The castles of the Loire are part of the historical heritage of France and the region is full of extremely famous buildings. If the Château de Chenonceau is the most visited and often the most appreciated, other residences are worth a look. But to make the most of it, don't neglect your accommodation options.
Built directly during the Renaissance or transformed over the centuries, the Loire Valley castles are numerous and deserve a few hours to enjoy the magic of the place at any time of the year. year.
The Château de Chenonceau, the most visited
Chenonceau Castle
Of all the buildings in the Loire Valley, the Château de Chenonceau is the most popular with visitors thanks to its architecture typical of the Renaissance period. Built in the XNUMXth century, it is especially famous for its French-style gardens and for having housed two famous occupants: Catherine de Médicis and Diane de Poitiers.
To get there, two options are available: car and train. The Chateau's TER station is only about 400 meters from the ticket office, making it one of the easiest places to visit in the area. In good weather, do not miss the castle gardens.
Lodging or hotel?
How to find accommodation to visit the castles?
Visiting the châteaux of the Loire is an unforgettable experience that should be lived as intensely as possible. To keep an unforgettable memory of your visit, renting a cottage remains the most recommended option. Tourism is highly developed in the region and there are hundreds of possibilities to find the accommodation of your dreams. Holiday rentals in Indre et Loire (37) seem to us to be a good opportunity, the department being in the heart of the Loire Valley. This option is the most recommended for those who do not want to move their business every day.
Depending on your needs and your group, you are bound to find the accommodation that suits you. For a family, a large house with multiple bedrooms can be a good option, which is also suitable for a group of friends. If you are traveling as a couple, look for a little more romantic lodges (or guest rooms) in the heart of a small castle or in a quiet stone building not far from a starred restaurant.
There is no shortage of hotels no longer in the Loire Valley. This option is less typical in the region, but some establishments are particularly charming, especially if you are traveling as a couple. Remember to book your rooms or accommodation well in advance, as tourism is particularly developed in the valley. If you are visiting the area during peak season, reservations several months in advance are recommended.
The Château de Chambord, a must-see
Chambord Castle
If the Château de Chambord is so famous, it is because it is one of the largest and most beautiful castles in France. Its construction was ordered by François Ier in 1519 and the building was not completed until almost 40 years later, in 1556. Today, the castle has nearly 440 rooms, but nature lovers will especially appreciate its exterior . Chambord has the largest enclosed park in Europe and its enclosure is nearly 32 kilometers in length.
The castle is very easily accessible by train or car and can be visited all year round. There is no shortage of activities if you want to discover the castle itself or the immense park.
The Château d'Amboise, to dominate the Loire Valley
Château d'Amboise
Formerly a fortress dominating the Valley, the Château d'Amboise was transformed into the residence of kings during the Renaissance and housed both François I and Charles VIII. This royal residence steeped in history is also famous for being Leonardo da Vinci's burial place. Even today, the building remains the testimony of the profound changes that shook Europe in the 360th and XNUMXth centuries. It is recommended to visit the balcony of Amboise which offers a XNUMX ° view of the landscapes of the Loire, classified as World Heritage of Humanity.
The castle is open all year round for all visitors and is accessible by train as well as by car. The SNCF train station is just a few minutes walk from the ticket office and the place is less than two hours from Paris.
The Château de Cheverny, the inspiration of Hergé
Cheverney Castle
The Château de Cheverny is in no way ostentatious and is even one of the smallest on the list, but it forged its success thanks to the adventures of Tintin: the designer Hergé was inspired by the building to create the Château de Moulinsart , the main theater of the famous detective's investigations. In addition to this particularity, Cheverny also houses exceptional works of art and rich tapestries, as well as a huge French-style park which still hosts hunting parties today.
Like most of the Loire Valley châteaux, Cheverny is accessible all year round to all visitors who so wish. Many exhibitions take place all year round for those who are curious to discover another aspect of the castle. It is possible to get there by car and by shuttle from Blois station.
Langeais castle, a turbulent history
Langeais castleAmong all the buildings in the Valley, Langeais is the castle that has seen the most twists in its history. The first medieval fortress dates from the XNUMXth century, but only the dungeons remain. Like other castles, Langeais has known a radical transformation during the Renaissance and remains famous today for having hosted the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, finally attaching the Duchy of Brittany to the Kingdom of France.
Open all year round, Langeais is very easily accessible, regardless of the means of transport chosen. Remember to find out about the opening and closing times, in order to better prepare your visit to the castle.
A dive into the history of France
The Loire Valley is full of castles, each more beautiful than the next, which tells the story of the kingdom of France. To live an unforgettable experience, plan your trip well and all you have to do is let yourself be carried away by the magic of the places and the immensity of the region's parks. And why not continue your journey by letting yourself be guided along the largest river in France: the Loire!
