best chateaux to visit loire valley

10 Best Chateaux of the Loire Valley That You Should See in 2024

THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED LINKS. FIND MORE INFO IN MY DISCLAIMER.

Home » 10 Best Chateaux of the Loire Valley That You Should See in 2024

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!

So do yourself a favor and add a few extra days to your France itinerary , so that you can visit at least a handful of splendid castles in Loire Valley, or if you are feeling a little French, ‘Les châteaux de la Loire’!

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 of the best castles in Loire Valley to visit, especially with limited time and knowledge of the area.

Now before we hop into the list, I need to point out that the easiest way to visit these castles is by car.

You can enjoy some tours from Paris if you visiting on a day trip, however, if you are staying for a few nights in order to see most of these castles then we do recommend you rent a car so you have freedom to come and go as you please.

We love using Discover Cars to find our car rentals in France. It is a comparison site so it will pull in the best and cheapest prices for car rentals from all the most popular car rental companies in France.

BEST LOIRE VALLEY CAR RENTAL COMPANY: DISCOVER CARS

I recommend  and use   Discover Cars . They search through all rental companies to find and offer only the best deals.

So we thought we would help you out. Here is our list of the top 10 best Loire Valley châteaux – hand-picked just for you.

Our Guide to the Best Châteaux of the Loire Valley

Wondering which are the best chateaux to see in the Loire Valley?

If you want to know which castles are our favorites, watch our quick video of our top picks here.

For a personal selection of the best châteaux to visit in Loire Valley, take a look at our list of the top 10 Loire Valley castles.

1. Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord may just hold the crown as the best château in Loire Valley!

🏆 BEST WAY TO SEE THE CASTLE

For an easy way to see this castle, simply join this popular tour from Paris. On this tour , you will visit the Chambord castle, enjoy wine at Chenonceau castle, and have some free time in Blois.

Check Prices For The Loire Castles With Wine Tasting From Paris Tour

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).

A place of rich history and culture, each structural sector is included on a HistoPad , which will automatically use immersive Virtual Reality to give a visual suggestion of how the room would have looked when someone lived there.

Don’t miss out on the chance to discover the unbelievable architecture of the castle, which is distinctive of the French Renaissance style.

One of the castle’s most memorable features is the intricate double-helix staircase, where you can ascend on one side and never meet the eyes of someone on the other side until you reach the next floor.

From the 800 crowned salamander sigils carved into the stone ceiling to intricately woven tapestries that document kings hunting expeditions, enjoy a glimpse into history at one of the most famous castles in France.

Discover the history of how the salamander became a symbol of King Francois I, along with the motto, “I eat the good fire, I put out the bad”.

While the interior is spectacular, the rooftop holds its own! It was designed to look like the skyline of Constantinople with a collection of impressive spires and chimneys.

Take in a panoramic view of this incredible castle from the château’s immaculate gardens where you can take a carriage ride across the lawns just like a royal!

The Château de Chambord is our favorite castle, and possibly the best château in the Loire Valley. It is massive so make sure you allocate enough time to enjoy a stroll. Make sure you head up the stairs and outside, where you can get a view over the gardens. We’re sure it will impress every single one of you!

Grab more information about this castle in our Chambord Castle Travel Guide .

Stay Near Château de Chambord

Want to feel like a princess or prince yourself? There is a GORGEOUS 4-star hotel located just 4-min by foot from the castle.

Relais de Chambord is a stunning hotel and what I absolutely love is that some rooms have views of the Chambord castle.

Imagine waking up and opening your curtains and having this castle for a view! Yes, please!

Make your time in the Loire Valley extra special. Check prices and availability at the Relais de Chambord here .

2.  Château de Chenonceau

If you plan to awaken your inner history buff, why not make your way to one of the most fascinating mixes of Renaissance and Gothic architecture?

Built in the early 1500s by Thomas Bohier, the château is now a historical site, which greets its visitors every day with floral arrangements from the castle’s on-site floral workshop.

The château spans the River Cher on an iconic bridge, which makes for an unbelievable photo.

For an easy way to see this castle, simply join this popular tour (rated 4.5 stars from over 1000 reviews) from Paris . On this tour, you will visit the Chambord castle, tour the Chenonceau castle, and have some free time in Blois.

Check Prices For The Loire Castles From Paris Tour

What will attract you the most is the guards’ room, with its 16th-century fireplace, decorated by 16th-century tapestries, and a showing of exposed ceiling joists bearing the mark of ‘C’ for Catherine de Medici.

Subtle touches like this give a glimpse into the castle’s history as the ‘ladies château’ where prominent women have shaped, restored, and protected the historic building for years.

With a vast history, exquisite artwork, and tapestries, as well as gardens that will take your breath away, the château is truly spectacular!

You can secure tickets for this castle online here. You will also need to select a timeslot. (Kids under 7 are free).

Purchase your tickets and secure your timeslot online.

If I could allocate a fairy tale princess to each of the castles, I would say the castle above ‘Château de Chambord’ belongs to Cinderella. This castle has a tower on the side and I couldn’t help thinking about Rapunzel being stuck up their and having to let down her hair. The next castle on the list ‘Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire’ in surrounded by beautiful trees and gardens and surely it must belong to Snow White.

Make sure to enjoy the audio tour inside the castle if you want to learn more about its fascinating history.

If you plan on visiting this beautiful castle, you may find our Château de Chenonceau travel guide useful.

Stay Near Château de Chenonceau

Want to stay close to this princess-perfect castle? Auberge du Bon Laboureur Chenonceaux is located 500m away from the castle.

They promise world-class service to ensure you feel like a true princess or prince.

I love their heated outdoor swimming pool where I can relax after a busy day of exploring. Their Scandinavian baths are perfect for soaking sore feet.

Their rooms are perfect and decorated perfectly. You will love your stay here.

Check prices and availability at Auberge du Bon Laboureur Chenonceaux.

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.

The renowned festival is a colorful showcase of garden art and contemporary landscape design.

With a breathtaking view of the Loire from the once ‘north wing’, the Château de Chaumont also hosts works of incredible architecture.

The art gallery in the loft shows what the non-accessible areas look like, and the pepperpot riding school is a stunning piece of engineering for its time.

You can also pay a visit to the castle’s fascinating model farm, which completes the truly dreamy atmosphere. The château is also home to France’s finest collection of Jean-Baptiste Nini’s ‘one-off’ medallions.

This grand home, which once served up banquets for the crowned heads of Europe, is now a museum where you can explore every inch of the incredible estate.

SKIP-THE-LINE TICKETS

Hate standing in long lines to see beautiful castles? We always grab the skip-the-line tickets when they are available!

Grab Skip-The-Line Entry Tickets for the Chaumont Castle

We absolutely LOVE the fairytale feel of this castle with its glinting turrets. In my opinion the beauty of this castle is from the outside. The inside was a bit disapointing, so if you are strapped for time, you could skip seeing the castle inside and just come and stroll around the beautiful gardens here.

  Click here to see our Château Chaumont travel guide !

4. Château de Cheverny

A visit to this palatial château is definitely a must on your trip to France.

The exquisite hunting palace just outside of Blois looks like it comes straight out of a painting, and you can explore storied rooms that have been virtually unchanged for generations.

A fantastic way to see this castle is on a tour. There is a fantastic tour from Paris that you can join. You will see three castles: Chambord, Chiverny, and Chenonceau.

Check Prices For The Loire Castles Tour From Paris

Built by the architect Jacques Bougier between 1620 and 1640, it was a pioneer of the French style that had developed during the reign of Louis XIV (or the Sun King).

As one of the first châteaux to become open to the public, the castle is renowned for its unmissable collection of furniture, tapestries, and objects d’art.

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.

The mesmerizing parks and gardens enclose one of the Estate’s unique features, the kennels. It raises numerous French Poitevin and English Foxhound crossbreed dogs, as it is still practiced to hunt with the hounds.

In my opinion, this castle is more about the incredible gardens rather than the castle itself. What is great about the castle is that they have a restaurant, so its a great one to slot in around lunch time. They also have gluten-free options on their menu which is nice for those who are gluten-intolerant. You have the option of three ticket options. We recommend the 3 hour ticket that allows admission to the château, gardens and rides on the electric boats and cars. Parking is free.

5. Château de Sully-sur-Loire

This iconic château rises like an island out of the River Loire, where it sits on a collection of 3 small outcrops.

It is quite remarkable to comprehend how the Château de Sully-sur-Loire is still standing strong today, after being demolished and reconstructed on innumerable occasions since the 18th century.

The Keep, or Grand Château, is the oldest preserved feature at the château as it dates back to the 14th century.

The castle has had a long and remarkable history filled with changes of ownership, war, and fires, and was even occupied by German soldiers during WWII.

It was also the home of a prominent French family, the Sullys, and the first Duke of Sully is represented by a large marble statue in the Outer Courtyard.

Once a defense outpost on the left bank of the Loire in the 12th century, it presently guards some historical treasures.

The most noteworthy of which includes the chemin de ronde (patrol route), the Tenture de Psyché tapestry, the château’s 14th-century barrel-vaulted ceiling, as well as the grave of the Sully himself.

The visitor route is well maintained, and it will guide you past an array of historic paintings and tapestries, amidst period furnishings in opulent rooms that once housed French aristocracy.

This castle is just such a total fairy tale style castle and a proper moat. It is truly charming. I recommend you climb to the highest room and make sure you look up to see the gorgeous original beams. I recommend you allocate around 1 – 1.5 hours at this château. You have an option of an audio tour (which we love), but if you prefer to go without, there are plenty of information you can read throughout the castle as well.

6. Château de Villandry

Hailed as the most family-orientated chateau within the Loire Valley, the Château de Villandry is world-renowned for its exceptional gardens, including the spectacular Renaissance Gardens.

The incredibly manicured lawns are like artwork in themselves with exquisite ornamental flower gardens carved into patterns by neat box hedges, a water garden, and orangeries.

The grounds also include a play area for children, vegetable gardens, and terraces for a perfect view of the château.

Built by Jean Le Briton, one of Francoise I’s finance ministers in 1536, the château and gardens you see today make for a spectacular sight.

Apart from the well-appointed rooms, the more noteworthy features that might appeal to you are the oriental drawing room and an artwork display in the gallery.

There is also an intricate Louis XV staircase, which has the initials of Michel-Ange de Castellane intertwined into the banisters. But what will really sweep you off your feet is the climb to the top of the tower!

The mark of each new owner can be seen in the castle’s interior, each of whom helped make the château one of the most beautiful in Loire Valley.

The dining room has become a ‘must-see’ with the special touches that have made it the historic monument it is.

You will find free parking close to this castle. This is another castle that might be more about the gardens than about the interior of the castle. One of the main reason to head into the château is to get to the terrace in order to get the view from higher up over the gardens. Some of our favorite rooms in the castle is the drawing room, the dining room and the kids bedrooms. We recommend allocated around 1.5 hours here.

7. Château of Amboise

This château looks out over the River Loire, reflecting its enchanting silhouette onto the water.

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.

The castle’s own past of rises and falls follows the history of France as the château went from fortress to royal home, to the remarkable figure it is along the French landscape.

If you ever visit the château, you can still see its restoration work continuing to this date, which began in the 19th century. But that doesn’t mean that your trip here will disappoint.

I much prefer a tour from a person, rather than audio tours (which can be pretty boring). This private tour is by a licensed tour guide and includes your entry ticket.

Check Prices For This Private Tour of the Castle with a Ticket

Every summer they hold a spectacular show of sound and light called “The Prophecy of Amboise”, a multi-sensory show, which brings the court of Charles VIII back to life.

The garden itself almost forms part of the castle itself, and you can pay a visit to the remarkable 3D re-creation in the Orangery where you can discover more of the château’s past.

The quaint ruins of the Chapel of St Florentine are another memorable feature on the grounds, which has become famous as the resting place of Leonardo da Vinci.

Make sure to set some time aside to enjoy the town of Amboise whilst you are there and stop in to visit the famous château of Leonardo de Vinci (more on this castle below).

This château’s interior is not as richly decorated in historic furniture as some of the other castles on the list. You won’t need much time here, so I recommend you combine a visit to this castle, followed by lunch and stroll in Amboise and then a stop in at Château du Clos Lucé (the residence of Leonardo da Vinci.)

Where to Stay in Amboise

Our preferred base when we are exploring the Loire Valley is Amboise. It is such a pretty little town, it is nice and central to so many of the most beautiful castles and we loved the little restaurants we ate at.

Plus there is an incredible bakery with the best baguettes. We popped over every morning to grab a freshly baked baguette (we stayed across from them and could see them baking early in the mornings).

For a really special stay, I recommend you stay in Le Clos d’Amboise.

Stay in a mansion from the 17th century. It almost looks like a small castle, doesn’t it?

The accommodation is right in the heart of Amboise. The bedrooms are stunning and so elegant. You can also use the outdoor heated pool and enjoy a sauna session or two.

It’s a perfect choice for couples and for families as well.

Check prices and availability for Le Clos d’Amboise here.

8. Château de Blois

This particularly amazing château takes visitors on a unique tour through the history of French architecture.

The Château de Blois acts as a beautiful illustration of French building styles from the middle ages to the 17th century.

Begin your journey as you walk through the entrance to the château, which is watched over by the oh-so-regal statue of a king on horseback.

Then, experience the breathtaking Stateroom, a riot of color and intricate designs.

You can also enjoy a fascinating walk through the Architecture Rooms which house different examples of original sculptures from across the château grounds.

You can secure tickets for this castle online here. Audio guides are available at entry as well. (Kids under 6 are free).

Special care has been taken in restoring this chateau to its former beauty, with a particular emphasis on returning the floor tiles to their original self.

Four architectural styles collide within the castle walls, from a 13th-century medieval fortress to Gaston of Orlean’s Classical Wing.

As a unique feature, late on summer evenings, you may even get a chance to attend the château’s own featured ‘ son et lumière ,’ which is a melodramatic historical narrative with a light show, and accompanied by classical music.

This château is massive and you could easily spend 3 hours here. We grabbed the audio tour and found it really interesting, so highly recommend to grab that with you entry ticket. We also recommend you plan for some addition time to explore the town as well.

Stay Close to Château de Blois

For a convenient option, why not stay at the Ibis Styles Blois Centre Gare? The Blois castle is only a 9-minute walk away from the hotel.

This hotel is a great option if you are visiting the Loire Valley by train. It is located 300 meters from the train station.

Check prices and availability at the Ibis Styles Blois Centre Gare.

9. Château d’Azay le Rideau

A hybrid of classical French tradition and Italian décor, the Château d’Azay le Rideau was built on an island in the Indre River. This truly regal château rises like a sentinel out of the water, leaving a shimmering mirror image below.

Under the patronage of King Francois, the château was built on the site of an ancient fortress, but remained incomplete, leaving it with a remarkable but accidental L-shaped exterior.

The castle is a place of war and deep historical significance, which can be seen in the name itself.

Enough to capture your heart and please your eyes, under the care of the French Centre for National Monuments, the château was lovingly restored with a mesmerizing interior and facades, wrapped in tuffeau stone and beautifully ornamented.

Grab Skip-The-Line Entry Tickets

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.

The incredibly picturesque Château d’Azay le Rideau is an exceptional piece of heritage, that has monumental worth in the field of French historical archiving.

We recommend you allocate around 1 hour to this small gorgeous château. The indoor area is well worth seeing and you can walk all the way up to the attic. If you love taking photos, the best one I found is once you cross the river and look back you will get one with a reflection of the château in the water.

10. Château du Clos Lucé

This pink-bricked chateau is straight from a storybook, overlooking lush green lawns. It is famous for being the official residence of Leonardo da Vinci, where he spent his final years creating and building.

Today, the château is a museum that houses 40 models of machines designed by da Vinci.

Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years here  (1516 -1519), and the site of the manor dates back to the 12th century when it was surrounded by fortifications, of which only the watchtower remains.

GRAB A COMBINATION TICKET

A ticket for admission to the Da Vinci château and park includes access to an exhibition featuring models of machines designed by the master.

Grab a Combo Clos Lucé Castle, Da Vinci Park, and Museum Ticket

Massive restorations have been made since the 1960s to bring it back to its former glory. You can now catch a glimpse of da Vinci’s private life as you visit his bedroom, kitchen, and study, as well as the small chapel displaying frescos by his admirers.

You can also explore da Vinci’s artist’s studio where an audiovisual production brings the space to life.

Finish off your visit to this gorgeous château with a stroll around the grounds where a stunning pond lies surrounded by centuries-old pines and, of course, the famous Mona Lisa rose.

Incredible Loire Valley Tours You Might Be Interested In

After a quick list of some fantastic tours in the Loire Valley? Here are the top picks.

Hot-Air Balloon Ride over the Loire Valley

• 3-hour hot-air balloon experience
• Float over the UNESCO-listed landscapes of the Loire Valley
• Float over the Chateau of Chenonceau or the gardens of Villandry
• Choose between a sunrise or sunset flight

Loire Valley 2 Days Private Tour

• All-inclusive tour from Paris
• Visit Chambord, Bois, and Clos Lucé Castles
• Accommodation, transfers, tickets, and meals are all included

Castle Photo Shoot in Amboise

• Photoshoot from an award-winning photographer
• Online viewing gallery to choose your top picks
• 20 photos chosen by you, retouched, available for digital download

How To Get To The Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is a picturesque region in France that can be reached by car, train, or tour.

The drive from Paris takes between two and three hours on the A10 motorway. Because we were doing a big road trip around France, we decided to rent a car in Paris .

It made exploring the Loire Valley so much easier, as there isn’t an easy way to get around all the castles in the region without a car.

We always rent our cars through Discover Cars . They do an excellent job of sourcing the cheapest prices and you can grab both the car rental and insurance through them.

Click here to check car rental prices .

Traveling by train from Paris to Amboise is an easy and efficient way to explore the Loire Valley.

From Paris, travelers can take the TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse) which only takes two hours, and leaves from Gare Montparnasse in Paris.

The train stops at several major cities in the region, including Blois, Tours, and Amboise.

Grab your train ticket through Rail Europe here.

I still feel that you will need to grab a car rental in order to get to the castles easily though.

So if you don’t want to drive from Paris (which is understandable as traffic is hectic), then I suggest you catch the train to Tours and then grab a car rental from there .

Flying to the Loire Valley is also an option. The closest airport to the region is Tours Val de Loire Airport located in the city of Tours.

From there, it’s only a 45-minute drive by car to Amboise, which is located right in the heart of the Loire Valley.

A tour from Paris to the beautiful Loire Valley is an ideal way to experience some of France’s most stunning historical castles.

Taking a tour means that visitors can take in the stunning scenery, learn about the historical sites, and visit all of the castles in the region without having to worry about navigating on their own.

Additionally, most tours offer guided visits to the castles and even lunch at some of them.

Browse all the most popular tour options from Paris to Loire Valley here.

How Long to Stay in the Loire Valley

So let’s talk about how long you should stay in the Loire Valley for. I recommend you visit two castles a day (although you could squeeze three in if you are short on time).

Have a look at the list above and decide which ones you really want to see.

I don’t recommend you try to see all ten, trust me you will feel castled-out. I suggest you pick 3 – 5 castles to see.

This means that you should stay for 1 – 3 days. If you wish to include day trips to other cities or towns or see any of the other popular places in the Loire Valley, then you will need more days tagged on.

Where to Base Yourself in the Loire Valley

So let’s talk about where to base yourself.

I recommend you base yourself in Amboise. Amboise is right in the heart of the Loire Valley which means you have many castles close by.

Of course, it makes sense to visit the Amboise castle and to stop in at Château du Clos Lucé, both of which are in Amboise itself.

Then organize some day trips.

For one day trip, you can head to Chambord Castle (about an hour’s drive away).

You can easily combine this castle with a stop at either the Blois Castle (which is on the way to Chambord) or the Cheverny Castle (which is 25 minutes away from Chambord).

For the second day trip head to Château de Chenonceau which is only about 20 minutes away from Amboise.

Then stop at Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire (about 30 minutes away from Chenonceau) before heading back to Amboise.

So let’s look at where to stay in Amboise.

Best Place to Stay in Amboise

So first of all, if you are going to be seeing so many castles, why not actually stay in a castle itself?

Chateau des Arpentis

This stay was exceptional. It was such a relaxing and comfortable experience. Laurent was very friendly and his service was exemplary. I would definitely recommend this chateau to everyone who wanted something wonderful. The breakfast was also delicious. Steven   (Read More  Reviews on Booking.com ) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

The castle is just stunning, the rooms are gorgeous and so comfy and you will love the breakfast.

What we love is the outdoor swimming pool – perfect for those who have kids.

They have room for couples, as well as a 2-bedroom apartment for families.

Click here to check prices and availability.

Loire Valley Chateaux FAQs

Here are some answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the best Loire Valley castles.

My favorite castles are the top three on our list are Chambord, Chaumont, and Chenonceau.

The most famous chateau in Loire Valley is the Château de Chambord, which is known for its distinctive French Renaissance architecture and impressive size.

There are many châteaux in the Loire Valley due to the region’s historical, political, and cultural significance. The Loire Valley was once a major center of power for the French monarchy, and many noble families built châteaux in the area to demonstrate their wealth and influence.

The oldest castle in the Loire Valley is the Château de Langeais, which dates back to the 10th century. However, the castle has undergone many renovations and additions over the centuries, so much of the current structure is from the 15th century.

The largest Loire château is the Château de Chambord, which covers an area of over 50 square kilometers and has over 400 rooms, 80 staircases, and 365 chimneys.

Final Thoughts On The Best Loire Valley Chateaux

Which do you think are the best châteaux in the Loire Valley? 

Exploring the must-see châteaux in Loire Valley is a truly magical experience. From Chambord to Chaumont and Chenonceau, each castle has its own unique beauty that will leave you in awe.

Whether it’s admiring the intricate architecture or exploring Leonardo da Vinci’s studio, there are countless reasons why these stunning castles should be included on any traveler’s list of must-visit places when visiting France for the first time.

So if you haven’t already explored them, make sure to add them to your itinerary next time!

Jolene Ejmont

8 thoughts on “10 best chateaux of the loire valley that you should see in 2024”.

From all the Royal Chateaux in France, Blois is not to be missed when visiting the valley of the Loire. Blois Castle is a fabulous palace with several wings totaling 564 rooms and 75 staircases, 100 bedrooms and a fireplace in each room

Lovely! Did you manage to see the others on the list too?

Hi! We will visit the Loire Valley in June, however, we only have 2 days and I don’t want to spend those days seeing the interior of the castles. I would like to experience canoeing the Cher River to see Chenonceau from a different perspective. Which castles do you think has the best interior and worty of a visit inside. The rest we will just adore from the outside. Thanks!

Hi Annamarie, I really loved the inside of Chenonceau, it wasn’t too big either so you can easily see the inside within 30 min (if you take the audio tour it will take longer). With Chambord, I would recommend that you go inside and up the stairs to the very top which is really lovely, but you don’t need to stroll around the inside of the castle (it is very big). I hope that helps 🙂 Chenonceau and Chambord are also closer together so makes a great combo to see on one day where our other favorite – Chaumont is a bit our of the way.

It’s an artistic classification; but we must especially look at these architectures as the results of the exceptional history and diversity of France if we want to appreciate them. The Loire is a huge river, but what is called the Loire Valley is generally between the cities of Angers, Tours, Blois and Orleans (from West to East). These cities were the capitals of ancient Celtic nations and the castles were the bastions of powerful dynastic houses. The central French state has used them – and continues to do so – as tools of its diplomatic, cultural and military power. Although Renaissance castles are often the work of kings, the influence of local lords is great. For example it is the House of Blois that built the county of Champagne in the 11th century, the one of Angers who modernized England in the 12th. And it is good to know that they were very antagonistic. So yes, Chenonceau is one the most magnificent architecture of the world, but Blois deserves a place of honor. Its interior courtyard is sumptuous and the city is pretty. We must not forget the splendid castle of Ussé, the one of Amboise, the one of Saumur, in a fantastic wine land. And in an other , and not far from the abbey of Fontevraud. And in an other type : the Fontevraud abbey.

A lot of these castles are on my list also, it must be a great experience to visit them. I’m waiting to take this trip some day. My favorites are Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau and Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire. I would add Château de Saumur to the list also. Thanks for sharing this!

I love your list. I would add Chateau de Saumur and the Angers Chateau with its amazing tapastry!!!

I Like Chinon, Cheverny and Chenonceau.

Comments are closed.

2024 - Wanderlust Storytellers. All Rights Reserved.

About Us  |  Contact Us  | Work with Us  |  Privacy Policy  |  Disclaimer

* Disclaimer: Wanderluststorytellers.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and other Amazon sites.

• New Zealand
• Czech Republic
• The Netherlands
• Northern Ireland
• Adrenaline Activities
• City Activities
• Coworking Spaces
• Eco-Friendly Travel
• Free Things to Do
• Itineraries
• Travel Tips
• Walks and Hikes
• Afternoon Tea
• Bottomless Brunch
• Cocktail Bars
• Gluten-Free
• Restaurants
• Rooftop Bars
• Shepherds Huts
• Privacy Policy
• Work With Me

5 Best Thames Dinner Cruises in London [2024]

Glamping Somerset: 25 Amazing Places to Stay At [2024]

The Loft at Goytre Hall: Brecon Beacons Stay [2024 Review]

Date Ideas Bristol: 25 Fun, Quirky & Romantic Dates [2024]

Peak District Glamping Pods: 15 Best Pods to Stay In [2024]

25 Best Cafes to Work in London [Laptop Friendly Cafes 2024]

Glamping Devon with Hot Tub: 25 Amazing Places to Stay [2024]

The Dairy: Holiday Cottage in the Yorkshire Dales [2024 Review]

Glamping North Wales: 25 Amazing Places to Stay [2024]

Sleepy Owl Devon: Luxury Treehouses and Cowshed with Hot Tubs

Rooftop Bars New Orleans: 15 Best Bars with Great Views [2024]

Bottomless Brunch Brisbane: 25 Best Brunches to Try [2024]

Bottomless Brunch Melbourne: 25 Best Brunches to Try [2024]

Bottomless Brunch Perth: 25 Best Brunches You Need to Try [2024]

Bottomless Brunch Sydney: 25 Best Brunches to Try [2024]

Bottomless Mimosas Denver: 19 Best Brunches You Need to Try [2024]

Bottomless Mimosas Nashville: 11 Best Brunches You Need to Try [2024]

Bottomless Brunch Philly: 9 Best Brunches You Need to Try [2024]

13 best chateaux of the loire valley to visit in france [2024].

“Ah, the Loire Valley…”

This is how you’ll start any story about your travels here… I know this from experience.

There’s an endless number of impressive fairy-tale like chateaux of the Loire Valley.

In fact, this fertile region is home to some of the best castles in Europe!

You won’t believe that such places actually exist outside the world of Disney, but they are real and so are the magnificent gardens that surround them.

It’s easy to enter such historic places and romanticise them.

However, they weren’t just places of love, partying and wealth.

The Renaissance stone walls also housed adultery, murder, treason and questionable hygiene.

It’s important to remember this as otherwise, it’s easy to just see these sights as the real-life locations of our fairy tales and daydreams.

So wear those outfits you thought were ‘too much’ for city life, pack a large sun hat, and get ready to explore the 13 best châteaux of the Loire Valley!

1. Château de Chambord

Address: Château, 41250 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.

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.

And if the photo above doesn’t make that obvious, your first glimpse of it will.

There’s an expansive tapestry collection here that you can use as a reason to take a tour of the interiors.

If the rooms look empty to you it’s because they were always this way.

The court would move often and needed very little when in a paradise like this one.

Look out for the window in Francois’ room where you’ll find engraved ‘Women are fickle; very stupid is he who trusts them.’.

His adulterous endeavours must have not been as successful as he would have liked, hey?

The park surrounding the grounds is filled with wild boars, deer, bats, and other wildlife that you can meet on the walking trails.

At 13,000 acres, it’s bigger than central Paris!

Oh, this isn’t enough for you? How about a carriage that can take you around the park then?

Do not miss this château – if you can only visit one this is it.

2. Château de Sully-sur-Loire

Address: Chemin de la Salle Verte, 45600 Sully-sur-Loire

Phone number: +33 2 38 36 36 86

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.

Set right on the Loire, the château is the perfect setting for a relaxing walk

. Have your camera at the ready so you can make the most of the photo opportunity of the high towers in the water reflection!

You’ll find art, sculpture and tapestries inside in rooms that have gone through constant renovation since the château’s construction.

Don’t miss the tour here as it will make you appreciate even the smallest details of a room that would otherwise be missed.

I recommend taking a tour of each of the Loire châteaux as each houses its own little piece of history.

There’s a wonderful music festival that takes place here so check the website before you plan your visit to see if you’re in luck.

3. Château de Cheverny

Address: 41700 Cheverny

Phone number: +33 2 54 79 96 29

This classical style château is symmetrical and simple but is considered one of the best-furnished chateaux of the Loire Valley.

This makes it the perfect place to learn about the history of French furniture. Look out for the chairs, bookcases and exquisite walls!

From the golden decoration on the ceiling to the matching wallpaper and curtains, this slightly smaller château really knows how to present itself.

As it has remained in the hands of the same family for six centuries, no work has been done to restore or modify it.

Everything you see is the original design, from the ceilings to the façade.

You’ll notice an exhibit of The Adventures of Tintin here, so don’t be confused!

Herge, the cartoonist of Tintin, was inspired heavily by this château, so if you’re also a budding artist bring a notepad and paper!

4. Château de Chaumont

Address: 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire

Phone number: +33 2 54 20 99 22

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

It was built in 933 but it may look more contemporary to you, especially if you’ve visited a few châteaux before this one.

This is because it was burned to the ground by Louis Xl and rebuilt in the 15th century.

For years it belonged to the Princesse de Broglie who was orphaned at fourteen and inherited the fortune to allow for her lavished parties and high standards.

Her vision was so clear, that she even relocated nearby houses and churches as they didn’t fit her garden plan. Female power at its height!

The château was decorated in the Renaissance style with heavy influence taken from the sculpture.

Take a tour here and learn more about the medallions crafted by none other than Jean-Baptise Nini!

The grounds are also gorgeous to explore in the summer with chestnut trees and flower displays.

There’s even a notable International Garden Festival that takes place here each year.

5. Château de Chenonceau

Address: 37150 Chenonceaux

Phone number: +33 820 20 90 90

Château de Chenonceau is my favourite of all the châteaux of the Loire Valley, mostly thanks to its surreal floating garden and Cindarella feel.

The tasteful mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architecture towers over the Cher River which is worth seeing from a distance as well as from closer-up.

The Diane de Poitiers garden is a floating parterre which is a significant design feature of the Renaissance, and best seen here.

Expect geometric design and unbelievable symmetry that take you through interconnected paths. Perfect for a daydream stroll!

The other garden, that of Catherine de Medicis, is also on a platform that integrates lavender, roses and the magnificent west facade of the chateau.

Romance and class also inhabit this château, even if lavished balls are no longer held here.

The flower garden covers more than a hectare.

Here you’ll find hundreds of different examples of gorgeous flowers which are all used in the flower arrangements of the château.

These include a collection of more than 400 roses!

If this wasn’t enough to persuade you to visit this magical place, how about the fact it’s a symbol of female power?

The succession of women who built, protected, and restored the château make it truly unique and dreamlike.

You’ll feel the feminine touch of this place from the start of your visit and see the signs of women’s power in its masterpieces.

6. Château d’Amboise

Address: Montée de l’Emir Abd el Kader, 37400 Amboise

Phone number: +33 2 47 57 00 98

A UNESCO site and French historic monument, Château d’Amboise has been visited by many royal and important historical figures including Leonardo Da Vinci whose tomb is preserved there.

Must be worth it then, right? It certainly is, trust me.

Aside from the abundance of Gothic carvings decorating the interior, it’s the balconies that are worth a long viewing here.

Stand on the balcony and breathe. It’s an experience that will stay with you forever.

The Loire views are some of the most spectacular here, so if you have the chance, cross the river to see Amboise reflecting in the water.

Bring a picnic and enjoy it here while soaking up the view!

There’s a guided tour I can recommend and also a behind the scenes tour available that takes you to some of the otherwise restricted areas.

However, this is a little pricier so consider well.

7. Château de Villandry

Address: 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry

Phone number: +33 2 47 50 02 09

Situated on the banks of the Loire, this country house might seem humbler than some of the other royal gems.

But don’t be mistaken because the gardens here really are unmatched.

Wander here for hours in the French summer sun to enjoy the ornamental garden, moat garden, kitchen garden, pavilion harden… I could go on, but I’ll leave some for you to discover too.

Their geometric arrangement is typical of the French style and looks like a puzzle when seen from the château window.

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

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

An exciting part of the estate is the organic garden where you can learn about natural growing methods that don’t use pesticides and try to keep the soil healthy.

Although you visit this chateau for its gardens, make sure you also check out the interior with its multiple salons and walls decorated in art.

8. Château de Chinon

Address: 2 Rue du Château, 37500 Chinon

Phone number: +33 2 47 93 13 45

This medieval fortress is striking at first glance and unlike anything along the River Vienne.

Under UNESCO’s protection, it has been well preserved to also include an array of artefacts like knights’ armour and shields.

Perfect to get you into the medieval mood!

The newly restored Royal Quarters also house multiple exhibits throughout the year.

One transports you back in time with a 3D model reconstruction, scale models and archaeological collections from the grounds.

The other is dedicated to Joan of Arc who visited the fortress.

Here you’ll find original artefacts like bronze statues and pottery from the 18th-20th century.

If all the above sounds like too much history for you to digest, don’t fret!

They also offer an interactive, 360-degree iPad tour.

You can see through walls, watch archers prepare for battle, and interact with the space in a fun and educational way.

For a more tangible experience visit the myths and legends room for a live performance of Chinon’s history. (However, this is an extra fee to consider.)

Bottom line is that this narrow towering medieval fortress (400m high!) is steeped in history, but also makes for an exciting immersive experience.

To prove this further I’ll leave you with these two words: Escape Room.

9. Château de Blois

Address: 6 Place du Château, 41000 Blois

After exploring multiple locations amid expansive fields of green, this château is a welcome break as it’s right in the middle of the city of Blois.

Many additions to the 1608 original make it a very curious place for any budding historians or architects.

The interesting part about the exterior is that it displays four different architectural styles from the 14th to the 17th century.

Each marks the rule of each new king and queen who resided here.

The castle was designated a historic monument in France and from the moment you enter the chateau you’ll understand why.

An extravagant collection of art has accumulated over the years, thanks to the seven kings and ten queens who lived here.

You’ll find more than 35,000 artworks here including heavy tapestries and a hall dedicated to Gothic sculpture.

Even if in the middle of a city, you’ll still find a rose garden just outside the grounds.

You can also visit Saint Nicolas’ Church in Blois which is an emblem of the medieval time when Romanesque art slowly gave way to the Gothic style.

If you’re chasing a view (considering you’ve feasted your eyes on the château itself) climb the highest tower to enjoy views of the Loire River.

Even just this climb will feel like you’re in a Disney film.

I highly recommend visiting between April and September to attend the Sound & Light show which lights up and explores the history of the grounds.

10. Château de Valençay

Address: 2 Rue de Blois, 36600 Valençay

Phone number: +33 2 54 00 10 66

This chateaux exhibits architecture from over three centuries and combines those styles in a beautifully harmonious way.

From the stonework to the chandelles, a visit to Valencay is a visit to one of the most elegant chateaux of the Loire Valley.

The d’Estampes family is responsible for the lavished inside and expansive gardens here.

As a way to show their wealth, you’ll find every piece of furniture and carpet hold significant cultural and financial weight.

You’ll also find pieces from all over the world that they collected during their travels.

The cellar here is worth a visit as it has tried to introduce more modern styles that you’ll be able to recognise if you’ve visited a few chateaux of the Loire Valley already.

The gardens and courtyard have been beautifully designed and are lovely in the summer months.

But there are other more impressive garden displays along the Loire you can enjoy.

Still, the park covers 53 hectares and is designed in the First French Empire style which is why it feels different.

This is a great one to visit if you want to experience the elegance and tasteful architecture non-royal money can buy!

11. Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

Address: Rue de Pineau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau

Phone number: +33 2 47 45 42 04

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?

Blending French architectural style with the Italian art of the time, the facade is really unique.

In fact, it actually exhibits the Renaissance style in one of the most majestic ways along the Loire.

The inside is just as fascinating to explore, especially as it has just undergone a mass restoration of which you can find out more on the tour.

Take a stroll along the eight-hectare park and glimpse d’Azay-le-Rideau from afar to really appreciate its structure.

It really is dreamlike and a very romantic place to visit in the French summer.

12. Château de Brézé

Address: Bellevigne-les-Chateaux, 20 Rue de l’Amiral Maillé Brézé, 49260

Phone number: +33 2 41 51 60 15

It took from the 11th century to the 19th to build this castle.

However, this won’t come as a surprise once you’ve seen the mixture of medieval and Renaissance style architecture on display.

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.

Not only that, but the 16th-century wine presses here are still functional and the largest in the west of France.

To finish up the facts about Brézé, it also houses the largest underground bakery!

Now, how’s that for a list of reasons to visit?

You have the opportunity to see the draw bridge and underground tunnels on the great tours they run here.

You’ll also get to spend some time above ground exploring the long halls and creaking floorboards.

13. Château de Loches

Address: 5 Place Charles VII, 37600 Loches

Phone number: +33 2 47 19 18 08

Château de Loches, or the Royal City of Loches, is one of the most impressive examples of French military architecture you can see.

The moment you see the sheer magnitude of the structure you can’t help but feel its history and be transported back in time.

The building of this monument began in 1000AD when the 36-meter high keep was built. And it’s only expanded since then!

Its history covers periods of imprisonment, battles, marriages, and the residency of kings that you can find out more about when you visit.

Left behind from its time as a prison, there’s a whole section where you can see prison art left behind from those locked behind its stones.

It’s quite haunting to experience but the frescos on the walls left by the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, are fascinating to experience.

There are also gardens, wine-tasting and other seasonal activities to explore here so make sure you dedicate a whole day.

So there you have it: the 13 best chateaux of the Loire Valley that you need to visit.

Which of these chateaux of the Loire Valley do you most want to visit?

Please let me know in the comments below!

Turn your dream vacation into reality

Best Chateaux in Loire Valley (My Top List + Map)

• December 26, 2023

Spanning over 280 kilometres, Loire Valley is home to charming medieval towns, centuries-old vineyards and more than 300 castles (or chateaux in French). It is the most popular destination in France after its capital, Paris. Thus, don’t miss to add a day or two to your France itinerary and explore this fairy tale region.

Most of the fabulous chateaux in Loire Valley were built in the 15th and 16th centuries, during the Renaissance period. They served as pleasure palaces of the French royals and the rich nobles, an extension of court life outside Paris. Many of them are open to visitors and you can get a glimpse of how the royals lived and planned their political intrigues and love affairs. 

Continue reading to find out what are the best chateaux to see in the Loire Valley and how to get there by car or train.

Best Loire Valley chateaux to visit

With more than 300 castles, it’s tricky to decide which chateaux to visit and which to skip. Especially when you are limited in time or in transportation (if you’re travelling by train).

To help you with your decision, I made this list of the best castles to visit in Loire Valley. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your journey, including a 3-day castle itinerary that covers the best chateaux to see.

Already have a hotel booked? Then take a look at my guide to where to stay in Loire Valley to make sure your hotel is not too far away from the popular castles!

Best Loire Valley Chateaux to visit (complete list)

Château de chambord, château de chenonceau, château de blois, château de chaumont, château de villandry, château d’amboise.

• Château du Clos Lucé

Château de Cheverny

• Chateau d’Angers

Château de Valençay

Château de sully-sur-loire, château de langeais, château de beauregard, château d’ussé, château de saumur, château d’azay-le-rideau, château de brézé, château de loches, château de chinon, château de meung-sur-loire.

The Châteaux of Chambord and Chenonceau are the most famous ones in the Loire Valley. You’ll find them included in almost any guided day trip from Paris you can book. However, there are plenty of other smaller castles that are worth a visit. Some of them even host unique events like gardening festivals, sound and light shows and archery tournaments.

Visiting Paris as well? Take a look at my Paris itinerary for first-timers (it covers the most popular sights + how to skip all the lines and save money).

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.

François I built the estate in 1519 with the intention of using it as a hunting lodge. However, the opulent building with its 440 rooms and 282 chimneys is far beyond the idea of an ordinary lodge. In fact, Château de Chambord ranks among the largest chateaux in France.

The castle wasn’t finished till the death of François I, who spent only 8 weeks in total here. King Louis XIV completed the chateau as we see it today in 1685.

Not to miss

• the double-helix staircase (attributed to Da Vinci) – it was designed in such way that two people can go down at the same time without ever seeing each other
• the salamander (Françoise I’s emblem) is represented hundreds of times on ceilings and walls
• the panoramic view from the rooftop terrace towards the vast gardens
• the rooftop with its impressive spires and chimneys, that was designed to look like the skyline of Constantinople

Fancy staying in a castle during your holiday? Find all the best-rated chateaux hotels here .

How to get there The easiest way to get to Chambord is to catch the shuttle (Rémi) from the Blois-Chambord train station ( see the schedule here ).

• present your shuttle bus ticket to get a discount on the entrance fee
• get the HistoPad to discover in virtual reality how the castle looked in the times of François I (+ there is a treasure hunt for children)

Château de Chenonceau is known as the Château des Dames (or Ladies’ Castle). Its nickname comes from the fact that all of its owners were women. Château de Chenonceau is an elegant Renaissance castle, spanning the river Cher. It’s one of the must-see chateaux in Loire Valley!

It all started with Catherine Briçonnet, the wife of King Charles VIII’s Chamberlain, in 1517. This is the woman, responsible for the construction of the castle.

In 1535, Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of King Henry II, got the castle as a gift from the king. She built the bridge across the river and designed its fabulous gardens.

Upon Henri’s death, Queen Catherine de Medici, took back the property from Diane. Queen Catherine added the gallery over the river and extended the gardens.

• the well preserved kitchens of the castle – they are amongst the finest examples of Renaissance kitchens in the world
• the garden of Diane de Poitiers (a French formal garden with grass triangles) and the garden of Catherine de Medici (featuring an avenue of orange trees and climbing roses)

How to get there Take a train from Tours train station (Gare de Tours) to Chenonceau train station (30min journey). From there it is a few minutes walk to the palace.

• don’t miss the Nocturnal Promenades , that allows you to discover the gardens illuminated by lanterns and candles to the music of Arcangelo Corelli

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!

Originally a medieval fortress belonging to the Counts of Blois, the estate later was home to 7 kings and 10 queens of France. They all left their marks on the architecture of the palace.

The history of the manor, spanning from the 13th to the 17th century, is a witness of a few political intrigues. Duke of Guise was assassinated here by King Henry III, and it was the place where Marie de’ Medici was exiled by her son, King Louis XIII. Also, here Joan of Arc was blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before the siege of Orléans in 1429.

• the iconic spiral staircase commissioned by King François I
• the incredible view of the Loire and the old town from the castle’s grounds
• the portrait of Antonietta Gonsalvus, the werewolf child, who lived there in the 16th century
• the Sound and Light show that recreates the vivid history of the estate (it takes place every evening after sunset between April and September)

Check out all must-see attractions in my travel guide on what to do in Blois, France .

How to get there Located right in the city centre, the castle is just a short walk from Blois – Chambord train station (1h40min by train from Paris).

• it’s a popular attraction, so book tickets in advance here (note that you need an additional ticket for the Sound and Light show)
• get the HistoPad to discover in virtual reality the complicated history of the castle and participate in a treasure hunt
• make sure to set some time aside to enjoy the charming town of Blois

Château de Chaumont with its towers and turrets looks like it came straight from the page of a fairy tale. It’s a must-see, especially if you want to add a little magic to your vacation.

Built in the 10th century by the Count of Blois, Eudes I, it’s one of the oldest chateaux of the Loire Valley. A century later, the castle became a property of the Amboise family for 500 years through marriage. However, this brought nothing good to the domain.

In 1465, Louis XI ordered the destruction of the building to punish Pierre d’Amboise for having rebelled against him. A few years later, when the king pardoned Pierre, the manor was rebuilt again.

Catherine de Medici acquired the building in 1550. After the death of her husband, she forced Diane de Poitiers to take this castle in exchange for Château de Chenonceau. Diane transformed the domain into the stunning chateau we can see today.

• the International Garden Festival , annually between April and October
• the late 19th-century stables, where you’ll find carriages and Hermès harnesses

How to get here Take a train from Tours or Blois – Chambord train station to Onzain – Chaumont-sur-Loire station (about 1 hour journey). From there it’s about a 2km walk to the castle.

My tips If you’re visiting in the summer, consider buying your ticket in advance here to avoid waiting in lines

Château de Villandry was one of the last major castles built in the Loire Valley during the Renaissance. Initially owned by Jean Le Briton, the finance minister of Francoise I, the castle became the property of Napoleon’s brother, Jerome, in the 19th century.

Château de Villandry is renowned for its French Gardens, which include a water garden, ornamental flower gardens, vegetable gardens, labyrinths and fruit-bearing trees.

To skip the waiting lines, book your ticket in advance here .

Not to miss During the Nights of a Thousand Lights (Nuits des Mille Feux), the gardens are illuminated with 2000 candles. The event takes place on certain dates in July and August.

How to get there The easiest way to get there is by car (no trains available). Another option is the Fil Bleu shuttle bus , which runs daily between Tours and Villandry (only in July and August).

Positioned high on a hill, Château d’Amboise dominates the medieval town of Amboise. The property once belonged to the Amboise family, before Charles VII seized it in 1434 and turned it into a royal residence. The castle reached the height of its glory during the reign of King François I.

Château d’Amboise hosted numerous royals, historical figures and artists, including Leonardo Da Vinci. He was brought to France by King François I in 1515. Leonardo resided in the nearby Château du Clos Lucé and after his death was buried here in Amboise as per his wish.

• Leonardo Da Vinci’s tomb at Chapel of Saint-Hubert
• the spectacular views of the Loire Valley from the castle grounds
• Château du Clos Lucé – located just a short walk from Château d’Amboise, it’s the place where Leonardo Da Vinci spent the last three years of his life (1516 -1519). Today, the castle hosts a museum dedicated to the great artist.

How to get there Take a train from Tours or Blois – Chambord train station to Amboise train station (about 40-50 min journey). From there it’s about a 1km walk to the castle.

• if you’re visiting in the summer, consider buying your ticket in advance here to avoid waiting in lines
• get the HistoPad to discover in virtual reality the development of the royal lodge through time
• the best view of the castle is from the bridge Pont du Maréchal Leclerc (it’s on your way to the castle if you’re arriving by train)

Château de Cheverny is a magnificent manor, surrounded by woodlands. Built in 1634, the estate has been privately owned for over six centuries by the Hurault family.

The chateau features a unique collection of house antiques, tapestries and paintings. It is considered to be one of the most furnished castles in the Loire Valley.

Not to miss The 19th century kennels, which are home to more than 100 hunting dogs (a cross of English Fox hound and French Poitevins).

How to get there The easiest way to get to Cheverny is to catch the shuttle (Rémi) from the Blois-Chambord train stations ( see the schedule here ).

More castles to visit in Loire Valley

Staying longer in the Val de Loire region and looking for not so touristy castles to explore? Then take a look at the list of the chateaux below.

Château d’Angers

Built in the 13th century, Château d’Angers was the home of the Dukes of Anjou for almost three centuries. With its stout defensive walls and 17 round towers, the castle is more of a fortress than a chateau.

To avoid waiting in lines, book your ticket in advance here .

Not to miss The fortress houses the famous Apocalypse tapestry. Commissioned in 1375 by Louis I, Duke of Anjou, it is the largest medieval tapestry in the world.

Check out all must-see attractions in my travel guide on what to do in Angers, France .

How to get there The castle is about a 10m walk from the train station Gare d’Angers-Saint-Laud. Yet, if you’re visiting Angers on a day trip, dedicate some time to explore the medieval city as well.

Château de Valençay is one of the most elegant chateaux in the Loire Valley. Its history started during the Renaissance with the Estampes family, before becoming the home of Prince de Talleyrand, a leading diplomat and minister to Napoleon.

The interior of the palace is decorated with sumptuous historical furnishings in Empire-style. It was also the place where the artworks from the Louvre were stored during WWII.

How to get there The property is located 1km away from the Valençay train station. Yet, if you’re based in Tours or Blois, it’s easiest to reach it by car.

Featuring turreted towers and encircled by moats, filled with water, Château de Sully-sur-Loire is one of those fairy tale castles. The chateau started its life in 1395 as a military keep. Since then it went through many modifications and reconstructions but retained much of its medieval character.

To skip the lines, book your ticket in advance here .

How to get there The most convenient way is by car (no trains available).

This small medieval castle was built by Foulques Nerra, the Count of Anjou, in the 10th century. Turbulent times followed for the fortress, including almost complete destruction in the 15th century. In 1465, Louis XI rebuilt the property and it served as his residence.

Château de Langeais features over 15 furnished rooms, which represents the daily life of a lord from the Middle Ages. In addition to this, you’ll find the wedding of Charles VIII of France and Anne of Brittany (that took place right here) recreated with wax figures.

How to get there You can reach the castle in about 20min by train from Tours. From Langeais train station it’s about a 5min walk to the property.

Château de Beauregard is an elegant manor built in the late 15th century by the Doulcet family. Confiscated by the Crown after a few years, the house became the favourite hunting lodge of François I.

The chateau as it stands today was built by Jean du Thier in 1545. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle served as a residence of the king’s ministers, starting with Paul Ardier.

• the impressive Portraits Gallery where you’ll find 327 portraits of kings and political figures

How to get there The easiest way to get to Beauregard is to catch the shuttle (Rémi) from the Blois-Chambord train stations ( see the schedule here ).

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.

Originally built of stone and wood by Gueldin I de Saumur, the castle changed its owners many times throughout the centuries. Each of them carried out alterations, turning it into this fairy tale chateau that you can see today.

How to get there The easiest way to get here is by car (no trains available).

Located in the small town of Saumur, Château de Saumur was originally constructed as a fortified stronghold by Theobald I in the 10th century. The castle has undergone many transformations – from a military fortress to a luxury home to the Dukes of Anjou and centuries later even used as a prison under the rule of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Note that the castle doesn’t have any rooms furnished in period style, but it is rather a museum featuring a large collection of furniture, porcelain and tapestries.

How to get there The property is easily reachable by train from Tours (about 40min journey). And from Saumur train station, it’s about a 2km walk to the castle.

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.

The manor was commissioned by Gilles Berthelot, François I’s finance minister, in 1518. The architectural style combines the finest of the French tradition and Italian Renaissance.

How to get there Take a train from Tours and get off at Azay-le-Rideau train station (30min journey). From there it’s about a 2km walk to the property.

Château de Brézé is one of the most intriguing chateaux in the Loire Valley. Built between the 11th and 19th centuries, it features a mixture of medieval and Renaissance architecture. The castle was property to the powerful family of the Dreux-Brézé for centuries.

• the underground fortress with a web of tunnels
• the dry moat, considered among the deepest in Europe
• the 16th-century wine presses (the largest in the west of France) are still in use today
• the largest underground medieval bakery in France

How to get there The easiest way to reach the property is by car (no trains available).

Château de Loches (or the Royal City of Loches) with its 37-metre high keep is not the typical chateau you might expect. The keep was built between 1013 and 1035 by Foulques III Nerra, Count of Anjou. It’s a masterpiece of French military architecture.

In the 14th century Louis I, Duke of Anjou, enlarged the property, turning it into a comfortable residence. In the following centuries, the chateau became a royal prison for political prisoners, such as Ludovico Sforza and Jean de Poitiers.

How to get there Take a train from Tours and get off at Loches train station (about 1h journey). From there it’s about a 10min walk to the property.

Château de Chinon is a medieval fortress that dates back to 954. Constructed by King Thibaud I, the fortress served as a royal residence for centuries. Indeed, this is the place where Joan of Arc met King Charles VII in 1429 to ask him for an army before the siege of Orleans. The last Knight Templars, Jacques de Molay, was also imprisoned here before his execution in Paris.

How to get there The fortress is about a 1km walk from the train station in Chinon (1h journey from Tours by train).

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.

Not to miss The property features many events throughout the year, such as archery, fencing, Christmas and Halloween events ( see the full list here ).

How to get there The residence is just a short walk from the train station in Meung-sur-Loire (1h10min journey from Tours by train).

There are 2 chateaux for which I absolutely recommend buying tickets in advance, no matter if you’re travelling in the high or low season.

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 .

Keep in mind that during the high season there are long lines at all popular castles. This includes the chateaux of: Chambord, Chenonceau, Blois, Chaumont, Villandry, Amboise, Clos Lucé and Cheverny. If possible, book your tickets ahead of time for all of them.

Best Loire Valley Castles day trips from Paris

Can you see the Loire Valley castles from Paris on a day trip? Although it’s possible to visit 1or 2 castles in the Val de Loire on a day trip from Paris, it’s not something I’d recommend (unless you’re short on time and take an organized day trip).

If you’re travelling by train, it’s 1h (to Tours) or 1h30min (to Blois) and from there depending on the castle you want to visit you have to take an additional shuttle or to change trains. Both are not regular, often run at long intervals such as 2 hours. Note that you’ll need additional time commuting in Paris. As a result, you’ll spend 5-7 hours travelling in total for one day and barely have time to explore the castles.

A better option is travelling by car, but still, it’s a 2-3h drive from Paris to two of the most popular castles – Châteaux de Chambord and Chenonceau.

Thus I’d recommend you to stay at least a night or two in Tours or Blois. Find more info about this option further in the article in my suggested Loire Valley castle itinerary.

How to get around in 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.

If you’re visiting in the high season of July and August, the better option is to take a train from Paris to Loire Valley instead of driving. In this way, you’ll avoid heavy road traffic. Once you get to your base destination in Val de Loire, you can hire a car there and explore the region.

Needless to say, driving is the most convenient way to see the castles in Loire Valley. You can explore at your own pace, without being rushed and schedule everything in advance. Not to mention the fact that some of the chateaux are reachable only by car. I missed the chance to see the famous gardens of Château de Villandry because the shuttle didn’t run during the time of my visit.

It’s possible to see the most popular chateaux in Loire Valley by train, but it’s more time consuming and requires some planning ahead of time. Note that for some of the castles you’ll have to use a combination of train and shuttle. However, if you base yourself in Tours or Blois and have enough time, you’ll manage to see the most famous castles.

You can check the train timetables and plan your itinerary online at SNCF official site . There is no need to book tickets in advance.

However, book as early as you can your ticket for the TGV train from Paris to your base in Val de Loire to get the cheapest price. You can book it online at the SNCF official site .

Cycling is very popular in the Loire Valley and you’ll find bike trails to many of the famous chateaux. Loire à Vélo is a 900-kilometre cycle route that connects Cuffy to Saint-Brevin-les-Pins ( more info about the cycling routes here ).

Loire Valley Chateaux itinerary

How many days in loire valley.

It’s a hard question to answer and it all depends on how many chateaux you want to see and how you’re travelling (by car or train). 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.

In general, I’d recommend at least 3 full days up to a week. My best advice is – don’t plan on seeing more than 2 chateaux a day even if you’re travelling by car. Also, try to group the castles you want to see and decide where it will be most convenient to stay.

Loire Valley Chateaux map (+ 3-Day castle itinerary)

This suggested castle itinerary covers the 5 most famous chateaux in Loire Valley. It’s an itinerary for 3 full days that includes staying in two different towns – Tours and Blois. The estates are grouped in such a way that you’ll be able to see most of the region, no matter if you’re travelling by car or train.

If you’re travelling by train, you’ll have to stay at least in 2 places, so you can reach the properties easier. However, if you’re travelling by car it all depends on your preferences.

You can find a map of all the chateaux here . After you identify the ones you want to visit you can easily modify the itinerary below according to your preferences.

Day 1: Blois

• start the day by visiting the most famous chateau, Chambord (you can easily reach it by shuttle Rémi from the Blois-Chambord train station)
• visit Château de Blois in the afternoon and attend the Sound and Light show in the evening (the estate is right in the city centre of Blois)
• if you have arrived the previous day in Blois and managed to visit the chateau on the day of your arrival, you can switch Château de Blois with Cheverny (served by the same shuttle as Chambord – Rémi)

Day 2: Blois

• visit Château d’Amboise in the morning (there are plenty of options for breakfast and lunch in Amboise)
• afternoon – Château de Chaumont

Day 3: Tours

• travel to Tours by train and explore the city in the morning (if you’re travelling by car you can visit Château de Cheverny or Villandry instead)
• take a train from Tour to Château de Chenonceau (note that trains are not regular, be sure not to miss the ones at noon, because the next train is after 5 PM)

Best time to visit Loire Valley

The best time to visit the castles in Loire Valley is the end of May or the months of June and September. At that time of the year, the castle’s gardens are blooming, the weather is warm and the lines are bearable.

Still, consider booking tickets in advance for the most popular chateaux (for some it’s even mandatory to reserve a time slot in order to visit). Also, keep in mind that some of the castles’ shuttles run only between May and October. This may be a bummer if you’re not travelling by car. So check in advance the shuttle schedule before planning your itinerary (some of the shuttles don’t run every day).

July and August are considered a high season, you’ll encounter crowds and high temperatures (not the best weather to explore the vast gardens of the estates).

Avoid the winter if possible, the weather is gloomy and you won’t be able to see much of the beautiful gardens. In addition, some of the lesser-known manors may be closed to the public at that time of the year or the opening times are shorter.

Follow now for exclusive content

About the author

This was wonderful and so helpful. I am obsessed with the chateau along the Loire and cannot wait to visit. Thank you very much for all this sought-after information!

Thank you for your comment, Brian. 🙂 The Loire Valley chateaux are indeed gorgeous!

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Name  *

Email  *

Add Comment  *

I accept the privacy policy

Post Comment

15 Best Chateaux in the Loire Valley, France to Visit

Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no additional cost to you!). Read the full disclosure policy here .

Share it here!

The Loire Valley is truly one of a kind. With 300+ chateaux dotting this charming area in the heart of France, the Loire Valley is the perfect place to live out your fairytale dreams. But to make the most of your visit, let’s talk about the 15 best chateaux of the Loire Valley!

With several chateaux of the Loire, it can be so difficult to narrow down which ones to visit. There are grand, famous chateaux and smaller, privately owned chateaux that allow guests.

Some of les chateaux de la Loire (this means the chateaux of the Loire in French) also have the most beautifully lush gardens and landscapes. 

After having visited this region twice, once on a day trip from Paris and another time more recently on a Loire Valley road trip , I have visited some of the top chateaux in the Loire Valley. So now I’m ready to share with you which ones you’re going to want to add to your list!

15 Best Chateaux of the Loire Valley, France to Visit

Before I dive into all the details, here is a quick list of the best Loire Valley chateaux:

• Chateau de Chenonceau
• Chateau de Chambord
• Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau
• Chateau de Valencay
• Chateau de Villandry
• Chateau de l’Islette
• Chateau d’Usse
• Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire
• Chateau de Cheverny
• Chateau de Nitray
• Chateau de Brissac
• Chateau de Clos Luce
• Chateau Royal d’Amboise
• Chateau Royal de Blois
• Fortresse Royale de Chinon

For details on the best of the Loire Valley chateaux, keep reading below!

Why Are There So Many Chateaux in the Loire Valley?

I’ll keep this brief, and I discuss this as well in my 3-day Loire Valley itinerary . There are several chateaux in the Loire Valley for several reasons, but let’s start with the Hundred Years’ War.

Beginning in 1337 and ending in 1453, the English and French were combatting over power and, in particular, land. I mean there is a lot more to this, but I cannot possibly write a thesis on the Hundred Years’ War AND discuss the best chateaux in the Loire Valley in one blog post. I’m only human. 

However, the gist of it is that the Loire Valley was part of this disputed land. This means that both the French and English needed fortresses for protection. Hence, chateaux and fortresses were built. Many were even built before this as well.

But when the Hundred Years’ War ended, France fought with Italy for a bit. However, it was during this time that the French realized they loved the Italian Renaissance and it inspired their own French Renaissance. 

During the French Renaissance, the royal court was based in the Loire Valley. This means they needed fabulously decorated and luxurious castles to house the royals and their court. 

This is why many of these former Medieval chateaux got a facelift during the Renaissance and look like they do today. This is also why several newer chateaux were built as well like Chateau de Chambord or Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau. Several stunning gardens were planted around the chateaux too. 

To sum it up, France and England were fighting and needed fortresses in the Loire Valley, then France fought with Italy but loved the culture and brought it back to the Loire where they upgraded their chateaux and built more for the royals. 

And what is left are the stunning chateaux for us to explore! 

But that’s not all! Many of these chateaux played roles in the French Revolution, WWI, and WWII. In fact, places like Chateau de Chenonceau had a hospital here for WWI, and many famous art and artifacts of France were hidden in the Loire Valley during WWII!

Best Chateaux of the Loire Valley

Okay, enough nerding out about the history of the Loire Valley. Let’s talk about the chateaux in the Loire Valley that you’re going to want to see!

1. Chateau de Chenonceau

37150 Chenonceaux

Known as the “Lady Castle,” Chateau de Chenonceau is among the most famous chateaux in the Loire Valley. And upon first glance, it isn’t difficult to see why. 

For starters, this chateau is part castle/part bridge. The chateau actually bridges across the Cher River! And during the summer months, you’ll even spot kayakers and canoers having a lovely day as they pass underneath the chateau.

But this place is known as the “Lady Castle,” for the many women who owned and made large improvements to the place. There are 7 significant women in this chateau’s history, including Diane de Poitiers, whom King Henry II gave this castle. 

It was Diane who created the stunning flower garden to the left of the chateau and had the bridge commissioned. 

Catherine de’ Medici took over the castle upon her husband King Henry II’s death and had the gardens to the right of the castle built. She also made the bridge into a magnificent gallery area. 

Other significant women here in history include Louise Dupin (the Lady of Enlightenment who saved the chateau during the French Revolution), Marguerite Pelouze, who spent a lot of money restoring the chateau, and Simonne Menier, who oversaw the hospital here during WWI. 

This chateau and estate has several gardens, a 16th-century farm, and even a winery! You could spend several hours exploring the ins and outs of this place. However, if you’re short on time, you definitely want to go inside the chateau and visit Diane’s Garden and Catherine’s Garden.

Chateau de Chenonceau Hours: Hours vary depending on the time of year but here is it broken down:

• January 1-7: 9:30 am-6 pm
• January 8-April 5: 9:30 am-4:30 pm
• April 6-July 7: 9 am-6 pm
• July 8-August 25: 9 am-7 pm
• August 26-Spetember 29: 9 am-6 pm
• September 30-November 3: 9 am-5:30 pm
• November 4-November 8: 9:30 am-4:30 pm
• November 9-11: 9 am-5:30 pm
• November 12-December 6: 9:30 am-4:30 pm
• December 7-8: 9:30 am-5 pm
• December 9-13: 9:30 am-4:30 pm
• December 14-15: 9:30 am-5 pm
• December 16-December 20: 9:30 am-4:30 pm
• December 21-31: 9:30 am-6 pm
• Holiday weekends from 9 am-7 pm

Chateau de Chenonceau Admission: Adults €17, children 7-18 years of age, students, seniors 60+, unemployed, families with 3+ children between 7-18 (per ticket) and accompanying persons of disabled people €14, and free for children under 7 and disabled people. 

Pro-tip: This place is very busy on weekends, especially in the summertime. Summer in general is a popular time to visit. Be sure to book tickets in advance ! Note if you book directly on Chateau de Chenonceau’s website you’ll select a time slot, whereas with Get Your Guide you follow instructions on your voucher.

2. Chateau de Chambord: The Largest Chateau in the Loire Valley

41250 Chambord

This is another of the most famous chateaux in the Loire Valley, and it so happens to be the largest chateau. 

This is also the most visited chateau of the Loire Valley, which means on weekends and during the summertime, you’ll definitely want to have a ticket booked ahead of time .

It is known for its French Renaissance architecture and was built by King Francis I. Originally it was meant to just be a hunting lodge for King Francis I, who actually lived at Chateau de Blois and Chateau d’Amboise. 

Quite the impressive hunting lodge, I’d say! 

During the French Revolution, many things in the chateau were sold and the castle was abandoned. While restoration attempts were made over the years, it wasn’t fully restored until the 1900s. 

This chateau has played roles in history such as a field hospital during the Franco-Prussian War, and art from the Louvre and Compiegne museums (including the Mona Lisa !) were stored here before WWII began. 

This is also said to be the chateau that inspired Disney’s Beauty and the Beast castle! 

So definitely take time to wander through the chateau and admire the impressive double-spiral staircase, walk through the gardens, and admire the views! 

This chateau also has a histopad you can rent which shows the chateau as it was in the 16th century. It includes interactive maps, an audioguide, and more and costs €6.50 in addition to admission. 

Chateau de Chambord also offers English-guided tours from July 8-August 27 at 11:15 am. These last for an hour and cost €6 in addition to admission. Children ages 5-17 are €3. 

And for a truly authentic castle experience, why not attend one of their Horse and Bird of Prey Shows at certain times of the year? This costs €16 for adults and €12.50 for children 5-17 years old. You can also combine your ticket with a castle visit for €27.50 for adults. 

Chateau de Chambord Hours: January 2-7 and March 30-October 27 from 9 am-6 pm. January 8-March 29 and October 28-December 31 from 9 am-5 pm. The park is open every day year-round. 

Chateau de Chambord Admission: €16 for adults, €13.50 for 18-25 non-EU residents, unemployed from France, associate, work councils, and groups of 20+, free for under 18, EU residents 18-25, disabled persons and 1 accompanying person. €6 to park your car at the car and motorcycle parking lot P0 (free for disabled persons upon presenting a parking ticket and proof). Parking is €5 at P2 parking lot for cars.

3. Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau is Among the Best Chateaux of the Loire Valley

19 Rue Balzac, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau

One of my favorite chateaux in the Loire Valley to visit has to be Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau. This smaller chateau doesn’t bring in quite the huge crowds as the two above, and it is situated on a small island on the Indre River! 

This place is considered one of the jewels of early French Renaissance architecture, especially its large staircase, which you can see the main architecture and large windows on the outside. 

This is a chateau you’re going to want to go inside, as they have rooms decorated from the 16th century as well as the 19th century. 

So you begin at the top and work your way down the chateau. Admire the 16th-century apartments with its reed-woven walls and 4-poster bed before descending to the 19th-century apartments with cozier neo-Renaissance decor and even a billiard room!

You can also take some time to wander along the Indre River and stroll through the grounds. 

You can also enjoy an audioguide for more context. This is €3 to rent and comes in 5 languages. 

Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau Hours: Open from April-June from 9:30 am-6 pm, from July-August from 9:30 am-7 pm, from October-March from 10 am-5:15 pm, and September from 9:30 am-6 pm.

Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau Admission: €13 for individuals, and free for those under 18, EU citizens and French residents between 18-25, disabled persons and their companion, job seekers, those with an education pass, and everyone on the first Sunday of January-March and November and December.

4. Chateau de Valencay

2 Rue de Blois, 36600 Valençay

This chateau is a bit further from the other more famous Loire Valley chateaux, which means it isn’t as popular to visit. However, it is truly epic! 

I love the domed towers at Chateau de Valencay and the lovely gardens here! When I visited, it was May and the flowers were in full bloom and smelled heavenly!

This chateau actually has a fun legend in regards to goat cheese…and Napoleon! The story goes that Napoleon visited this chateau after his defeat in Egypt, where the goat cheese, also called Valencay, was served. 

It was shaped like a pyramid, and Napoleon was triggered by its shape and took out a sword and chopped off its head! So now Valencay cheese is a truncated pyramid shape. 

The land where the chateau is was once home to a Gallo-Roman villa, a tower in the Middle Ages, and maybe even a feudal castle in the 1200s. The chateau as it stands today began in 1540. 

Aside from exploring the chateau interior which is comprised of rooms decorated from the 18th and 19th centuries, you can also explore the grounds and gardens! 

Oh and a fun fact: Chateau de Valencay is where some pieces from the Louvre were hidden during WWII including Venus de Milo and Winged Victory!

Chateau de Valencay Hours: March, April, May, October, and November the castle and park are open from 10 am-6 pm. June, July, August, and September the castle is open from 10 am-6 pm and the park closes at 8 pm. In December, the castle and park are open from 11 am-8 pm.

Chateau de Valencay Admission: Full rate is €14.50 for the chateau and park. Full rate is €7.50 for just the park. Children 7-17, EU students, and job seekers can see the castle and park for €11.50. €5 for children between 4-6 years old for the castle and park. These groups only pay €4.80 for just the park. Children under 4 are allowed in for free.

5. Chateau de Villandry

3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry

This chateau is certainly a stunner, and if you have the time it is worth going inside. But the biggest draw to Chateau de Villandry is by far its immense and pristine gardens.

The chateau was renovated from a Medieval fortress into the Renaissance castle it is today thanks to Jean Breton, King Francis I’s Secretary of Finance. During the Middle Ages, it was called the Medieval Fortress of Colombiers. 

While the exterior of the chateau is incredible, I highly recommend strolling through the gardens. Here you’ll find colorful flowers, green hedge mazes, and perfectly kept trees. 

Admire the Water Garden, Herb Garden, Kitchen Garden, the Woods, Ornamental Garden, and the hedge mazes of this lovely chateau. It truly is breathtaking to see the immaculately trimmed gardens and colorful flowers! 

I’d say if you’re hoping to see some stellar gardens in the Loire Valley, then Chateau de Villandry is amongst the best chateaux of the Loire Valley. 

Chateau de Villandry Hours: Hours vary based on the time of year. Check hours here .

Chateau de Villandry Admission: Chateau and gardens are €13 for adults, €7.50 for youth, and free for children under 8. For only the gardens it is €8 for adults, €5.50 for youth, and free for children under 8.

6. Chateau de l’Islette

9 Rte de Langeais, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau

For a smaller, charming little chateau that is actually privately owned, you’ll want to check out Chateau de l’Islette. 

This place is known as the “love castle” of sculptors Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin, who visited here during their love affair. In fact, this place houses two bronze sculptures by Claudel including Le Petite Chatelaine and Les Causeuses. 

Cross from the parking lot over the Pont de l’Islette and you’ll fall in love with this romantic chateau instantly. 

It sits along the Indre River, and here you’ll spot the lovely gardens, a charming old mill, and even farm animals nearby! 

For a truly romantic visit, you can rent a boat for €10 per half hour to row along the Indre River together. You can also have a lovely picnic on the grounds before visiting inside the chateau, which the owners open for visitors. 

Chateau de l’Islette Hours: March 30-April 30 from 11 am-5:30 pm, May-September from 10 am-7 pm, and October through November 3 from 11 am-7:30 pm.

Chateau de l’Islette Admission: €11 for adults, €9 for youth between 18-25, €7.50 for children 7-17, disabled persons, and residents of Azay-le-Rideau and Cheille. Free for children under 7. They also offer some discounts for families.

7. Chateau d’Usse

338 Château d’Usse, 37420 Rigny-Ussé

This chateau dates back to the Middle Ages when it was used as a stronghold. Then, it became a jewel of the Renaissance. Today, it features the lovely chateau, gardens, a cellar, a chapel, the stables, and even a dungeon. 

This chateau is also quite famous for potentially being the castle that inspired Charles Perrault to write Sleeping Beauty.

So I’d say that means it’s pretty stunning! I will say that while I did enjoy admiring the chateau from the outside, exploring the grounds and chapel, and even taking a peek inside the chateau’s beautifully decorated rooms, I don’t recommend visiting the Sleeping Beauty exhibition. 

It is just a retelling of the story in English and French with creepy mannequins set up throughout. I mean, it is cool to see the views from the towers, but I’d give this a skip.

However, the chateau and grounds are lovely to explore!

Plus, this chateau housed items from the National Library during WWII!

Chateau d’Usse Hours: February 17-March 28 from 10 am-6 pm, from March 29-September 30 from 10 am-7 pm, from October 1-November 11 from 10 am-6 pm.

Chateau d’Usse Admission: €14.50 for adults, €7 for children from 8-16 years, and free for children under 8.

8. Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire

For an epic chateau that was also once owned by Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers, you’ll want to visit Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire. 

While the chateau itself is stunning, the gardens and grounds are definitely worth seeing! For starters, you can enjoy the lovely model farm, stables, and apartments in and around the chateau. 

But what makes this chateau truly unique and worth a visit is its annual Art Season. From the end of March until sometime in October, the chateau and grounds feature various artists! In 2024 when I visited, the idea was to mimic the Gardens of Bomarzo with out-of-the-box sculptures and creatures from myths and legends.

So there were many pieces of art and sculptures depicting this.

There are also several permanent art pieces throughout the estate. It is fun to explore the galleries and art all over the place here. And when I visited, there was an epic digital art show in the attics by Quayola. 

It showed flowers in swirling colors before becoming beautiful photos all moving in sync to music. I also enjoyed the flowers in the chapel. 

If you’re searching for unique famous French chateaux in the Loire Valley, this is the place. 

Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire Hours: Hours vary based on the time of year. Check here for details .

Chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire Admission: Late April-early November €20 for adults, €12 for people 12-18, students, job seekers, and 1 companion of a disabled person, and €6 for children ages 6-11. Free for children under 6, disabled persons, and students of art history and architecture. From early November through December, it is €15 for adults, €8 for reduced rates, and €4 for children ages 6-11.

Family tickets (including 2 adults and 2 children under 12) are €40 from late April-early November and €30 from early November through December.

9. Chateau de Cheverny

Av. du Château, 41700 Cheverny

Owned by the same family for over six centuries, this chateau has been well cared for over the years. You can enjoy so much in and around the estate! 

In the chateau, you can enjoy the apartments which show the birth chamber, nursery, dining room, and more! 

But you also want to make time to explore the grounds here! Enjoy the English-style park as well as the many gardens including the Vegetable Garden, the Apprentice’s Garden, the Tulip Garden which is full of tulips in April, the Garden of Love featuring 6 bronze statues by Gudmar Olovson, and even the Maze. 

For cuteness overload, you can also stop by the Kennels to see the more than a hundred tricolor Anglo-French dogs! 

Chateau de Cheverny Hours: January-March 29 and October-December 10 am-5 pm. March 30-September 9:15 am-6 pm. Open until 6:30 pm from July-August. These are ticket office hours. The castle closes 30 minutes later. 

Chateau de Chevnery Admission: Chateau and Gardens ticket is €14.50 for adults, €10.50 for adults with a large family, children 7-14, unemployed, and students under 26 years old.  Free for children under 7 and disabled people. 

10. Chateau de Nitray

69 Rue du Château, 37270 Athée-sur-Cher

Searching for a smaller yet still adorable chateau in the Loire Valley? Look no further. I visited here several years ago on a day tour from Paris which included a visit here, Chateau de Chambord, and Chateau de Chenonceau. 

Sadly, I can’t find this on day tours anymore, but it is still a chateau that you can visit on your own! 

This small estate (compared to its much larger counterparts), is from the 15th century. 

When we visited, the interior was not open to the public. 

This estate has a vineyard and winery, where you can check out the awesome wine and perhaps purchase a bottle or two! 

Enjoy strolling around the exterior, walking along the courtyard, and visiting the old dovecote before wrapping up with a tasting.

Chateau de Nitray Hours: June 1-September 30 from 9 am-12 pm and 2-6 pm. Open from 2-6 pm on Sunday. From October 1-May 31 for groups by appointment only.

Chateau de Nitray Admission: €6 for self-guided visits.

11. Chateau de Brissac is One of the Loire Valley Best Chateaux

1 Rue Jeanne Say, 49320 Brissac-Loire-Aubance

You’ve heard about the most visited and largest chateau of the Loire Valley, but what about the tallest chateau? 

Chateau de Brissac has 7 floors and 204 rooms, earning it the nickname of the “Giant of the Loire Valley.”

This family-owned chateau has actually been in the same family since May 1502! The Duke and Duchess of Brissac still live here with their family! 

Here you can wander through the chateau, enjoying the historic rooms, galleries, and even the Belle Epoque theatre. Oh, and this estate also has a winery where you can enjoy local wine and perhaps purchase some to take home!

Aside from the chateau, you can also wander through the beautiful castle park! 

Chateau de Brissac Hours: Hours vary based on the season. Check here . 

Chateau de Brissac Admission: €11 for adults (includes a visit to the chateau, wine presentation, and the park), €9.50 for students, disabled people, and job seekers, and €4 for children ages 8-16. Free for children under 8.  

PS- From April 15 to October 15, the chateau is available for you to rent a room for the night to stay including breakfast and a tour of the chateau. See details here !

12. Chateau de Clos Luce

2 Rue du Clos Lucé, 37400 Amboise

With roots beginning in the Middle Ages, this chateau was actually built over Gallo-Roman foundations! It was also bought by King Charles VIII to become a royal residence. 

And a fun fact, Leonardo da Vinci was invited here by King Francis I. He spent the last 3 years of his life here and worked on many projects for the king. 

So wander through the chateau along the steps of Leonardo da Vinci. Explore Leonardo’s Park and Garden to enjoy the beautiful trees and plants, and enjoy the giant interactive models around the park built according to Leonardo’s sketches!

Chateau de Clos Luce Hours: January 10 am-6 pm, February-June 9 am-7 pm, July-August 9 am-8 pm, September-October 9 am-7 pm, and November-December 9 am-6 pm. Ticket office closes 1 hour before the site. 

Chateau de Clos Luce Admission: €19 for adults, €17 for large families, job seekers, etc., €13.50 for children ages 7-18 and students, €9 for disabled persons, and free for children under 7. €53 for a family with 2 adults and 2 children, €56 for a family with 2 adults and 3 children, and €58 for a family with 2 adults and 4 children. 

Leonardo Da Vinci and France Exhibition is €5 for adults, €3 for reduced rates, €1 for children 7-18 years old and students, and free under 7. 

13. Chateau Royal d’Amboise

Mnt de l’Emir Abd el Kader, 37400 Amboise

Perched above the town of Amboise and overlooking the Loire River, the Chateau Royal d’Amboise is a thing of beauty. 

The land that the current chateau occupies was once a former Gallic oppidum. The castle was built in the Middle Ages before being taken over by Charles VII in 1434 when its owner, Louis d’Amboise, was convicted of plotting against Louis XI. 

Once it became a royal residence, it was a favorite of the kings of France and was rebuilt by Charles VIII. 

King Francis I was raised here and even invited Leonardo da Vinci to come here to live and work in nearby Clos Luce. Leonardo da Vinci’s grave is even located at the Saint-Hubert Chapel here. 

This chateau was also where King Henry II and Catherine de’ Medici raised their children with Mary Stuart, the Queen of Scotland. 

This place is certainly full of rich history being a royal residence for so long, making it one of the best chateaux of the Loire Valley! 

Today you can enjoy a visit here accompanied by a histopad. Journey through the Renaissance rooms on the ground floor and first floor before exploring the 19th century rooms on the 2nd floor. 

Then, explore the garden and admire the viewpoints from the ramparts. This is a fabulous castle to go to for history and it is in the heart of Amboise, making it an easy castle to visit. 

Chateau Royal d’Amboise Hours: Hours vary by month. Check opening hours here . 

Chateau Royal d’Amboise Admission: €16.40 for adults, €12.50 for disabled adults and their accompanying person, €13.70 for students, €11.20 for disabled students and accompanying person, €10.50 for children ages 7-18, €8.90 for disabled children and accompanying person. Free for children under 7. Large families have a €2 reduction per child, and unemployed have a €2 deduction. Admission includes histopad in 12 languages. 

14. Chateau Royal de Blois

6 Pl. du Château, 41000 Blois

This was once the residence of the Counts of Blois as well as a royal residence. Joan of Arc even stopped by here to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before leaving to fight the English. 

Located in the town of Blois, this is another great chateau in the Loire Valley to visit! Here you’ll find lavish royal chambers and art from the 16th-19th centuries. 

In fact, the Fine Arts Museum is in this chateau on the first floor of the Louis XII wing. So admire the art of the museum as well as wander through the Queen’s Chamber, King’s Room, among many other lavish rooms. 

Explore on your own or via an audio guided tour offered in 8 languages for €3. 

During the spring through the summer, you can enjoy the sound and light show in the courtyard of the chateau! This also takes place from mid-October through early November on All Saint’s Holidays. 

In March, April, and September, it begins at 10 pm, on May-August, it begins at 10:30 pm, and in October-November, it begins at 7:15 pm. 

The light and sound show lasts for 45 minutes and it covers the buildings with light and images! This is a fun thing to do while visiting Chateau Royal de Blois! 

So whether you want to discover the history and views of the chateau during the day or perhaps stick around for the evening show, this is easily one of the most beautiful chateaux in the Loire Valley. 

Chateau Royal de Blois Hours: January 2-March 29 from 10 am-5 pm, March 30-June 30 from 9 am-6:30 pm, July 1-August 31 from 9 am-7 pm, September 1-November 3 from 9 am-6:30 pm, November 4-December 20 from 10 am-5 pm, and from December 21-Janaury 5 from 10 am-6 pm. Closes at 5 pm on December 24 and 31. 

Chateau Royal de Blois Admission: €14 for adults, €10.50 for students, teachers on individual visits, adults with large families, and job seekers, and €7 for children ages 6-17. Free for children under 6 and people with disabilities. 

The sound and light show combo ticket with the chateau is €21 for adults, €17 for reduced prices, and €11 for children between 6-17. Free for children under 6 and people with disabilities. 

15. Fortresse Royale de Chinon

2 Rue du Château, 37500 Chinon

Originally founded by Theobald I, Count of Blois, in the 10th century, in the 11th century it became the property of the Counts of Anjou. 

This fortress in Chinon was then taken over by Henry II of England and became his residence. It then switched hands to the French after a siege in the 13th century. 

During the 14th century, the chateau was a prison for a time. This chateau is also where Joan of Arc met Charles VII to discuss her visions and grant her an army to relieve the siege of Orleans. 

This royal chateau clearly has a lot of rich history, making it one of the best chateaux in the Loire Valley to visit!

There are actually 3 castles that make up the Royal Fortress, which overlooks the River Vienne and the city of Chion: Fort du Coudray, Chateau du Milieu, and Fort Saint-Georges. 

Here you can visit the chateau either on your own, with a histopad, or with a booklet. The histopad is included in the ticket and comes in 9 languages. I personally love histopads while exploring places in France because it shows how it used to look in the day and makes the visit more interactive.

Also, if you want to visit on Thursdays between mid-July and late August, you can enjoy meetings and tastings of AOC Chinon winegrowers! Discover more about the wine grown in this area with local wineries! 

There is plenty to see around the Fortresse Royale de Chinon, and even the impressive fortress is easily visible while in the town of Chinon! 

Fortresse Royal de Chinon Hours: January, February, November, and December from 9:30 am-5 pm (closes at 4 pm on December 24 and 31), March, April, September, and October from 9:30 am-6 pm, and May-August from 9:30 am-7 pm.

Fortresses Royal de Chinon Admission: €10.50 for adults, €8.50 for children 7-18 years old, students, and persons with a disability and their accompanying person, and free for children under 7 years old, job seekers, and journalists.

Map of the Loire Valley Chateaux

Best Chateau Hotels in the Loire Valley

If you’re a lover of chateaux in the Loire Valley, why not stay in a castle hotel? Here are the best chateaux to stay in the Loire Valley! 

Chateau d’Artigny : Feel luxurious at this 5-star chateau hotel in the Loire Valley! This place has 56 rooms either in the chateau itself or in the Pavillon d’Ariane and the Cite des Parfums. This chateau was the former chateau of Francois Coty, a famous perfumer, and was created during the Belle Epoque. Here you can enjoy the lovely park, restaurant, and spa. This place is close to Tours and near chateaux like Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau, Chateau d’Usse, Chateau de l’Islette, and Chateau de Villandry.

Book it here!

Chateau de Rochecotte : Located between Tours and Saumur, this place is close to the chateaux near Chateau d’Artigny and isn’t too far from Chateau de Brissac, which is a bit further from the rest. This place was built originally as a pavilion in the 18th century. Then it was sold to the Duchess of Dino in 1828, who turned it into the place it is today. This 4-star chateau hotel in the Loire Valley has a wooded park, a pool, and a couple of restaurants.

Chateau de Beauvois : This is another great hotel that is located near Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau, Chateau de l’Islette, Chateau de Villandry, and Chateau d’Usse. Originally built in the 15th century, it was partially destroyed during the French Revolution. It has since been renovated after being purchased by La Maison Younan. This place has a restaurant, a bar, a pool, a tennis court, and a private park.

Chateau de Pray : Located closer to Amboise, this is near Chateau Royal d’Amboise, Chateau du Clos Luce, Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau de Nitray, and Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire. This place has a Michelin restaurant, a park, and a pool.

Relais de Chambord : While not technically a castle hotel in the Loire Valley, it is right next to Chateau de Chambord. This means many rooms have views of this magnificent chateau. Feel like royalty at the restaurants, bar, and spa. 

Book it here!  

When to Visit the Loire Valley

The best time to visit the top chateaux of the Loire Valley has to be between May through October. 

May and September/October are the best times to visit for better weather (although this is never a guarantee) and fewer crowds. During the summer months, things can be crowded in places like Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chambord. 

If you’re visiting at that time of year, especially on the weekends, it is so important to book tickets in advance! 

I visited last time in May and it was lovely! The weather was pretty good, although the river was up from flooding from the days prior. And we visited Chateau de Chenonceau on a Monday and it wasn’t crowded at all. We didn’t see large crowds at all during our time there. 

However, in the summertime and on weekends, things can be more packed so plan ahead and book tickets beforehand. 

How to Visit the Loire Valley

The easiest way to see the Loire Valley is to road trip around it! On my recent visit, I spent several days driving around checking out the chateaux and gardens of this place.

I rented a car from Gare de Lyon in Paris and drove! Auto Europe is a great place to check for deals! 

Read my 3-day Loire Valley itinerary here!

Now, if you don’t want to rent a car, that does make an extended visit to the Loire Valley trickier. However, you could base yourself in cities like Tours or Amboise and take the train to various chateaux. 

Tours would be the best place to stay, as it is better connected with trains. From Tours, you could take trains to places near Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau Royal d’Amboise, and Chateau Royal de Blois. 

Honestly, though, I don’t recommend taking a train in the Loire Valley. Instead, you can take tours from places like Tours. Here are some ideas:

• Tour from Tours which includes visits to Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau de Villesavin, and Chateau de Chambord. Book it here !
• Tour from Tours/Amboise which includes visits to Chateau de Chenonceau, Amboise for a tour and wine tasting, and Chateau de Chambord. Book it here !
• Tour from Tours which includes stops at Chateau de Chambord, a traditional village for lunch, and Chateau de Chenonceau. Book it here !

And if you don’t have time for an extended Loire Valley itinerary, you could take a day trip from Paris! Here are some ideas:

• Tour from Paris to Chateau de Chambord, free time in Blois for lunch, and Chateau de Chenonceau. This tour includes a wine tasting at Chateau de Chenonceau. Book it here !
• Tour from Paris to Chateau de Chenonceau, Chateau d’Amboise, and Chateau de Chambord. Book it here !
• Tour from Paris to Chateau de Chambord, Chateau de Chenonceau, and Chateau de Cheverny. Book it here !

Unique Ways to See the Loire Valley Chateaux

We all know that physically wandering around the best chateaux of the Loire Valley and their gardens is one way to see them. But they aren’t the only way! 

Here are some unique ways to see the chateaux in the Loire Valley!

• Cycling: There are plenty of opportunities to cycle around the Loire Valley and stop by chateaux! In fact, you can book a g uided e-bike tour of the Loire !
• Canoeing/Kayaking: Many of these chateaux are near or right next to rivers. This is a great opportunity to canoe or kayak near the chateaux! In fact, you can canoe or kayak under Chateau de Chenoneau’s bridge! We were supposed to do this on our recent visit, but it was canceled due to flooding. This is the company we originally booked through !
• Hot Air Balloon: For an epic sunrise or sunset, you can take a hot air balloon ride over the chateaux of the Loire Valley. Spot Chateau de Chenonceau or Château Royal d’Amboise from above! Book a sunset tour here or a sunrise tour here !

So what are the best chateaux to see in the Loire Valley? Well, there are plenty to choose from! Here are some highlights for your trip! 

Whether you have a full week or just a day, these are the top chateaux of the Loire Valley to check out! 

Would you like to see these chateaux?

Want more France travel ideas? Check out these posts!

• Best Things to Do in Orleans
• Ultimate South of France Road Trip in 7 Days
• Epernay or Reims?
• French Riviera Itinerary in 5 Days
• Nice in One Day
• Best Things to Do in Beaune
• Top France Road Trips
• One Day in Avignon
• Ultimate Paris Day Trip to Versailles
• Exploring the Ochre Trail in Roussillon
• Champagne Tasting in Reims Guide
• Weekend in Champagne Itinerary
• One Day in Annecy
• Perfect Weekend in Dijon
• Best Things to Do in Cassis
• Best Things to Do in Epernay
• 10 Days in France: 10 Ways to Spend 10 Days in France
• 3 Days in Cannes
• 1 Day in Cannes
• Weekend Trips From Paris
• How to Go to Mont St Michel
• France Bucket List
• Normandy Cider Route Guide and 1-Day Itinerary
• Best Things to Do in Deauville
• Normandy Road Trip in 7 Days
• Best Alsace Christmas Markets and 5-Day Trip
• Most Beautiful Cities in France
• One Day in Colmar
• One Day in Strasbourg
• Luberon France Villages Guide and Itinerary
• Day Trips From Annecy
• Things to Do in Grenoble
• Annecy in Winter
• Things to Do in Lyon

Follow the journey!

Signup for exclusive travel tips for France!

Thanks for subscribing! Be sure to check your email to confirm your subscription.

Pin it here!

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Loire Lovers

To awaken your senses in the Loire Valley - Claire & Manu's Blog

The 12 best castles of the Loire Valley (photos of châteaux + tips)

by Emmanuel ROBINSON , Region Lovers | May 1, 2024 | no intrusive ads, no sponsored content, just some affiliate links - if you use them, we get a small commission (read more)

In this article, discover our selection of the 12 most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley.

It is difficult to choose among our list of 103 chateaux , as the Loire Valley is so rich in jewels of Renaissance architecture , remarkable gardens or richly furnished royal houses.

To make this selection, we let our emotions speak to share with you our authentic favorites , classified by level of intensity. We give you all the keys to be seized with wonder during your visits.

Map of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley

Before presenting them all, here is our map to help you find your way:

1. The most beautiful castle of the Loire Valley: Chenonceau

Why did we fall in love?

It's simple, for EVERYTHING! Whether it is its majestic architecture over the cher inspired by the Florentine Ponte Vecchio, its rich and long galleries, or its lush gardens, it is for us the most beautiful castle of the Loire. He is the perfect embodiment of the spirit of the Renaissance, when pomp and circumstance became the norm, when Italian influence permeated France and when a wind of culture blew across Europe.

What to see at Chenonceau castle - our top 3

• Commonly known as the castle above the river, its arches that let the Cher river flow through have made Chenonceau internationally famous and its charm incomparable.
• The 2 large galleries with impressive dimensions (60 meters long and 6 meters wide) let us imagine the banquets, balls and grandiose parties given during the great hours of the castle.
• In an outbuilding of the castle, the Queen's apothecary, open to the (amazed) eyes of visitors in 2019, was not missing. This magnificent achievement celebrates the role in French history of Catherine de Medici, a woman who was King.

Essential practical information

>> Book your tickets

• The castle is open all year round, including holidays. See detailed timetable and prices
• For the guided tours, you will have to turn to an external partner, but it can be worth it as the castle is full of treasures to discover.
• Large free parking lots are available near the castle.
• If the exterior of the castle does not present any particular difficulty , it will be necessary to climb some steps in the castle to reach the first floor and go down to the kitchen. The area is vast and you may travel a few miles during your visit.
• The castle has a light catering offer to be enjoyed in the gardens or along the Cher. You can also opt for a picnic, with several areas along the moat near the entrance. And for the amateurs, it is possible to taste the wines of the castle in the cellar. Outside the castle you have several restaurants and beautiful terraces. We opted for an excellent meal on the go at the well-named Epicerie du bon laboureur !

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit : 4 hours minimum.
• Direction of visit : Before you rush into the castle, take a little field to be mesmerized by the beauty of the castle on the river. Direction the Jardin de Diane , located on the left of the castle, along the Cher river. You can then tackle the interior of the castle . The direction of the visit is imposed and it will be difficult for you to turn away from it. On your way out, catch your breath in Catherine's garden , admiring the other side of the castle. You will then have the leisure to visit the outbuildings and gardens while gradually returning to your car.
• With children : this castle seems to us to be both a must-see but also an experience that can be difficult for young children. Even if they are seduced by the beauty of the place, the size of the castle and the crowds can be a source of tension.
• The extra : classic, but still very effective, is the boat ride on the river Cher to enjoy unique views of the castle.

Read our full article (photos and visit tips)

OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire

• Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
• Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
• Think about full insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
• There is a lot of demand, book it early .

The castle of Azay-le-Rideau is certainly one of the most poetic and romantic of the Loire Valley. The Indre River, which irrigates its moat, offers a mirror of water in which its beautiful renaissance architecture shines. An exceptional work of refurnishing allows him today to present on the first floor a typical decoration of the XIXth century which will plunge you into the aristocratic universe of this tumultuous century.

What to see at Azay-le-Rideau castle - our top 3

• Of course the water mirror which gives the castle its charm and underlines the balance of its architecture typical of the first French renaissance. Although it is believed to have been there since the castle was built, the water mirror has only existed since 1950, when Bernard Vitry, chief architect of historical monuments, decided to widen the Indre branch. Great idea!
• The loggia staircase with its finely decorated ceilings, presenting the portraits of all the kings and queens of France as well as plant words.
• The many remarkable trees in the park of Azay-le-Rideau are the work of Charles de Biencourt, a botanical enthusiast, and his son, who had many exotic species planted in the 19th century.

• The castle is open all year round. See details of schedules and prices .
• Guided tours are offered and last about 1 hour. No registration in advance, but when you arrive at the reception.
• A paying parking lot is at your disposal at a hundred meters from the entrance of the castle.
• The park does not present any particular difficulty, although it is quite large. In the castle, the spiral staircase to access the attic is rather narrow and difficult. The large loggia staircase is not difficult and you can use the beautiful handrail inlaid in the stone.
• The castle offers a small tea room and light food, Le Lavoir , with a pleasant terrace. The town of Azay-le-Rideau is full of good restaurants, including the Aigle d'or which really won us over.

• Time of visit : 2h30 minimum.
• Sense of visit : The most important part of your visit is to let yourself be immersed in the poetry of the castle . We advise you to start by observing the different facades and their rich sculptures. Then take a little distance to observe them in their natural setting by walking in the beautiful English park. Return to the castle to climb the beautiful staircase , looking up to admire the sculptures on the caissons. You'll then have access to the attic and the 15th-century timber frame , before discovering the Renaissance rooms on the 1st floor, and finally the 19th-century rooms on the first floor.
• With children : the castle of Azay-le-Rideau may be a bit crowded for children and not necessarily very accessible, but for us it is a must-see in the Loire Valley. The center of the historical monuments provides a booklet course-games to propose a playful visit.
• Extra tip: the attic is home to a colony of bats belonging to the protected and rare species of the Great Walls. Since they can reach a wingspan of up to 43 cm, they may surprise you!

3. Château de Villandry (and its gardens)

Even if the castle does not demerit, what makes a visit to Villandry indispensable are its gardens redesigned at the beginning of the 20th century according to the layered plans of the Renaissance . To be more precise, what is magical about Villandry is the balance between inside and outside . It's to see how the architecture of the gardens matches that of the castle so that, wherever you are, the view is quite simply exceptional.

What to see at Villandry castle - our top 3

• The different green rooms of the ornamental garden to be admired from the first floor of the castle of Villandry.
• The vegetable garden to be walked slowly to discover its extreme diversity and to be charmed by its multiple colors.
• The Moorish wooden ceiling, a real puzzle of 3600 pieces, bought and reassembled by the owner of Villandry in 1905 during the dismantling of the palace of the Dukes of Maqueda in Toledo, Spain.

• The castle is open from the beginning of February to mid-November, as well as in December. See details of schedules and prices .
• The castle offers guided tours of about 1h15, devoted to the history of the castle and its interior rooms.
• There are large, free parking lots in the village about 200 meters from the entrance to the castle. You can also try to get closer, but the number of places available is smaller.
• No particular difficulty to visit the gardens, except for the distance to cover. If you want to admire the view from the top of the dungeon, you will have to support your knees on the medieval steps.
• The castle has a catering service at the entrance with a light catering formula (sandwiches and pancakes) and a more traditional one at the Doulce terrasse . You know us well enough to know that we took this second option which really surprised us.

• Time of visit : 3 hours minimum.
• Direction of visit : What makes the charm of the gardens of Villandry is their geometric construction and their play of colors renewed season after season. It is therefore necessary to take a little height to admire them. Start with the belvedere which will allow you to see the whole. Then continue with the castle from where you will understand the function of each of the gardens. Finally, take a long walk through the various gardens, admire the many species, get lost in the maze of bower trees and take a light break in the sun garden .
• With children : the gardens of Villandry are a good way to give them some fresh air. The paths are suitable for strollers and a booklet can accompany this discovery for 8-12 year olds. However, the visit is long and the charm of the gardens is not easily accessible. It will be necessary to measure your ambition carefully.
• Here' s the best part: since the castle is not allowed to sell, transform or consume its production, you can pick up the vegetables and fruits that you find on the ground!

WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley

Option 1: Amboise

In the heart of the Loire castles, a charming little town. Nearby: châteaux of Chenonceau, Villandry, Chaumont, Chambord, Cheverny...

• Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien - See prices, photos and availability
• Hôtel Le Manoir Saint Thomas - See prices, photos and availability
• Hôtel Le Manoir des Minimes - See prices, photos and availability

See the best rated accommodations in Amboise .

Option 2: Saumur

To explore the western part, a pleasant-sized town. Nearby: castles of Saumur, Brissac, Chinon, Montreuil-Bellay, Fontevraud abbey...

• Hôtel Saint Pierre - See prices, photos and availability
• Hôtel Château La Marquise - See prices, photos and availability
• Hôtel Anne d'Anjou - See prices, photos and availability

See the best rated accommodations in Saumur

Option 3: In a castle

One of the best experiences to have is to sleep in a castle. There are so many of them in the area that some have been transformed into hotels. It is an unforgettable experience!

• Hotel Château de Chissay , elegant - See prices, photos and availability
• Hotel Château du Rivau , a journey through time - See prices, photos and availability

See our article with our favorite castles to sleep in .

4. Château de Chambord

The Chambord castle is the blockbuster of the Loire Valley. Imposing by its size and its compact appearance, its facades are richly decorated. The rooms of the castle with rich furniture are distributed around the very famous double revolution staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. With its large French gardens and game-filled forests, it is a must for any stay in the Loire Valley.

What to see at Chambord castle - our top 3

• Of course the double revolution staircase (or helix) designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It made it possible to go up and down without ever crossing each other, but also to see and be seen, 2 essential functions in this century where pomp was the rule.
• The terraces offer an incredible view of the park and the surrounding forests, but above all they allow you to admire in detail the roofs and the famous Lantern Tower, the highest point of the castle (56 meters).
• In the northwest tower of the castle, you will find the sober chapel , with its Romanesque vaults of the 16th century and its subtle stained glass windows of the 19th century. A little bit of calm and contemplation, that's good!

>> Book your ticket

• Several large capacity paying parking lots are available within 500m of the castle.
• The castle offers 3 types of guided tours , a playful one for children, one dedicated to architecture and history lasting an hour and a half and finally one to deepen your knowledge, lasting 3 hours! You can also opt for a private tour with one of the external partners.
• Even if the castle does not present any specific difficulty, its gigantic size can be a source of exhaustion even for the most resistant. We can only recommend that you plan your time for this visit.
• For the restoration, there is a trap (which we fell into). You will either have to have lunch at the castle or plan to travel more than 30 km to find a table open on Monday. The castle has 3 offers, a savory and sweet Autour du puits , a more substantial offer at the Café d'Orléans and a gastronomic offer at the Relais de Chambord .

• Time of visit : 1 day minimum.
• Sense of visit : The visit to the castle is an endurance race, even a marathon . Between its large facades, its 60 rooms that can be visited and its vast gardens, you could spend days there. We advise you to cut your day in 2: in the morning the facades, the terraces and the gardens to have an overall view of the castle and its cross-shaped plan. A good lunch break to regain strength. You can tackle all or part of the interior rooms by following the circular logic of the place. If you have any energy left, you can visit the carriage room, with its remarkable collection of horse-drawn vehicles, to finish.
• With children : the castle of Chambord is a must-see that you must have had in your life. But we are not sure it is suitable for all ages, especially because of the length of the tour and the crowds. Only for really passionate kids.
• Extra tip: if you want a more exclusive experience, you can opt for a tour of the reserve with a nature guide. In its game-filled forests, a royal and then presidential hunting ground, you may even have the chance to hear the stag's bellow if you come between mid-September and mid-October.

A LITTLE MORE patience

All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!

If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire , register:

5. Château du Rivau

To offer ourselves an enchanted interlude (visit, dinner and night) at the Château du Rivau was, for us, a truly extraordinary experience . This feudal castle of modest dimensions is set in a remarkable agricultural and botanical setting. Its current owners bring together the best of contemporary design with Renaissance elements in the castle's logis and with nature in the 15 remarkable gardens.

What to see at Château du Rivau - our top 3

• Among the 15 remarkable gardens designed by the owner and her gardeners, we fell under the spell of the beautiful fairy alley dotted with grasses and perennials in perfect harmony with the castle in the background.
• The visit of the different rooms of the dwelling is surprising and daring, but we remained in stop in front of the cabinet adjacent to the room of the lords of Beauveau , in which we can see a Joan of Arc in full meditation.
• Having the chance to sleep in the hotel located in the royal renaissance stables, we were able to enjoy the extraordinary view of the castle, which was rendered silent after the departure of the last visitors. Just magical !

• The castle is open from the beginning of April to mid-November. See details of schedules and prices .
• Guided tours or guided presentations are available. For self-guided tours, an explanatory leaflet is available in about ten languages.
• A free parking lot is at your disposal at about 50 meters from the entrance of the castle.
• The route through the garden is via stony paths that can be slippery in rainy weather but which do not present any particular difficulty. To visit the castle, you will have to take the stone stairs (2 floors).
• The castle offers two dining options, one light at the Table des fées , for a lunch facing the castle, and one gastronomic and fairy tale, in the evening, in the Secret Garden under a glass roof, facing the dwelling.
• The château offers 4 rooms at the Hôtel du Château du Rivau for a truly memorable experience. Here's a look back at this enchanting night. See prices, photos and availability

• Direction of visit : For once, we don't recommend any particular direction . Each part (exterior, interior and gardens) takes you into very different worlds and what binds them together is the magic of the place. There is no chronological or architectural logic to decipher, you just have to let yourself go!
• With children : Château du Rivau is suitable for children. The dreamlike world of fairy-tale gardens can be a source of motivation and interest. And contrary to popular belief, children are often very receptive to contemporary art. Finally, the castle offers various activities to liven up the visit (costumes, book-games, treasure hunt).
• Extra tip: be very careful when arriving near the dwelling, you are entering the domain of the peacocks that like to come and see the visitors and to slip majestically into the castle.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

• Get away from it all with Region Lovers' beautiful destinations!
• Once a month
• Advertising-free

6. Château de Brissac

Imposing by its gigantism , the castle of Brissac carries on its facade all its fragility . Among the highest castles in Europe (48 meters), it has known various fortunes over the centuries and its construction has never been completed. A true living castle, occupied by the same family since 1502, it has never ceased to be transformed according to the fortunes of its descendants.

What to see at Brissac castle - our top 3

• The main facade , called "du Levant", with its two towers strangely joined together and its baroque architecture from the beginning of the 17th century.
• The Pont Rouge walk, which will allow you to admire the castle and its English-style park while following the Montayer stream. A pure moment of poetry!
• The Belle Epoque theater which testifies to the rich artistic hours of the castle and which we owe to Jeanne Say, Marquise de Brissac, in the 19th century.

• The castle is open all year round from April to September and during the French school vacations the rest of the year. See details of schedules and prices .
• Guided tours of 55 minutes are offered on certain days.
• A large parking lot is available 100 meters from the entrance of the castle.
• The castle is not particularly difficult , just a few steps down to the kitchens and into the theater.
• The castle has a tea room , but you will have to prefer the town of Brissac or the neighboring towns to eat (we enjoyed our break on the beautiful terrace of the Petit Manoir in Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance).

• Time of visit : 2h15 minimum.
• Direction of visit : we advise you to start by taking distance from the giant of the Loire, by enjoying its beautiful gardens. Then get closer to these facades and especially to the one on the east side to appreciate the details and finally visit the interior with a guided tour.
• With children : this castle seems to us accessible to children, the visit of the interior rooms is indeed relatively short (9 rooms) and the park is a place where they will be able to spend themselves without danger!
• Extra tip: Beware, it is possible that the castle is haunted by a white lady, Charlotte de Valois...

7. The castle of Ussé

The castle of Ussé is so magical that it inspired Charles Perrault in the 17th century for his prose tale "Sleeping Beauty ". Its harmonious architecture, its human size, its gardens overlooking the Indre, everything is an invitation to romantic reverie . Who knows, maybe you'll meet Prince Charming!

What to see at the castle of Ussé - our top 3

• The construction of the castle having spread over 3 centuries, the architecture mixes medieval and gothic inspiration with the renaissance style. A real patchwork of stones exciting to decipher.
• The large gallery of the castle , once open to the courtyard, now houses a fine collection of 18th-century Brussels tapestries based on the drawings of the prolific painter David Teniers, known as the Younger.
• The dungeon shelters at its top a wax doll reconstitution of the tale "Sleeping Beauty". An opportunity to dive back into this dreamlike universe that rocked our childhood.

• The castle is open from mid-February to mid-November. See details of schedules and prices .
• No guided tour, but possibility to have a visit document.
• Free parking is available at the entrance of the castle.
• The entire park of the castle is on a (modest) hillside, so there is a bit of a natural slope . In the castle, you will have to climb the grand staircase designed by François Mansart (architect of the castle of Blois). And to access the tale of Sleeping Beauty, plan an ascent of the dungeon for a spiral staircase.
• The castle does not have any catering facilities, but you will find a light catering facility (sandwiches, quiches, salads and waffles!) right across the street.

• Time of visit : 2 hours minimum.
• Direction of visit : We recommend that you start at the castle. After going through the main rooms, you will be able to access the dungeon which will plunge you into the world of Sleeping Beauty. Thus put in condition, you will be able to walk in the gardens designed by Le Nôtre, to admire more closely the frontages and to let you carry by the romanticism of the place. Don't forget to visit the beautiful renaissance chapel and the stables during your walk in the park.
• With children : the castle of Ussé is clearly one of the best castles of the Loire Valley to do with your children. In addition to the pleasure of discovering the famous Sleeping Beauty castle, they will have a complete overview of castle life in a short visit time.
• The trick: for Easter, a big egg hunt is proposed with the exclusive presence of the Princess!

DON'T MISS THE BEST CASTLES IN the Loire Valley

• The most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
• The most beautiful gardens
• Where to stay in the Loire castles : unforgettable hotels!
• The best Loire castles to visit with your family
• Chambord or Chenonceau : our comparison
• itineraries: weekend - 3 days - 4 days - 5 days - 1 week
• Castles around Blois , around Amboise , around Saumur , around Tours , around Angers and around Nantes .
• or our list of over 100 Loire castles

8. Château de Serrant

The castle of Serrant is not the most famous of the Loire castles, but it is for us, one of the most richly furnished of all the Loire. These treasures are the result of the successive owners who have never separated the furniture from the castle. You will be able to admire splendid pieces of marquetry , magnificently reconstituted rooms , but especially let yourself be bewitched by the exceptional library (one of the most beautiful we have ever seen) and its 12000 books.

What to see at Serrant Castle - our top 3

• Without question, the library which mixes 12000 books including some rare editions with game furniture (billiards, backgammon...). An English club atmosphere dedicated to words and leisure. The only thing missing was a glass of whiskey to make the experience perfect...
• The chapel dedicated to Saint Michael and designed by Jules Hardouin Mansart , who designed the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. A particular atmosphere emanates from the place which shelters the monumental mausoleum of the Marquis de Vaubrun sculpted by Antoine Coysevox (major sculptor of the reign of Louis XIV).
• The monumental staircase whose architecture is reminiscent of Azay-le-Rideau, with its many richly sculpted caissons.

• The most beautiful rooms, including the library, are only accessible on guided tours , and it is more prudent to book your visit in advance.
• No particular difficulty in this castle. The monumental staircase provides smooth access to the first floor.
• The castle offers coffee and drinks to be enjoyed in front of the castle on a pleasant terrace, but no restaurants. A nice picnic area is also available inside the park.

• Sense of visit : what must condition your visit is your guided tour slot. It is the key to access the treasures of the castle, including the library and the luminous Belle Epoque dressing room of the Duchess. Depending on your choice, start with the chapel which will immerse you in the atmosphere and history of the castle. Ideally, follow the guided tour and then visit the open-access rooms. Then take a well-deserved breath in the English park
• With children : the castle of Serrant can be interesting to initiate your children to the art of living in a castle and the constraints of everyday life. The castle offers educational sheets to accompany this discovery.
• Extra tip: the castle offers several times a year a murder party inspired by the novels of Agatha Christie. A unique opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the castle.

9. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire

The Chaumont-sur-Loire estate is internationally known for its garden festival . Since 1992, it has brought together the best of contemporary creation in the field of gardens and landscape design in the world. The site is just incredible, with its 15th century castle that seems to turn its back on the Loire River to address nature. The historic park built at the end of the 19th century is in harmony with the landscape, while the 13 perennial gardens and the 24 propositions of the festival take you into a plant trance sprinkled with contemporary art .

What to see at Chaumont castle - our top 3

• The remarkable trees of the landscaped park and its beautiful views of the Loire and the castle.
• The magnificent council chamber in the castle with the so-called Majolica tiles, dating from the 17th century, and the Hanging of the Planets and Days, woven in Brussels in 1570.
• The permanent gardens created by one of the greatest French landscape designers of the moment, Louis Benech, who takes us on a true tour of the world of plants.

• The castle is open all year round, but the garden festival only runs from mid-April to early November. See details of schedules and prices .
• No guided tour, but possibility to have a visit document for the castle and the Garden Festival.
• No particular difficulty to visit the gardens, except for the distance to cover (benches available to catch your breath). In the castle, a steep spiral staircase is required to access the first floor.
• The castle has a restaurant offer in the outbuildings and near the castle: a gastronomic one, the Grand Velum , light catering with the Comptoir des Tilleuls and the Café du Parc , and take-away sales with L'estaminet. The estate has just opened a hotel-restaurant, the Bois des Charmes , on the theme of art and nature.

• Direction of visit : We advise you to arrive by the Loire and see how the castle dominates the city. In the domain, start with the castle which visit will be quite quick and will give you some keys to understand the domain and its history. You will thus better appreciate the layout of the landscaped park created by the Prince de Broglie at the end of the 19th century. The visit of the gardens starts with the festival gardens, before getting lost in the perennial gardens of the Pré du Goualoup designed by the French landscape architect, Louis Benech.
• With children : the Chaumont estate may be suitable for children, although it is unlikely that you will be able to keep them interested throughout the 37 gardens on offer (or else they have the vocation!). The distances are reasonable unless you get lost in the landscaped park.
• The trick: in mid-September, the domain welcomes the best plant producers in France to allow you to reproduce the festival gardens at home (or at least to buy the plants that compose them).

10. Château de Saumur

The castle of Saumur is for us one of the most majestic castles of the Loire. On its rocky spur, it proudly dominates the city and the royal river which flows below. The view from its belvedere is just magnificent. Exceptional witness of the centuries and its outrages, it will take you through the rich hours of the dukes of Anjou-Valois .

What to see at the castle of Saumur - our top 3

• The view of Saumur and the Loire from the top of the belvedere is breathtaking. The blue of the river contrasts with the white of the tufa stone of the facades in a truly harmonious whole. You can see 39 km around!
• To go up to the belvedere you will take a double helix staircase . Contrary to what is often claimed, this type of staircase was not invented by Leonardo da Vinci for the castle of Chambord. The Italian master perfected it and above all gave it an aesthetic vocation that was absent from the saumuroise version.
• The magnificent tapestry "Les enfants jardiniers", woven in 1718 at the Manufacture des Gobelins, on the basis of cartoons drawn by Charles Le Brun, official painter of Louis XIV.

• The castle is open all year round, but usually closed on Mondays. See details of schedules and prices .
• Three guided tours are offered: one devoted to the architecture of the site, another to the second floor of the museum and finally, our favorite, the one that will allow you to access the belvedere.
• The castle of Saumur has many steps and the floor is not always perfectly even. The ascent to the belvedere is done by several stairs rather narrow and in bad condition. For knees in good condition only!
• There are 2 restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the château, L'Orangeraie and Le Terrier du Château, next to the parking lot. You can also take the time to walk down the small and pleasant streets (10 minutes) and have lunch in the city center.

• Direction of visit : To enjoy the castle of Saumur, you must arrive by the Loire, by the left bank and admire it from the Pont des Cadets. You can then go up to the castle either by road or through the small streets of the city center. Ideally (and if your knees allow it) reserve your time to climb the belvedere, which is only accessible on guided tours. The visit of the castle is merged with the visit of the museums, the 2 being intrinsically linked. On the 1st floor, the decorative arts with its remarkable tapestries, on the 2nd floor, the horse collection under a beautiful frame. If the weather is hot, take the time to go down to the cellar to enjoy its exceptional coolness.
• With children : the castle of Saumur can be visited with children. Not the most characteristic of the Loire, but quite collected and with a nice diversity in the topics covered that may help to maintain their attention.
• Extra tip: around the castle, you will be able to admire 1400 vine plants, with 3 grape varieties: chenin, cabernet franc and chardonnay. The students of the Pisani high school in Montrueil-Bellay are the ones who use them. For many years, the wine of the castle was served in all the official events of the city!

11. Château de Cheverny

Like many young French people, we grew up with the Tintin comics created and drawn by Hergé. We could not fail to include in our list of the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley, the castle of Cheverny which directly inspired the famous castle of Moulinsart property of the tempestuous captain Haddock. But besides the exhibition dedicated to the famous comic book, the park is truly remarkable and inspiring.

What to see at Cheverny castle - our top 3

• The body of the castle of Cheverny itself which inspired the castle of Moulinsart, there is only to remove the two side pavilions and you will recognize it! Hergé was also inspired by the decor and interior furnishings for his plates.
• In the park, let yourself be tempted by a visit in a cart and then in a boat that will allow you to admire the many remarkable species, especially the 157 Atlas cedars , but also the bald cypresses of Louisiana (we missed their beautiful red colors by a few days...).
• You can't miss the permanent exhibition, "The Secrets of Moulinsart " which offers a life-size reconstruction of the rooms of the castle of Moulinsart (in Chevenry, do you follow?)? A great opportunity to revise your Tintin. At the end of the tour, you will see how the people of Chevenery inspired the famous Belgian cartoonist!

• Guided tours of the interior of the castle are offered, lasting 45 minutes.
• The castle has 3 large free parking lots for visitors. If you feel lucky, try P1 which is the closest to the castle.
• The castle offers light meals at the Café de l'orangerie and provides picnic areas ideally located along the canal.

• Direction of visit : Start by admiring the exterior of the castle and on the north facade play the game of 7 differences with the castle of Moulinsart. Then, go to the park and join the departure area for the electric boats and cars. After your tour, head for the exhibition room "The Secrets of Moulinsart" with a quick stop at the castle's kennels (tricolored Anglo-French dogs) and especially in the beautiful bouquetier vegetable garden. If you still have some energy left, you can finish your visit with the interior of the castle.
• With children : the castle of Cheverny is well suited for children. Even if they don't know Tintin (yet), they should be interested in the immersive exhibition in the world of Moulinsart and they will appreciate the visit by car and electric boat in the heart of nature.
• The best part: it is probably the only castle to have an authentic "insect hotel " not far from the vegetable and flower garden! Bzzz....

12. Château de Valençay

This rather imposing renaissance style castle, with its square pavilion and its towers with an imperial dome , could have been just one of the many castles of the Loire. But it enters the history of France at the beginning of the XIXth century after its purchase by the Prince of Tayllerand , one of the greatest French foreign ministers who served no less than 6 regimes in the heart of a troubled period of French History. Richly furnished and refurbished, it offers a real immersion in the life of the castle when the Minister Tayllerand officiated with the Emperor Bonaparte.

What to see at Valençay castle - our top 3

• In the King of Spain's room , you can admire a beautiful empire set, but also a Louis XVI style bed specially made for the future king of Spain Ferdinand VII. On the walls, the wallpaper in grisaille is splendid.
• The prince was very attached to the art of the table and to gastronomy, and the dining room , which could accommodate up to 36 guests, remains a model of its kind. Having had the opportunity to dine at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a previous life, we can assure you that the attachment of our diplomats to "French service " remains intact.
• In the forest, we particularly liked the natural ballroom that hosted groups of dancers, including the Spanish princes in captivity.

• The castle is open from mid-March to mid-November. See details of schedules and prices .
• Guided tours of the castle and the theater are offered. You can even opt for a "speed visit" if necessary!
• Free parking is available outside the castle, especially at the tourist office, which is located about 100 meters from the castle.
• The walk in the park is not difficult, especially since you can use an electric cart to discover the forest and its various remarkable elements. The castle is also easy to access, you will just have to climb up one floor and down 2 to reach the kitchens, but with wide stairs.
• The castle offers a restaurant-tea room , the Orangeraie , to restore you in the spirit of Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand. A picnic area is also available in the park.

• Direction of visit : The main interest of the castle really lies in the interior and its exceptional furniture. The rooms follow each other naturally, until the visit of the wine cellar. If you're exploring the gardens and forest, opt for one of the electric carts that will take you to the farthest reaches of the castle. Before leaving the town of Valençay, make a stop at Talleyrand's tomb, 5 minutes from the entrance of the castle, at 6 rue Talleyrand.
• With kids : Not sure if your kids will spontaneously enter the immersive experience inside the castle, but they will have a free audio guide suitable for 7-13 year olds, as well as game books from 4-12 years old. A great effort!
• Extra tip: if you are lucky enough to come in September, you can attend one of the early music concerts given as part of the Talleyrand Festival in the castle's small theater.

The 12 most beautiful Loire castles on video

Why not take a virtual tour before reading the article?

PLAN YOUR TRIP IN Loire Valley

The castles of the Loire Valley

• Best châteaux in the Loire Valley
• Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley
• Best family castles
• List with over 100 castles

Other places to explore

• Best things to do in the Loire Valley
• Most beautiful towns along the Loire
• Most beautiful villages
• Most beautiful gardens
• Best things to do in Nantes
• Things to do in Angers
• Best things to do in Saumur
• Things to do in Tours
• Things to do in Amboise

• Where to stay in the Loire Valley
• See our tips for renting a car in Nantes , Angers , Tours , CDG , Orly or Beauvais ...
• How to get to the Loire Valley - article to come
• Itineraries: 3 days - 4 days - 5 days - 1 week
• Weekends: unusual

HE MADE THE TRIP AND WROTE THE ARTICLE Manu

The 10 commitments of region lovers.

• Visit all the places we tell you about.
• For each city, sleep in at least one hotel, visit the ones we recommend.
• For each city, eat in at least one restaurant, visit the ones we select.
• Pay all our bills in full, refuse any partnership or sponsorship.
• Update our articles periodically, with the help of our readers.
• Enrich our articles with our on-site experiences.
• Use 99% of our own photos
• Have a reasoned and transparent use of the AI tool, which we feed with our locally verified information.
• Inform about the traveler/writer pairing that gave birth to the article.
• Tell you what we do, and do what we tell you!

Claire and Manu

Learn more about the team and our history.

SEARCH OUR SITE

Our multi-destination blogs.

Regionlovers.fr

ZigZagroadtrips.com

OUR OTHER REGIONS TO DISCOVER

LoireLovers.fr

NormandieLovers.fr

ProvenceLovers.fr

CanariasLovers.com

CHANGE LANGUAGE

Mentions Légales / Conditions d’utilisation / Politique de confidentialité

Most popular inspiration

Most popular experiences

Most popular destinations

Most popular itineraries

Travel bucket list idea:

10 Must-see Chateaux of the Loire Valley

Loire Valley, France

Loire’s strikingly beautiful chateaux are a rich architectural legacy, left by the French royalty and bourgeoisie in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Some were built originally as feudal strongholds, but most as lavish summer residences set amid beautiful game-filled forests, close to the centre of power in Paris.

Many were ransacked or destroyed during the French Revolution, and some are still private homes, but many others are open to the public as hotels and museums.

Who to go with: tour operators

Chateau angers.

Angers, Pays de la Loire, France

Bucket List Experience

A mighty medieval fortress with 17 stone towers, home to a collection of medieval tapestries including the vast, 103m-long Apocalypse Tapestry , woven for Duke Louis I of Anjou in 1375.

Adult price: £5

Good for age: 18+

Chateau Azay-le-Rideau

Azay-le-Rideau, Centre-Val de Loire, France

A perfect fairy-tale castle, built in 1527, with historic portraits, tapestries and carved four-posters that beautifully capture the Renaissance lifestyle. One of the Loire’s most beautiful and romantic chateaux.

Adult price: £8

Chateau Beauregard

Cellettes, Centre-Val de Loire, France

Intimate Renaissance chateau famed for its fine gardens and outstanding portrait gallery of 327 kings, emperors, sultans, generals and other celebrities, from the 14th to the 17th centuries.

Adult price: £11

Chateau du Breze

Saumur, Pays de la Loire, France

Beneath this attractive Renaissance and neo-Gothic chateau is a remarkable 9th-century fortress, a troglodyte labyrinth complete with drawbridge, stables, and guardrooms. The chateau is also known for excellent wines, which you can taste in Les Caves de la Comtesse de Colbert in the chateau grounds.

Adult price: £10

Chateau Chambord

Chambord, Centre-Val de Loire, France

The largest chateau in the Loire, and the most excessive of all King François I’s architectural ventures, this 16th-century Renaissance colossus contains an astonishing 440 rooms, 84 staircases, more than 800 sculpted columns and a forest of fantastical chimneys.

Its centrepiece is the spectacular double helix staircase, designed, it is thought, by Leonardo da Vinci, but it also houses an outstanding collection of 4,500 items of furniture, tapestries, antiques and objets d’art.

Chateau Chenonceau

Chenonceaux, Centre-Val de Loire, France

Chenonceau is widely known as the ‘ladies’ chateau’, owing to the succession of extraordinary women integral to its history.

Built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, it was given by Henri II to his mistress, the legendary beauty Diane de Poitiers, before his widow Catherine de Médicis grabbed it back after his death.

It was then inherited by Louise de Lorraine, wife of Henry III, the third son of Catherine of Medicis. After Henry III’s assassination, a traumatised Louise de Lorraine turned to prayer, becoming known as ‘the white lady of Chenonceau’. Last, but not least, it was saved during the French Revolution by then-owner Madame Dupin, who managed to reason with the mob.

The Loire’s most visited chateau can feel overrun, yet remains magical for the sheer ingenuity of its spanning the River Cher, for its fine late Gothic and Renaissance architecture, and for outstanding collections of furniture and art.

Chateau Cheverny

Cheverny, Centre-Val de Loire, France

Built in 1624-30, this chateau is still lived in by descendants of the original owners and builders, the Hurault family. Unlike the Renaissance style of many Loire chateaux, here you are firmly in the comforts of Louis XIII classicism, amid lavish panelling and fine tapestries.

The chateau is regarded as being one of the most richly decorated and furnished; the interiors have remained largely untouched, with an impressive assortment of furniture, tapestries, weapons and other artefacts that reveal six centuries of family history.

The chateau still maintains a kennel of more than 100 hounds, in keeping with a strong hunting tradition. You can visit them all day, but the main spectacle is feeding time at 5pm, or 3pm in winter months.

Pair a visit here with some excellent wine tasting at the Maison des Vins near the entrance. Visit in spring to see a rainbow of over 250,000 tulips. Seven gardeners work all year round on this natural display.

Adult price: £12

Chateau Oiron

Oiron, Centre-Val de Loire, France

Beautiful 16th-17th century chateau with Renaissance murals and packed with curiosities – a brilliant encounter between a beautiful old building and an adventurous collection of contemporary artworks.

Adult price: £6

Chateau Royal Amboise

Amboise, Centre-Val de Loire, France

Poised imposingly above the Loire River, Amboise today may be only a fraction of its original size, but it still gives the feel of a royal residence.

First constructed under the reign of Charles VIII in the late 15th century, it became a favoured place of residence for French kings and queens from then on until the 19th century. The website lists the long list of illustrious guests and their biographies that stayed here.

Today you can wander from vaulted medieval guardrooms with suits of armour to tapestry-hung halls, to the red silks and mahogany of Restoration monarch Louis-Philippe. Interactive multi-media exhibits and audio guides in English on iPads bring the castle’s history to life. The occasional balcony or roofs offer panoramic views across the region fit for a king.

Chateau Royal Blois

Blois, Centre-Val de Loire, France

Around a grand courtyard famed for its Gothic staircase, four furnished wings reflect the 17 monarchs Kings and Queens who lived there. It’s a miniature history tour all packed into one, with architecture going from the Middle Ages to the 17th century.

Gardens of Chateau Villandry

Villandry, Centre-Val de Loire, France

Considered by some to be the world’s most beautiful garden, the grounds of this UNESCO-listed chateau are a must-see.

Created and owned by the Carvallo family, the terraced Renaissance gardens include an ornamental garden, with sculptured hedges, a medicinal herb garden, and a tranquil water garden.

The undisputed star of the show, however, is the stupendous kitchen garden, transformed into a geometrical feast of cabbages and pumpkins, zigzags of leeks, patches of peppers and other colourful vegetables.

Getting there & doing it

It’s easy to visit the chateaux independently. You’ll need a car (or bike) to get between most of them, although some of the greatest chateaux, including Blois, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau, Chinon and Angers, can be reached by local train services. Booking is not required – you can just turn up.

When to do it

The bigger chateaux are open all year around, though smaller ones may close in winter (generally November to February). Opening times vary by chateaux and season.

Who to go with: organised tours

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Loire Valley Day Tour Chambord and Chenonceau plus Lunch at a Private Castle

Rating 4.92 / 5 [248 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

Day Tour of Chateaux of Chenonceau, Chambord & Caves Ambacia from Tours/Amboise

Rating 4.56 / 5 [89 ratings]

Loire Valley Tour Chambord and Chenonceau from Tours or Amboise

Rating 4.84 / 5 [38 ratings]

Loire Valley Castles VIP Private Tour: Chambord, Chenonceaux, Amboise

Loire Valley

Rating 4.8 / 5 [30 ratings]

Loire Valley Half Day : Villandry and Azay-le-Rideau from Tours

Rating 4.72 / 5 [29 ratings]

You may also like…

‘La Loire a Velo’ cycle route

• Skip to main content
• Skip to header right navigation
• Skip to site footer

Luxury Travel Blog

The Unpretentious Guide to Luxury Travel

Loire Valley castles itinerary, the best French chateaux to visit

This post may contain affiliate links.

Table of Contents

If you’re wondering how to visit the French chateaux of the Loire Valley, look no further. Here is everything you need to know to plan your Loire Valley castles itinerary, including the best chateaux to see, where they are and how to get there.

Loire Valley castles itinerary – what you need to know

Exploring the fabulous castles of the Loire Valley is one of the highlights of a trip to France. Less than two hours southwest of Paris, these historic chateaux  were once the haunts of kings, queens and noblemen, and only Versailles can top them for grandeur. With elaborate gardens, graceful architecture and lavish interiors, these sumptuous – and sometimes formidable – castles can tap the imagination of even the most jaded traveller.

But how do you know which chateaux to see or how to get there? Don’t worry. Help is at hand.

What are the best places to visit in the Loire Valley?

The best castles to visit are generally considered to be Chambord , Amboise , Cheverny , Blois and Chenonceau , but there are more than forty others and it’s worth seeing some of the lesser-traveled ones, too. It all depends on your time, budget and castle stamina.

To give you some travel ideas, here is a self-guided Loire Valley itinerary that starts in Orleans and travels down towards Tours, taking in the top chateaux in the area. It’s a relaxed pace (this is your vacation, remember?) with plenty of time to roam on your own. After all, there are wineries, walking paths and scenic towns to explore.

You can easily condense this travel plan down by a day or more. The goal? To help you plan your trip and take some of the confusion out of visiting the top Loire Valley castles. Just beware of castle burnout!

Visiting Paris? Check out my easy Paris travel guide .

What this Loire Valley itinerary includes

• The city of Orléans
• Chateau de Meung-sur-Loire
• Domaine de Chambord
• Chateau Royal de Blois
• Chateau de Cheverny
• Chateau de Chenonceau
• Chateau d’Amboise
• Chateau du Clos Luce
• End near Tours with Chateau Villandry

How to get around

• Driving: Driving is the most convenient way to see the Loire Valley chateaux. You can rent a car in Paris or Orléans and wander through the byways, grand country palaces and wineries at will.
• Public transportation: It’s more time consuming but you can see the top sights using a combination of train, bus and/or taxi. While this itinerary is designed as a driving trip, you’ll find public transport tips for the Loire Valley castles below.
• Take a tour: Another easy way is to do a day tour from Paris or from one of the Loire cities such as Orléans or Tours.
• Day trip from Paris: You can’t see all the Loire Valley castles in a day if you’re using public transportation, but if you want to do a day trip to a particular chateau such as Chenonceau, Chambord or Amboise it’s possible.
• Cycling: Cycling the Loire Valley chateaux is hugely popular and there are bike trails to many of the chateaux. You can rent a bicycle in Orléans, Blois or Tours for example. I haven’t done it ( it’s on my list! ) but there is an entire Loire a Velo route that is 900 km. The Blois to Amboise route and Amboise to Tours routes have been particularly recommended. An electric bike is an option as well.

Where is the Loire Valley?

The Loire Valley is in the centre of France, a lush river valley of soft greens and fertile fields. Known as the Garden of France, it sits at a strategic point between the north and the south, stretching out for about 280 km (170 miles) along the beautiful Loire River. No wonder it has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city of Orléans is about 125 km southwest of Paris, while Tours, further south, is approximately 235 km from Paris. Between Orléans and Tours are the towns of Blois and Amboise and some of the most popular French chateaux.

Let the Loire Valley castles itinerary begin

Day 1 from paris to the loire valley.

(Note: If you’re pressed for time you can skip Day 1 altogether and head straight to the Chateau de Chambord which is, quite honestly, unmissable.)

Getting there: Paris to Orléans. Drive or take the Intercity train from Gare d’Austerlitz in Paris to Orléans. The train takes just over an hour. Take some time to explore Orleans. Famous for Joan of Arc, the heroine who liberated the city during the Hundred Years’ War, Orleans has a picturesque Old Town, a cathedral on Place Sainte Croix with stained glass illustrating the life of Joan of Arc and romantic gardens on the southern edge of the city called Parc Floral de la Source.

You can rent a car from there. Want to stay overnight? Try the Empreinte Hotel in Orleans, a chic 4-star with a central location, a spa and a contemporary decor. 80 Qaui du Chatelete, 45000 Orleans. Tel: 33 (0) 2 38 75 10 52

If you’re eager to get on the road, move on to Chateau de Meung-sur-Loire.

Afternoon at Chateau de Meung-sur-Loire

Start off your castle exploration with a lesser-known Loire Valley chateaux, Chateau de Meung-sur-Loire, a 30-minute drive southwest of Orléans. (16 Place du Martroi, 45130 Meung-sur-Loire.) Once the residence of the Bishop of Orléans, the castle has been rebuilt numerous times, with the oldest parts dating back to the 1100s. It was occupied by the British in the Hundred Years’ War, but retaken by Joan of Arc in 1429.

The chateau stands out because of its unique two-faced personality – one facade is medieval and the other is classical. Other highlights (or lowlights) include the underground passages and dungeon where the famous French poet Francois Villon was once held prisoner.

Drive to Chambord

If you’re not staying overnight in Orleans, move on for dinner and overnight at La Maison d’à Cote , 17 Rue de Chambord, 41350 Montlivault, about an hour’s drive from Orleans. Tel: 33 (0) 2 54 20 62 30.

The Loire is the Garden of France, so you might as well make the best of it and try the gourmet fare at the hotel’s Michelin-starred The House, which focuses on the best local products and ingredients. A simpler alternative is the hotel’s more casual Cote Bistro.

Day 2 – Morning at Domaine de Chambord

The Chateau de Chambord is the undisputed king of the Loire Valley chateaux. It’s a gleaming white Renaissance chateau that is mammoth, glorious and pretty much empty inside – but don’t let that stop you – this is probably the most visited and imposing of all the castles in the Loire. At reception you can pick up a Histopad to discover the chateau’s secret rooms and see how they would have looked back in the reign of Francois I, when 1800 workmen slaved for more than a decade to build it up from a simple hunting lodge to the mightiest of chateaux.

A standout feature is Chambord’s double helix staircase. It was designed by the artist Leonardo da Vinci, who Francois I lured over from Italy (and who brought the Mona Lisa with him). The beauty of this masterful staircase is its two spirals, which means that a king and his mistress could be going up while a queen and her lover could be going down and never the two couples shall meet. (I’m just kidding. No need to point out this never happened … I’m just saying it would be handy).

Also worth noting are the formal French garden and the vast grounds, the Domaine de Chambord, 5540 hectares of oak groves, pine forests, moors and marshes.

Stop for a snack at Biscuiterie de Chambord.  It’s right near the castle so ideal for sampling their specialty, palet solognot , which are light butter biscuits stuffed with grapes and soaked in rum. I loved the raspberry and chocolate pear flavours. 30 bis, route de Chambord 41250 Maslives.

Afternoon at the Chateau Royal de Blois

With four wings of different architectural styles: Gothic, Flamboyant Gothic, early Renaissance and Classical, the Chateau Royal de Blois is a popular stop on the French castle trail, and only a 30 minute drive from Chambord. A favoured residence of no less than 10 queens and seven kings, Blois Chateau has a royal (and grizzly) history. Don’t miss the King’s Bedchamber where the Duke of Guise was murdered at the orders of King Henry III in 1588, a terrible fallout of the Wars of Religion. (Henry III himself would be murdered by a fanatical monk less than a year later.)

Other rooms to visit include the Queen’s Bedchamber where the notorious queen, Catherine de Medici, took her last breath in 1589. In the Council Chamber you can see a series of paintings illustrating the Wars of Religion.

Drive to Cheverny

For a home away from home stay overnight at the suites at Domaine de Cheverny, modern luxury vacation apartments that back right onto the chateau grounds. 11, avenue du Chateau, 41700 Cheverny . Tel: 33 (0)2 54 79 05.

For dinner try Les Trois Marchands, a comfortable bistro that has been serving classic French food in the little town of Cours-Cheverny since 1850. 1 Place Victor Hugo, 41700 Cour-Cheverny, France.

Day 3 Morning at Chateau de Cheverny

Chateau de Cheverny has gone to the dogs, but that’s okay. The 100 hunting dogs are as much part of chateau life as the grand salons, twin towers and exquisite interiors of this much eye-catching castle. What is special about Cheverny is the warm atmosphere created by the aristocratic owners who still live in one wing, and its interior is unparalleled. It was also the model for Captain Haddock’s Chateau Moulinsart in the Tintin comic series. An interactive exhibit with scenes from the comics in a separate building is good family fun.

While you’re there, don’t miss the chance to taste some of the Loire Valley’s renowned wines. You can do a high tech tasting across from Chateau Cheverny at Maisons du vin de Cheverny  1 Avenue du Chateau, 41700 Cheverny.

Afternoon at Chateau de Chenonceau

Drive to the Chateau de Chenonceau in Touraine (about 45 minutes). It’s hard not to fall in love with the graceful Chateau de Chenonceau . Known as the Ladies Castle, it’s a fairytale vision of turrets and peaks with an arched bridge over the River Cher. Beloved by both the mistress of Henri II, Diane de Poitiers, and his wife, Catherine de Medici, Chenonceau was wrestled out of Diane de Poitiers’ hands after the death of the king by Catherine, who put her own stamp on the castle by adding a gallery and a three-level addition to the bridge.

Drive to Amboise

Amboise is an appealing town about 2o minutes drive from Chenonceau. It’s not too big, not too small, and for my next trip to the Loire Valley I’d consider making it my base. For overnight stays you could try the Chateau des Arpentis , a chateau with a private park, 12 luxury guest rooms and a heated pool, or opt for something right in town such as the Manoir St Thomas , a chateau-style B&B with an outdoor pool.

Day 4 Morning at Chateau Royal d’Amboise

The popular Renaissance castle, the Chateau d’ Amboise , is famous for its connection to Leonardo da Vinci who moved to the town of Amboise to escape a turbulent Rome in 1516. Located right above the Old Town, this large French chateau overlooks the Loire River and was of such strategic importance that Charles VII appropriated it after its owner, Louise d’Amboise was accused of treason. In a bizarre tragedy, Charles VII would then go on to hit his head on a lintel of the castle – an accident that ended his life.

Don’t miss the chapel on the castle grounds that houses the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.

Stop for lunch at the cozy Bigot Cafe and patisserie. You’ll find it right at the bottom of the ramp that leads down from the castle exit. 2 rue Nationale, 37400 Amboise.

Afternoon – Visit the Chateau du Clos Luce

Just 400 metres from the Chateau d’Amboise is the Chateau du Clos Luce, the stately manor that Francois I provided for Leonardo da Vinci. The 16th-century building of red brick and local tufa stone is built on a much smaller scale than the royal Chateau of Amboise, but it still comes complete with ramparts, a watch tower and chapel. The interior has been restored to it’s rich Renaissance glory, while exhibits both inside and on the grounds offer a peek at the life and ideas of this brilliant master artist and inventor.

Drive to Tours

Tours is about 25 km from Amboise so not a long trip. If you want to stay overnight in Tours, La Maison Jules B&B is designer chic and located conveniently near the train station. 45 rue Jules Simon 3700 Tours 33 (0) 6 83 84 71 22. Another option is the elegant Hotel Oceania .

Day 5 Chateau de Villandry

Tucked in between the Loire and Cher Rivers, the Chateau de Villandry is famous for its three-level gardens, a refreshing mix of lime trees, fountains, reflecting pools, herbs, vegetables and themed areas including the Music Garden and the Garden of Love. One of the few Loire Valley gardens open year round, it’s a top chateau stop for lovers of greenery and only a 20-minute drive from Tours. The chateau itself was completed in the 1500s and was the last great Renaissance chateau to be built along the Loire.

Depart for Paris

If you’re taking the train from the Loire Valley to Paris, you can catch the TGV (high speed train) from the Gare de Tours.

Loire Valley Itinerary travel tips

How to see the Loire Valley by public transportation

If you combine these ways to see the Loire Valley castles by public transport below, you’ll see most of the top chateaux. Or, mix and match the routes below to create your own Loire Valley chateau itinerary.

Option 1: Base yourself in Blois

From Blois you can take the Navette Chateaux excursion bus. This is a seasonal bus that does a Circuit des Châteaux from Blois train station (Gare SNCF) and stops at four different chateaux: Blois, Cheverny, Chambord, and Beauregard. The cost is 6 euros for a day pass and includes a small admission discount for the chateaux. The bus leaves from Blois-Chambord train station every day from the beginning of April to beginning of November at 9:30 and 10:10 am.

• How do you get to Blois-Chambord from Paris? You can take a train from Gare Austerlitz. The fastest train to Blois-Chambord is direct and takes just under an hour and a half.

Option 2: Base yourself in Amboise

Base yourself in Amboise. Chateau d’Amboise is right in the town, as is Close du Luce. You can take a direct bus from Amboise to Chenonceau. Visit the Tourist Information Centre in Amboise for more information.

• How do you get to Amboise from Paris? You can take a train from Gare Austerlitz. The fastest train is direct and takes 1 hr 22 minutes.

Option 3:  Base yourself in Tours

Stay in Tours to visit Chateau de Villandry. You can drive or take a taxi to the chateau, which is outside the city. A cheaper alternative is to take the Fil Bleu shuttle bus to the chateau that goes daily in July and August. To get to Chenonceau from Tours, you can take a TER train that leaves Tours and stops outside the castle entrance.

• How do you get to Tours from Paris? A high speed TGV train leaves from Paris Montparnasse Station for Tours. It only takes 35 minutes.

Getting from Orleans to Tours by train : A regional train travels from Orleans to Tours (or vice versa) with stops in Blois and Amboise.

Can you see the Loire Valley castles from Paris in a day trip?

Yes, but not many of them unless you do a tour. Here are a few examples:

Paris to Chateau de Chenonceau: The fastest train from Paris to Chenonceau is 1 hr 46 minutes and requires a change at St-Pierre-des-Corps. The chateau isn’t far from the train station.

Paris to Chateau de Chambord : You could take the train from Paris Austerlitz station to Blois-Chambord. It takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, and then you could take the shuttle from the station to Chambord, which runs from April to November. Otherwise it’s about a 25 minutes taxi ride.

Paris to Chateau d’Amboise: The fastest train from Paris to Amboise is 1 hr 22 minutes but the average travel time is closer to 2 hours. There are a few direct trains but most require a change in St-Pierre-des-Corps so check the schedule before you go. The chateau is right in town.

Doing a day tour of the Loire Valley castles from Paris Get Your Guide has a number of tours (I’m an affiliate). You can access the search page for Loire Valley day tours here .

Entrance price for Loire Valley castles as of 2018. (High season)

• Chateau de Meung 9€ adult; student 7.50; child 5; under 5 is free
• Chateau de Chambord 13€ adult; under 18 is free
• Chateau de Chenonceau 14€ adult; children 11, under 7 is free
• Chateau d’Amboise 11.70 € adult; student 9.20; child 7.20; under 7 free
• Chateau Villandry 11€ adult; children and students 7€; under 8 free
• Close du Luce 15:50€ adult; children 11€; under 7 free

When is the best time to visit the Loire Valley chateaux?

If you’re travelling by public transportation, it’s easier in spring, summer and fall as the special shuttles are seasonal. Christmas in the Loire Valley Chateaux is magical, with each castle outdoing itself with the festive decor.

Check the chateau websites for opening times as they change during low season.

I was invited by  Atout France and  Val de Loire Tourism who arranged this fabulous Loire Valley castles itinerary for me, but all opinions and castle love is my own. Visit their websites to help you further plan your Loire Valley trip. For more places to explore visit my Things to do in France page.

About Carol Perehudoff

A former freelance travel columnist for the Toronto Star, Carol has won more than 30 writing awards and honours. A spa and luxury travel expert, she’s written for top travel publications around the globe.

Reader Interactions

I cannot believe I missed such fantastic places on my visit to Paris few years ago. I would’ve really loved to visit Chateau Royal d’Amboise, just look at the architecture of that place! And also, Loire Valley. I am such a castle-lover, these places should’ve been the obvious ones to include in my itinerary. Well, I guess I don’t have a choice but to return one day and explore France better!

I saved this article as soon as I read the word ‘castle’ on the title. That shows how much I love castles :)) While I think Paris is beautiful, on each visits I couldn’t wait to getaway from the hustle bustle big city and prefer to explore the country side. That’s why I really love the detailed Loire Valley castles itinerary you shared here. With just a mere 2 hours away, I can get my daily dose of castles fixed, haha! I’m particularly interested in The Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau. Thanks for sharing this, Carol!

That is an amazing post on the castles of Loire Valley. Each one is simply amazing in grandeur and architecture. We would love checking all of these while doing a roadtrip. Your pictures are amazing.

I was there during the Christmas season, Rosemary, and the decorations were unbelievable, especially the flowers.

Yes, our Loire Valley trip was beautifully organized by the Val de Loire tourist board so I thought I would make use of the itinerary and share it.

Thanks, Linda. I hope it’s a helpful guide.

A road trip, a valley, and French castles – you are giving me a serious bout of wanderlust. I agree, Chateau de Chambord is the undisputed king of the Loire Valley castles. The palet solognot from the local bisquiterie sounds delicious too. Thanks for the tips for seeing the castles by public transport or on day trips from Paris but a 4-day road trip sounds much nicer.

These chateaus look absolutely delightful fairy tale setting. When I visited these castles several years back, it was a little haphazard and unplanned way. Your post sounds like a wonderful guide. Definitely useful one.

This is a great guide of the Loire Valley. Iv’e been there several times and have not visited even half of the castles you mention here. You are right about castle burnout. The goal is to take each one at a time and fully appreciate it’s unique history. Great tip about going during the Christmas season. For some reason, I thought they would be closed. Good to know they are not for my next trip to valle de la loire.

Thanks Danik. Road trips in France are the best. I agree.

Hi Alouise, I wrote this Loire Valley itinerary because a reader asked how to get around the area and what to see, as she wanted to go but didn’t know where to begin. I hope it comes in useful to visitors to France.

Hi Susan, Your comment makes me want to do a travel article on the homes of Catherine de Medici! My husband and I rented a car in the Cevennes, a mountainous area of France and while some of the mountain roads were hairy, it was a great experience and you wouldn’t have the problem in the Loire Valley. It depends on how comfortable you are driving.

These castles in the Loire Valley look beautiful. I love the detailed itinerary you gave, including public transit information. It seems like five or six days is the perfect amount of time to tour the Loire Valley and not get castle burnout (something I didn’t believe in until I went to Ireland).

Hi Carol! These chateaus look absolutely fairy tale dream-like. I have an obsession with Catherine de Medici and to explore a place that she called home would be so amazing yet eerie at the same time. I’ve never driven in France, do you think it would be difficult to feel comfortable driving around the French countryside to explore the valley?

I love doing road trips in france and checking out castles on the way, espeically north of Paris and surrounding the capital. They are truly amazing. However I haven’t touched the Lorie Valley and now I want to get in my car and get out there. France really does do it for me. Love your photos and my lips are wet looking at this.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of follow-up comments by email.

Notify me of new posts by email.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

US Edition Change

• US election 2024
• US Politics
• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Rugby Union
• Sports Videos
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos

Food & Drink

• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Lifestyle Videos
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Inspiration
• City Guides
• Sustainable Travel
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Home & Garden
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Electric vehicles
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

The best chateaux to visit in France’s Loire Valley

Grandeur awaits along one of france’s great rivers in the shape of manicured gardens, hills strewn with vineyards and elegant abodes, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Think of the French countryside, and you think of chateaux. They come in as many different styles as there are pastries in Paris , from medieval fortresses to fairytale castles, royal palaces to lovely country manors, but in all you’ll find a rousing sense of history and culture.

They can be found all over the country, but nowhere has such a dense collection as the Loire Valley , the slow-paced, beautiful region of France that seems to embody art de vivre. So dotted with chateaux is it, that a large stretch of the area is listed as a Unesco world heritage site in honour of its great architectural monuments. For any holiday here, by campervan or car, hiking or two-wheeling, chateaux are inescapable, much like the great food and wine tastings – together, they're a quintessential Loire experience.

From the pinnacle of the French Renaissance chateau to lesser-known (and petite) outposts, and offering activities from wine-tasting through to spas, here are some of the best chateaux to visit in the Loire Valley.

Chateau de Villandry

This imposing country pad was the last major Loire chateau built during the Renaissance, when Jean Breton – one of King Francis I’s ministers – transformed a feudal fortress by bringing in a swathe of Italian and French architectural elements: decorated pilasters, the steep sloping roofs and a gallery with arcades. Owned by the same family since 1906, tours take guests through restored salons filled with vintage Spanish art and collections charting the family’s history; the 15th-century Hispano-Moorish ceiling in the drawing room, brought back from Toledo, Spain , in 3,600 pieces and put together over 12 months, is an unexpected delight.

Villandry’s six landscaped gardens are the real showstopper. A vast of kitchen garden laid out in geometric shapes is tended to by a team of gardeners who get down to trim the edges by hand, and is best seen from the rooftop, while paths lead to slightly – but only just – less-formal patches of cascading blooms and rows of lime trees.

Read more on France travel :

• Escape to the Chateaux: Why you should book a trip to the Loire Valley
• France travel guide: Everything you need to know before you go
• Where to go camping in France: Eight of the best coastal campsites for a beach holiday

Chateau du Rivau

Join the peacocks and roam freely. There’s some formality around the grounds here, but overall it’s shot through with a less-than-serious eccentricity, especially with the modern art: a caged merry-go-round horse, trees equipped with huge metal legs, a giant pair of Wellington boots. The do take the flowers seriously, with 12 separate gardens (all inspired by literature) and a collection of more than 300 types of roses. Art is also a priority for owner Patricia Laigneau, who curates exhibitions inside the fairytale castle; work by Fabien Verschaere, Cat Loray and Frans Krajcberg has previously been featured.

As for the chateau itself, it’s bijou compared to some in the Loire but as enchanting as the gardens. Its history weaves in tales of royal marriages and Joan of Arc, but today it is a lovely, unassuming place to lay your head. Dine on refined French cuisine using ingredients from the garden where possible, paired with local wines, at the Le Jardin Secret restaurant.

Rooms available from {{#price}} {{price}} per night {{/price}} {{^price}} Check availability for dates and prices {{/price}}

Rates provided by Booking.com

Hotel Amenities

Health & wellbeing, chateau de valmer.

When is a chateau not a chateau? When it’s been destroyed by a fire, as happened to Chateau de Valme in 1948. On the foundations are walls of hedges of various heights, which replaced the ruined walls that remained after the blaze. So instead of a period property, visit to gaze over La Brenne Natural Park – the 300-acre estate sits on a slope facing it – and the Renaissance terraced gardens, vineyard and ancient trees.

The vines that surround the gardens grow in clay-limestone soil, which allows all the elements of chenin grapes to shine through. The wines produced here, such as the Touraine rosé and the vouvray, are made for chasing the long summer sunsets, and pair wonderfully with herbs and flowers from the kitchen garden. Ask to see the semi-buried cellars for a peek at vinification.

Chateau Louise de La Valliere

For something that truly transports you back centuries – think the Grand Siècle, the reigns of Louis XIII and XIV – head for Château Louise de La Valliere, which opened following a multi-year, top-to-toe refurbishment at the end of 2022. Much of the property dates back to the 16 th century, and was for a long time used by local lords when they ventured out of Tours (the city is now a 30-minute drive away).

Interior designer Jacques Garcia has done a brilliant job in bringing together period furnishings with sensitive anachronisms, plus grand paintings and tapestries, and there’s an injection of camp courtesy of the staff’s period costumes. The spa, with heated pool and treatment rooms, is thoroughly modern though. If you’re on a wine odyssey through the region, there are four tasting sessions each week – booking is essential.

Chateau de Chambord

This is the symbol of the Renaissance, certainly in the Loire Valley, and it’s simply magnificent. The design blends medieval forms with distinctly French styles of the 15 th to 17 th centuries, so bastion towers dominate the corners of the central keep but the roofscape has Italian and Leonardesque influences (it’s said that when King Francis I commissioned Chambord, he wanted it to look like the skyline of Constantinople). Inside, the double-spiral staircase at the centre is a piece of architectural theatre where you can see others walking up (or down) but never pass them. In total, there are more than 800 sculptured columns to be found.

Nine of the rooms have been digitally restored, meaning visitors can rent a HistoPad tablet to see how they would have looked at various points in history. Explore the wooded park when you’re finished with the chateau – the green space and game reserve spans around 13,000 acres, which is larger than central Paris. This chateau is a true monument to French elegance and splendour.

Chateau de Fontenay

The roots of this chateau , on the banks of the Cher river, stretch back to 1680 but the original structure was lost to a fire during the Franco-Prussian war two centuries later. Fortunately, it was later rebuilt almost exactly as the original – which is how you’ll find it today. Wine’s the big draw – the estate produces wine from its 30 acres of vineyards, with all varieties made using traditional methods (and the final product allows the Loire’s “history-infused terroir to be expressed”, they say). Visitors can tour the vines, wineries and cellars,

There are four rooms for guests inside the chateau – featuring marble fireplaces, traditional country house furnishings and views over the grounds – with a breakfast menu filled with produce from the estate (eggs, juice, jams and patisserie) included. There are also former outbuildings that have been refurbished into cottages.

Read our reviews of the best Paris hotels

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Want an ad-free experience?

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

14 Most Beautiful Chateaux of the Loire Valley

By Spencer Leasca · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The Loire Valley is home to some of the most beautiful chateaux in France.

These majestic castles and palaces were once the playgrounds of the wealthy nobility. But they are now open to visitors to admire their stunning architecture, magnificent gardens, and rich legacy.

Overall, more than 300 castles are nestled in the region’s rolling hills and medieval towns. Each has its own stories – often involving motives like passion, treason, greed and murder – that offer glimpses into a bygone era of French elegance and sophistication.

When visiting France , it is worth stopping at a few chateaux in the Loire Valley to gain a more in-depth feel of their role in the region’s history. Outlined below are some of the most notable of them.

14. Château d’Ussé

The Château of Ussé inspired the classic fairytale Sleeping Beauty, which French author Charles Perrault wrote. For this reason, it is often called Sleeping Beauty’s Castle.

Initially a medieval fortress, it has a history dating back to 1,000 AD when a Viking warrior called the Devil of Saumur built a fort on the site. In the 15th century, it was partly rebuilt to incorporate Renaissance features such as elegant chimneys and a quaint courtyard.

Its medieval towers, dormant windows, and breathtaking setting near the River Indre and Forest of Chinon have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

While the castle is very Instagrammable from the outside, make sure you visit the inside of it too. There you will visit the dungeons, where much of the story of Sleeping Beauty revolves.

13. Château d’Azay le Rideau

The Château d’Azay le Rideau is one of our favorite castles as it blends both French and Italian architectural styles.

It also has a terrific location, on an island in the Indre River, around water that reflects its exterior.

The castle was built under King Francois’ patronage, replacing an ancient fortress. However, it was left incomplete, resulting in a unique L-shaped exterior.

The castle has a fascinating history and has played a significant role in wars gone by. It was restored with love and care by the French Centre for National Monuments, resulting in captivating interiors and beautiful facades made of tuffeau stone.

Interestingly, the castle also boasts the oldest surviving staircase of its type in France – the Escalier d’Honneur. While its walls also display several vibrant artworks of French royals, adding to their historical charm.

12. Château de Saumur

The Château de Saumur is a stunning medieval castle in the quaint town of Saumur. Visiting it is a must for history and architecture enthusiasts, as it boasts a fascinating history spanning several centuries and a terrific design.

Over the years, it has been a prison and an armory, among other things. Today, it is open to the public as a museum, showcasing its impressive collection of weapons, furniture, and art. Visitors can explore the castle’s towers, walls, and ramparts, which showcase stunning views of the Loire Valley . They can also go on guided tours that provide in-depth information about its history and architecture.

Additionally, the Château de Saumur hosts various events throughout the year, including medieval festivals and equestrian shows, which only add to its allure and appeal.

11. Château de l’Islette

The Château de l’Islette resides in the embrace of the River Indre. It is renowned for being where the passionate love affair between Rodin and Camille Claudel took place.

This romance inspired Claudel to create her masterpiece, ‘La Petite Châtelaine’ here. Visitors can view a bronze reproduction of it within the château.

Constructed in the early 16th century, the Renaissance château boasts a rectangular main building flanked by two impressive towers. A rampart walk with machicolations also encloses it. On a guided tour, you can stroll through the living spaces and rooms where the current owners reside. There you will witness a wonderful blend of history and modernity within its interior decoration.

After touring the castle, visitors can rent out row boats and enjoy picnics by the riverside.

10. Château d’Angers

The Château d’Angers is a historic castle located within the city of Angers. This impressive fortress was built in the 9th century and has been expanded and renovated many times, making it an architectural masterpiece.

Visiting the Château d’Angers is a unique experience, allowing you to step back in time and explore the castle’s development and history.

It is home to various exhibits, most notably a tapestry museum that features the famous ‘Apocalypse Tapestry’. A stunning work of art, still in excellent condition that dates back to the 14th century.

Whilst there, you can also check out the castle’s towers, walls, and moat, which offer breathtaking views of the city and the surrounding countryside. It is worth bringing binoculars with you to appreciate the incredible scenery fully.

9. Château de Blois

For the sheer beauty of its architecture, the Château de Bloisis is one of our favorite castles to visit.

Comprising a range of building styles from the middle ages to 17th century, the castle immediately impresses upon entering it, with a majestic statue of a king on horseback. It’s a nice way to be welcomed!

Inside, its stunning Stateroom also captivates with its vibrant artwork, period furniture and intricate designs. While the Architecture Room displays original sculptures from the château grounds.

Within the castle walls, restoration works have revealed a blend of four distinct architectural styles. They include a 13th-century medieval fortress and Gaston of Orlean inspired Classical Wing, which you can see at close quarters.

Should your visit coincide with late summer evenings, you may also want to attend the château’s ‘son et lumière’ – a captivating theatrical performance.

8. Château de Villandry

The Château de Villandry is one of the more family-friendly castles within the Loire Valley.

It is well-known for its exceptional gardens, which include the magnificent Renaissance Gardens. These landscaped lawns are like works of art, with ornamental floral gardens etched into intricate patterns by neat hedge boxes, a water garden, and orangeries.

They also offer a children’s play area, veggie gardens and a lovely terrace area which showcases tremendous views of the magnificent castle.

Built-in 1536, the interior of the château is also noteworthy. It features a fabulous oriental-style drawing room and gallery artwork display that will hold your attention. Similarly, the incredible Louis XV staircase, intertwined with the Michel-Ange de Castellane’s initials, will also leave a lasting impression on you.

7. Château du Clos Lucé

A stunning pink-bricked castle that overlooks lush green lawns, the Château du Clos Lucé resembles something from a storybook. It is famously known as being the home of Leonardo da Vinci during the final years of his life.

The castle dates back to the 12th century, and the château primarily acts as a museum that showcases 40 models of machines designed by da Vinci. We found the displays fascinating as they provided an insight into the achievements of this brilliant polymath.

While touring inside, visitors can gain an insight into da Vinci’s personal life by exploring his study, kitchen, bedroom, and a tiny chapel that conveys frescos his admirers created. You can also check out his art studio, which is brought to life by a fascinating audiovisual production.

6. Château de Sully-sur-Loire

The Château de Sully-sur-Loire is a magnificent castle that stands out like an island in the River Loire.

Initially, the castle served as a defensive outpost on the left bank of the Loire in the 12th century. But over the years, it has changed ownership several times and endured war, fires, and even German occupation during WWII.

The Sully family, a prominent French family, once also called it home. A giant marble statue of the first Duke of Sully in the Outer Courtyard commemorates this.

The oldest preserved feature in the castle is the Keep, or Grand Château, which dates back to the 14th century. The building also houses some unique treasures, including the château’s impressive barrel-vaulted ceiling – the Tenture de Psyché tapestry – which was created in the 14th century.

5. Château de Cheverny

If you’re planning a trip to the Loire Valley, you should visit the impressive château just outside of Blois.

This hunting palace, built by architect Jacques Bougier between 1620 and 1640, showcases the pioneering French style that emerged during the reign of Louis XIV.

As one of the first châteaux open to the public, it’s renowned for its stunning tapestries, furniture collection and objects d’art.

What we like most about it is its interior, which features a 3D depiction of famous stories. They include the Chambre du Roi, adorned with five tapestries that portray the fascinating story of Ulysses.

The dining room is also exquisite and features 34 wooden panels depicting Don Quixote’s tale. If you enjoy storytelling in any form, you’ll love visiting the Château de Cheverny.

4. Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

The Château de Chaumont is a stunning castle on a hill surrounded by a lush park. It was rebuilt a few years after Louis XI ruthlessly had it burnt to the ground in 1465.

This grand home, which once served banquets for the crowned heads of Europe, is now a museum where visitors can explore every inch of the incredible estate.

Visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view of the Loire from the ‘north wing’ and works of incredible architecture, such as the stunning Pepperpot riding school.

Its art gallery displays one of the best collections of ‘one-off’ medallions by Jean-Baptiste Nini’s in France. At the same time, the chateau is also known for its yearly garden festival, a colourful showcase of garden art and contemporary landscape design.

3. Château d’Amboise

The Château of Amboise boasts a stunning view of the River Loire. It is another castle you can see reflected in tranquil waters.

Originally constructed to be a strategic viewpoint during the Neolithic period, it first garnered distinction when King Clovis of France battled the Visigoths for it in the 6th century.

Throughout the years, the château has transformed from a fortress to a royal residence, ultimately becoming a beloved landmark in France. Although restoration work has been ongoing since the 19th century, the castle remains a popular destination for visitors.

Its garden is seamlessly integrated with the castle, and a 3D re-creation of the château’s history can be found in the Orangery.

A captivating light and sound display named ‘The Prophecy of Amboise’ is also held in the summer. It brings to life the court of Charles VIII in a fabulous multi-sensory experience.

2. Château de Chenonceau

The spectacular Château de Chenonceau is one of France’s most fascinating Renaissance and Gothic architecture mixes.

Constructed in the early 1500s by Thomas Bohier, the château is now a historical site. Notably, it spans the River Cher on an iconic bridge, making it an unbelievable photo opportunity.

Whilst inside, the guards’ room will attract you the most, with its 16th-century fireplace and tapestries. It also showcases exposed ceiling joists which bear the mark of ‘C’ for Catherine de Medici.

Little touches like this provide visitors with a fascinating glimpse into the history of the castle as a ‘ladies château’. During which time many prominent women have restored, protected and shaped the integrity of the building.

With a long and fascinating history, exquisite artworks and furnishings, and gorgeous gardens, the château is a place you’ll want to explore fully.

1. Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord is regarded by many as the Loire Valley’s most impressive château, and it’s easy to see why.

The largest château in France, it was built by King Francois I in 1519 as a hunting lodge and to impress foreign dignitaries.

Whilst we don’t place ourselves in that category, what we love most about touring this castle is that it features a really cool HistoPad. This device provides an immersive virtual reality experience of each room’s original design.

The castle was built in the French Renaissance style with a unique architecture, including its famous double-helix staircase, which allows you to ascend without crossing paths with anyone on the other side.

Additionally, 800 crowned salamander sigils on the stone ceiling and intricately woven tapestries documenting the king’s hunting expeditions provide deeper insight into the history of this famous castle.

Map of the Chateaux of the Loire Valley

Share this post:

5 Most Beautiful Chateaus in France

20 Top Attractions & Things to Do in Strasbourg

17 Best Places to Visit in France

29 Top Tourist Attractions in France

16 Best Things to do in Montpellier, France

8 Most Awesome Places to Stay in France

14 Beautiful Photos of Mont Saint-Michel

10 Most Beautiful National Parks in France

17 Best Cities to Visit in France

18 Top Tourist Attractions in Lyon, France

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Best Chateaux in the Loire Valley, France

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.

I was worried about getting castle fatigue while visiting the Loire Valley castles. Happily, I was proven wrong. Each chateau offered a totally different experience. I would have visited more chateaux in the Loire Valley if I had time. To experience the best of the Loire Valley, this is the perfect destination for a short road trip from Paris and can easily be done in a weekend. Read on for the best Loire castles I visited and advice on how to best explore the Loire Valley.

This post contains affiliate links , If you make a purchase through these links I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you!

Table of Contents

How to Visit the Loire Valley

Using a rental car.

I visited the Loire Valley as part of a road trip, you can read about my Loire and Normandy itinerary here. Renting a car in Paris and driving to the Loire Valley is going to give you the most flexibility in exploring the Loire Valley. If you have the time to spare, it’s definitely worth spending a few nights.

I used Discover Cars to find the best deal on a car as I could easily compare between prices for local and international rental companies.

By Hot Air Balloon

From Amboise, there are hot air balloon rides that will take you over either Chennonceau or Villandry castle. It’s definitely a bit of a splurge but a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see the Loire Valley from above.

Tours from Paris to Loire Valley Chateaux

If you don’t want to rent a car or only have time for a day trip, consider joining a day tour of the Loire Valley. It would be best to book these before your trip as they do fill up. This tour of the Loire Valley from Paris looks amazing as you get to view three chateaus and includes lunch.

Tours from Amboise to Visit Chateaux

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.

If bus tours don’t appeal to you, some chateaus are reachable using bikes. Chateau Chenonceau can be reached by bike and is only a 3-hour loop of biking from Amboise.

When to Visit Chateaus in the Loire Valley

I visited in late summer and had fantastic weather and found that it wasn’t too crowded. For the best experience in the Loire Valley visit in spring (April-June) and Autumn (September-October). It gets very hot during summer (July-August) so it won’t be as nice to explore the gardens of the chateaus.

How Long to Spend in the Loire Valley, France

While it is possible to visit and see some castles of the Loire Valley on a day tour, I highly recommend spending at least one night in the area. There are so many different chateaux to see and the area is perfect for spending a couple days leisurely driving around and enjoying the relaxing pace of the countryside.

Best Places to Stay in the Loire Valley

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. Great experience staying in this smaller town.

I stayed at Hôtel Le Blason which was perfectly placed in Amboise to walk to the local sights. It’s a great budget hotel and I would stay there again. The downside is that not all rooms have AC. Here are some alternative places to stay that will suit any budget:

Shoestring : Hotel Lanex is affordable, walking distance to everything, has AC and includes a buffet continental breakfast. Budget : Chaptal Hotel looks affordable, centrally located and has great reviews for being quiet and having AC. Luxury: Le Manoir Les Minimes would be my pick. It’s got gorgeous rooms, a terrace to sit in and rooms have views of the Loire River and Chateau d’Amboise

Another luxury pick is Le Clos d’Amboise . This mansion is close to Clos Luce, Leonardo da Vinci’s home. The rooms here look seriously gorgeous and there is a sauna as well as an outdoor heated pool.

Saumur looks like a great place to base yourself to visit chateaus in the lower Loire Valley. It’s closer to chateaus like Chateau d’Anger, Brissac, and Usse. Saumur also has its own turreted chateau that sits above the town. Shoestring: Citotel le Volney looks like a fantastic budget hotel with A/C located right in the heart of Saumur. Budget : Anne d’Anjou Hotel and Spa looks like a great place to stay. Some of the rooms are in the original style from the late 1700s and it’s possible to book a room with a river or castle view. Luxury: Demeure de la Vignole is located 9km outside of Saumur but offers up such a unique experience it should be considered. Some of the rooms at the hotel are carved out of the rock so there are “cave rooms” and there’s an indoor heated swimming pool carved out of rock.

Loire Valley Chateaux Map

Most Beautiful Chateaux 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. Since then, it has housed many famous ladies including Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. Touring Chenonceau will give you a background to the history it had with all the ladies that lived there as you tour the bedrooms and gardens of the chateau.

One of the more interesting rooms is actually the kitchen. It’s a huge area that has a butchery and pantry. It definitely has a working feel to it and it’s easy to imagine how busy the kitchen would be when it was working.

The gallery of Chenonceau is a long hallway extends over the River Cher. It’s 60 m long and has been used to host parties in the past by famous women like Catherine de Medici. In the First World War, the gallery was used as a hospital for wounded soldiers. Apparently, one of the things the soldiers would do to pass the time was to tease the fish that lived in the river below. Chenonceau also played a role in the Second World War. The gallery was used to escape occupied France. One side of the river Cher was occupied while the other was free so resistance members could use this to pass between the two territories.

The fascinating history to be learned inside Chateau de Chenonceau as well as two huge flower gardens, a maze, and a vegetable garden gives visitors lots to do. It’s easy to spend a few hours here.

You can purchase your tickets to Chenonceau in advance here . A unique way of experiencing Chateau Chenonceau is to take a hot-air balloon ride above the castle.

Seeing Chenonceau for Free

If you aren’t interested in visiting and only want a view of the castle, it is possible to do. I do highly recommend going into the chateau though as it is a great experience.

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.

Chateau Villandry

Most people visit Villandry to see the phenomenal gardens. When you visit, you can choose to pay to visit the gardens or to see both the gardens and chateau. When I visited I chose to only visit the gardens because of time constraints.

Villandry was bought by Joachim Carvallo in 1869 who had a desire to restore the gardens to their Renaissance state. The effect at Villandry is gorgeous. To start with, you stroll through nine huge vegetable gardens. The vegetable gardens are each done up with geometric patterns to make them beautiful as well as functional. After the vegetable gardens, there are an herb garden, arbors with grapes, a maze, and a children’s play area. There’s also an enormous water garden surrounded by lime trees.

A small walk up the belvedere and woods gives you a view of the most gorgeous of the gardens, the ornamental garden. Villandry’s ornamental garden can only be appreciated from above. There are four of them and they each represent a different type of love. Tender love, passionate love, flighty love, and tragic love. It’s worth visiting Chateau Villandry just to experience the gardens and the care that has gone into developing the grounds.

You can purchase tickets for Villandry here .

Chateau d’Usse

Chateau d’Usse is a beautiful fairytale-like castle that sits on a hill over the Loire Valley. Again, visiting Usse will give you a totally different experience than either Chenonceau or Villandry. Chateau d’Usse is best known for being the inspiration behind Sleeping Beauty’s castle. The author, Charles Perrault, wrote the story while he was staying at the castle. Indeed, the turrets of the chateau do have a fairy-tale feel to them.

The tower has been reserved for telling the story of Sleeping Beauty. It’s probably one of the most child-friendly chateaus because of it. Even as an adult I enjoyed the effort that went into this display. Walking through the tower shows you different rooms where mannequins and props are set up to show the story of Sleeping Beauty. It’s well done and enjoyable to read the story.

My favourite part of the tour was actually walking through an old attic area. It wasn’t part of the story but there were assorted old objects there and it was interesting to see the exposed beams.

Inside the other parts of the chateau, there are traditional furnishings and artwork to tour. They also have a collection of clothing from different time periods that they display on a rotating basis. It was 1920’s clothing when I visited and it was very interesting to see the different dress styles.

Chateau d’Usse doesn’t sell tickets online but you can check prices here .

Seeing 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.

Chateau d’Amboise

Chateau d’Amboise sits above the town of Amboise on a rocky outcropping. It’s impossible to miss this castle if you visit Amboise. This chateau was at one time a residence for King Louis VII of France and was also where King Francis I was raised.

The most interesting part of Amboise castle’s history is the Amboise conspiracy. While the castle is gorgeous now, in 1560, between 1200-1500 corpses were hung on hooks outside the Amboise chateau to punish those who stormed the castle and plotted to abduct the king. The Amboise conspiracy is one event that led to the French Wars of Religion.

History aside, to get the best view of the castle, go across the river so that you can see the River Loire and Amboise castle. To get the bridge into the castle, walk alongside the shore in either direction from the bridge.

Chateau d’Angers

Chateau d’Angers is completely different than the previous chateaus. Unlike the others, it isn’t in a rural setting at all but right in the middle of the city of Angers. I ended up wishing I had allotted more time to see this castle as it has some very interesting artifacts and exhibits inside.

The castle in Angers is one of the older chateaus, the site has actually been occupied since the Stone Age (12,000 years ago!). Chateau d’Angers is really more of a fortress and was built in the 13th century for royal troops. It’s also very large at nearly half a kilometre long and has 17 towers. These massive towers of slate and limestone are very impressive to see.

Inside the Chateau d’Angers it’s worth seeing the Apocolypse Tapestry. The tapestry is kept in a temperature and light-controlled room and is an impressive 100 m long. Afterward, walk through the different exhibits of the castle. There’s an emphasis on the holy wars fought in France as well as on Joan of Arc. The long history of Angers is very interesting to learn about. It’s also great to walk along the parapets of the castle and get a view from the top of the walls.

I spent an hour here but wish I had given myself 2 hours. The city of Angers also looked nice to explore. Chateau d’Angers looked the most handicapped friendly as they had elevators in place to view the Apocalypse Tapestry as well as ramps within the castle grounds.

You can purchase tickets to Chateau d’Angers here .

Seeing Angers Castle for Free

Because it is in the middle of the city, you can walk around the whole exterior of Chateau d’Angers for free. Parking is paid but there is a free public washroom.

Best Castles in the Loire Valley

While I can see how it’s possible to get castle fatigue, the Loire Valley has a variety of castles to choose from, each offering something different to experience. If you choose carefully, you can vary your experience so it’s more than just castle after castle.

Make sure to leave some space in your itinerary as the Loire Valley is a great place to explore slowly, leaving room to find hidden gems.

Like this? Share it on Pinterest!

Similar Posts

3 Days in Galway, Ireland

Caminito del Rey, Spain: Hiking a Formerly Dangerous Path

Kvernufoss, Iceland: Finding the Hidden Waterfall

Spain’s Costa Tropical: La Rijana Beach

Hiking Katholiko Bay and Monastery, Crete: Akrotiri Peninsula’s Hidden Gem

Day Trip to Mostar and Kravice Waterfalls, Bosnia

31 comments.

Wow look at those beautifully trimmed gardens – stunning!

I can’t even imagine how many hours go into maintaining the gardens. Everything is so meticulously cared for, it’s very impressive.

Love this post, Brianna! Though I lived in France for over 2 years I never made it to La Loire Valley and all of the chateaux! It looks so beautiful. I must go back!! xx Bri

That’s too bad you missed out on the Loire Valley when you were living there but I’m sure you got to see some beautiful places. Now you have an excuse to return!

All of these castles look incredible – I’d want to visit them all! I’m planning a trip to Paris soon and I’ll have to make sure to include a day trip to the Loire Valley in my itinerary!

I hope you get a chance to visit the Loire Valley from Paris! My only regret is not spending longer in the Loire Valley

Hot air balloning over the chateaux has been on my bucket list for some time. Your beautiful photos have just pushed it higher up the list! It looks amazing.

It would be so fun to hot air balloon over Chenonceau. The landscape is just so beautiful and peaceful there I imagine seeing it from above would be really fun

I love when places surprise you! I had that on my trip to Scotland, I was worried all the castle and ruins would blur into one (they didn’t!) After reading your guide now all I want to do is make a trip to the Loire Valley!

Thank you! It was great to be surprised. Scotland looks amazing and there are quite a few castles and ruins I would love to see there. I imagine it has a bit of a different vibe than the Loire Valley

I visited the Loire Valley as a child and i still remember how breathtaking the Chateaux were. Reading this blog makes me want to go back and visit again and this will be a perfect guide!

I can imagine that visiting castles as a child would be a lot of fun. A lot of them seem fairly child friendly if you skip out on some of the more museum like parts.

Beautiful guide, and so useful. I actually adored the Chateau Angers myself.

Thank you! Chateau Angers is so impressive, I couldn’t believe how imposing it looks.

You know, I don’t think I have ever considered castle fatigue! I always love visiting castles, although I am more used to the ruins than anything quite this fancy! I guess if they were all the same it would easy to get bored of visiting them, but each of these seems to have its own character and charm.

In the end, did you really love it?

I really did love visiting all the castles! I totally expected them to just be kind of the same but they each have their own character and something unique that sets them apart from the other.

All these castles are incredible!! How cool they’re all in the same area too! This is definitely a place I need to add to my list, I want to visit all of them. I can see how it could get tiring though!

The castles were fantastic. It’s definitely great that they are all pretty close to one another for touring around.

What a lovely post! I would love to visit Loire Valley with all those gorgeous chateau’s! It is incredible to realize that there were that many wealthy families that needed places that big to live. It looks like a magical place to visit and adding to my list! 🙂

It was magical to visit. The size of the chateaus is pretty impressive. Even just seeing how large of a kitchen was needed to keep everyone fed and the multiple bedrooms. They are definitely extravagant.

I’m going to the Loire Valley in March and its so hard to choose which castles to visit!! They all look wonderful, but this post was actually super helpful. And made me even more excited for my trip!!

Hope you have a wonderful time on your trip! I will have to look for your post on the Loire Valley and see where you visit in the spring. Glad this could help you with your planning 🙂

Good to know that this was enjoyable! I would’ve thought castle fatigue would set in real quick. But I can see how they’re all a little different, and it’s great that you can get views of some of them without paying admission fees.

It was pleasantly surprised not to get castle fatigue. Ya I was surprised that you can see some of them without paying admission fees. Definitely a good alternative for those looking to save a bit of money but not miss out on seeing castles.

• Pingback: France Road Trip Itinerary: Loire Valley and Normandy - Curious Travel Bug

Wow wow! Adding this to my list!

Glad this inspired you Maheen!

I have visited MANY chateaus in the Loire Valley and love them! My favorite is Chenonceau, after that Villandry – so many to explore!

Chenonceau was really special feeling. I would love to explore more of the chateaus in France, it seems like each has something unique to offer.

• Pingback: How to Spend 4 Days in Paris - Curious Travel Bug
• Pingback: How Much Does it Cost to Travel France - Curious Travel Bug

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

8 Best Châteaux to visit in the Loire Valley

• Post category: Loire Valley
• Post author: Nassie Angadi

If the Loire Valley is famous for one thing, it is the stunningly beautiful châteaux that dot the landscape. With its wide open spaces and beautiful forests, this is the area that French royals and nobilty flocked to during the Middle ages and Renaissance.

Several châteaux were built in the area as royal residences for hunting and entertaining grand parties, and no expense was spared. Paris was deemed too noisy and crowded .

That distance from Paris also meant that many of the Loire Valley châteaux were saved from destruction during the 1789 French Revolution , compared to some of their counterparts in big cities. These days, the Loire Valley châteaux are officially recognized on the UNESCO world heritage list .

And with the Loire Valley only about 2.5 hours away from Paris (by car) , it makes it possible to visit many of these chateaux as a day trip .

But you may want to base yourself in Amboise , Orléans or Blois to fully immerse yourself in the renaissance experience. So let’s explore the top châteaux in the Loire Valley, shall we? Allons-y!

1. Château de Chambord

The largest and arguably most famous château in the Loire Valley has to be the Chateau de Chambord . It was constructed by King François I at the height of the renaissance and meant to impress.

With rumors of involvement from François’s artist-in-residence Leonardo da Vinci, this is a château that is an engineering marvel.

In the center is the stunning double-spiral staircase where the stairs ascent and cross one another, so that though people on opposite stairs may see each other by small loopholes, but only meet when they land on opposite sides of the same floor.

However, the Château de Chambord was never completed under François Ier’s reign, and he only stayed here around 50+ days during hunting parties.

The Château underwent several renovations, but was never one that was every really lived it. It remained in rather dire straits until the 20th century when restoration works began in earnest to turn it into museum.

During WWII, the château was used to hide famous artworks from the museums in Paris , including the Mona Lisa from the Louvre . You can read more about visiting the Chateau de Chambord and find guided tours to the Château here.

2. Château de Chenonceau

One of the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire, and the one everyone remembers is the Château de Chenonceau on the water . The Château spans the breath of the river Cher and immediately catches your eye with its elegance and majesty.

Château de Chenonceau became known as the Ladies’ castle or Queen’s castle, for all the impressive women who lived here. It became famous when it was given by King Henri II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers.

When Henri II died, his wife Queen Catherine de Medici took control and demanded Diane exchange Chenonceau for another castle, the “less prestigious” Château de Chaumont . The château continued to be resided in by women, including several princesses and queens of France.

During WWII, the opposing shores of the river Cher marked the demarcation line between the German-controlled French territory and Free France. The Château de Chenonceau, which had its entrance in the occupied Right Bank and the bridge gallery on the free Left Bank was used to pass large numbers of refugees and fighters into the free zone.

You can read more about the Château de Chenonceau and see the  tour options to the Château  here.

3. Château d’Amboise

The Château Royale d’Amboise didn’t start off as a royal castle. The first castle here was built in the 10th century.

After King Charles VII seized the Chatêau from a wayward subject in 1434, the castle became a favorite of French royalty , with each generation adding and modifying the existing castle.

The Château was at the height of its renaissance however, when one of France’s most famous kings, François I , came to the throne. Born in nearby Cognac , he came to the château at 4-years old with his mother Queen Louise of Savoie in the early 16th century.

The castle began to decline after François I, at times becoming a prison, and being confiscated during the French Revolutions of 1789 and 1848.

The most impressive part of the castle is its 2 towers called Tour des Minimes and Tour Heurtault, which don’t have stairs inside, but instead a gentle slope. Because the castle is built directly on the banks of the Loire river, the gardens of the castle are on a terrace overlooking the quai and the town of Amboise all around.

The 2 circular towers have a large entrance directly on the quai where soldiers on horseback and even large carriages can enter mount up to where the garden terrace is.

You can read more about visiting the Chateau d’Amboise and find guided tours to the Château here.

4. Château de Chéverny

The sumptuous Château de Chéverny is a large elegant château that looks like something you might want to live in. It is still a private residence and as such has been updated with things like plumbing and heating.

The lands were purchased in 1510 by Henri Hurault, Comte de Cheverny, the military treasurer for King Louis XIII. His descendant, the Marquis de Vibraye, is the present owner, however the family did have some twists and turns in order to get it back.

The inside of the Château de Chéverny is a feast for the eyes. The downstairs has several reception rooms, bedrooms, salons, and a dining room that is sumptuously decorated from floor to ceiling.

The gardens as well have been set up with all sorts of attractions. There is a “jardin d’amour” meaning “love garden”, a labyrinth, the apprentice gardens, tulip gardens, beehives, vineyards , hunting dog kennels, and a whole lot more.

You can read more about the Château de Chéverny and see the tour options to the Château  here.

5. Château de Clos Lucé

The home where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years is a large manor house called the Château de Clos Lucé in the Loire Valley. It is about 5 minutes walk from the Château d’Amboise in the town of Amboise .

Today, Clos Lucé has such an extensive exhibition on Da Vinci, that school fieldtrips come from all over France to admire his genius.

Da Vinci moved to France at the age of 64, leaving Italy in exile. He arrived with chests full of notes and sketchbooks, along with 3 of his most famous paintings, the Mona Lisa ,  Virgin and Child   with St. Anne  and  St. John the Baptist .

François Ier put him up at Clos Lucé and gave him a rich allowance to continue his work. It is said that there was an underground passage between the Château d’Amboise and Clos Lucé for François I to visit his favorite artist as he pleased.

Upon his death 3 years later, his work became the property of the French King, which why many of those famous works are conserved in the  Musée du Louvre , with his sketchbooks in vaults owned by the French Govt.

In Clos Lucé, you can see the bedroom where he stayed, where he is believed to have died in the arms of François I. You can also see his office and painting workshop.

But the best parts of Clos Lucé are in the basement and the gardens. Using Da Vinci’s sketchbooks, model replicas of engineering projects have been brought to life. Every nook and cranny of the large garden is covered with his designs that you can touch and admire.

It makes a wonderful afternoon for history and engineering buffs. You can read more about visiting the Chateau de Clos Lucé here.

6. Château de Blois

The original building here dated back to the 9th century owned by the Counts of Blois. In 1397, the Château Royal de Blois was given by King Charles VI of France to the Orléans family, a cadet branch of the royal family.

Notably, it was inherited by Charles d’Orléans, a royal prince and poet , who was captured at the Battle of Agincourt and imprisoned in England. He was held for 25 years as a hostage in England, and when he returned to his beloved Blois , he renovated much of the building.

But it would be his son who would become King, Louis XII and his wife Anne of Brittany , and later his granddaughter Claude and her husband François 1er who would renovate much of the Château de Blois to what we see today.

With decorations spanning its history, the château is a must for any visitors to the city of Blois. You can read more about visiting the Château de Blois here.

7. Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

The Château de Chaumont is probably best remembered for being the château that Henri II’s mistress Diane de Poitiers was forced to accept, in exchange for giving up the Château de Chenonceau. But in truth, this large impressive château is nothing to sneeze at.

Diane did not live here for long, and the château passed from her family to a variety of other hands. It was eventually donated to the French government in 1938 and is today designated as a historic monument.

Inside the Château de Chaumont, there are several reception rooms and bedrooms are lavishly decorated.

The château is also famous for its garden competitions, with 20+ different gardens, each in a different style and different esthetic. Special events and festivals are often held here, making for a lively atmosphere.

You can read more about the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire and see the tour options to the Château  here.

8. Château de Villandry

About 20 minutes outside of the city of Tours , you will find the magnificent Château de Villandry and its beautiful gardens .

Dating back to the 10th century and the Middle ages, the fortress that once stood here was known as the “Coulombiers”.

It is believed that the French King Philippe Auguste and English King Richard the Lionheart met at Villandry to discuss peace terms. You can see still see the fortified castle of Coulombiers as it was during this period.

Today, the Château de Villandry is a private château with elaborate exhibitions inside, along with beautiful curated gardens and even a labyrinth maze. You can find guided tours to take you Château de Villandry from Tours here.

• Loire valley wine region
• Foods in the Loire Valley

You Might Also Like

Montrésor: The ‘Beau village’ in the Loire Valley

Chartres: Exploring medieval splendor in the Loire

Château de Chéverny: History, art and hound dogs in the Loire Valley

8 Loire Valley Foods: What to eat and drink

• Paris & Île-de-France
• Alsace & Lorraine
• Bourgogne-Franche-Comté
• Bretagne & Normandy
• Auvergne Rhône Alpes
• Loire Valley
• Northern France
• Nouvelle Aquitaine
• Provence & French Riviera
• Events and holidays
• Facts and history
• Get the Look
• Moving to France
• Appetizers & Starters
• Main dishes
• Side dishes
• Common Questions?
• Newsletters

• Sites and Monuments in Paris
• Sites and Monuments in France
• Things to do in Paris
• Things to do in France
• ACCOMMODATION
• RENTING A CAR
• CHEF SERVICE
• CONCIERGERIE SERVICES
• TRAVEL TIPS
• TRAVEL LUGGAGE
• Arrondissements
• Monuments & Landmarks
• Secret & Offbeat Paris
• More about Paris...
• Île de France
• More Regions of France...
• Aix-en-Provence
• More Cities...
• Castles and Palaces
• Cathedrals and Churches
• Gardens and Parks
• World Heritage Sites
• Villages of France
• Autumn / Fall
• Mardi-Gras / Carnival
• April Fools' Day
• Bastille Day
• All Saints' Day
• More Holidays and Celebrations...
• National Anthem
• Gallic Rooster
• National Day
• Motto of France
• Motto of Paris
• Coat of Arms
• French President
• Le Croissant
• French Cheese
• French Wines
• Christmas Food and Recipes
• French Nursery Rhymes
• France geography
• FUN QUIZZES
• MOVIES AND MUSIC
• FRENCH LANGUAGE
• BOOKS BY FRENCH MOMENTS
• BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
• The Secrets of the Eiffel Tower
• The Gems of Paris
• Office desks and chairs
• Travel suitcases
• LEARN FRENCH WITH PIERRE
• THE STORY SO FAR
• WORK WITH US
• THE NEWSLETTER
• HOW TO SUPPORT US
• PHOTO USAGE POLICY

Top 10 Most Beautiful Chateaux of the Loire Valley

Last Updated:  17 January 2024

In 2000, Unesco added the chateaux of the Loire Valley  to its World Heritage list . The area extends from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes along the banks of the River Loire and its tributaries. In the Renaissance era, the French Kings preferred to reside in the Loire region, hence the hundreds of châteaux. It’s always tough to rank these beautiful castles… but I tried, and here is a list of my Top 10. And if you have any ideas about other beautiful chateaux, please leave a comment below with your Top 10! In the meantime, check out all available accommodation in the Loire Valley on cozycozy .

My Top 10 Most Beautiful Castles of the Loire

The fairy-tale chateaux of the Loire were built or renovated during the Renaissance era (16th century).

Most of them are located between Gien and Nantes.

They welcome millions of visitors each summer and represent major tourist sites in France.

Some ‘star chateaux’ are well-known names such as Chambord or Azay-le-Rideau .

Most of the châteaux are found along the Loire River or one of its tributaries, such as the:

A great number of the chateaux are within two hours from Paris .

All these castles are open to visits. For some, you can book your tickets online with our Partner Tiqets (click on the link for more info):

• AZAY-LE-RIDEAU
• LE CLOS-LUCÉ (Amboise)

What about a roundtrip from Paris to the Loire?

If you stay in Paris for a little week, why not visit the Loire Valley?

This is a great opportunity to explore two French Renaissance castles and taste real French aristocracy from the 16th and 17th centuries.

You can opt for a live guide to take you on a tour or walk around the charming castles on your own with audio commentary.

You can also choose to visit the Chateau of Chambord with a wine-tasting experience and experience the unique, fruity tastes of the Loire Valley

>> Click here to find out more about entrance tickets << to the Chateaux de Chenonceau and Chambord (or Amboise, depending on the season and day)

Roundtrip transport from Paris on an air-conditioned coach.

Prestigious, majestic, colossal, extravagant…

These adjectives may not be enough to describe the splendour of Chambord fully.

The largest chateau of the Loire Valley is indeed full of surprises for those lucky enough to explore its domain. This remarkable piece of architecture is certainly more than just a castle: it is the dream of a King transformed into reality.

Find out more about Chambord .

> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Chambord <

Instant ticket delivery + Skip the line + Smartphone tickets accepted

Of all the Royal Châteaux in France, Blois is certainly not to be missed when visiting the Valley of the Loire.

Organised around the main courtyard, Blois Castle is a fabulous palace with several wings totalling 564 rooms and 75 staircases, 100 bedrooms and a fireplace in each room!

Find out more about Blois Castle .

> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Blois <

Cheverny Castle was built in the first half of the 17th century in a perfectly symmetrical design .

The façade is made up of gleaming white stones from the local quarries of the Cher Valley. A beautiful English-style garden surrounds the castle.

Cheverny lent its traits to the fictional “ Château de Moulinsart ” (Marlinspike Hall) in Hergé’s Tintin comic books .

Amboise lies on the Touraine province’s eastern borders, symbolising for many a “ douceur de vivre ” and the Garden of France.

The chateau is on a high rocky promontory that dominates the city and the River Loire.

Its name is closely associated with Leonardo Da Vinci, who resided in the nearby mansion of Le Clos-Lucé.

Find out more about Amboise Castle .

> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Amboise <

With its arches spanning the River Cher, the castle of Chenonceau is arguably one of the most famous and romantic chateaux of the Loire.

The château was inhabited by great women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici, who added the famous wing spanning the river.

> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Chenonceau <

Villandry is a Renaissance estate and castle best known for its beautiful formal gardens made up of endless geometric parterres edged in carefully manicured and clipped boxwood.

Villandry contains one of the last of the grand Renaissance chateaux built in the Loire Valley and today attracts more than 350,000 visitors per year who come here to admire the beautiful, diverse and harmonious estate’s delicate setting.

Find out more about Villandry .

> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Villandry <

The château of Ussé is also locally known as Sleeping Beauty’s castle .

Indeed, French fairy-teller Charles Perrault had the castle of Ussé in mind when writing the classic fairytale.

In the 15th century, the medieval fortress was partly rebuilt to incorporate some Renaissance features. With its medieval towers, dormant windows, roofs pierced with elegant chimneys and Renaissance courtyard, Ussé will leave an unforgettable souvenir to its visitors.

Azay-le-Rideau

Azay-le-Rideau certainly stands in one of the most romantic places in the Loire Valley.

The chateau is set on an island of the Indre River, whose water reflects its fine façade.

This masterpiece of Renaissance architecture features all the refinement, elegance and grace expected of a Loire château. The surrounding garden has been landscaped in the English style.

Find out more about  Azay-le-Rideau .

> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Azay-le-Rideau <

The medieval castle of Chinon was built in the 12th century on a rocky outcrop above the Vienne River.

Chinon is closely associated with the great History of France , particularly from the 12th to the 15th centuries.

This is where Joan of Arc met the French king, claiming to have heard heavenly voices to deliver the kingdom of France from the English occupation.

Although not a typical Renaissance château of the Loire Valley, Chinon Castle is nevertheless one of the greatest fortresses in France and is being restored to its former glory.

> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Chinon <

The château of Saumur overlooks the confluence of the Loire and the Thouet Rivers. It also offers a fine view of the town of Saumur, which lies at its foot. It was initially built in the 10th century, which makes it one of France’s oldest castles.

The fortress was depicted in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry as it appeared in 1410.

Saumur Castle was one of the few fairytale castles in Europe to inspire Walt Disney for his Sleeping Beauty castle.

Where to stay near the chateaux of the Loire?

• Find out more about the treasures of the Loire Valley !
• For more info, visit the Loire Valley tourist board website . [in English]

Pin it for later

Did you like what you read? Pin it on Pinterest:

Check out our curated magazine on Flipboard for exclusive stories & insights on France!

About the author

Pierre is a French/Australian who is passionate about France and its culture. He grew up in France and Germany and has also lived in Australia and England. He has a background teaching French, Economics and Current Affairs, and holds a Master of Translating and Interpreting English-French with the degree of Master of International Relations, and a degree of Economics and Management. Pierre is the author of Discovery Courses and books about France.

Like it? Leave a comment!

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked

Name * * * * * * * * * *

E-mail * * * * * * * * * *

Website [optional]

Save my name, email and website in the browser for my next comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

A little bit off the beaten track (on the edge of the Loire Valley) you will also find this special castle:

https://youtu.be/GaApN9e2e2s

The name of this castle is Chateau de Courtanvaux. It is located in the Loir Valley (so without -e), a tributary of the Loire River.

Yes, thank you! A beautiful château indeed!! 🙂

Transparency: Some blog posts and pages may contain affiliate or sponsored links. If you are planning a trip, the use of these links helps us to run the site. There is no additional cost to you. All you have to do is click on the link and any booking you make is automatically tracked. Thank you for your support!

Escape to France with every email! Get insider insights, travel guides, cultural gems delivered and exclusive offers to your inbox twice a week. Your journey to Paris and France begins when you sign up!

SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER AND GET THE FREE EBOOK

24 PLACES TO SEE IN FRANCE

The best chateaux of the Loire Valley, France

Why go to the châteaux of the Loire? Well, obviously, they're majestic monuments, an ensemble unlike any other on the planet. If you can stand before the splendour of Chambord and not be overwhelmed, check your pulse: you're likely dead. "Overwhelming" was monarch François I's aim, and it was fulfilled.

Read more: the gardens of the Loire Valley

But, taken simply as buildings, the châteaux's cumulative effect can be - how to put this diplomatically? - wearisome. If you've been to the region, you will have noticed the Loire Valley Shuffle, the desperate slouch of visitors traipsing from one castle to another, one salon to another, driven to the very brink of despair by more Renaissance mouldings, more inlaid commodes and endless 16th-century portraits of fellows with ruffs and bloomers of whom they know little and care less.

These places need the life putting back into them. The elegant grandeur - the stateliest statement of French aspirations - needs to be seen as the setting for adultery, murder, intrigue, power-plays, torture, dubious hygiene and epic horticulture ... all more or less necessary to keeping France governed, and French kings on top.

We go there, then, for magnificent architecture, but also for sex, violence and gardens. There follows our suggested Top 12. Beware though: even the greatest enthusiast needs to be wary of château fatigue. Please do no more than two a day, six in a week. All châteaux have reduced prices for youngsters. One other thing: you'll hear a lot about "donjons" in French château circles. The word is a false friend; it means "keep", not "dungeon".

The ridge-topping stunner over the River Vienne - it's 400 metres long - has none of the la-di-da Renaissance finery of other châteaux. Here was a proper fighting fortress where, in 1429, the 17-year-old Joan-of-Arc confronted the dauphin, the future Charles VII, then holed up here because Paris was in English hands. Pull yourself together, man, she told him (I paraphrase). Give me an army and I'll boot the English out of France. The project confounded military orthodoxy - armies weren't generally consigned to teenage girls - at Orléans and beyond.

Centuries earlier, Chinon had been a Plantagenet HQ in France, favoured spot of our Henry II as he grappled with not only the French but also his own wife and kids. He died there, of a bleeding ulcer, in 1189. Servants immediately pillaged his room, "leaving only his breeches and his shirt". There's not much left of the castle now but what there is is engrossing, following a recent multi- million euro makeover. This brought in films, speaking benches and other fun'n'games. This summer also sees an exhibition on the Knights Templar, whose leaders were banged up here, pre-execution in 1308. Contact: 00 33 2479 31345; forteressechinon.fr Admission: €8.50/£7.

Cité royale de Loches

Looking at the sky-smacking 118ft (36m) keep and fortifications of the medieval castle, you'd account it impregnable. Wrong. Richard the Lionheart took it for the Plantagenets in just three hours in 1194. (Granted, the French got it back in 1205, though it took them a year.) Defence works continued, the place became a prison and, in 1420, another bolt-hole for the future Charles VII.

Despite looking like Paul Scholes after a 12-month hunger strike, Charles bagged as mistress Agnès Sorel, the Loire's sexiest woman. He billeted her at Loches, in the fancy Logis Royal pavilion at the far end of the citadel from the fortress. Here she pioneered naked shoulders and a plunging décolleté. As the first official royal "favourite", she was much despised by the court and the church, which blamed her for turning the ascetic Charles sex-mad. She died at 28, poisoned almost certainly by courtiers. Her the topless portrait in one of the salons underlines what a loss this was. Look out this summer for an exhibition of costumes from French historical films, including Ingrid Bergman's Joan-of-Arc outfit. Contact: 00 33 2475 90132; chateau-loches.fr Admission: €8.50/£7;

This is a good visit these days - notably for the International Garden Festival - but it would have been even better a century ago. The château, masterful above the Loire, belonged then to Marie, Princesse de Broglie. Orphaned at 14, she inherited a sugar fortune with which, at 17, she bought the pointy-roofed pile. Marrying the Prince de Broglie the same year, Marie began to set new standards in unreasonableness and party-giving. Everyone - maharajahs, actresses, our Prince of Wales - came to her fêtes. She'd ship the entire Comédie Française down from Paris specially. She would always rise at 2pm sharp, and be late for dinner at 8pm. Kitchen staff prepared four different meals, so that one would be ready whenever she was.

She also moved nearby village houses and the church; they interfered with her garden plans. Then again, Chaumont had a record of strong-headed women. On Henri II's death in 1559, his widow Catherine-de-Médicis kicked his mistress Diane de Poitiers from Chenonceau and exiled her to Chaumont (though she didn't stay long). Now the site boasts the grand-scale, summer-long garden festival - 2014 theme: Seven Deadly Sins - and contemporary art all over the place. Both are more seductive than the PR guff would have you believe. Contact: 00 33 2542 09922; domaine-chaumont.fr Admission: château & park €10.50/£8.75. With garden festival €16/£13.30.

The International Garden Festival is held at Chaumont every year. Photo: AP

Kings and queens were forever in and out of Blois, the Loire's finest in-town château. They all left their marks, so the four sides of the château chart the evolution of castle architecture, a fact which guides find unusually fascinating. And certainly François I's see-and-be-seen outside staircase - underlining power with display - is a cracker. Otherwise, though, I prefer the interior. It tells its story with heavy colours, hangings, a vast Gothic hall and good paintings. Most memorable is a portrait of the fabulously hairy-faced Tognina Gonsalvus, a victim of hypertrichosis ("were-wolf syndrome") kept round Henri II's court as a curiosity. This was a rich, lively, high res. lifestyle.

Catherine de Médicis exerted her influence from a Blois study of many secret panels, notably to resolve France's religious conflict. A key tactic was to send flying squads of beautiful women off to calm down warlords and glean pillow secrets. But extremism generally triumphed. Catherine's own son, Henri III, had hardline Catholic leader, the Duc-de-Guise stabbed in his Blois chambers in 1588. Lord knows why the duke, who knew of Henri's antipathy, went to meet the king alone and unarmed. The château has a summer son-et-lumière in the courtyard about which I'd tell you more, except that I fell asleep rather early on. And those stones are hard. Contact: 00 33 2549 03333; chateaudeblois.fr Admission: €9.80/£8.15.

Meung castle, dominating the little town of the same name, entered written history with a bang as the 11th-century closed. Meung locals had rebelled. King Louis the Fat sent troops to sort them out. Rather then give in, 60 rebels threw themselves off the castle tower. "Transpierced by iron spears and arrows, they gasped their last breath and thus their criminal souls were sent painfully to hell," wrote a contemporary, with moving clarity.

Post-Orléans, the château was liberated from the English by Joan-of-Arc. A little later, its dungeons were gaol to François Villon, the most murderous French poet of the late middle ages. (He killed a priest, among others.) Now the château is privately owned and - here's the thing - run with more imagination than any other. Each room is not merely furnished; it also tells a historical tale - of hygiene, of medicine and herbalism, of cooking, of music, games, dining and laundry. Temporary exhibitions - recently on women's underwear through the ages - don't make things any less riveting. Enthusiasm suffuses the place. Contact: 00 332384 43647; chateau-de-meung.com Admission: €8.50/£7

Chenonceau reminds you why you admire France. Arching over the River Cher, it is so damnably and harmoniously perfect that it surely respects some aesthetic law of the universe. But it was also seat to skullduggery, debauchery and the revelation that, when prominent in affairs, women aren't necessarily a whole lot sweeter than men.

Henri II bought Chenonceau for Diane-de-Poitiers, once his governess, now his mistress and, though 20 years his senior, still bewitching. She bathed often in asses' milk, apparently. Diane created gardens and put the bridge across the river, so that she might hunt on the other side. Her demands on Henri (she was very much a "more is more" woman) allegedly explained his imposition of a national tax on bells.

On his death, his widow Catherine-de-Médicis (stout, not beautiful, resolute) evicted Diane, and took Chenonceau for herself as a "permanent theatre of her insatiable vengeance". She added the gallery to the bridge, so making for the most romantic photos in the Loire. She also threw world-class garden-parties (transvestites, nymphs, satyrs, etc) to showcase the monarchical power of her three sons.

The splendour remains. The formal gardens are still deeply satisfying. Within, furnishings are sumptuous, the art startling (Rubens, van Dyck, an arresting "Three Graces" by van Loo) and the flowers always fresh. There is, in short, something to be said for women running things (as they still do at Chenonceau). This is the most popular château by a country mile. Contact: 00 33 2472 39007; http://chenonceau.com Admission: €12.50/£10.40.

Rivau, Lemeré, near Chinon

I'm not much of a public for ordinary gardens but show me a wellington boot the size of a shed and I'm sunk. There's one at Rivau. There's much else besides - trees like dragons, others with legs, a labyrinth, gnomes modelled on French politicians, and hammocks. The 14 Rivau gardens pass any test, horticulture-wise (450 brands of rose, that sort of thing) but what's really grabbing is the way owner Patricia Laigneau has woven into them myths, legends, fantasy and fun enough for the attention-deficient.

Inside the château (small, unsung, lovely), there are hunting heads with teddy bears on, a stag's head hung with a queenly costume and enough other absurdity to hold the interest against cornices and similar. I'm particularly keen on an installation work of a kneeling Joan-of-Arc muttering almost audibly in Latin. This year will see the work of 10 other artists dotted about the place. Meanwhile, don't miss the stable-block: it was essentially a stately home for horses. Joan called in here for replacement nags en route to Orléans in 1429. Some 585 years on, she could have had a snack lunch - from local produce - while she waited ... leaving her companions at the gate. Not all were fit for polite company. Contact: 00 33 2479 57747; chateauderivau.com Admission: €10/£8.30

Stand on the terrace of the Amboise château and you dominate the tight, oat-meal town below, the wide idling River Loire and the grey-green landscape beyond (including, in the mid-distance, Mick Jagger's La Fourchette domain). You will feel a manifest destiny to rule France. It's inescapable. It's also traditional. A couple of Louis, a brace of Charles and two François spent much time at the place, both as children and as kings.

Charles VIII, though having six toes-per-foot, being prone to convulsions and "of startling ugliness", brought the Renaissance back with him from Italian campaigns, much embellishing the château. He created the great towers whose ramps could, car park-like, swirl horses and carriages up to château level. Tragically, he did nothing about enlarging château doors. Her died after cracking his head on a lintel.

A great many more deaths followed after the 1560 Tumult of Amboise. Protestants aimed to kidnap Louis XII, to subtract him from Catholic influence. They failed. Hundreds were hung from the château railings. Others were chucked in the Loire. Louis and his queen, Mary Stuart, weren't unduly moved: they went off for a party at Chenonceau soon afterwards. Amboise was much-plundered for stone in post-revolutionary years. But what's left demands to be seen - not least St Hubert's chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci is buried (see below). Contact: 00 33 2475 70098; chateau-amboise.com Admission: €10.70/£8.90

Clos Lucé, Amboise

France's Loire Valley kings had been good at incorporating Italian Renaissance ideas into French life. François I went the whole hog - and incorporated the Italian Renaissance man. It was in 1516 that Leonardo da Vinci crossed the Alps on a donkey, the Mona Lisa in his saddle-bag. François installed him in this brick manor house 400 metres from Amboise château, paying him a pension for the last three years of his life.

In return, Leonardo provided conversation, designs (including, conceivably, the double helix staircase at Chambord) and inventions, not least for royal parties. A giant lion which, when hit on the chest, disgorged fleur-de-lys proved a particularly successful ice-breaker. These days, Clos Lucé is an outstanding shrine to a fellow who was better than everyone at everything. House and gardens abound with evocations of his genius. He was, it's clear, a great one for weapons of mass destruction (machine guns, tanks) but also foresaw the helicopter, parachute and car-jack. Contact: 00 33 2475 70073; vinci-closluce.com Admission : €14/£11.60

Here it is, then: the most magnificent Loire château - conceived by the 25-year-old François I not so much as an abode but to ram home the superbness of a French monarchy second in splendour only to God. In a sense, the building sums up French history: the monumental scale and strength of the 156-metre façade and towers, the finery and elegance - and the unavoidable tendency to go bonkers with the forest of 282 chimneys bristling like the planet's leading (only?) collection of giant cruet sets. And the place is, like France itself, riddled with backstairs and hidden passages ripe for skullduggery.

Political theatricality was built into the château - notably in the central, double-spiral staircase. But monarchs weren't always as absolute as they thought. Even François' adulterous philandering experienced setbacks. He didn't take them well. On his chamber window was scratched: "Women are fickle; very stupid is he who trusts them."

Visitors complain that the château's 440 rooms have been emptied. Not really. They were only rarely full. The French court moved around all the time (François I spent only eight weeks, in total, at Chambord.) Décor and furnishings were sent on ahead and, when the king moved, taken out and sent on again. The monarch's entourage might number 10,000, with 20,000 horses. You really didn't want a surprise visit from these people. Once you've done the château, don't ignore the park. At 13,000 acres, it's bigger than central Paris, and alive with game. Contact: 00 33 2545 04000; chambord.org Admission : €11/£9.15

There are many lovely gardens in the Loire Valley which, by and large, I'm happy to leave to the green-fingered. But Villandry, by the River Cher, is something else. The gardens are vast, terraced and laid out with geometric formality, as if created with set-squares and compasses rather than spades. The lines, the swirls, the colours, the designs, the precision leave almost all the senses exalted. Seen from the château above, the gardens resemble a gigantic puzzle-page, brilliantly filled in. The French have always felt that, left to God, nature was a little wayward. At Villandry, they impose order, and nature responds in stimulating fashion.

This being a Renaissance garden there are, of course, layers of symbolism - love, sex, corruption (apparently a quality of cabbages, which will surprise no-one). Meanwhile, the chateau itself falls under Spanish influence (see the fabulous Mudejar ceiling) , thanks to Spanish doctor Joaquim Carvallo who bought and restored building and gardens early last century. The place remains in family hands, salons alive with family mementoes. In one, there's a photo of our own Queen Mother. Contact: 00 33 2475 00209; chateauvillandry.fr Admission : €10/£8.30. (Gardens only €6.50/£5.40)

Among the things you may not know about Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord - Napoleon's foreign minister - is that his chef invented the vol-au-vent, and that the old devil himself had a club foot. Both facts are revealed at the formidably Renaissance Valençay château. Unlike other Loire region châteaux, Valençay's halcyon days came not in the 15th and 16th-centuries but in the early nineteenth. In 1803, Napoleon insisted Talleyrand buy the place, to host important visitors and, if possible, subvert them. (Talleyrand had form: when Bishop of Autun, he'd impregnated his niece.)

Crucial to the scheme was Antonin Carème, France's greatest 19th-century chef (also the first to be called "chef", and to wear a big white hat). His skills, and renown, flattered Talleyrand's guests into indiscretion. And I'm happy to report that his kitchens remain intact. Indeed, the whole château is furnished with sumptuous Empire and Louis XVI stuff, so you can project yourself back to its heyday as you can't at other châteaux. The grounds are a wizz, too - and, unusually, they cater for kids. With woods, a deer park, petting farm, labyrinth and play-area, Valençay keeps tantrums to a minimum. Contact: 00 33 25450 01066; chateau-valencay.fr Admission : €12/£10

French destination guides

Bordeaux city guide Brittany travel guide Burgundy travel guide Cannes city guide Dordogne travel guide Paris city guide Provence travel guide Marseille city guide Monaco travel guide Nice city guide Normandy travel guide St Tropez travel guide

Travel Guides app Download the free Telegraph Travel app , featuring expert guides to destinations including Paris, Rome, New York, Venice and Amsterdam

Follow Telegraph Travel on Twitter Follow Telegraph Travel on Facebook Follow Telegraph Travel on Pinterest Follow Telegraph Travel on FourSquare

• The  best castle hotels in the UK

The best hotels in Pays De La Loire

Château de la Barre

9 Telegraph expert rating

Château le Prieuré

Château d’Artigny

• Pays De La Loire,
• Pay De La Loire
• Facebook Icon
• WhatsApp Icon

27 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in the Loire Valley

Written by Lisa Alexander Updated Jan 20, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Author Lisa Alexander spent two years living in France and has traveled the country extensively.

The Loire Valley invites you to step into the scene of a fairy tale, complete with stunning castles and an enchanting countryside. The area is called the " Garden of France ," and because of its beauty, as well as the opportunities for hunting, the Loire Valley was frequently visited by the French kings.

During the 15th and 16th centuries, French kings built extravagant country retreats amid the Loire's woodlands and rivers. These lavish royal castles became legendary, and rich nobles followed suit by creating their own grand homes in the area. Today, they are among the Loire Valley's most visited sights and some of the top attractions in France .

The sumptuous Renaissance châteaux were designed purely for enjoyment and entertaining, an extension of court life outside Paris. The grandiose Chambord Castle is the most opulent château, while Chenonceau is the most elegant.

The UNESCO-listed Loire Valley is one of the most fascinating places to visit in France . Find the best things to do and see in the region with our list of the top tourist attractions in the Loire Valley.

1. Château de Chambord

2. château de chenonceau, 3. cathédrale notre-dame de chartres, 5. château de cheverny, 6. azay-le-rideau, 7. château de valençay, 11. domaine de chaumont-sur-loire, 14. chinon and château d'ussé, 15. le mans, 17. château de montreuil-bellay, 18. château de villandry, 20. abbaye royale de fontevraud, 21. château de beauregard, 22. vendôme, 23. châteaudun, 24. abbaye de fleury, 25. château de villesavin, 26. château de sully-sur-loire, 27. château de brissac, map of tourist attractions in the loire valley.

In a majestic location on the left bank of the Loire River, the Château de Chambord is the most symbolic Renaissance monument in France. A breathtaking sight to behold, this magnificent royal castle provided inspiration for the building of the Château de Versailles .

The estate was created in the early 16th century (at the height of the French Renaissance) for François I , who spared no expense. The building was constructed on a scale of immense proportions, measuring 117 meters by 156 meters.

With turreted towers, impressive vaulted ceilings, 440 rooms , and a gigantic double-helix staircase at the entry hall, the Château de Chambord is definitely fit for a king.

Louis XIV frequently resided here, hosting gala balls, hunting parties, and amusing soirées. The celebrated playwright Molière presented his comedy Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme while he was staying at the château as a guest of Louis XIV.

The extensive property of Chambord is encircled by a 32-kilometer wall (the longest in France), with six gates that allow access to the grounds. Of the property's 5,500 hectares of parkland , four-fifths is pristine forests.

Gardens: The French formal gardens are landscaped in geometric patterns with perfectly manicured shrubs and tidy flowerbeds. The garden's Italianate terrace was a central feature of court life when the king was in residence.

Getting to Chambord: Chambord is about a two-hour drive from Paris and is a must-see destination in the Loire Valley. You can take an 80-minute train ride from Paris Austerlitz station to the Blois Chambord station, which is a 25-minute shuttle or taxi ride away from the château.

Dining: The Château de Chambord estate includes several dining areas. The Café d'Orléans within the château offers a gourmet menu for lunch. In the estate's parkland, the Autour du Puits is a snack bar with outdoor seating. Just across from the château, the Place Saint-Louis has many restaurants and casual eateries.

Address: Château, 41250 Chambord

In 1535, the Château de Chenonceau became the property of Henry II, who presented the château to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers, in 1547. Henry's widow Catherine de Médicis, who took over the royal residence in 1533, was responsible for creating the most unique feature of the château, the Corps de Logis.

The Corps de Logis is a two-story gallery on an arched bridge that crosses the Cher River, giving the impression that the château is floating on water. Inside, the Corps de Logis gallery displays fine paintings and antique tapestries.

Equalling the beauty of the architecture are the exquisitely landscaped gardens. The Jardin de Diane de Poitiers was the creative vision of Diane de Poitiers. In orderly Renaissance style, this formal French garden features geometrically shaped lawns dotted with flower beds. The entire garden is encircled by raised terraces draped in climbing roses.

In the Jardin de Catherine de Médicis , roses flourish on trellises of a walking path, which overlooks the castle moat, a sublime scene sure to inspire leisurely strolls.

A new contemporary-style garden, the Jardin Russell Page , was created in 2018. This picturesque walled garden was inspired by the drawings of contemporary landscape designer Russell Page.

On summer weekend evenings, the gardens take on a magical glow, illuminated by hundreds of lanterns for Promenades Nocturnes . Musical accompaniment (including the works of renowned Italian Renaissance composers) adds to the enchantment.

Gardening enthusiasts will want to sign up for the Visites Botaniques . These special guided sessions allow participants to learn more about the vegetable gardens and the flowers gardens created by Catherine de Médicis and Diane de Poitiers. Visites Botaniques are available by reservation on certain Sundays between June and September.

For those who love flower arrangements, the Château de Chenonceau offers the Masterclass Art Floral . This class is led by a floral artist who has earned the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France . During this two-hour class (reservations required), participants will learn about the daily life, the techniques, and the assortment of gorgeous flowers used by the florists who embellish the Château de Chenonceau. Class participants may access the château and gardens.

It's worth staying late for the special event, Chenonceau, La Vie à la Renaissance , which is held on various evenings in June, July, and August. The event begins at 8pm or 9pm and includes a walk through the illuminated gardens, music, and a guided tour that helps visitors imagine that château during the Renaissance era.

Dining : Another reason to linger at the château is the property's fine-dining restaurant, L'Orangerie , which serves gastronomic cuisine prepared from local seasonal ingredients. The château also has a crêperie in the former horse stables, as well as several picnic areas.

Château de Chenonceau is accessible by the rapid-speed TGV train (a one-hour ride) from the Paris Montparnasse station to the Tours station. By car, it takes about two hours to reach Chenonceau from Paris.

Address: Château de Chenonceau, 37150 Chenonceaux

The charming old town of Chartres is crowned by the UNESCO-listed Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres, an important pilgrimage destination during the Middle Ages. This awe-inspiring French Gothic church stands in an elevated position, with its soaring spires visible from a distance.

Built in the 12th and 13th centuries, Chartres Cathedral is one of the finest and best-preserved medieval churches in France .

The Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres is most renowned for its abundance of intricately detailed medieval stained-glass windows (nearly 3,000 square meters) that are perfectly conserved; most of the windows date from 1210 to 1260, an exceptional rarity in existence. Particularly breathtaking are the three immense rose windows.

Other notable features in the cathedral are the Late Gothic choir screens with scenes from the life of the Virgin and the Gospels, and the terrace with a panoramic view of the lower town.

On Sunday afternoons during summertime, the cathedral hosts concerts as part of the Chartres International Organ Festival . In keeping with the cathedral's tradition of sacred music, choirs perform on Sunday afternoons in July and August.

Chartres is an easy day trip from Paris , approximately a 90-minute car ride from the city center or a one-hour train ride from the Gare Montparnasse station.

Address: 16 Cloître Notre Dame, 28000 Chartres

Boasting many old palaces and burghers' houses, the old ducal city of Bourges enjoys a picturesque setting on the Yèvre and Aveyron Rivers in the historic province of Berry.

The town's top attraction, the UNESCO-listed Cathédrale Saint-Etienne ranks among the most splendid of French cathedrals built during the 12th and 13th centuries. The ornate west front, flanked by massive towers, has five doorways with rich sculptural decoration and an exquisite 14th-century rose window.

The cathedral is entered through the Romanesque south doorway, over which is a figure of Christ in Majesty, surrounded by the symbols of the four Evangelists. The interior is stunning with its gorgeous sanctuary illuminated by 13th-century stained-glass windows.

Another noteworthy building is the Palais Jacques Côur , a palace built in 1443-1453 by the royal treasurer Jacques Côur, exemplifying secular Gothic architecture.

About a 30 minutes' drive southwest of Bourges is the 12th-century Cistercian Abbey of Noirlac , a fantastic example of Cistercian architecture with an arcaded cloister dating from the 13th and 14th centuries.

A private estate surrounded by woodlands, the Château de Cheverny is one of the most enchanting Loire Valley castles . This exceptional 17th-century manor house has been home to the same family for more than six centuries and opened its doors to the public in 1922.

The grand halls and remarkably well-maintained apartments of the château are graced with the original furniture and décor, such as a 17th-century Gobelin tapestry and a Louis XIV chest, which provide an insight into the aristocratic lifestyle centuries ago.

A favorite attraction for children at the château is Les Secrets de Moulinsart (The Secrets of Marlinspike Hall), an interactive exposition that depicts scenes from Les Aventures de Tintin (The Adventures of Tintin ). The exhibits immerse you into the charming world of Tintin and his friends.

You will see Tintin's bedroom, the crypt where Tintin was held prisoner, and the laboratory where Professor Tournesol invented new technologies. The author Hergé was inspired by the Château de Cheverny when he wrote the storyline about Tintin at the Château de Moulinsart.

Gardens: The Château of Cheverny is renowned for its themed gardens, including a vegetable garden, a fruit-tree orchard, the Jardin de Tulipes (Tulip Garden) planted with more than 250,000 bulbs that bloom in the early spring. It is also home to the Jardin de l'Amour (Garden of Love) that features six bronze statues created by the contemporary Swedish sculptor Gudmar Olovson.

The fountain-adorned Jardin des Apprentis has a shaded pergola and many well-placed benches for relaxation. The labyrinth garden is especially popular among kids.

Much of the grounds (100 hectares) at the Château de Cheverny are blanketed with woodlands, which surround an English Garden . This bucolic expanse of tidily manicured green lawns is shaded by giant redwoods and cedar trees. The more adventurous can rent an electric car to take a spin through the property's forest path or go boating on the lake.

Dining: Housed in an 18th-century orangery within the Jardin des Apprentis (The Apprentice's Garden), the Café de L'Orangerie offers casual lunch options: sandwiches, salads, and a small assortment of other savory dishes. The café also serves artisanal ice-cream, pâtisserie, snacks, fresh-squeezed juice, coffee, tea, and other refreshing beverages. Guests may dine inside or on the outdoor terrace.

On sunny days, the château's shaded picnic area next to the estate's canal is another favorite spot.

Getting to Château de Cheverny: The trip is an easy (approximately two-hour) car ride or train ride from Paris. The best option by train is from the Paris Austerlitz station to the Blois-Chambord station and then a short (16-kilometer) taxi or shuttle ride to the château.

Address: Avenue du Château, 41700 Cheverny

Standing on an island in the Indre River, the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau has the appearance of a storybook castle. The façade's reflection in the placid waters creates a dreamy impression.

The château was built in the 16th century by a wealthy financier. The design was greatly influenced by Italian Renaissance architecture. The most notable features on the ground floor are the rib-vaulted kitchen and the dining room with a richly decorated chimney and numerous tapestries.

In the town of Azay-le-Rideau, there is an interesting church, the Eglise Saint-Symphorien , that blends Romanesque and Gothic styles. The façade of the south aisle reveals remains of Carolingian reliefs.

In the nearby Château de Saché , the famous author Honoré de Balzac (1799-1850) wrote some of his novels. The room where Balzac worked has been preserved as it was.

Only 10 kilometers away from Azay-le-Rideau, right in the heart of the Langeais town center, the Château de Langeais was rebuilt by Louis XI in 1465, and this striking landmark has remained unchanged for centuries. Original decorations and wall-hangings reveal the lifestyle of the late Middle Ages.

Travelers visiting this area can spend the night in regal style at the nearby Château de Rochecotte , about 20 kilometers away from the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. This 4-star hotel was formerly the residence of the Prince de Talleyrand and the Duchesse de Dino.

Ensuring a luxurious experience, the spacious guest rooms feature cheerful traditional décor and sensational views of the gardens, while the château's elegant dining room serves lunch and dinner, as well as afternoon tea, with desserts prepared by the restaurant's pastry chef.

The property's 24 hectares of wooded parkland includes romantic gardens, an Italianate terrace, and a heated swimming pool.

The Château de Valençay was built in stages from the medieval era through the Renaissance period, and for this reason, the building blends a variety of architectural styles. The main wing reveals design elements inspired by the Italian Renaissance, while the two-story side wing is Baroque.

The side wing also shows the influence of Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord ( Prince de Talleyrand ), Napoleon's foreign minister, who was known for his diplomatic talents and art of living. Talleyrand acquired the château in 1803 and resided here in rooms outfitted with Louis XV and Empire-style furniture.

One of the highlights of the château is the Family Portraits Gallery , adorned with paintings that depict Talleyrand's ancestors. As a tribute to Prince Talleyrand, the château's Salle des Trésors (Hall of Treasures) displays a collection of personal items that belonged to Talleyrand.

Set in a 53-hectare park including lush forests, the property features the immaculately manicured Jardin Français and Jardin de la Duchesse (Formal Gardens) with a profusion of flowerbeds, sculptures, decorative pools, and fountains.

The woodland portion of the grounds features a four-kilometer path that traverses the forest for taking invigorating nature walks (alternatively, electric golf carts are available). Ideal for relaxing, some of the grassy spaces of the park are designated as picnic areas.

Another exceptional estate nearby is the Domaine de Poulaines in the town of Berry (only seven kilometers away from the Château de Valençay). The domaine boasts 25 hectares of woodlands and 4.5 hectares of themed gardens that have been awarded the " Jardin Remarquable " ("Remarkable Garden") label in 2014.

The gardens are open to the public from April through October. The Domaine de Poulaines salon de thé (tea salon) serves apple juice, homemade cakes, pies, and jams prepared from fruits grown on the estate.

Address: Château de Valençay, 2 Rue de Blois, 36600 Valençay

The largest town in the Loire Valley after Tours, Orléans is a good base to begin exploring the region. Inseparably bound with the history of Joan of Arc , the city owes its survival to the 17-year-old "Maid of Orléans," who helped lead the French to victory against the English when Orléans was besieged in 1429.

A small museum in a restored 15th-century house, the Maison de Jeanne d'Arc (3 Place du Général de Gaulle) is devoted to Joan of Arc, who is now recognized as a saint by the Catholic Church.

Another landmark associated with Joan of Arc, where she spent time in silent prayer, is the 13th-century Cathédrale Sainte-Croix . The cathedral's monumental exterior features twin towers (81 meters high), five doorways, and elaborate Baroque decoration. The sheer size of the interior leaves a lasting impression, while colorful stained-glass windows display the history of Joan of Arc.

For a further immersion into the city's culture, tourists can peruse the art collection at the Musée des Beaux-Arts (1 Rue Fernand Rabier), which displays around 700 artworks (paintings, sculptures and decorative objects) from the 15th to the 20th century, such as pieces by Correggio, Tintoretto, Delacroix, Gauguin, and Picasso.

About 27 kilometers away from Orléans is the Château de Meung-sur-Loire , one of the oldest castles in the Loire Valley. Set in expansive parklands, the château reveals the evolution of French architecture with its variety of architectural details, from 12th-century towers to the 18th-century façade. The castle also played a strategic role for Joan of Arc in 1429 at a crucial moment during the Hundred Years' War.

The medieval town of Amboise was built up along the left bank of the Loire River (about 25 kilometers east of Tours) with dense forest in the background.

The city's most fascinating attraction is the Château Royal d'Amboise, where French kings resided for five centuries. Standing proudly on a rocky cliff at nearly 40 meters high, the château offers a fantastic vantage point of the Loire Valley landscape.

Mostly built during the reign of Charles VIII in the 15th century, the castle exemplifies late Gothic architecture with its richly articulated façade and imposing round towers.

Within the Château Royal d'Amboise is the Chapelle Saint-Hubert , built around 1491 for King Charles VIII and his wife Anne de Bretagne who was the Duchess of Brittany. The chapel is a fine example of Flamboyant Gothic architecture, with intricate sculptures and gargoyles on the façade and a jewel-box interior illuminated by brilliant stained-glass windows.

Another top attraction in Amboise is the Château du Clos Lucé , where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years of his life. At this splendid property, you can learn all about the great Renaissance man.

Throughout the year, the Château du Clos Lucé presents permanent exhibitions about Leonardo da Vinci's life story and accomplishments. Temporary exhibits focus on more specific topics related to Leonardo da Vinci, such as his artistic style or his original vision for creating a flying vehicle.

Throughout the year the Château du Clos Lucé hosts cultural events such as nighttime candlelit visits, classical music concerts, and theater performances. Leave time to wander around Leonardo's Garden , which is designed as an open-air museum to explain Leonardo da Vinci's scientific research on topics of geology and botany.

Perched on two hills above the Loire River, the historic city of Blois is full of old-world ambience. The typical characteristics of a medieval town are all found here: narrow medieval streets, half-timbered buildings, a monumental château, and a soaring cathedral.

Boasting a regal pedigree, Blois was a royal residence for seven French kings. During the King Louis XII and King Francis I reigns, the town played a similar role to that of the Château de Versailles for Louis XIV.

The town of Blois has many cultural attractions including the Château Royal de Blois . Originally a fortified citadel, the château reflects changing architectural styles of the eras during which it was built (13th through 17th centuries). For instance, the Francis I wing is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture with a grandiose octagonal staircase.

A short walk from the château is a former Benedictine church, the 12th- to 13th-century Eglise Saint-Nicolas , renowned for its stained-glass windows that brighten the harmonious sanctuary.

Standing on high ground in the old town, the Cathédrale Saint-Louis displays simple, unadorned vaulted interior and contemporary stained-glass windows. After taking a look at the cathedral, take time to admire the handsome old burghers' houses nearby.

History buffs will also appreciate the town's Centre de la Résistance, de la Déportation et de la Mémoire (6 Place Victor-Hugo), which chronicles the French resistance efforts, the Occupation period, and the Liberation at the end of the Second World War.

About 18 kilometers away from Blois, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire appears as if it's straight from the page of a fairy tale. This multi-towered and turreted fortress-like château was founded in the year 1000, rebuilt by King Louis XI around 1465 and acquired by Catherine de Médicis in 1550.

The château's apartments, including the Catherine de Médicis room , are beautifully appointed with historic tapestries and works of art. Many of the rooms have been recently embellished with renovated furnishings and decor, allowing visitors to appreciate the château in all its original glory. Both the château and its English-style gardens are open to the public.

Adding to its tourist appeal, the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire has a Center for Arts and Nature that presents contemporary " Art Season " exhibits, changing annually to showcase the work of emerging artists, with artworks, sculptures, and creative installations displayed throughout the château and gardens.

The château also hosts the " Festival International des Jardins ," a garden landscape design festival that draws inspiration from concepts in literature and poetry.

Address: 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire

This historic city is a pleasure to discover by taking a leisurely stroll. A walk through the cobblestone streets between Place Plumereau and the Place du Grand-Marché will give an impression of the character of Vieux Tours (the old town).

With its tree-lined courtyard space, bustling outdoor cafés, and handsome half-timbered houses, the Place Plumereau is a particularly inviting place to stop.

Tourists should plan to spend some time at the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien to admire the Flamboyant Gothic façade, as well as the glorious vaulted sanctuary, illuminated by 13th-century stained-glass windows.

Steps away from the cathedral is the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours , which showcases masterpieces of fine art from the 14th to the 20th century, including paintings by Rubens, Rembrandt, Delacroix, Degas, and Monet.

To the north of the cathedral, the medieval Château de Tours has witnessed important historical events such as the marriage of Marie d'Anjou to future king Charles VII and Joan of Arc's return after leading the French to defeat the English army at Orléans. The château now hosts contemporary art expositions.

For another dose of culture, tourists can continue walking (about 15 minutes west of the Château de Tours) to the Hôtel Goüin , a Renaissance mansion that hosts cultural events and temporary exhibitions.

Once the capital of Anjou county, Angers is dominated by the Château d'Angers , perched majestically on a 32-meter-high crag above the Maine River.

Built in the 13th century as a fortress, this vast citadel is enclosed by stout defensive walls, with 17 round towers. In the 14th and 15th centuries, court life flourished here under the Dukes of Anjou, patrons of the arts.

The château is known for its tapestry collection, most notably the Tapestry of the Apocalypse , an important work of medieval art. One of the fun things to do while visiting the castle is to take a walk along the ramparts, which afford panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

In the old town of Angers, the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers has unusual architectural details. The spacious interior features three large 12th-century domes, known as "Angevin Gothic" or "Plantagenêt" vaulting. Not to be missed are the medieval stained-glass windows, in particular the " Glorification de la Vierge " window.

A short walk south of the cathedral, the Musée des Beaux-Arts has a superb collection of fine art housed in a stately 15th-century hôtel particulier (mansion) that is listed as a Historic Monument. A 15th-century vaulted hall and a 17th-century refectory building are also used to display some of the museum's collection.

Another must-see landmark is the Collégiale Saint-Martin , a Romanesque church with elements dating to the Merovingian (5th and 6th centuries) and Carolingian (10th century) eras, as well as the Gothic period.

Other cultural attractions include the Galerie David d'Angers , which displays the sculptures of Pierre-Jean David in a renovated 13th-century abbey church; the Musée Jean-Lurçat et de la Tapisserie Contemporaine , which showcases contemporary tapestries; and the Musée Pincé , devoted to Greek, Egyptian, Roman (and other) antiquities.

For families with kids, it's well worth taking the 10-minute drive outside of Angers' city center to visit the Terra Botanica . This unique amusement park is found within extraordinary gardens where thousands of plant species flourish. All the rides and exhibits at the park feature a botanical theme.

With its ruined castle looming from above on a steep ridge of a hill, the town of Chinon has a romantic ambience. The Forteresse Royale de Chinon dates back to the 10th century and is a masterpiece of medieval architecture.

On March 9, 1429, Joan of Arc had an important meeting with the Dauphin Charles at the fortress. During this meeting, Charles was convinced to send his army to end the siege of Orléans (a pivotal event during the Hundred Years War) and to become king (he was later crowned Charles VII at Reims).

The old town lies between the fortress and the Vienne River. The Rue Voltaire , with its 15th- and 16th-century houses and the 12th-century Eglise Saint-Maurice , are particularly worth seeing.

A vision of a fairy-tale fantasy is 12 kilometers from Chinon at the Château d'Ussé , the castle that inspired Charles Perrault to write Sleeping Beauty . This privately owned château is home to the Duke of Blacas and his family.

The Château d'Ussé boasts a grand staircase designed by Jules Hardouin-Mansart, one of the architects of the Château de Versailles. On the lovely grounds of the Château d'Ussé, the French formal garden was created by André Le Nôtre who landscaped Versailles.

Surrounded by remnants of ancient Gallo-Roman walls and brimming with old-world charm, the historic section of Le Mans known as the " Cité Plantagenêt " is a delightful escape from the modern world. This gem of an old town covers 20 hectares, filled with cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and Renaissance mansions.

The main thoroughfare of the Cité Plantagenêt is the Grande Rue . Tourists should stop to notice the Renaissance mansion, Maison d'Adam et d'Eve (69 Grand Rue at the crossing of Rue du Bouquet), before ambling along the Rue de la Reine Bérengère until reaching the Cathédrale Saint-Julien , renowned for its flying buttresses and medieval stained-glass windows.

Also within the Cité Plantagenêt are two pleasant green spaces, the Bicentenary Square on the Rue de la Verrerie, which has a rose garden and benches for relaxing, and the Robert Triger Square , with a view of the cathedral and a small garden of aromatic plants.

Just outside the Cité Plantagenêt is the Musée de Tessé , a fine arts museum that displays paintings, sculptures, and decorative objects from the 14th to 20th centuries, as well as Egyptian antiquities, including a reproduction of Nefertari's tomb.

Also beyond the Cité Plantagenêt is the Eglise Notre-Dame-de-la-Couture , a former Benedictine abbey church with a Virgin and Child statue sculpted by renowned Renaissance artist Germain Pilon.

On the right bank of the Sarthe River, the Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Pré offers the chance to experience a serene Romanesque sanctuary.

Of course, car-racing enthusiasts will want to visit the Musée des 24 Heures du Mans near the Circuit des 24 Heures race track. This museum presents the story of the Le Mans automobile race and exhibits Ferrari, Porsche, Jaguar, and other race cars, including actual winning vehicles.

Halfway between Angers and Tours, the medieval town of Saumur is at the heart of the historic Anjou region where the pastoral landscape is dotted with woodlands, vine-covered hills, flower fields, and small farms.

Saumur has one of the most impressive of the Loire Valley châteaux, built in the 14th century on a hill high above the Loire River, creating a striking impression from far in the distance. Originally, the Château de Saumur was the property of the Counts of Anjou. Later, it was converted into a royal residence by Louis IX (Saint Louis) in the early 13th century. Today the château is classified as a Historic Monument.

The Château de Saumur contains the Musée des Arts Décoratifs et du Cheval (Museum of Decorative Arts and Horses), which has a collection of decorative works of art, furniture, tapestry, and ceramics from the 14th to 18th centuries, along with exhibits related to horses. Also not to be missed are the castle's gardens and the outdoor terrace overlooking the Loire Valley landscape.

Those interested in French gastronomy can discover an important culinary ingredient that's cultivated in the area around Saumur: " Champignons de Paris " (known as "button mushrooms"). The prized culinary ingredient is destined for use in Coq au Vin (chicken in wine sauce), Boeuf Bourguignon (Beef Burgundy), traditional quiches, and other recipes.

The Musée du Champignon offers a peak into the intriguing world of mushrooms. Within the museum's chilly caves are over 250 species of wild mushrooms along with educational displays about how mushrooms grow. Every year, the museum harvests 10 tons of mushrooms, including oyster, shiitake, and button mushrooms.

The 11th-century Château de Montreuil-Bellay was designed as an impregnable citadel by Foulques Nerra, the Count of Anjou.

By the late 15th century, the château served as a country manor estate instead of a fortress. The austere building, with its 600 meters of ramparts and 13 defense towers, was transformed into a luxurious palace.

Open to the public for independent visits and guided tours, the Château de Montreuil-Bellay gives tourists access to view two levels of the building: the cellars and the fully furnished rooms of the ground floor, including the Duchess of Longueville's bedroom ; a well-preserved medieval kitchen; a dining room with traditional beamed ceiling; and a small music room.

Listed as a Historic Monument , the privately owned château offers accommodations and a spa. It's a relaxing place to stay, with the estate nestled in verdant gardens, full of shady lime trees and fragrant roses. Also on the property is the 15th-century Collégiale Notre-Dame church, decorated with the coats of arms of the château's Lords.

Address: Château de Montreuil-Bellay, 49260 Montreuil-Bellay

The Château de Villandry is renowned for its gorgeous grounds, created during the Renaissance era. The formal Ornamental Garden was created in the 16th century. Orderly rows of manicured shrubbery and tidy flower beds distinguish the landscaping.

The grounds also include a Kitchen Garden , with vegetables laid out in decorative geometric forms, and an Herb Garden with 30 varieties of culinary and medicinal herbs, planted in circular beds to symbolize eternity. Other highlights include a maze and the view of the village of Villandry and its Romanesque church in the distance.

The château's eagerly awaited Nuits des Mille Feux (Nights of a Thousand Lights) take place on several weekend evenings in July and August, when the gardens are illuminated with 2,000 candles. During these special nighttime openings, you can take a magical stroll through the gardens while enjoying entertainment and fireworks.

Address: 3 Rue Principale, 37510 Villandry

Official site: https://www.chateauvillandry.fr/en/

Listed as one of the "Plus Beaux Détours de France" (Most Beautiful Detours of France), the historic town of Loches offers old-world charm, alluring gardens, and picture-perfect scenery alongside the Indre River, a left-bank tributary of the Loire.

On the hill above the modern section of Loches is the Cité Médiévale , the medieval city, fortified by a two-kilometer circuit of ramparts. Tourists enter the Cité Médiévale through the 14th- to 15th-century Porte Royale . Within the walls is a captivating medieval world of winding cobblestone streets, quiet pedestrian lanes, and ancient Tuffeau stone buildings.

Built on a rocky spur (inside the Cité Médiévale) is the Collégiale Saint-Ours , a Romanesque church originally founded in 962 but mostly dating to the 12th century, and the Château de Loches , dating from the 15th to 16th centuries.

A delightful 18-kilometer detour from Loches (or 30 kilometers from Chenonceaux), Montrésor is one of France's " Most Beautiful Villages ." This village is perched above the Indre River and crowned by the Château de Montrésor. Wander the quaint medieval streets and visit the château and the 16th-century Collégiale Saint Jean-Baptiste .

One of the largest surviving medieval monasteries in Europe, the Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud is nestled in a verdant valley near the Loire River.

This Benedictine abbey was founded in 1099 by an eclectic and iconoclastic preacher named Robert d'Arbrissel , considered a radical because he created a community for people of diverse social backgrounds.

The abbey was always run by an abbess, who governed both male monks and female nuns. A succession of 36 abbesses ran the abbey over the course of seven centuries.

Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine , wife of King Henry II of England, had strong ties to the abbey, which was her favorite place of worship. During the last years of her life, Queen Eleanor lived at the abbey.

The Fontevraud Abbey is open to the public for self-guided and guided tours. You can see the 12th-century Romanesque abbey church ; the cloister; the kitchen, complete with the original fish smokehouse used to make smoked salmon; and a lush garden planted with vegetables, herbs, and fruit trees.

Another highlight of visiting the abbey is its haute-cuisine restaurant, Fontevraud Le Restaurant . For those who would like to spend the night at a spiritually inspiring retreat, the Fontevraud L'Hôtel on the property pampers guests with luxurious, contemporary-style rooms in the former Saint-Lazare priory, once the residence for a community of nuns.

The Royal Abbey of Fontevraud could be a good addition to a sightseeing itinerary with Saumur (14 kilometers way) and Chinon (16 kilometers away).

Address: Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, 49590 Fontevraud-l'Abbaye

This picture-perfect Renaissance château is in the heart of the Loire Valley, just 10 kilometers from Blois and 20 kilometers from Chambord. Originally a manor house, the Château de Beauregard became the hunting lodge for Francis I, who reigned during the first half of the 16th century.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle served as a residence for the king's ministers. This stately building reflects the grandeur of its rich heritage. Three centuries of France's history are represented in the château's Portraits Gallery , with 327 portraits of kings and important political figures.

An expansive parkland surrounds the castle, including gardens planted with ancient cedars, cherry blossom trees, and flowering plants. Depending on the season, vibrant azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons, and a hundred variety of fragrant heirloom roses enliven the grounds.

Those who spend more time wandering will come across the ruins of a 14th-century chapel, a landmark on the Chemin de Saint-Jacques medieval pilgrimage trail.

Address: 12 Chemin de la Fontaine, 41120 Cellettes

This historic town was an important medieval pilgrimage destination. The Abbaye de la Trinité , was a stopover, close to Saint Martin's tomb in Tours, along the pilgrims' road to Santiago de Compostela.

At the center of Vendôme is the Place Saint-Martin , and nearby is the Tour Saint-Martin , all that remains of a Renaissance church. Other noteworthy churches in Vendôme include the Chapelle Saint-Jacques , a Gothic chapel now used for cultural expositions, and the 15th-century Eglise Sainte-Marie-Madeleine , with lovely stained-glass windows.

One of France's "Most Beautiful Villages," Lavardin is 18 kilometers away from Vendôme amid the rolling hills and cliffs of the Loire Valley. Lending an element of romance to the village are the ruins of an old fortified castle that withstood an attack by Richard the Lionheart but was overtaken by King Henry IV's troops.

Châteaudun is perched high on a rocky outcrop, the perfect defensive location during the Middle Ages.

In the 12th century, the Count of Blois chose this lofty, difficult-to-access spot to build a fortress featuring a massive 31-meter tower, and that feudal castle is considered the first château of the Loire Valley .

In the mid-15th century, the Château de Châteaudun became the property of comrade-in-arms and close friend of Joan of Arc, Jean de Dunois , who tore down the old wing of the castle to construct the Sainte-Chapelle (a Holy Chapel designed to hold a relic, the Cross of Christ).

After the Hundred Years' War, the château was enhanced in Renaissance style to suit a more leisurely and luxurious way of life. The room décor became more refined, and large kitchens were added to prepare princely meals.

On the castle's attractive grounds, the unique hanging garden reflects a taste for the lavish. From the château's outdoor terrace are stunning views of the Loire landscape.

Near the château is the old town of Châteaudun, a jumble of cobblestone pedestrian streets enclosed within ancient ramparts. While strolling atmospheric lanes, discover quaint half-timbered houses (mainly on Rue Saint-Lubin and Rue des Huileries ) and historic churches, including the Eglise de la the Madeleine with a Romanesque façade.

Tourists will also enjoy the town's pleasant parks and the wide selection of shops and restaurants. An excellent choice is Aux Trois Pastoureaux , a traditional restaurant that offers seasonal cuisine made from scratch and a "medieval menu" that's fun for tourists.

Outside the old town, in the more modern area of Châteaudun (at 3 Rue Toufaire), is the Musée des Beaux-Arts et d'Histoire Naturelle (Museum of Fine Arts and Natural History), which displays a diverse collection of archaeological objects, paintings, fine porcelain, and interior decor.

In the little village of Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire, the Abbaye de Fleury is an oasis of peace and spirituality. The architecture and the rural setting create a sense of tranquility that is ideal for meditation.

This Benedictine abbey was founded in the 7th century and its basilica, built between 1067 and 1218, is one of the finest Romanesque churches in France. The most outstanding feature of the church is the porch tower, with its ornately carved capitals.

Inside the 12th-century crypt are the relics of Saint Benedict, brought here from the Abbey of Monte Cassino (near Naples in Italy) in the late 7th century.

The monastic community of the Abbaye de Fleury was dissolved at the time of the French Revolution but was re-established in 1944 by a group of Benedictine monks. Today this working monastery is home to a community of 27 monks.

In order for residents to fulfill the monastic ideal of creative work, the Abbaye de Fleury has an Atelier de Porcelaine , where monks handcraft porcelain plates, mugs, and bowls, and an Atelier de Confiserie , where specialty confections such as fruit candies, caramels, and honey bonbons are created. These artisanal products are available at the abbey's boutique.

Although much of the abbey is reserved for use by the monastic community, the basilica is open to the public; visitors may spend time in prayer or attend Mass, which is celebrated daily. The abbey also welcomes visitors for spiritual retreats and pilgrims who arrive here to venerate the relics of Saint Benoît.

Address: Place de l'Abbaye, 45730 Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire

The Château de Villesavin was created by French and Italian master craftsmen and builders who had constructed grand royal palaces such as Chambord.

Unlike many castles of the Loire Valley, this 16th-century manor house has been well maintained in its original state for four centuries and today is still a private home, owned by the Sparre family.

The château's 27-hectare property includes tranquil green space and pristine forests filled with many animals. You can often see deer, rabbits, and squirrels. Kids will have fun at the castle's Ferme des Petits, a miniature farm where chickens, cows, goats, rabbits, and sheep are raised.

The property includes the Musée du Mariage , with a collection of vintage wedding dresses, and trousseau à la chambre nuptiale (bridal trousseau) items, and the Musée de Voitures Hippomobiles et d'Enfants , which displays 19th-century horse-drawn vehicles and children's cars that were pulled by dogs, goats, or sheep.

The Château de Villesavin is in the small village of Tour-en-Sologne, which is just 10 kilometers away from the Château de Chambord.

Address: Château de Villesavin, 41250 Tour-en-Sologne

Like the castles of fairy-tale imagination, the Château de Sully-sur-Loire is encircled by wide moats that are filled with water. Multiple turreted towers add to the storybook impression.

The imposing appearance reflects the original military purpose of the medieval château. When Maximilien de Béthune (the Duke of Sully) bought the property in the early 17th century, he added an artillery tower and defensive walls reinforced by canons to ensure an impenetrable fortress.

The interior has been updated throughout the centuries, but has retained much of its medieval character. Especially interesting are the apartments of the Duke of Sully and his wife, and the Salle d'Honneur family portrait gallery. The château also has a large park, offering a peaceful retreat in nature.

Address: Chemin de la Salle Verte, 45600 Sully-sur-Loire

A remarkable piece of living French history, the Château de Brissac has been in the same family for more than twenty generations.

It is currently owned by the 13th Duke of Brissac, descendants of Lord René de Cossé, who purchased the castle in 1502. The Marquis Charles-André and the Marquise Larissa de Brissac reside in the château along with their four children.

Besides its prestigious heritage, the Château de Brissac has the distinction of being the tallest château in the Loire Valley, thanks to its seven stories and 204 rooms.

This majestic castle is set in a bucolic parkland with many benches, and walking paths. The palatial interior features rooms with gilded ceilings, exquisite furniture, and Venetian chandeliers. One of the most delightful rooms is the castle's 200-seat Belle Époque Opera House .

For those who'd like to feel like landed gentry for a few nights, the castle offers bed-and-breakfast accommodations. Guest rooms are decorated with authentic antique-style furnishings and have views of the park's woodlands and meadows.

Throughout the year, the château hosts events such as a Venetian Carnival , an Easter egg hunt on Easter Sunday, and a four-day Flower Arrangement Festival .

Address: Château de Brissac, 49320 Brissac en Val de Loire

More on France

Guide to the Châteaux of the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley of France , found between the towns of Tours and Blois, offers a fascinating landscape of vineyards, forests, gardens, and stately châteaux (singular  château ). Château is a general term used for any manor house but, historically, chateaux were used as anything from hunting lodges to residences for important people. They were built between the 10th and 20th centuries, although many of the châteaux in this Loire Valley guide were built around the Renaissance period.

Visiting a Loire Valley château or two and enjoying the surrounding forest and wine regions has been a top tourist endeavor for decades. Although the Loire Valley is home to more than 300 châteaux, this guide focuses on the best of the local châteaux, most of which are situated in a département called Loir-et-Cher. For folks on a tight vacation schedule, this guide is perfect for making the most of your time in the Loire Valley.

Cities of the Loire Valley

Tours  is a good city to stay in to discover the Loire Valley châteaux, especially if you are arriving by train. It isn't the most scenic city, being fairly industrial, but the old center was rebuilt after the war and it's a decent hub for visiting the valley. There is an airport outside Tours called Tours Val de Loire Airport that offers flights to and from London, and the high-speed TGV train  gets you from Paris to Tours in about an hour.

If you arrive in Tours by train, you still have some distance to travel to get to wine country, but half-day wine country tours on an eight-passenger minibus are offered by the Tourist Office (main office located at 78-82 Rue Bernard Palissy; annex at 1 Place Plumereau). Your hotel in Tours should be able to guide you toward bus tours of the chateaux.

Blois , which is the capital of the Loir-et-Cher, is a city that you may consider staying in and using as your base. It has the added benefit of having its very own Renaissance-era château. There is a train station at Blois, and you can rent a car  there to continue your exploration of the Loire Valley.

Montrichard is a historic market town on the River Cher between Blois and Tours. Nearby cottages offer a chance to stay in the area and experience life as a local.

Since châteaux country is part of a rural vacation that might include walking, biking, wine tasting , and visiting open-air markets, a popular thing to do is to rent a country cottage for a week or so. There are more than 140 rural vacation rentals in the Loire Valley département  of Loir-et-Cher.

• Château de Chenonceau  has been described as the most beautiful of châteaux. The Renaissance château stretches across the River Cher on piers. Chenonceau is one of the few châteaus that you can view without a guide.
• Château de Chambord  was commissioned as a hunting lodge by Francois I in 1519. It's the largest of the Loire châteaux with 440 rooms, and if it's second to Chenonceau in beauty, it's a darn close second.
• Ch â teau de Chaumont  is set on a cliff above the Loire, standing on the foundations of two previous fortresses dating from the 10th and 12th centuries. Check out the Italian tiled floor in the Salle du Conseil, furniture from the 16th and 18th centuries, and the impressive stables built by the Prince de Broglie.
• Château d'Amboise  was home to French King Louis XI and his wife Charlotte of Savoy. Visit the Gothic Chapel of St Hubert and find out if the remains of Leonardo da Vinci are really buried in the north transept. Don't forget to see the lavish Kings quarters, the Great Hall, and the Tour des Minimes, which is a tower providing access to the château to carriages.
• Château de Villandry  features one of the best examples of Renaissance formal gardens in the Loire Valley.
• Château de Beauregard  features an interesting 16th-century kitchen, but most come here to see the Picture Gallery containing 363 portraits of Royal family members and aristocracy.
• Château de Cheverny  is an opulent Renaissance-styled château from the period of Louis XIII. The main draws here are the furnishings and the small hunting museum.

Getting There and Around

If you are​ traveling by train , a rail pass can save you money if you plan correctly. A variety of French rail passes are available.

Heading toward the west coast of France, you can go toward Nantes , or continue on toward Bordeaux  to coastal resort La Rochelle . You could also go north to  Paris . The A10 Autoroute goes north to Paris and southwest to Bordeaux.

Top 10 Chateaux in the Loire Valley

The Top 15 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in France

Visit Blois in the Loire Valley Guide

Top Gardens of France

6 Gorgeous Winter Châteaux to Tour in France

A Tour of West France

A New Château Hotel Opens in France's Loire Valley

Nantes: Jewel of the Loire Valley

The Best Loire Valley Driving Tour

Guide to the City of Tours and its Attractions in the Loire Valley

The Best Places to See Fall Colors in France

Top Bed and Breakfast Accommodation in the Loire Valley

Pilgrimage Walking Routes From France to Spain

France Guide: Planning Your Trip

Top French Wine Tours, Regions and Wine Routes

Dordogne Travel Guide and Maps

Already 0 CO2 saved thanks to eco-mode on this site. Would you like to make an effort for our planet? More

Loire Valley

The Loire Châteaux 

Accueil Discover The Loire Châteaux 

Chambord, Amboise, Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau… So many legendary names line the royal river, making it the dream destination of thousands of visitors every year! Come and discover the breathtaking Loire Châteaux and step into the heart of French history thanks to the 15 architectural masterpieces that comprise the exceptional collection of the Loire Valley Châteaux. Admire their richly decorated interiors, stroll through the splendid parks and French-style gardens, marvel at their particularities… Embark on a unique and unforgettable journey! 

Must-see châteaux in the Loire Valley

The national Domain of Chambord

The Château of Chenonceau

Château of Sully-sur-Loire

The Château of le Clos Lucé – the Leonardo da Vinci park

The royal château of Amboise

The regional domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire

The châteaux of the Loire Valley with family

Château of Cheverny

The Château of Azay-le-Rideau

Royal Château of Blois

Château of Villandry

Château of Le Rivau

Château of Langeais

Royal city of Loches

The royal fortress of Chinon

Château of Valençay

Christmas at the châteaux: step into the Christmas spirit!

Hot air balloon rides over the Loire châteaux

Sleep in a Loire château

Loire châteaux Association- Vallée des rois

Did you find this content useful?

• 8 This content has been useful to you
• This content was not useful to you

Thank you for taking the time to let us know that you found this content useful. Your encouragement is important to us, and your feedback helps us to improve.

Thank you for taking the time to let us know that this content was not useful to you. We apologise for any inconvenience.

Share this content

• Share on Facebook
• Share on X / Twitter
• Share on WhatsApp
• Share by email

How to Plan the Perfect Loire Valley Itinerary

Article written by Elisa - Travel Writer & Local in France This article may contain compensated links. Please read disclaimer for more info.

About the Loire Valley, France

The Loire Valley is the region around the Loire River’s middle stretch in Central France. Comprising about 800 km2, this is France’s most extensive area ever to be included in UNESCO’s World Heritage list.

The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful destinations in France, a delicate blend of nature, history, and French elegant art-de-vivre . Here, you can enjoy vibrant medieval towns, fairytale castles, stunning gardens, delicious food, and some of France’s best wines.

There is such a variety of stunning places to see in the Loire Valley that it is difficult to choose only a few of them!

Do you plan on visiting the Loire Valley, France? This Loire Valley Trip Planner is here to help you plan the perfect Loire Valley itinerary. Read what to do in the Loire Valley, the best time to go, itinerary suggestions, and our best tips.

Is Loire Valley worth visiting? The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful regions of France, which perfectly combines nature, history, and French art-de-vivre.

Table of Contents:

• Best Time to Visit the Loire Valley
• How Many Days in the Loire Valley?

How to Visit Loire Valley

Defining the perfect loire valley itinerary, best cities in the loire valley.

• Stay in One of the Château hotels in the Loire Valley

Best Châteaux of the Loire Valley to Visit

Best medieval towns in the loire valley.

• Wine Tasting in the Loire Valley
• Other Fun Things to Do in the Loire Valley

Best Time to Visit Loire Valley

The Loire Valley sits right in the center of France, dividing north and south, so it gets relatively hot in summer (around 25°C in July) and cold in winter (around 7°C in January).

The best time to visit Loire Valley to have good weather is from April to October. Spring is a great time to visit the chateaux’s gardens, all in full bloom.

The best seasons for outdoor activities are spring and autumn. The shoulder seasons in the Loire Valley are perfect for walking and cycling.

The months of July and August see the crowds in the Loire Valley, especially around the main sites. For the best accommodation and prices, it will be key to book well in advance. Also, we recommend buying skip-the-line tickets online in advance for the main Châteaux of the Loire Valley.

The season to avoid for a Loire Valley trip is winter. The winter months see rain and cooler temperatures, and some châteaux may be closed.

How Many Days in Loire Valley

The Loire Valley has so many things to see and do that you could spend all your French holiday in this region.

To get the most out of the Loire Valley, we recommend a minimum of 3 full days, but ideally 5-to 6 days. If you spend 5 to 6 days in the Loire Valley, you will have time to visit a couple of towns and cities, explore some of the best Châteaux of the Loire Valley, wine tasting and shopping, and perhaps a relaxing boat trip.

Loire Valley tours from Paris are also popular amongst people with tight schedules and they are perfectly planned to see a bit of everything.

1. Loire Valley Tour from Paris

Thanks to its proximity to the French capital, the Loire Valley is one of the most popular day trips from Paris .

There are many Loire Valley tours with an expert guide worth considering, but you can also book a customized Loire Valley day tour with the places you like.

Most of the Loire Valley tours are focused around the main Châteaux and towns. If you are more interested in vineyards than stones, check out this Loire Valley wine tour from Paris .

Have a look at this article on how to plan a day trip to the Loire Valley from Paris (self-guided or with a guided tour) and get the most out of your day in the Loire Valley!

2. Take a Loire Valley Road Trip

For extended trips to the Loire Valley, we recommend taking a road trip. A French self-drive holiday will allow you to visit the main sites and also other stunning châteaux and medieval towns, which are more difficult to reach by public transportation.

If you need some inspiration to craft your itinerary, have a look at this 5-day Loire Valley road trip . You will also find this road trip in our France by Car e-book , complete with the best places to eat and sleep for each day and our recommendations on customizing this driving holiday for shorter or longer trips.

If you don’t have a car in France, we recommend booking one with  Discover Cars . This site is great because it takes all major rental companies, such as Hertz, Avis, and more, and compares prices for you. If this is your first time driving in France, check out our best  tips for renting a car in France .

If you land at Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG), you can pick up your rental car at the airport and start your Loire Valley road trip from there. The drive from CDG Airport to Orléans takes less than 2 hours (200 km) – Click here to rent a car at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport

If you plan to visit Paris before heading to the Loire Valley, you can take a train from Paris to Tours, Blois, or Orléans and then pick up your rental car in one of these cities.

• Rent a car in Orléans
• Rent your Car in Tours
• Rent your Car in Blois

3. Loire Valley by Train

Cities and towns like Tours, Beaugency, Orléans, Blois, and Amboise are easy to reach by train. Here’s a list of train distances and times from Paris for reference:

• Train Paris – Tours : 1h 12 min (fast train)
• Train Paris – Orléans : 1h 52 min (fast train)
• Train Paris – Blois : 1,5-2hrs (direct or via Orléans)
• Train Paris – Amboise : 2-2,5hrs (direct or via Orléans)

Thanks to the Train Loire à Vélo (Train Loire by Bike) system, you can board trains on the Interloire line with your bicycle, from mid-June to mid-September. The service is free and has dedicated personnel to take care of your bike from the moment you board to when you get it back when you get off.

This train is great for La Loire à Vélo and the Itinéraire Vélocéan bike routes and allows you to easily skip stages or return to your point of departure.

The Loire Valley is more than fairytale castles. The region is also known for its vibrant cities, medieval towns, and natural wonders, so the perfect itinerary Loire Valley combines a little bit of all these things.

If you visit the Loire Valley for the first time, you may want to stick to the main sites. However, the most memorable Loire Valley trip usually begins when you leave the beaten path.

So what should include the perfect Loire Valley itinerary?

• One of the Loire Valley’s main cities
• One or two of the Loire Valley’s medieval towns
• Two of the most popular Châteaux of the Loire Valley
• One of the Châteaux off the main tourist track
• A stay in one of the stunning château-hotels in the Loire Valley
• A Loire Valley wine tour with tastings
• One or two outdoor activities

The list of things to do in the Loire Valley can be longer or shorter depending on the duration of your holiday. For example, for a Loire Valley 3-day itinerary , stay in one of the cities mentioned below. From there, visit a medieval village, one or two top castles, and take a wine tour. For a Loire Valley 5-day itinerary or longer, add at least one night in one of the stunning château-hotels nearby.

The Loire Valley’s main cities are a good place to put down your suitcases for a couple of days. Enjoy the city’s atmosphere and main sights and explore the rest of the Loire Valley on day trips. Here are the cities in the Loire Valle not to miss:

1. Orléans

Orléans is the capital of the Centre-Val-de Loire region . Orléans is famous as the city of  Jeanne d’Arc , a French heroine who, on the 8th of May 1429, played a decisive role in the town’s liberation from the occupying English.  

Over recent years, this dynamic city has engaged in major conservation projects to reveal all its former splendor. Orléans is a good base to explore the medieval towns of Beaugency, Meung-sur-Loire, and the castles of Chambord and Cheverny.

Blois  is a beautiful city with remarkable architectural and cultural heritage. Its Old Town is very compact, and you can easily explore it on foot. In Blois, don’t miss visiting the  Château de Blois , the Loire’s finest in-town château and home to seven French Kings!

Blois is a good base to explore the medieval town of Beaugency, the city of Amboise with its Royal Castle and the Clos de Lucé, and the castles of Chambord, Cheverny, Chaumont sur Loire, and Chenonceau.

Tours is a historic city with a rich heritage. Tours was the capital of the French kingdom, even if for a short time. It is also a student city, with a lively city center populated by many restaurants and bars that pop up their terraces outside as soon as the beautiful days arrive. 

Tours is an excellent base to explore the medieval towns of Chinon, and Langeais, the city of Amboise with its Royal Castle and the Clos de Lucé, and the castles of Chenonceau, Azay-le-Rideau, and Villandry.

Sitting on the River Loire banks, in the region of Pays-de-la-Loire, the city of  Saumur  has a pretty medieval Old Town to explore crowned by a fairytale medieval castle and plenty to see and do.

Saumur is a good base to explore the medieval towns of Chinon and Langeais, the city of Angers with its imposing medieval castle, the magnificent Abbey of Fontevraud – the burial place of the Plantagenets in France – and the castles of Azay-le-Rideau, and Villandry.

Stay in One of the Château Hotels in the Loire Valley

For a total Loire Valley experience, stay a couple of nights in one of the wonderful château hotels in the Loire Valley.

Many Châteaux of the Loire Valley have found new lives as château hotels and now offer accommodation with discerning five-star service that will treat you like a royal, if only just for the night. Explore the best Castles of the Loire Valley during the day, and choose your particular château to rest your head at night.

Click here for the best chateau-hotels in the Loire Valley . Other château hotels in the Loire Valley worth considering are:

• Château de Noizay , near Amboise
• Domaine des Hauts de Loire , near Chaumont-sur-Loire
• Château d’Artigny  near Tours
• Château de Beauvois , near Villandry
• Château de Chissay , near Château de Chenonceau
• Château de la Menaudière , near Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Gizeux , near Tours
• Château de Marçay , near Chinon
• Château de Troussail , in Cheverny
• Château Belmont , in Tours
• Les Sources de Cheverny , in Cheverny
• Château de Perreux , near Amboise
• Château des Arpentis , near Amboise
• Château de Rochecotte , near Villandry, Rigny-Ussé and Chinon
• Château de Pray , near Amboise

In the Loire Valley, you will find some of the most beautiful French castles to visit . Most of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley were built during the Renaissance, so they are very different from the Château de Versailles and other  castles near Paris .

As there are several hundred châteaux in the Loire Valley, with about 100 open to the public, it’s quite difficult to choose only a few for your itinerary!

If you don’t know what castles to visit, this list of the best Châteaux of the Loire Valley may help. For a perfect Loire Valley itinerary, we recommend visiting only 2-3 castles a day and completing the rest of the days with other activities.

If you plan on visiting the Loire Valley during the high season, we recommend buying skip-the-line tickets to the most popular castles online. Below we list the Loire Castles you will need advance tickets for and have added links to our favorite trusty providers for your convenience.

• Château de Chambord
• Château de Blois
• Château d’Amboise
• Château du Clos de Lucé (in Amboise)
• Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
• Château de Villandry
• Château de Chenonceau
• Château de Chaumont sur Loire
• Royal Fortress of Chinon

If you want to visit more than two Châteaux during your Loire Valley trip, consider one of the following Châteaux de la Loire Passes with skip-the-line access to save time and money:

• Leonardo da Vinci Loire Valley Pass – Château du Clos Lucé + Royal Château d’Amboise + Château de Chambord
• Loire Valley Châteaux Pass – Château de Chambord + Château de Chenonceau + Château de Blois (or Château d’Amboise, or Château du Clos Lucé)
• Touraine Château Pass – Château de Villandry + Château d’Azay-le-Rideau + Royal Fortress of Chinon

The Loire Valley is dotted with some of the most beautiful medieval towns in France and other picturesque villages accredited with labels like “Plus beaux villages de France” (Most beautiful villages in France) or “Petites Cités de Caractère” (Small towns of character). You will certainly be charmed by their tuffeau stone houses, flower-filled streets, and medieval remains!

Here’s the list of the best small towns and villages in the Loire Valley:

Along the banks of the Loire River

• Meung-sur-Loire

Along the banks of the Vienne and Indre Rivers

Along the banks of the Cher River

• Montrichard

Other Loire Valley Villages Worth Exploring

• St-Florent-le-Vieil
• Yèvre-le-Châte
• Candes-Saint-Martin
• Crissay-sur-Manse
• Trentemoult

Taste the Wines of the Loire Valley

If you like French wine , we recommend visiting one or two wineries in the Loire Valley Wine Region , where you’ll learn about the history of the land and get to taste several local wines, sometimes paired with delicious cheeses. 

The Loire Valley is one of the largest wine regions in France. If you are looking for lighter wines, the wines of Loire Valley are right up your alley. There are great selections of lighter red wines, delicate, fruity white wines, sweet roses, and a large production of sparkling wines (named Crémants de Loire).

The Loire Valley Wine Region has different production zones. The production area closest to the main Châteaux of the Loire Valley is Touraine , located around the city of Tours.

East of Tours, the production is focused on white wines from Chenin grape variety (e.g. AOC Vouvray). West of Tours, is the land of red wines from Cabernet Franc grape variety (e.g. AOC Chinon, AOC Borgueil). The AOC Touraine produces light wines in three colors (white, red, rosé).

All these Loire Valley wineries offer top-rated tours and tastings in French and English. A visit to these wineries is also a great opportunity to buy excellent wines directly from the producers. Book your visit online in advance.

• Domaine Thierry Cosme  – AOC Vouvray
• Domaine Les Pièrres d’Aurèle  – AOC Touraine
• Domaine Cahterine et Michel Langlois  – AOC Pouilly Fumé
• Domaine Jean-Marc et Mathieu Crochet  – AOC Sancerre

If you don’t have a car, here are some suggestions for wine day tours in the Loire Valley:

• Loire Valley Wine Tasting Tour with Private Driver (departs from Tours and Amboise)
• Loire Valley Wine Tour in Vouvray and Montlouis (departs from Tours)
• Caves Ambacia, Tour and Wine Tasting (in Amboise, no transportation)

Other Fun Things to Do in the Loire Valley, France

Of course, the Loire Valley offers much more than sightseeing. If you are visiting the Loire Valley for more than two or three days, consider one of these fun activities for adventure lovers:

1. See the Loire Valley Castles from Other Points of View

A visit to the interior of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley is a must, but it’s worth viewing the Castles from other perspectives for more magnificent views.

Take a boat trip to see the Château de Chenonceau from the water . The Canoë Company  offers different boat tours that are guided or self-guided, with different itineraries.

You can also admire the Châteaux de Chenonceau (and the Loire Valley) from a hot-air balloon with  France Montgolfières . Our trip with them over Fontainebleau was an incredible experience that we recommend. You can check our review  here .

Another unique way to explore the Châteaux of the Loire Valley is a micro flight with a professional pilot . Flights last from 30 min to 1,5 hrs, depending on the chosen option. The departure point is 40km from Tours, and you will be able to admire the Châteaux de Chenonceau, Loches, Chaumont, and Amboise.

2. La Loire à Vélo (The Loire Valley by Bike)

Explore the beautiful landscapes of the Loire Valley by following part of the famous Loire Valley bike route . We have covered different sections already, and it’s always a fun experience!

3. Taste the Regional Food

France is well-known for its great food, and the Loire Valley region is no exception. Here’s a list of some delicious specialties from the Loire Valley:

• Game Meat  – Wild boar (sanglier), deer (cerf), duck (canard), quail (caille), pigeon and rabbit (lapin)
• Fish  – Commonly served fish in this region include pike perch/zander (sandre), bream (brème), and eels (anguilles). They are usually served with a butter sauce (beurre blanc)
• Goat Cheese  (chèvre) such as Saint Maure, Pouligny-St-Pierre, Selles-sur-Cher and Crottin de Chavignol
• Rillettes  – usually made using pork, it’s a textured pâté and served spread on bread
• Touraine Rillons  (Rillons de Touraine) – slow-cooked pork belly cubes
• Caramelized Apple pie  (Tarte Tatin) – this famous dessert comes from this region, and more specifically from Sologne

4. Shopping

Most of the Châteaux open to visitors have impressive souvenir shops with interesting history books and medieval-related merchandise.

If you take a wine tour, don’t miss the opportunity to buy a couple of your favorite bottles. Prices are always cheaper than in the wine shops in the city.

Look for the local markets for regional produce, cheese, rillettes, and local sweets.

Back to Homepage

Disclaimer: This article may contain compensated links, meaning we get a small commission if you make a purchase through our links. It costs you nothing more (in fact, if anything, you’ll get a nice discount) but helps us to go on creating incredible French content for you. We trust all products and brands promoted here and would never recommend anything that isn’t of value. Please read disclaimer for more info.

(C) Copyright 2019 - 2024 France Bucket List. All Rights Reserved. Designed & Developed by France Bucket List || Disclaimer || Privacy Policy || Contact |

• Company News

Top 10 Châteaux in the Loire Valley

No camping holiday in the Loire Valley is complete without the regions famous châteaux. From Chambord to Cheverny, we pick our 10 very favourites for you to visit.

So, you’re off to the Loire Valley on your next camping trip with a plan to see the châteaux that have helped make this region of France famous. But where to start? There are more than 300 châteaux in this real-life Disney world – enough to make Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Elsa all swoon. It’d take a very long holiday to see them all, so to help you decide which ones are worthy of your attention we’ve picked our faves; the Cool Camping top 10 châteaux in the Loire Valley…

Château de Chambord

If we were to crown a king of the castles, Château de Chambord would be the undisputed winner, so if you have time to visit only one; make it this one. The scale of the place has to be seen to be believed. Its much-turreted façade and formal gardens, which have been restored to their manicured, 18th-century best, are impressive enough, but step inside and you’ll discover that there are a staggering 426 rooms and 83 staircases within. Don’t worry, the guided tour won’t take you to all of them but make sure you see the highlights, which include an ingenious double helix staircase thought to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci under the direction of King Francois I who started building in 1519.

Find out more

Château Sully-sur-Loire

You’ll find it hard to resist photographing Château Sully-sur-Loire on still sunny days when its turreted towers have a mirror-image reflection in the moat which surrounds it. This pretty castle was designed both to defend a bridge over the Loire and also as a fine residence where its owner could host guests. In the 14th century Joan of Arc visited Sully twice to speak with King Charles VII who was staying at the castle. In the 15th century the castle became home to the first Duke of Sully, Maximilian de Bethune, in whose family it remained until the Loiret local council bought it in 1962 – and, luckily for us, opened it to the public.

Royal Château de Amboise

The Royal Château de Amboise would be worth a visit for the views alone but add in some of its illustrious former guests and it definitely deserves its place on the list of top 10 châteaux in the Loire Valley. Standing high above the water at the confluence of the Loire with the Amasse, one of its tributaries, it was a great spot for defence and is now a great spot for a view of the river and its surrounds. There’s lots to see here as this was home to French kings between the 15th and 19th centuries. Leonardo da Vinci was the guest of one of them, King Francois I. He stayed here for the last three years of his life and is buried within the castle.

Château Royal de Blois

Château Royal de Blois – you couldn’t make somewhere sound more French if you tried. But it’s not only the name that perfectly embodies France, its architecture neatly tells the tale of France too. There’s a medieval tower, the Gothic Louis XII wing (from the time when the king himself lived here) and a Renaissance spiral staircase among its treasures. It’s also home to the Musee des Beaux-Arts and, during the summer, a nightly sound and light show is projected on to the walls of the château which describes all this history.

Château de Chenonceau

When it comes to being on the water, Château de Chenonceau beats all other contenders hands down. This elegant castle bridges the Cher , a tributary of the Loire, with a gallery built above the water. It’s also touted as the women’s château, as it’s said to have been defined by women since Catherine Briconnet oversaw the building of the current structure in the 16th century while her husband was away at war. It has elegant Rennaissance-style parterre gardens and a fine-dining restaurant if you fancy a taste of the high life.

Villandry Château and Gardens

If you’re touring the Renaissance châteaux of the Loire, Villandry might make a suitable last stop. It was the last of the great châteaux to be built and was home to Jean le Breton, King Francois I’s minister for finance who had overseen the building of many of the other Loire Valley châteaux. It differs from earlier builds in that it is more French than Italian in style and was built in harmony with the gardens.

Château de Saumur

All the glitters is not gold – but the ornamental finial on top of the slate roof of Château de Saumur actually is. Well, gold leaf anyway. The 12-metre-high crown on the roof of the south tower of this château is part of a dedicated restoration project. The aim? To restore the château to its glory days when it was a home to the Dukes of Anjou. In the 15th-century, each of the four slate-roofed towers had one of these finials, according to a painted miniature from the time. You can learn about the history of the château and the history of the town on a visit here – and there’s a Horse Museum within its walls too.

Forteresse Royale de Chinon

In its glory days Forteresse Royale de Chinon was home to King Charles VII, in its worst times it fell into disrepair after being repurposed as a prison. Now, this château is open to the public and using modern technology and ideas to tell its story and entice visitors. There are multimedia displays and virtual tours which help guide you through two rooms dedicated to Joan of Arc and the restored royal quarters and there’s also a challenging escape room. Suitable for adults and children aged 12 and up, the escape room is available in French or English with a story based on some of the history of the château.

Château de Cheverny

Château de Cheverny is about as family friendly as châteaux come, so if you’re camping with kids in the Loire Valley, a visit here is a top tip. The château itself is made more kid-friendly with a mystery for kids to solve on the way around and the historic nursery open for viewing among the château’s rooms. This place has been in the same family for six generations and the fully-furnished and still-used rooms make a marked contrast to the displays in some of the other Loire Valley château. But in addition to all that, there are gardens and parkland to explore with a maze among the treasures – as well as a TinTin museum within the grounds.

Château d’Angers

At the western end of the Loire Valley World Heritage Site, this château is in the heart of the lively university city of Angers. This medieval fortress is distinctive for its stripey half-a-kilometre long ramparts with 17 towers – and for a 140-metre tapestry that is displayed within it. The Apocalypse Tapestry, as its known, was commissioned in 1375 by Louis I, one of the Dukes of Anjou who lived here, and is considered a major piece of medieval art.

Related Post

An unforgettable blue ridge parkway camping road trip itinerary, football fever: 8 campsites in england for a kickabout, an unforgettable route 66 camping road trip itinerary, recent posts.

• Destinations

Curling through two states, two national parks, and the Appalachian Mountains, America’s original national parkway is packed with knockout views…

The sun is back, the Euros are underway, and in camping meadows across the country, there are games of football…

Before the interstate highway system crisscrossed across America, Route 66 was the Mother Road for traveling around the country. This…

• Guides & hacks

9 Reasons Why RVers Use Hipcamp

Hipcamp makes it easier for RVers to find epic campsites and plan more memorable road trips Known for its unique…

Your 2024 Meteor Shower and Camping Guide

Imagine relaxing under a canopy of stars and dark skies surrounded by the quiet solitude of nature when suddenly you…

• Product Announcement

Don’t Let Rain Dampen Your Camping Plans: Hipcamp Now Offers a Weather Guarantee for Camping Trips

Continuing to make your camping trips memorable despite Mother Nature’s plans We know all too well the wave of panic…

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience.

• Restaurants
• Best-of Guides
• MICHELIN Guide Ceremony
• My Favorites
• Subscribe to newsletter
• Booking partnership with OpenTable
• Booking partnership with Resy
• USA - English - USD
• 3 Days in the Loire Valley, On the Trail of Châteaux

Looking for a break from the city grind? Not far from Paris, explore the most beautiful châteaux in the Loire Valley, along with its best restaurants and hotels

Editor's Pick France Sustainability Travel Hotels

The enchanting châteaux of the Loire Valley are one of the world's unique phenomena. After all, the concentration of remarkable monuments in this region was one of the reasons why the Loire Valley was included on UNESCO's World Heritage List. Of course, it's impossible to visit all 3,000 or so châteaux in a weekend; which is why we've put together an itinerary that brings together what, for us, are the major 'must-sees', all within one handy itinerary. If you're a keen cyclist, then the good news is that these stops are along the 'Loire by Bike' route that follows the Loire river for about two-thirds of its length. 'Loire by Bike' runs along the western section of 'Eurovélo 6', the major European cycle route linking the Black Sea to the Atlantic Ocean. Most of the stages are open to the general public, and can be split at will. What's more, much of the route is on greenways, low-traffic roads and safe, signposted cycle paths. And because it would be impossible to talk about the Loire without mentioning its vineyards, we've also included a number of unmissable estates producing excellent wines.

Dinner (and a Well-Earned Rest)

Address Book

Hôtel, Spa et Restaurants Fleur de Loire (Christophe Hay) : 26 Quai Villebois Mareuil, 41000 Blois Château royal de Blois : 6 Pl. du Château, 41000 Blois Ancienne chocolaterie Poulain (usine de la Villette, ou Poulainville) : Rue de la Chocolaterie, 41000, Blois Jardins de l’Evêché : 3 Ter Rue du Haut Bourg, 41000 Blois (accolés à l’Hôtel de Ville) Cathédrale Saint-Louis : Place Saint-Louis, 41000 Blois Escalier Denis Papin : 17 Rue Haute, 41000 Blois Fontaine de la place Louis XII : 3 Pl. Louis XII, 41000 Blois Eglise Saint-Nicolas : Rue Saint-Laumer, 41000 Blois Restaurant Assa : 24 Av. du Maréchal Maunoury, 41000 Blois Chambord :

Hôtel-Restaurant Relais de Chambord : Place Saint-Louis, 41250 Chambord Château et parc de Chambord : Domaine national de Chambord, 41250 Chambord Restaurant Ezia : 17 Rue de Chambord, 41350 Montlivault Restaurant Le Grand Saint-Michel : Place Saint-Louis, 41250 Chambord Restaurant Le Rendez-vous des Gourmets : 20 Rue Roger Brun, 41250 Bracieux Domaine Marionnet Henry - Domaine de la Charmoise : La Charmoise, 41230 Soings-en-Sologne Cheverny et Chaumont-sur-Loire:

Restaurant Les Hauts de Loire : 79 Rue Gilbert Navard, 41150 Veuzain-sur-Loire Restaurant La Vieille Tour : 7 Rue Nationale, 41120 Cellettes Restaurant La Croix Blanche : 2 Av. de la Loire, 41150 Veuzain-sur-Loire Restaurant La Botte d'Asperges : 52 Rue Pierre-Henri Mauger, 41700 Le Controis-en-Sologne Château de Cheverny : Av. du Château, 41700 Cheverny Domaine de Montcy : 22 Rte de Cheverny, 41120 Cormeray Domaine des Huards : 30 VC des Huards, 41700 Cour-Cheverny Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire : 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire Hôtel-restaurant Le Bois des Chambres :  328 Queneau, 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire

And if you stay a few days longer...

Hero Image: Le Château de Chambord (© Dorian Mongel / Unsplash)

Soaking in the Details at One Key Ryokan Beniya Mukayu

The Japanese ryokan might be the highest form of hospitality, but it’s not a hotel. For the owners of One Key Beniya Mukayu, it’s important that you understand why.

A Two Key Ryokan Renews the Lost Charm of the Past

The oldest hotel in the world is a ryokan. These traditional Japanese inns date back to medieval times and weary samurai travelers. Some ryokans have turned an eye toward the future. Others, like Two Key Nishimuraya Honkan, have not.

The Most Unique Japanese Key Hotels That Defy Categorization

Tokyo has its skyscrapers and Kyoto has its ryokan. But some of the most unique hotel forms in the world are scattered throughout Japan, a testament to the creativity and passion of its hoteliers.

The Reinvention of the Ryokan

Today’s ryokan are putting a modern spin on a dependable format, helping carry it forward into yet another millennium. These 10 earned a MICHELIN Key for their efforts.

Keep Exploring - Stories we think you will enjoy reading

In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in Tokyo

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the city.

The First MICHELIN Key Hotels: All the Keys in Japan

The MICHELIN Guide announces top honors for Japanese hotels in 2024.

Buy, Shuck, and Prepare Oysters Like a Pro

Whether you want to serve oysters on the half shell, grilled, or even a tempura version, these MICHELIN chefs share their vetted tips for preparing oysters at home.

2 Days in Barcelona

The MICHELIN Guide's top tips for the best restaurants, hotels, and everything you shouldn't miss in Barcelona.

Anna Sui’s New York is Filled with Hidden, Haute Gems

The designer dishes on drinks at Bemelmans and bites at Nine Orchard.

11 Tips for Cooking with Spices

Master the art of mixing and introducing new flavors to amplify a meal.

2 Days in Mexico City

A first-time visitor's guide to the city's top spots to drink, dine, shop, and stay.

New York's Most Famous Hotel Rises Again

The Chelsea Hotel is back. The New York landmark and one-time home to dozens of the city’s most famous residents has been reinvented — and boasts a new MICHELIN Key.

MICHELIN Guide

Use the app to find the best restaurants and hotels everywhere

Be the first to get news and update about the michelin guide.

MICHELIN Guide selections

The michelin group.

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice

Display settings

Customize your experience by easily adjusting display settings for territory, and currency to suit your preferences!

Member privileges

The Plus program provides upgrades and amenities at participating hotels. For this hotel, Plus members will receive:

Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial, cancellable at anytime.

Loire Valley chateaux: The beauty, space and spectacle of France's castle houses

Chateau de Chenonceau is a French castle, spanning the River Cher, near Chenonceaux, Loire Valley.

To visit the chateaux of the Loire is to re-live history, to potter along corridors walked by royalty, to imagine romantic trysts, whispered plans for changing history and deadly embraces.

The longest river in France with a length of 1,006km, the Loire weaves its way through the garden of France punctuated with the most beautiful castles, gardens and vineyards.

There is opulence in every eyeful. Chateaux sit at commanding and defensive standpoints, surrounded by moats, parallelograms of trees on long avenues. Get closer and the devil is in the detail. 

Pristine box hedging is trimmed, as if with a nail scissors, to enclose roses, herbs, medicinal plants. 

Step across a moat to witness time standing still, with original tapestries, paintings, sculptures, the centuries-worn tiles and wood floors that have seen gliding, stately dancing in extravagant ballgowns.

A region with perfect weather for the growing of grapes for wine, underlines the luxury. The French know how to live in the present while honoring their past. We can do that too on a visit that will deliver food for mind and body.

Built in 1536, the chateau and gardens of Villandry is one of the grandest of the Loire valley. The many owners include Emperor Napoleon’s brother Jérôme Bonaparte. 

In 1906, it was bought by current owner Henri Cavallo’s grandfather Joachim, a doctor and researcher from Spain.

By then a run-down castle, the Cavallo family added vibrant Spanish paintings and tapestries, restored elegant arcades, the polished parquet flooring and original mullioned windows which overlook the valley of the Cher and Loire rivers. 

The vast classical Renaissance gardens are notable for their water garden, maze, 50km of low box hedges and yew topiary and 1,000 linden trees which line walkways. 

The blend of manicured and casual gardens, managed organically, results from what Henri Cavallo describes as “allowing nature to prosper”.

Fresh fruit and vegetables from the gardens are served in the delightful chateau restaurant La Doulce Terrasse. 

Located close to the entrance, there is also a kiosk for sandwiches and coffee. A World Heritage Site, it’s just 39 minutes by bus from Tours.

While the gardens open every day 9.30am-7pm except 25 December, see the website for chateau opening times and to book the restaurant.

• Chateau and gardens €13. Garden only, €8.
• chateauvillandry.fr

Braced in history

‘Castle Life with a touch of contemporary art’ is the description given by owner Patricia Laigneauwho, with her husband Éric, who, in 1992 bought Château du Rivau , a 15th century medieval fortified castle. 

There are royal stables where, in 1429, Joan of Arc collected her horses before battle at the Siege of Orléans. The saint is well represented in artworks throughout the castle.

Energetic and creative, this art historian has provided a haven for contemporary artists who are given space to exhibit. 

It’s child friendly and has fantastical, mythical figures and space to run around. Flower beds are patrolled by white peacocks and all the roses here are fragrant, heritage species interspersed with grasses and local plants.

Good for a day’s visit with children. There are seven bedrooms/suites from €250. Le Jardin Secret restaurant and La Table des Fées are open to non-residents.

• Situated 10km from Chinon and Richelieu, taxi is easiest. €12.50, children €7.50. Open March-November.
• chateaudurivau.com

The embodiment of elegance

The Château de Chenonceau is a 16th century privately owned embodiment of elegance.

With arches striding the river Cher, a tributary of the Loire, the bridge defines the shape of the late Gothic and early Renaissance chateau. Over the arches are galleries with chandeliers and tiled floors which echo the dances and liaisons dangereuses of its vigorous past.

Also known as The Ladies’ Chateau, residents included King Henry ll’s mistress Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici, Louise de Lorraine (the wife of King Henry lll) and Louise Dupin, feminist and patron of academics.

Skip a few centuries to the First World War and Chenonceau is used as a military hospital, funded by Henri Menier, the chocolate manufacturer, whose family now owns the chateau.

The castle has its own full time florist, the master craftsman of France Jean François Boucher, who gives masterclasses in flower arranging. Two hours for €80 per persom includes access to the castle and gardens. Book at chenonceau.com.

The chateau supplies produce to the restaurants and cafes including the charming Orangerie which serves a delicious blend of Franco-Italian dishes. There are also picnic areas. Open every day, all year from 9.30am. closing times vary by season.

• Château and gardens, €17 adult, €14 children.
• chateaudechenonceau.com

A royal touch of elegance

Château Louise de la Vallière is where the stresses of life will melt away, and pampering and total immersion in history can be taken in whatever doses you need.

Staff members are dressed in period costume, service is impeccable, and the owner — Bulgarian-born Mira Grebenstein — tells of how Louise, from humble birth, became the future Duchesse de La Vallière and King Louis XIV’s great, true love spent time in this 16th century chateau near Amboise.

Now a Relais & Châteaux hotel, she bought it in 2018 and had it renovated tastefully and accurately. Picture yourself in the Champagne bar which boasts 65 different Champagnes, a homage to the king’s penchant for bubbles. Long live the king!

The excellent 40-seater restaurant uses produce from the garden and is open to non-residents. Stuffed artichokes are sublime.

Formal gardens, horseback riding, rental of the Morgan parked outside, swimming pool and spa are all on offer to guests. Only children over 14 are accepted to stay. Dogs are welcome.

• Open all year, including Christmas Rooms from €300.
• chateaulouise.com

The art of nature

From the symmetry of vast formal chateau gardens, visit the free-form Jardins Haute Couture where creations of Paris-born Coral Miles are bursting with energy.

An Oxford graduate of Russian and French, she turned to her passion for plants and design, studying garden architecture and indulging her other passions for history and art. 

The unkempt manor house and barren gardens with huge potential for regeneration was a perfect project for her.

“We wanted to show the aesthetics of a gravel garden, planting Italian cypresses, creating ponds and hidden gardens with scented flowers and herbs, building beehives, for a sensory experience with nods to historical figures,” Ms Miles shared.

Seven bedrooms enjoy views of Loire Valley with Coral’s mother’s artwork peppering the house.

• Bed & Breakfast is €125 with access to the gardens and swimming pool. Cocktails and main meals are made from chemical-free garden produce.
• Garden visits from €5. Open May to September. Bed & Breakfast open all year, except Christmas and New Year period.
• Locates in Huismes, 12 minutes by road from Chinon, no children under 12 can be accommodated and no dogs due to delicate fabrics in the house.
• jardinshautecouture.fr.

A standard for nobility

Château de Rochecotte is less a castle experience, more a very good four-star hotel and gourmet restaurant, and the spot to chill and enjoy being spoiled. 

The Duchess of Dino and the Prince of Talleyrand walked these gardens and wooded parks, but today there is a more hedonistic feel with luxurious rooms, spa treatments, terraces for enjoying drinks, looking down at the outdoor heated pool. 

The gourmet restaurant delivers fresh produce and an exceptional cheeseboard devised by third generation three sisters of the welcoming Pasquier family, Emmanuelle, Isabelle and Christelle.

• Located at Saint Patrice, 35 minutes from Tours and Saumur. Open all year, rooms from €149.
• chateau-de-rochecotte.com

Five-star excellence

Between Vouvray and Amboise Château de Noizay is a five-star hotel in a 16th century castle. 

With 19 bedrooms, a pool and beautiful gardens it is the height of luxury with exceptional food. Rooms from €230.

• chateaudenoizay.com

How green is your garden?

Restaurant Les Jardiniers, garden and Domaine du Moribot truffle farm. Chef Martin Bolaers was recently awarded a prestigious Michelin Green Star for his sustainable approach to gastronomy. 

The freshest of fruit, aromatic plants, edible flowers and vegetables from the 5000 square metres of garden zing with clean flavours which excite. Biodynamic wines accompany. 

The restaurant uses truffles from the adjoining farm, and Chef Bolaers gives truffle cookery classes in the adjoining Cookery Academy.

Richard Galland nurtures 20,000 truffle plants on 12 hectares nearby at Domaine du Moribot. Spores are injected at the base of mainly oak trees for black truffles in winter, white in summer. Dogs are used to snuffle out the truffles. Fascinating.

• Restaurant open  Wednesday – Saturday. restaurantlesjardiniers.fr
• For truffle events and cookery demonstrations: academiedelatruffe.com  
• 11 rue des Douces, Ligré, 5km from Chinon 

Sweet Valley Highs: Fun activities in Loire valley

Château Valmer

8 km from Tours, wines produced here can be tasted, and gardens tours include a walk through Italian style hanging gardens and a 1524 troglodytic chapel. A large kitchen garden includes edible flowers and pears growing in bottles (that’s how they do it).

€12. Open end April – end September, Wednesday – Sunday 2-8pm, other times by appointment. 

• chateaudevalmer.com

Vouvray Cave

Tasting and cellar tours take you through 3km of troglodytic galleries with explanations of production of still and sparkling wines.

• Entrance: €5 
• 38 rue de la Vallée Coquette, Vouvray 
• For seasonal opening hours: cavedevouvray.com  

Tasting with Nivard Geoffrey

Nivard pairs wine with top local charcuterie, and local beers with local cheeses in various locations.

• €25, tastingwithnivard.co.uk

Food Tours in Tours

Run by Galway native Niamh Dignam, €65 pp for daytime tours.

• €100 for aperitif or dinner tours.
• foodtoursintours.com

Tips for Tours

• Ma Reserve Bar Caviste, 82 Rue Colbert : Try their figs stuffed with foie gras.
• L'Affiné Restaurant, 73 & 66 Rue Colbert: Superb cheeses, but also try the escargots in bread shells.
• Le Spot, 124 Rue Colbert: Fabien Heller sources good charcuterie, cheeses, wines. Domaine de Mouton Noir Vouvray very good.
• Guinguettes are open-air cafés with good, casual food, reasonably priced wines and beer, and DJs to dance, dance, dance. Usually dotted along quay walls throughout Touraine area

Escape notes

• Fly from Dublin with Aer Lingus and from Cork with Air France to Paris CDG. Take the TGV directly from the airport to Tours.
• Ferry distance to Tours: from Roscoff, 4.5 hours' drive; from Cherbourg, 3.5 hours.
• Hotel Oceania Universe 4-star in Tours has pool, spa, hammam. 5 Boulevard Heurteloup. Rooms around €150, oceaniahotels.com
• Roz was a guest of Touraine Loire Valley: tourainebneloirevalley.com

more travel - international articles

More in this section

An insider's guide to Galway: 60 things to experience — and the best beaches

Lifestyle newsletter.

The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the irishexaminer.com, direct to your inbox every Friday.

Please click  here for our privacy statement.

FOLLOW IRISH EXAMINER

The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the Irish Examiner, direct to your inbox.

Family Notices

© Examiner Echo Group Limited

8 best regions in France for beautiful scenery, vineyards and foodies

F ew countries can boast as wide a range of things to see and experienceas France . Its cities have famous landmarks, beachside promenades, medieval Old Towns and grand squares; its natural landscapes are home to towering mountains, lush green fields and over 3,000 miles of coastline.

Whether you’re seeing art in the capital or sliding down a slope in the Alps, you’ll quickly realise why our cross-Channel neighbour is one of the most visited countries in the world.

With so many holiday-worthy destinations , it can be difficult to choose where to go when visiting France (although struggling to decide between sightseeing, skiing, beachside relaxation and strolling through lavender fields is arguably a good problem to have).

Thankfully, many regions in France offer an exciting mix of all the above, including city breaks, nature escapes and more. To help you plan your dream Gallic getaway, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best regions in the country.

Paris and Ile-de-France

Paris and the surrounding northern region is home to some of the most important historical sites and landmarks in France (and Europe). The City of Light has gained a reputation for sophistication and grandeur, whether that be in its relaxed terrasse dining culture or the elegance of its Haussmannian buildings. Landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and Champs-Elysees are the defining image of the city, though it is more than just its landmarks. From the Louvre and a Seine river cruise to Roland-Garros and the Latin Quarter (not to mention its many other districts ), the city offers a dizzying array of things to do and see ( for all the family ).

Beyond Paris, the region is home to a similarly eclectic range of attractions. Versailles and its palace have played important roles in French and European history, while on the other side of the city lies the popular Disneyland Paris park. Famous golf courses are also dotted around the area, and the areas of Fontainebleau and Auvers-sur-Oise showcase the region’s rustic charm and forest greenery.

Loire Valley

The 170-mile long Loire Valley region sits in the central part of the country, less than two hours from Paris by train. The area is famous for its chateaux (large country or manor houses previously belonging to nobles and gentry); there are said to be more than 300 in the area, each with unique features, from fortifications to vast landscaped gardens. The Loire River is the longest in France and part of it is covered by the 560-mile ‘Loire a Veto’ cycling route that traverses miles of verdant countryside, hidden villages and buzzing cities.

One such city is Tours, the gateway to the valley centred on its medieval Vieux Tours district and central square, where old timbered houses line the streets. Other notable cities include Angers and Orleans. The latter, once liberated from an English siege by Joan of Arc, boasts several examples of medieval architecture alongside its Gothic cathedral. Angers is dominated by an impressive castle, an imposing structure with 17 towers that houses the Apocalypse Tapestry, one of the largest and oldest in Europe.

Read more on France travel :

• Eight of the best coastal campsites in France for a beach holiday
• Le Mans: Where to eat, drink, shop and stay in the motorsport capital of France
• Why Hauts-de-France is having a foodie moment

Cote d’Azur

Widely known in English as the French Riviera, the Cote d’Azur is France’s prime destination for picturesque seaside relaxation. Its picture-perfect towns and cities have a glamorous history – Queen Victoria was known to have visited the area several times, for example – and still today carry an air of elegance and grandeur. Nice is the main city in the region; also loved by Victoria, it has golden beaches and azure waters right on the doorstep, with a backdrop of russet-roofed buildings and winding streets.

Cannes and St Tropez may steal the contemporary limelight due to film festivals and celebrity visits, but smaller towns such as Menton and Villefranche-sur-Mer are among the most idyllic on the Riviera. In both, rolling green hills lead down to long stretches of golden sand and emerald waters, with multi-coloured buildings dotted along the mountainside leading down to the beach.

A historic region in the south of the country, part of Provence covers the French Riviera, but with so much else to do and see, the area deserves its own recommendation. It stretches as far west as Arles and north up to Gap, including coastal wonders, Papal palaces, Roman aqueducts and one of the most characterful cities in the country.

Marseille is perhaps the main attraction. France’s second city has maintained some of its gritty image while adding cultural offerings (the Museum of Civilisations of Europe and the less-recent Regards de Provence) and transforming districts like Le Panier, as well as retaining its two main beaches, Plage des Catalans and Plage du Prophete. Avignon is Provence’s second city; set on the banks of the Rhone, its Palais des Papes was once home to the papacy, and the city is best enjoyed by wandering its medieval streets.

Nature lovers will want to see the famed lavender fields, with the areas around Sault and Luberon known as two of the best places to see the blooms. The Provencal Colorado – named due to its resemblance to the orange deserts of the American state – is a unique natural attraction, while places such as the Gorges du Verdon and Sillans la Cascade waterfall offer opportunities to hike and wild swim. Wine aficionados won’t be left disappointed here either; the region is known for its varieties of rose wine, and it is said that there are over 600 local wine producers.

French Alps

Europe’s premier skiing destination, the French section of the Alps home to some of the biggest and most charming resorts in the world . Offering a range of places that cater to all sorts of budgets , the Alps boasts thousands of miles of pistes and dozens of striking Alpine towns, from Chamonix and Val d’Isere to Courchevel and Morzine. Though the resorts are also popular hiking destinations in summer, they come to life when the snow falls; visitors can ski or snopwboard on some of the highest mountains in Europe, from beginner-level tracks to incredible off-piste routes such as those on Mont Blanc .

The Rhone and Rhone Valley

One of France’s main rivers , the Rhone begins in the Mediterranean, starting near the city of Arles and extending up into Lake Geneva and into the Rhone Glacier in the Swiss Alps . The Rhone Valley is yet another famous wine region in France; it starts in Vienne and extends down to just east of Arles and is home to over 6,000 producers, with dozens of companies offering wine tours in the area. River cruises are an option for taking in as many sites as possible in a short time.

With settlements often situated on the banks of the river, the waterways and hills provide a scenic backdrop. This is certainly true of Lyon ; sitting at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone, the country’s third-largest city has a spectacular mix of Romanesque, Gothic and 19th-century architecture, certified with Unesco World Heritage status.

Southwest and the Basque Country

The French Basque Country sits on the border with Spain and includes historic cities such as Biarritz and Bayonne. The general southwest region is home to two more of France’s best cities, Bordeaux and Toulouse. These urban hotspots are vastly different in character; Biarritz is now a trendy, arty alternative to historic Bayonne, while the limestone streets and buildings of Bordeaux (France’s most important wine-producing region) stand in stark contrast to the terracotta architecture of ‘The Pink City’ of Toulouse.

Nevertheless, all four are picturesque standouts that have retained a mix of historic architecture among their various squares and cathedrals, making for charming, quintessentially French destinations. Whether on a wine tour in Bordeaux, by the beach in Biarritz, walking the streets of Bayonne or taking in the architecture of Toulouse, the southwest promises a great range of activities.

Alsace-Lorraine

The northern region of Alsace is a blend of French and German cultural influences, from cuisine to distinct local dialects. The main attraction is the city of Strasbourg , the regional capital famed for its sandstone cathedral and traditional Christmas markets. A network of waterways makes it a particularly scenic city, and nowhere is this more visible than the Petite France district, where half-timbered houses line cobblestone streets that line the banks of the canals. Colmar is also an attractive city, where colourful houses line the town’s waterways in the the French-German answer to Ghent.

Visit Alsace at Christmastime to soak up a festive atmosphere across the various markets, or come during summer to sample the Route des Vins, a well-known, 105-mile route across the region’s best wine-producing towns and vineyards. Elsewhere, the Vosges National Park is home to low mountain ranges that are popular with hikers.

Read our reviews of the best hotels in Paris

From news to politics, travel to sport, culture to climate – The Independent has a host of free newsletters to suit your interests. To find the stories you want to read, and more, in your inbox, click here .