fortress. In addition, most of the castle was destroyed. However, a walk through the medieval ruins is quite an interesting experience.

Optional excursions: The Joan of Arc Museum, which is located in the castle and the Museum of Modern Scenography.

Price: 8.5€ for adults, 7.50€ for students

You can view and book the best accommodation options and hotels near Chinon Castle using this link

Brissac Castle

The castle has belonged to the family of the Comte de Brissac for more than 500 years. The current castle was built by Marshal de Brissac, about whom Alexandre Dumas wrote in his novels, including The Three Musketeers. Many historical events have taken place in the castle itself over the course of half a thousand years. Today it is a real palace with luxurious halls, its own vineyards and even its own theater. And guests can spend the night in the room of King Louis XIII.

A visit to the castle costs 10 euros. You can visit it any day except Tuesday at 2 or 4 p.m.

Royal Castle of Blois

Château de Cheverny

For six centuries now, the castle has belonged to one family, which lives in it to this day. There is a nursery on the estate, making this place a real Mecca for avid hunters.

The castle is famous for its classical style, and for the fact that the famous architect Hergé worked here.

Since the castle is “family”, the atmosphere here is “homey”. A very nice castle to visit in summer.

Optional excursions: Tintin exhibition, botanical garden, greenhouse and garden

Price: 10.5€ for adults, 7.5€ for students under 25 years old and children over 7 years old, children under 7 years old free

You can view and book the best accommodation options and hotels near Cheverny Castle using this link

We wish you a pleasant trip and hope that our review will help you make your choice. Or maybe you have already traveled to the castles of the Loire and want to suggest something that we did not have time to talk about in our article. Then, leave your comments and wishes - we will be glad.

When the image of France is associated with one of the symbols of the country, the beautiful Madeleine, the Loire Valley is called a wedding dress with pearl decoration on the chest. Each of its pearls, strung on the blue thread of the most significant river in France, is one of the castles built and improved in the 9th-18th centuries.

Architecture of the castles of the Loire Valley

In 2000, a part of the river valley with a length of 500 km from Sully-sur-Loire in its upper reaches to Chelon in the lower reaches of the Loire was declared by UNESCO a heritage of all mankind. According to various sources, this huge open-air museum contains up to 300 castles, the first of which were built in the 9th-11th centuries.

Even those castles that were destroyed by order of the king as a warning to obstinate feudal lords or that were deserted, abandoned and partially dismantled over time by enterprising businessmen for the sake of personal enrichment from the sale of building materials make an indelible impression of the power of the surviving fragments of defensive fortifications. Like old soldiers and veterans of numerous wars, the dungeons of the castles of Beaufort, Monron, Vendôme and Montrichard are still “on duty”, towering menacingly and impressively over the small towns in the Loire Valley.

In the XIV-XV centuries. The architecture of castles developed under the influence of the Gothic style. This was manifested in the elegant carvings around the perimeter of the windows, the appearance of balustrades and spiers on the roofs and interior decoration. Castles of this period include, and.

Secrets and mysteries of past centuries

Traveling from castle to castle along the Loire Valley, every tourist can easily imagine how the heroes of the literary works of A. Dumas and M. Druon enjoyed life and were sad here, loved and hated each other, weaved complex intrigues and fought. But sometimes even a talented writer with a rich imagination will not be able to come up with those incredible events that actually happened behind the walls of castles.

The darkest secrets are kept in the castle's dungeons. Under their arches, bishops Antoine de Chabany and Jacques Guro, participants in the conspiracy against Francis I, languished in prison for many years. The cellars of the Chateau de Chambord still retain the mystical atmosphere of the laboratory of the great adventurer of the 18th century. Count Saint-Germain, who conducted his alchemical experiments in it. The castle turned out to be a death trap for the leader of the Catholic League, Duke Henry of Guise. The trip there was a terrible mistake, ending his attempts to ascend to the French throne.

Rising above the waters of the Indra, the castle is often rightly called the “ladies' castle.” In the 16th century he turned out to be a “bone of discord” between two outstanding women of the royal court. The fatal beauty Diana de Poitiers received the castle as a gift from her lover, but was forced to give it up to the powerful and ambitious Catherine de Medici. It was the home of the French queen Louise of Lorraine, and in the 19th century. “provided shelter” to the writer George Sand.

Tourists visiting the castle involuntarily immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the literary work of O. de Balzac, and in the Castle of Cande they can imagine themselves as guests at the wedding of the American woman W. Simpson and the Duke of Windsor, who renounced the throne of Great Britain for the sake of the woman he loved.

Since the time of Charles of Orleans, the nature and castles of the Loire Valley have served as a source of inspiration for artists, poets and writers. In all centuries, they were hospitably received in their country residences by illustrious aristocrats and wealthy bourgeois, which is why there are so many places in the region associated with the biographies and works of the Renaissance poets P. de Ronsard, J. du Bellay and the great Italian genius L. da Vinci. In the 17th century J. de Lafontaine and the Marquis de Sevigne often visited here, and two centuries later in the 19th century. G. Flaubert, A. de Vigny, C. Baudelaire and V. Hugo fell in love with the Loire Valley with all their hearts.

How to get there

Address: Val de Loire, Val de Loire
Website: www.valdeloire.org
Updated: 05/15/2018

Medieval castles located in the middle reaches of the valley and on tributaries of the Loire River attract many travelers year after year. Coming here means touching the historical heritage of France and seeing with your own eyes priceless architectural monuments erected during the Renaissance. Castles, palaces and fortresses are not similar to each other in architectural styles and differ in varying degrees of preservation. But there are real pearls among them.

Chambord Castle

The famous Chateau de Chambord is beautiful, and its architecture is rightfully considered a masterpiece of the Renaissance. This castle is considered the most recognizable in the Loire Valley. And the reason for this is that in his The genius Leonardo da Vinci participated in the design, who at that time was the court architect of the French king Francis I. It was he who came up with an intricate staircase formed by two spirals - a real architectural decoration of an ancient building. Thanks to this design, ascending and descending could not interfere with each other. The castle terraces offer wonderful views of the roofs and chimneys. And the ancient buildings are surrounded by an amazingly beautiful park-reserve with an area of ​​1000 hectares, which previously served as a place for royal hunting.

How to get there.

By train from the Paris Austerlitz station to the Blois stop - about 1.5 hours. Then by taxi or bus.

Chateau de Chenonceau

The castle, built in the 16th century, is located in the valley of the Cher River, 34 km from the city of Tours. This is a region famous for its wonderful wine and delicious cheese made from goat's milk. At first, the luxurious chateau was managed by Diane de Poitiers, an influential favorite of the French king Henry II. And after her - Queen Catherine de Medici. In the 18th century, the castle was bought by a well-known banker in the country, and his wife Louise Dupin became the mistress of the medieval possessions, who opened an art salon here.

Chenonceau houses a magnificent collection of Flemish tapestries. There is also an art gallery where paintings by world-class masters are collected. No less attractive is the curious wax museum, by visiting which you can plunge into the era of intrigue of the French royal court. More than 130 thousand flowers are planted in the garden surrounding the castle every year, and this is a unique sight!

How to get there.

By train from the Paris Montparnasse station to the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station, located in the suburbs of Tours (1 hour). Then take a local train to Chenonceau (25 min).

Blois Castle

The castle, which stands in the central part of the town of Blois, is the largest in the Loire Valley. It is known as the residence of French monarchs. The main part of the castle buildings was erected in the 15th century under the Dukes of Orleans. The architecture of the castle complex intersects the traditions of late Gothic and Italian Renaissance. The emblems of almost all its owners can be seen on the facades. Porcupines were the symbol of the Dukes of Orleans, ermines were the symbol of Queen Anne of Brittany, and lilies were the emblem of the French crown. Inside, magnificently decorated furnished royal chambers have been preserved: the wing in which Francis I lived, as well as the apartments of Queen Catherine de Medici. The royal residence lost its political significance during the time when the Bourbons began to rule the state.

How to get there.

By train from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz to Blois station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.

Cheverny Castle

The Cheverny estate, striking in its architectural symmetry, became the prototype of many medieval castles in various cartoons. It strictly adheres to the architectural canons of the Renaissance, and only small elements of the facade betray the influence of the classics. Cheverny differs from other castles in the richness of its interiors. The interior spaces - the chambers of the kings, the Armory Hall, the dining room, the lobbies and the main staircase of this castle look quite lived-in. And the wonderful carved furniture made in the era of King Louis XIII gives them a special coziness. The Trophy Hall is especially striking - a real apotheosis of several centuries of royal hunting. Over 2 thousand deer antlers are exhibited here. To this day, this castle remains a favorite place for traditional hound hunting. And especially for her, about a hundred well-trained dogs are kept in the large castle kennel.

How to get there.

By train from Paris Austerlitz station to Blois station (1.5 hours).

Villandry Castle

15 km from Tours there is a white castle, to which the flow of tourists never stops. And the reason for this is not only the luxurious facades of the 15th century, but also the magnificent gardens, thanks to which this castle became famous throughout the world. The three-level landscape, decorative vegetable gardens, intricate patterns of flower beds and colorful flower beds that create living patterns are beautiful at any time of the year. The gardens, which are considered a masterpiece of French park art, are in perfect harmony with the entire architectural complex. The interiors of the castle were created in the 18th century. These are living and living rooms, a dining room, a staircase and an art gallery. For a long time now, the castle has belonged to representatives of the Carvalho dynasty. Thanks to their efforts, not only the architectural monument itself was restored, but also the unique gardens.

How to get there.

By train from Paris Montparnasse station to Tours (1 hour). Then by taxi. In July and August, a special bus runs from Tours to the castle.

Castle of Ussé

The picturesque castle with medieval towers and loopholes has been known since the mid-15th century. It is generally accepted that it was its facades and interiors that were described by Charles Perrault in the famous fairy tale dedicated to Sleeping Beauty. During the time when Napoleon ruled the country, secret meetings of royalists who wanted to restore the Bourbon dynasty to the French throne took place here.

Gothic buildings erected in the Indre River valley are surrounded by a picturesque regular park. This castle is so popular that more than half a million tourists visit it every year. Many of them come to admire the rich collection of tapestries displayed in the gallery that connects the two wings of the castle. On the tapestries you can see scenes of balls, hunting and masquerades, rural landscapes, as well as portraits of famous citizens. Most of the paintings were made by masters of the famous Brussels manufactory.

How to get there.

By train from Paris Montparnasse station to Tours station (1 hour). Then by bus.

Valence Castle

Construction of the ancient castle began in 1540, and its construction lasted until the 18th century. But, despite the different construction times, the architectural complex is distinguished by harmony and unity. The modern appearance of this castle is largely the merit of Napoleonic Foreign Minister Tyleran, who, at the expense of the emperor, put the buildings and surrounding lands in order. During World War II, the treasures of the Louvre were kept in Valence. Today, the castle interiors are fully furnished. There is a museum of vintage cars specially created for tourists here. The buildings are surrounded by formal French-style gardens and a landscaped English park. Its beauty was noted by the famous writer George Sand. The old park houses llamas and other exotic animals, and peacocks roam freely along the alleys.

How to get there.

By train from Paris Montparnasse station to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station or Valence station.

Castle of Azay-le-Rideau

Built on an island in the middle of the Indre River and surrounded by greenery, this castle is very picturesque. It was erected during the reign of King Francis I. And although the medieval castle is more than six hundred years old, it is perfectly preserved and welcomes tourists all year round. Inside, seven rooms are open for inspection, including luxurious royal bedrooms, a ballroom, a library with a fireplace and a kitchen. The furnishings reproduced in them correspond to the traditions of the 16th-17th centuries. Many travelers who come here call the castle one of the most romantic places in the Loire Valley.

How to get there.

The castle is located 25 km southwest of Tours. Therefore, first you need to go from the Paris Montparnasse station by train to the Tours station (1 hour). And then - by bus or taxi.

Chinon Castle

The royal fortress of Chinon stands on a hill near the Vienne River. It was a strategically important place, with an excellent view of the surrounding lands. And in case of danger, many armed soldiers could take refuge inside the vast castle territory. At the beginning of the 14th century, the fortress housed a prison in which the Templar knights were imprisoned. And it was here in 1429 that the French leader Joan of Arc met with the future king Charles VII.

How to get there.

The castle-fortress stands in the city of the same name. From Paris you need to go by train to Poitiers or Tours. And from these cities there are local buses and trains running to Chinon.

Castle of Saumur

The fortress on the historical road of the Valley of the Kings, near the confluence of the Thue River into the Loire, was built in the 13th century. Its name is translated from Latin as “small fort in the swamps.” In the XIV-XVI centuries the fortress was rebuilt into a majestic castle-palace. The silhouette of the castle is typical for such buildings. The faceted towers stand on round plinths and are located close to each other. The hill on which it is built is called the Emerald Rock. Inside there is a museum where ancient objects of decorative and applied art are exhibited - enamels, carpets, tapestries, as well as collections of porcelain and earthenware. In addition, the castle houses the original Horse Museum.

How to get there.

The castle is located in the city of Saumur. From Paris you need to take the train to Tours. And from there local trains run to Saumur about once an hour.