Castles of the Loire Valley

A genuine medieval fortress, complete with towers, keep, rampart walk and moats, the Château de Sully-sur-Loire built in the 14th century, is the former residence of the dukes of Sully. The interior has paintings and tapestries on display, as…

The town of Meung-sur-Loire's rich past is revealed through its château (the former residence of the bishops of Orléans), the medieval gateway of Amont, remains of ramparts, old houses and the 11th- and 13th-century Saint-Liphard collegiate…

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In the heart of the forest of Boulogne abounding in game, on the site of a fortress, King François I built an imposing, richly decorated residence as his hunting lodge in the 16th century. A Renaissance masterpiece, the Château de Chambord is…

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Open to the public all year round, the Château de Cheverny, still lived in today, is a building of Classical style dating from the 17th century. The interior of the château, full of magnificent furniture, objets d'art and tapestries, is exceptional…

The Renaissance and Classical Château de Valençay, the Prince of Talleyrand's former residence, is an architectural jewel in the heart of the Berry region. In the 19th century, Napoleon's minister of foreign affairs, Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand,…

Situated on the edge of the Loire River, Blois, a City of Art and History, forms an attractive and harmonious architectural group with its royal château, houses in the old town and religious monuments. A former residence of French kings, the…

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Dominating majestically the Loire River, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire was built in the 15th and 16th centuries. It used to belong to Catherine de Medici and then to her rival Diane de Poitiers. Open to visitors, its apartments contain some…

Towering over the Loire and the town of the same name, the Royal Château of Amboise in Indre-et-Loire is a reminder of a glorious past. Originally a medieval fortress, it was converted into a sumptuous Renaissance château from the 15th century…

Chenonceau Castle in Indre-et-Loire is surely among the most majestic of all the Loire castles. Is it because of its famous gallery overlooking the River Cher, its sumptuous interior or its magnificent gardens? It is most certainly all of these…

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A certified "Town of Art and History" and "Most Beautiful Detour in France", Loches is a must-see destination in Indre-et-Loire. Located amid the Loire Valley castles, this royal city has many stories to tell and attractions to offer. Walk along…

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Although it was the last of the great Renaissance châteaus in the Loire Valley, the Château de Villandry is best-known for its magnificent gardens. In the early 20th century, when the château was abandoned and due to be demolished, Joachim Carvallo…

Build on an island in the middle of the Indre during the reign of Francis I, Azay-le-Rideau Castle in Indre-et-Loire is a splendid example of Renaissance architecture. Although construction began during the 16th century, it was not until the…

Located not far from Tours, Langeais Castle in Indre-et-Loire is one of the oldest castles in the Loire area. Its history dates back to the end of the 10th century, when Foulques Nerra, then Count of Anjou, began building it. But in the 15th…

Although its construction began in the 15th century, the history of Ussé Castle in Indre-et-Loire goes back way further, as shown by the fortified towers. It was then embellished over the centuries, resulting in the beautiful edifice we see…

The municipality of Lémeré in Indre-et-Loire, about ten kilometres from Chinon, boasts a medieval building that looks like a fortress: Rivau Castle. With its keep, moat, drawbridge and wall walk, it indeed has all the characteristics of a stronghold.…

Between Tours and Saumur, let's explore Chinon in Indre-et-Loire. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town enjoys an ideal location at the heart of the Loire Valley. The character of this ancient medieval town is alive and well in its old town…

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Founded in the 12th century and run by abbesses until the 18th century, Fontevraud Abbey, the burial place of the Plantagenets, used to be the most powerful monastic complex in France. Today, the royal abbey is a cultural centre where you can…

Nestling in the heart of the Anjou vineyards, the medieval town of Saumur, nicknamed the pearl of Anjou, is a very scenic place with its magnificent turreted château overlooking the Loire Valley and old town stretching along the wild river.…

Lived in by the family of the dukes of Brissac, the Château de Brissac-Quincé is the highest castle in France with its seven floors and its 204 rooms! Inside, antique furniture, family souvenirs, Flemish tapestries and theatre of the Belle Époque…

City of Art and History located on the edge of the River Maine, the capital of Anjou has a rich architectural heritage. Key monument of the city, the castle of Angers built in the 13th century by Saint Louis was the place of residence of the…

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Located in Écuillé, the Château du Plessis-Bourré is a magnificent 15th-century building surrounded by filled moats. Several movies have been shot in this place, such as Peau d'Âne (a famous French fairytale), Le Bossu, and Fanfan la Tulipe.…