A visit to the castles of the Loire Valley

The River Loire is the magical landscape that inspired counts and architects to design breathtaking castles. The easiest way of getting there is by plane. Take a direct flight to Tours or travel to a major French city and take and inland flight. From Paris rail is also an option. The French are proud of this valley with a reason. There are more than a hundred castles and forts in this region. The history of the castles started in the 15th century. Paris was besieged by the dukes of Burgundy and the heirs of Charles VI fled to the castle of Chinon. Dauphins used the castles to escape political conflicts and it gave rise to the constructions. From Chambord to Angers there is a 200 kilometer long line where the castles are found. The climate in the region is continental with a light influence of the ocean represented by showers.

Magical Loire Valley castles

The Castle of Chambord is probably the most famous of all. It has 440 rooms and it is lavishly decorated. It was designed to be a fort using the plans of Leonardo da Vinci. It is said that he planned a special spiral staircase where people could walk both ways at the same time. Chambord organizes exhibits about the castle’s history and local products. In the great halls the tapestry shows legendary battles. Every summer there is a medieval festival with a large open market.

Castle Chenonceau was built on the River Loire. It is a truly unique castle. It has 16th century furniture inside and paintings of famous French, Italian and Spanish masters. After Henry II, Catherine de Medici expanded the castle to make room for ballrooms and reception halls. The nearby Castle Chaumont stands on a steep hill. It has three wings surrounding a small court overlooking the River Loire. It has four towers on top just like in a fairy tale.
Castle Rivau reminds us of a fort at first sight because of the thick walls. Aside from the building itself the gardens are truly magnificent. There are more than 300 kinds of roses hidden in the garden. The garden is separated into 12 parts named after fairy tales.

Castle Villandry is also famous for its garden. It is located 40 kilometers from tours. A minister of Francois I expanded the medieval fortifications to become a real castle. It was rebuilt in Renaissance style. It has changed owners many times in the past. The garden itself is a masterpiece of French Renaissance art. Linden trees offer wonderful sights and smells. The hedge maze and the fountains make the visit more pleasant. The vineyard is part of the garden with great wines produced every year.

Castle Cheverny is still inhabited as a hunting-seat. If the owners are not there you can visit the castle. There are many hunts organized every year. Catle Ambois was the place where Leonardo da Vinci conducted his last experiments. The nearby city has a wonderful atmosphere on the banks of the Loire. Castle Blois is a fine example of the colorful style of the castles in the Loire Valley. Its four wings were designed in different style and the castle was a royal residence for some time. It has 35,000 artifacts from all over the world and festivals are organized to make cultural life lively. This was the first castle that was restored to its original form in the region. Castle De Loches was the prison for Duke Sforza of Milan. This was the place where Charles VII and Joan of Arc met. The castles of the Loire Valley offer a breathtaking landscape and dozens of beautiful castles are waiting for you.