Who has never dreamed of walking in the footsteps of a king, queen, duke or princess during a visit? Many visitors, whether French or foreign, choose each year to discover the splendours of the Châteaux de la Loire, treasures of French history.
Lovers of beautiful heritage? The Loire Castles are waiting for you! Most of them were built between the 15th and 16th centuries on the banks of the Loire, and welcomed the Kings and their courts when they travelled. These 22 castles are luxurious, elegant and richly decorated residences and are exceptional sites to see at least once in your life. To make this cultural visit as sporty as possible, you should know that the Loire Valley has more than 400 kilometres of cycle paths that will allow you to join the various castles one by one.
Which castle should I start with? Chambord, first of all, is certainly the most emblematic of the Loire Castles. With more than a million and a half visitors each year, it is one of the jewels of French tourism. A true architectural masterpiece born of the will of King Francis I, the man who was a hunting palace at the time is now the sole embodiment of the image and influence of the castles of France. With its scented Italian Renaissance decorations, its magnificent double-revolution staircase, its vaults carved with salamanders (the king's emblem), its square keep, its towers and its immense park of over 5000 hectares, it impresses as much as it fascinates.
The Royal Castle of Amboise then dominates the banks of the Loire from its rocky promontory. Embracing absolutely magnificent panoramas over the Loire Valley, Amboise was highly appreciated by the kings who came to raise their children there, like Louis XI or Henri II and his wife Catherine de Médicis. A true architectural jewel, it is connected by an underground tunnel to the Clos Lucé, located a stone's throw from Amboise. The latter, the last residence of Master Leonardo da Vinci, is also worth a visit for the splendour of its architecture. While visiting Le Clos Lucé, you can also visit the Saint-Hubert chapel, where the Italian artist is buried.
Azay-le-Rideau and its famous water mirror are not to be missed: compared by Honoré de Balzac to a "faceted cut diamond set by the Indre", the magnificent castle of Azay-le-Rideau is one of the jewels of the First French Renaissance. Built under the reign of Francis I, this Renaissance-style building is a true masterpiece of 16th century architecture.
Visiting the Royal Castle of Blois is a break totally dedicated to the splendours of architecture throughout history. Classically inspired, but also Gothic, medieval and Renaissance, this castle with a thousand facets which was the residence of 7 kings and 10 queens will surprise you with its beauty. Special mention for its open ceremonial staircases overlooking the courtyard of the François Ier wing, which are truly splendid.
Also remarkable: the Château de Chenonceau. In all subjectivity, if you were to choose only one to visit, it would be this one. Nicknamed the "Château des Dames" because of the many women who have historically made it their home (such as Catherine de Médicis or Diane de Poitiers, whose two gardens bear their names), this elegant, imposing and fascinating castle seems to be delicately set on the Cher river. With its sublime arches, subtle curves and towers that reflect the sunlight, it will certainly be one of your favourites during this visit to the Loire Castles.
Add to your list of Cheverny and its rich interior decorations that inspired Hergé to create the famous Château de Moulinsart, but also the Château and gardens of Rivau, the Royal Fortress of Chinon, the superb Royal City of Loches, or the Château de Sully-sur-Loire. The Chaumont-sur-Loire regional estate and its enchanting castle in a green setting are worth a visit, as are the Château and gardens of Villandry, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud, the Château de Saumur, the Château de Brézé, the Château de Brissac, the Château d'Ager, the Château des Ducs de Bretagne or the Château de Valençay.
