The Loire Valley is famous for its many castles. All different from each other, they testify to the interest of the kings and queens of France for this region with its relaxed lifestyle which is well established. It is impossible to visit all the castles of the Loire on the occasion of a short stay, but some of them are imperative to see if you have planned a stay of 2 to 3 days in the Loire Valley. A selection of 5 castles of the Loire to discover absolutely.
It is the largest of the Loire castles. It has 426 rooms and its 282 chimneys make it the most famous castle in the world. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a "living cultural landscape", the Château de Chambord is located in the middle of a vast forest park, the largest enclosed park in Europe. A masterpiece of the Renaissance style, François 1er had this house built to use as a hunting lodge. It has remarkable architectural elements:its medieval-style central keep flanked by 2 towers, its imposing double spiral staircase and its recognizable facade with its 4 round towers which are reflected in the Cosson river at its feet. The Château de Chambord, located 15 km from Blois, is open to visitors all year round, except on January 1, the first Tuesday in February and December 25, with less open hours in the off season.
Not far from the Château de Chambord, you can also visit the Royal Château de Blois on the same day. Located in the city center of Blois, the castle was originally a remarkable 13th century medieval fortress. Then Louis XII, François 1er and Gaston d'Orléans, heir to the crown, modified the building over the centuries, each according to their tastes and their style, to finally give today wings of 4 styles different architectures. Its staircase is one of the most famous castles of the Val-de-Loire. Do not miss to admire the magnificent view of the Loire and the roofs of the city from the top of the castle.
To the east of Touraine, the Château de Chenonceau is one of those not to be missed during a short stay in the Loire Valley. Located in the middle of a romantic park, you will certainly be amazed by its reflection in the Cher, which the castle gallery overlooks. You can hire canoes to have the pleasure of admiring the castle up close and passing under its arches. Also called the "château des Dames", Chenonceau honors all those, from Diane de Poitiers to Catherine de Médicis in particular, who have left their mark on this building with its rich furniture and decoration.
High place in the history of France, the imposing royal castle of Amboise must imperatively be part of your visits. It is located on the banks of the Loire in the city center and offers an admirable view of the river, classified as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Louis XI, Charles VIII and Louis XII lived in this house. François 1er invited the famous inventor and painter Leonardo da Vinci, housed at Clos Lucé and whose tomb is today in the Saint-Florentin collegiate church of the royal castle.
Castle of the smallest dimensions, the castle of Azay-le-Rideau is nonetheless a jewel of the Renaissance, classified as a historical monument. It was built by François 1er on an island in the middle of the Indre and is surrounded by a vast landscaped park. The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is recognized as the most harmonious architectural monument in the Loire Valley. Its beauty is highlighted by the famous water mirror installed at the foot of the castle.
