The Loire Valley, also known as the garden of France for its beauty, is where the famous Loire Castles, declared a World Heritage Site, are located. This valley, in addition to the more than fifty Renaissance castles that are located near the river bank, between the cities of Angers and Orleans, through which the Loire River flows, is also famous for its vineyards.
10 MOST BEAUTIFUL CASTLES TO VISIT IN THE LOIRE, FRANCE
1. Chambord Castle
It is the largest castle and also one of the most beautiful in the Loire Valley, with more than 400 rooms. It is located in a large wooded area next to the Loire River and was once the favorite hunting place of King Francis I. It was designed by great master Italian architects and is full of classical and Renaissance details. Its very distinctive French Renaissance architecture mixes traditional medieval forms with classical Italian structures. The castle has an impressive internal staircase whose design is attributed to the great Leonardo da Vinci.
Open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from April to October, the rest of the year from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
2. Sully-sur-Loire Castle
Perhaps if you visit this castle after visiting the previous one, it will not impress you as much since this one is much smaller. However, this small castle from the late 14th century is surrounded by a defensive moat full of water and contrasts with many of the castles in the Loire Valley, which functioned more as palaces or residences of the lords than as military constructions. In this case, Sully Castle can be said to be a defensive fortress.
From July to August: every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
From April to June and September: Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
From February to March and from October to December, guided tours at 3:00 p.m.
3. Chenonceau Castle
Chenonceau Castle is one of the most beautiful castles to see in the Loire Valley. This wonder was built in the 13th century, although unfortunately it was almost completely destroyed during the 100 Years War. It was not until 1513, when the wife of the treasurer general of France, Katherine Briçonnet, bought the castle and ruins and had the current castle built, designed by the architect Phillibert Delorme in a Renaissance style.
From October to March from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
From April to September from 9:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
4. Langeais Castle
The Langeais Castle is one of the best preserved in the Loire Valley, and is a mandatory stop if you are going on a route through this Valley.
The castle is made up of the tower of Foulques, the oldest keep in France, and the Castle of Louis XI, which during the visit will allow you to get an idea of its glorious period, with 15th century furniture and mosaic floors.
From November 12 to June 31: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
From February to March: 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
From April to June and from September to November 11: 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
From July to August: 9am to 7pm
5. Cheverny Castle
Cheverny Castle is a huge palace that was commissioned to be built between 1624 and 1630 by Henri Hurault de Vibraye, a French financier. It is considered the Loire Castle with the best gardens. All the French-style gardens are surrounded by hedges, flower beds, lawns and have several sculptures and fountains.
From April to September: Every day from 9:15 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
From October to March: Every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
6. Saumur Castle
Saumur Castle is a medieval castle that was originally built in the 10th century, making it one of the oldest castles in the Loire Valley. In the 12th and 13th centuries the castle was considerably expanded until it became what you can see today. Throughout its history it has had some damage due to wars, but it was quickly renovated, keeping the castle in very good condition. Currently you can visit it, its rooms are beautiful, they have antique furniture, dishes made centuries ago, valuable objects... the gardens are spacious, although with a somewhat rural appearance, there is even an orchard in part of the gardens. The castle looks like something out of a fairy tale, it is beautiful.
From June 15 to September 15: every day from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The rest of the year it can be visited from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
7. Azay-le-Rideau Castle
One of the things that stands out the most about Azay-le-Rideau Castle is its French Renaissance architecture. It is a small castle with great charm. The castle was declared a historical monument. It has a lot of charm and is very worth including in the itinerary. This castle was built on top of an island in the middle of the Indre River.
From January 1 to March 31: Open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
From April 1 to June 30: Open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
From July 1 to July 9: Open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From July 10 to August 31: Open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
From September 1 to September 30: Open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
From October 1 to December 31: Open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
8. Chaumont Castle
The Castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire was built in the 15th and 16th centuries and belonged to Catherine de' Medici. The castle is in Renaissance style, it has large gardens and a museum that can also be visited.
From the terrace of the castle you will also have beautiful panoramic views of the Loire Valley and its river. So much so that from June to October landscapers from all over the world gather there to celebrate the International Garden Festival.
The castle is open all year round, except January 1 and December 25.
From January to March: 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
From April to June and September: 10:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m.
From July to August: 10:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.
From October to November 2: 10:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m.
From November 3 to December: 10:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
9. Villandry Castle
Villandry Castle not only impresses with its construction but you will also be amazed by the gardens that are the most spectacular in the entire valley, spread over 3 levels. This Renaissance castle was the last of the Loire Castles that were built on the banks of the Loire and like the rest, it has become a must-see on the route. The magnitude of the Castle and its gardens will make the hours go by without you realizing it.
Open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
10. Ussé Castle
Ussé Castle was originally built in the 11th century to be the residence of Gueldin de Saumur. Later, in the 15th century the castle had to be rebuilt, giving it its current Renaissance appearance. The Castle is beautiful and stands out for being in very good condition. You can visit the different rooms, the tapestry room, the chapel and the gardens.
Open every day from April to September from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The rest of the year it closes at 6:00 p.m.
PLAN YOUR TRIP STEP BY STEP
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