Discover the Loire Valley: A Fairy-Tale Region of Castles and Gardens

The Loire Valley, known as the "Garden of France," is a region where French kings and nobility built their opulent retreats amid picturesque woodlands and rivers. The area boasts some of the most legendary Renaissance châteaux, designed for entertainment and luxury. The UNESCO-listed Loire Valley is a top destination in France, offering a glimpse into royal history and architectural grandeur.

1. Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord is a Renaissance masterpiece on the Loire River's bank, inspiring the Château de Versailles. Built for François I, this castle features 440 rooms, a double-helix staircase, and is surrounded by a vast parkland with formal gardens. Visitors can enjoy dining options on-site and reach the château via a train and shuttle from Paris.

Address: Château, 41250 Chambord

Official site: http://www.chambord.org/en/

2. Château de Chenonceau

Château de Chenonceau is renowned for its feminine influence and the Corps de Logis, a gallery over an arched bridge. The gardens, including those by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, are as impressive as the interior. Fine dining and picnic areas are available, with access from Paris by TGV train.

Address: Château de Chenonceau, 37150 Chenonceaux

Official site: http://www.chenonceau.com/

3. Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Chartres

Chartres Cathedral, a UNESCO-listed French Gothic church, is famous for its medieval stained-glass windows and rose windows. The cathedral hosts concerts and is a must-visit for its historical and architectural significance.

4. Bourges

Bourges is home to the Cathédrale Saint-Etienne, a UNESCO-listed French cathedral with stunning stained-glass windows and the Palais Jacques Côur, a Gothic palace.

5. Château de Cheverny

The Château de Cheverny is a 17th-century manor with original furnishings and a Tintin exhibition. The estate features an English-style park and dining options, accessible from Paris by train or car.

Address: Avenue du Château, 41700 Cheverny

6. Azay-le-Rideau

The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau stands on an island in the Indre River, showcasing Renaissance architecture and landscaped gardens. Nearby attractions include the Château of Saché and the Château de Langeais.

7. Château de Valençay

The Château de Valençay blends architectural styles and features the Family Portraits Gallery and Formal Gardens. The estate offers nature walks and a nearby contemporary garden, the Domaine de Poulaines.

Address: Château de Valençay, 2 Rue de Blois, 36600 Valençay

Official site: https://www.chateau-valencay.fr/en/

8. Orléans

Orléans, associated with Joan of Arc, features the Maison de Jeanne-d'Arc and the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix. The Musée des Beaux-Arts offers a rich art collection.

9. Amboise

Amboise is home to the Château Royal d'Amboise and the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. The town offers a rich history and stunning views of the Loire Valley.

10. Blois

Blois features the Château Royal de Blois, a blend of architectural styles, and the Eglise Saint-Nicolas. The town's history is explored at the Centre de la Résistance, de la Déportation et de la Mémoire.

11. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire

The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire hosts art exhibits and a garden landscape design festival. The château and gardens are open to the public.

Address: 41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire

Official site: http://www.domaine-chaumont.fr/en

12. Tours

Tours, with its old town Vieux Tours and the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien, is a city rich in history and culture. The Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours features an extensive art collection.

13. Angers

Angers is known for the Château d'Angers and its Tapestry of the Apocalypse. The old town and the Cathédrale Saint-Maurice d'Angers are highlights, along with several museums.

14. Chinon and Château d'Ussé

Chinon features the Forteresse Royale de Chinon, while the nearby Château d'Ussé inspired the tale of "Sleeping Beauty."

15. Le Mans

Le Mans' Cité Plantagenêt is a historic area with the Cathédrale Saint-Julien and the Musée de la Reine-Bérengère. The Musée des 24 Heures du Mans is a must for racing fans.

16. Saumur

Saumur is known for the Château de Saumur and the Musée du Champignon, which explores the local mushroom cultivation.

17. Château de Montreuil-Bellay

The Château de Montreuil-Bellay offers guided tours of its furnished rooms and gardens, including the Duchess of Longueville's bedroom and a medieval kitchen.