top of page
Writer's pictureCatherine Lio

My Favourite Castles to Visit in the Loire Valley, France

Updated: Apr 17

Discovering the Unique Features of Loire Valley’s Most Famous Castles: Chambord, Chenonceau, Blois, and Cheverny

View of the town of Amboise taken from the Chateau
View of the town of Amboise taken from the Chateau
The Loire Valley, located in central France, is a region that is famous for its beautiful castles. These castles were built during the Renaissance era and are known for their unique architecture and rich history. Among the many castles in the Loire Valley, four stand out for their grandeur and historical significance: Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, and Cheverny. In this blog, we will take a closer look at these castles and explore their history and unique features.


Château de Chambord

Chambord Chateau

Chambord Castle is one of the most famous castles in the Loire Valley, and it is also one of the largest. This castle was built by King Francis I in the 16th century as a hunting lodge. Chambord is known for its unique double helix staircase, which is said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The staircase is made up of two intertwined staircases that never meet, allowing two people to ascend and descend without ever crossing paths. This design is a marvel of engineering and is one of the main attractions of the castle.

Château de Chenonceau


Chenonceau in France

Chenonceau Castle is another famous castle in the Loire Valley. This castle was built in the 16th century and is known for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens. Chenonceau is built over the Cher River, which gives it a unique and picturesque location. The castle has had many famous residents throughout its history, including Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers, who were both queens of France. The castle is also home to a beautiful maze that visitors can explore.


Château d’Amboise


Chateau D'amboise

Château d’Amboise is a beautiful castle located in the Loire Valley in France. This castle was built during the 15th and 16th centuries and has a rich history that is intertwined with the French monarchy. It was one of the favored residences of French kings and was home to many important figures throughout its history. One of those important figures that we got to see while there was the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent the last years of his life in the nearby town of Amboise.


Château Cheverny


Chateau Cheverny

Cheverny Castle is a castle that is known for its elegance and beauty. It was built in the 17th century and is home to a beautiful garden that is open to visitors. Cheverny is also famous for its kennels, which are home to a pack of hounds that are used for hunting. Visitors can watch the hounds being fed and see them in action during the hunting season. If you were born before 2000 you might recognize this castle as the famous home featured in the adventures of Tin Tin!

Cat

In conclusion, the Loire Valley is home to some of the most beautiful castles in the world, and Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, and Cheverny are among the most famous. Each castle has its unique features and history, making them all worth a visit. Whether you are interested in architecture, history, or simply want to experience the beauty of the Loire Valley, these castles have something to offer everyone.

Bon Voyage!





Comments


bottom of page