The castles of the Loire are one of the must-see attractions in France. The real masterpieces of the Renaissance, which are scattered along the shore of one of the most big rivers countries - Loire. I dreamed of visiting them even before I moved to live in France. The first time I learned about them was from the novels of Alexandre Dumas - “The Countess de Monsoreau” (the Montsoreau castle actually exists, too, in the Loire Valley), “The Two Dianas”, etc.

We went on a tour of the Loire castles in winter, in January. Winter in France is like late Russian autumn, so it wasn't that cold. And the gray castles fit perfectly into the local landscape. I could only admire the genius of those people who built them.

They are located in the Loire Valley - an area of ​​the country that is of great interest to tourists. In addition to world-famous castles, there are also some of the best vineyards in the whole country. We passed by many of them. The wines from this region are beyond words. You need to try them to appreciate their mild taste and sweet aftertaste.

I have the most pleasant memories from the region itself. The wide banks of the Loire with rare trees along the edges, wide green fields, majestic castle walls suddenly appearing among city landscapes - that's what I saw.

According to the new administrative reform of France from 2014, official name area - Center - Loire Valley. It includes such large cities as Orleans, Blois, Tours.

The region is located in the very center of France, from where it takes about 2 hours to get to Paris. It's internal. It is landlocked, unlike most of them.

This region amazes with its green meadows and stretching vineyards along them. It's not that cold there in winter. The advantage of visiting it out of season is that you won't have to deal with the crowds of tourists who flood it from May to September.

How to get there

It is more convenient to get to the Loire Valley from Paris by train, bus or car. Large international airports there is none in the region, which means that the option by plane is not relevant, since the small airport in the city of Tours is focused only on receiving domestic flights. There are no flights even with a transfer from Moscow.

By plane

You can fly to Paris or Nice, from where you will need to travel to the Loire Valley by public transport. I wrote more about air tickets to these cities and what other airports there are in France. You can compare prices for air tickets in the desired direction.

The city of Tours has a regional airport. This is a small air hub where low-cost airlines and charters fly. Ryanair, Airlinair, Air France offer flights there for 18-21 EUR from Paris, Nice, Marseille.

The only airport terminal is located 15-20 minutes from the city, which can be reached by taxi (10-15 EUR) or bus (from 2 EUR) in 15-20 minutes.

By train

Trains depart from Moscow to Paris. There are only two of them:

• 023 - departure from Moscow on Wednesdays at 22:15 and Fridays at 09:33;
• 024 - departure from Moscow on Fridays at 18:58 and Sundays at 11:01.

The travel time will be more than a day. Trains pass through major European cities: , Karlsruhe, etc. Tickets cost from 200 EUR.

From Paris, trains go to the cities of Blois, Tours or Orleans. These are the major cities in the Loire Valley where you can start your journey through the region. In Paris, trains must be boarded at Austerlitz and Montparnasse stations. Travel time will be 2 hours if you choose a regular train, and about an hour if you take a high-speed train (TGV). Tickets cost from 50-100 EUR. To save money, buy them in advance, otherwise the prices may seem astronomical.

By bus

Ecolines buses will take you from Moscow to Paris. Ticket price - from 200 EUR. From there you can take buses from SNCF, Intercités, Alsa, etc. Bus tickets start from 21 EUR. Departure in Paris - from Porte Maillot, Concorde and other metro stations.

I went to the Loire Valley by bus, the cost of which was included in the total price of the excursion. I like it. It was comfortable and our bus was equipped with a composting toilet.

By car

By choosing the option to get to the Loire Valley by car, you will immediately make your trip comfortable and convenient.

In order to travel from Russia by car to the Valley itself, you need to take into account many nuances. I talked about them in more detail in my review. The choice of routes depends on which European countries and what you want to visit during your trip.

A friend of mine in Paris was just traveling with her husband to the castles of the Loire by car. According to her, this is very cool! You can even visit those castles that are usually not included in tourist routes.

From Paris, take the A10 motorway to Orléans. The river running nearby will serve as a guide for you. Drive all the way to Saumur - from there to Blois there are still 150 kilometers. Along the way you will come across many castles of the Loire.

Clue:

Loire Valley - the time is now

Hour difference:

Moscow 1

Kazan 1

Samara 2

Ekaterinburg 3

Novosibirsk 5

Vladivostok 8

When is the season? When is the best time to go

I don't advise you to go in the middle of nowhere tourist season to the Loire Valley. At this time, crowds of tourists are everywhere. We were there in January and still met other tour groups.
The optimal time to visit is the end and beginning of the season, that is, the beginning of May and the end of September. The sun is still shining, and there are fewer tourists.

Loire Valley in summer

In summer, visiting the Loire Valley is wonderful: flowers bloom in the gardens of the castles, vineyards grow green in the endless meadows along the banks of the river. A beautiful sight!

The temperature during the day reaches 35 °C, and in the evening it drops only a couple of degrees.

Loire Valley in autumn

Autumn evokes a pleasant melancholy in castle parks. For changing sunny weather the rains are coming. Clouds hang over the Loire, threatening to rain every hour.

During the day the temperature does not rise above 15 °C, and in the evening it becomes cooler.

Loire Valley in spring

Spring comes already in March. It gradually becomes warmer, and the temperature reaches 20-25 °C.

The clouds are no longer rolling in, but it may still rain.

Loire Valley in winter

In winter in the Valley, I felt like late autumn here in Russia. Rainy, wet, damp, cloudy. As a rule, the temperature is 5-10 °C; rarely it drops to 0 °C. The river still feels cold.

The rains create fogs that spread all around.

Clue:

Loire Valley - weather by month

What are the prices for holidays?

An excursion with a visit to two castles cost me 90 EUR. This price included travel by bus and excursion services. There are excursions to the castles of the Loire lasting from two days or more. They cost more - from 180 EUR. You can go as a savage, but it’s better to do it in your own car. Castles are scattered along the banks of the Loire, and some are located away from the cities.

Staying at a hotel in Blois, Tours or Amboise will cost 30-60 EUR per day. It all depends on what kind of hotel it is. You can compare prices for accommodation and book a room at. But you can find housing that is rented local residents.

A snack in a restaurant or cafe will cost from 30 EUR per person. If you are going on a tour, take your food with you. It’s cheaper and more convenient: you don’t have to run from the cafe to catch the bus.

Main attractions. What to see

The main attractions of the region are its castles. Many were built in the middle of the Middle Ages or in its late period. With the advent of the Renaissance, which came to France from Italy, castles began to be rebuilt and remodeled. The nobles of that time wanted to conform to that fashion.

Many works were carried out under the direction of Italian architects and artists who came to work in France. The famous Leonardo da Vinci ended his days in one of the Loire castles - in Amboise, working at the court of King Francis I.

Castles belonged to noble nobles, kings or their mistresses and wives. Chenonceau Castle belonged to the mistress of King Henry II - Diane de Poitiers.

Each of them has its own architecture and history. We visited two - Amboise and Chambord.

The second attraction is the vineyards of the Loire. The region's grapes produce excellent rose and red wine.

Numerous museums and abbeys complete this list, but more about them below.

Top 5

Locks. Which ones are worth visiting?

Castles are business card Loire Valley! Below I will list 5 of them that are most often visited by tourists. They are also interesting from a historical point of view.

Amboise Castle

The name comes from the name of the first owners - the Amboise family. The current castle building was erected at the end of the 15th century under the guidance of Italian masters. Amboise was also the first castle in France to have a garden built near it.

This was the favorite residence of King Francis I. Leonardo da Vinci, invited by him, finished his “La Gioconda” in the halls of Amboise. This is where he died, so his grave is located in the chapel adjacent to the castle.

During the time of Napoleon III, one of the national heroes of Algeria, Abd al-Qadir, lived in the castle.

The first thing that impressed me about this castle was the height of the walls. They are simply amazing. The castle is located in the city of the same name, Amboise. The main entrance is easy to find - large steps lead up to it. Many of the chambers inside have been preserved with furniture, tapestries, and paintings.

Next to the castle there is a chapel with the tomb of the Great Leonardo. Inside you can also see magnificent stained glass windows depicting different scenes. An elegant but simple chapel.

A small garden nearby completes the visit.

Operating mode: daily, except January 1 and December 25.

• January 2–31: 09:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 16:15;
• February 1–28: 09:00 - 12:30 and 13:30 - 17:00;
• March 1–31: 09:00 - 17:30;
• April 1 - June 30: 09:00 - 18:30;
• July 1 - August 31 - 09:00 - 19:00;
• September 1 - November 1 - 09:00-18:00,
• from November 2 to 15 - 09:00-17:30;
• November 16 - December 24: 09:00 - 12:30 and 14:00 - 16:45;
• December 26 - 31: 09:00 - 16:45.

CTicket prices:

• 11.50 EUR - adult,
• 9.90 EUR - for students,
• 7.70 EUR - for children from 7 to 18 years old.

Castle of Clos-Lucé

This was Leonardo's last home. Here he lived, and came to Amboise to create through a secret passage, which to this day connects both castles. The castle is small, it was built in the Late Middle Ages. His style is called "Flaming Gothic". Inside, the interior of Leonardo's room and several other rooms in the Renaissance style were recreated.

In the park nearby there are inventions recreated according to the drawings of the Great Italian - prototypes of a helicopter, airplane, tank, car, and the like. It is very interesting to wander there and see with your own eyes the genius of this man.

Operating mode: daily, except January 1 and December 25.

• January: 10:00 - 18:00;
• from February to June: 09:00 - 19:00;
• from July to August: 09:00 - 20:00;
• from September to October: 09:00 - 19:00;
• from November to December: 09:00 - 18:00.

Ticket price:

• from March 1 to November 15: 15.50 EUR - adult; children from 7 to 18 years old - 11 EUR and under 7 years old - free.
• From November 16 to February 28: 13.50 EUR - adult; children from 7 to 18 years old - 10.50 EUR and under 7 years old - free.

Chateau de Chambord

Almost all souvenirs dedicated to the castles of the Loire feature this particular castle. It is really very beautiful on the outside. The facade of the building amazes with its unusual grace and harmony of all lines.

Inside there is a remarkable staircase, attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. It is located in the main hall of the castle and connects the first floor with the roof. Its unusualness lies in the fact that it is two-way or double. People who go down cannot meet those who go up.

We climbed along it to the roof. From there you have a magnificent view of the park nearby. It’s also pleasant to walk there because you can see all the small details of the roofs up close. It's very beautiful there!

In the castle itself, most of the rooms and chambers are empty. Only a few of them are furnished. If you turn right on the ground floor, you will see luxurious apartments in the style of the 18th century.

Exhibitions dedicated to contemporary art are held on the top floor. When we visited, there were various installations and paintings with teeth.

In the halls and staircases you can see lilies everywhere - this is the emblem of the kings of France, and the salamander is the symbol of King Francis I.

• from November 1 to March 31: 09:00 - 17:00;
• from April 1 to October 31: 09:00 - 18:00.

Ticket price: 13 EUR (ticket valid for visiting the castle and park)

Chenonceau Castle

This castle is called a ladies' castle, since throughout almost its entire history it belonged to noble ladies and queens of France. The most famous of them are Diana de Poitiers, mistress of King Henry 2, and his wife Catherine de Medici.

Near the castle there are gardens named after these women. The castle initially belonged to the first of them, but with the death of the king, Catherine took it from her rival.

The entire complex consists of a medieval donjon, the castle itself and the gardens of the two ladies. Not only numerous chambers have been preserved inside, but also a Wax Museum has been created. There you can see Queen Catherine, Diane de Poitiers, and Queen Louise, who lived here for a long time.

The park also has a labyrinth that is interesting to stroll through.

Operating mode:

• January 1 - February 3: 09:30 - 17:00;
• February 4 - March 31: 09:30 - 17:30;
• April 1 - May 28: 09:00 - 19:00;
• May 29 - June 30: 09:00 - 19:30;
• July 1 - August 31: 09:00 - 20:00;
• September 1–30: 09:00 - 19:30;
• October 1 - November 5: 09:00 - 18:30;
• November 6–12: 09:00 - 18:00;
• November 13 - December 31: 09:30 - 17:00.

Ticket price:

• 13 EUR - adult,
• 10 EUR - children from 7 to 18 years old,
• children under 7 years old - free.

Villandry Castle

The gardens of Villandry Castle can be called Versailles in miniature. This is a real work of park art. Trimmed bushes in different shapes and lines, connect and diverge, forming original patterns. The gardens are located on three levels. On the middle of them there are Gardens of Love. Secluded gazebos, entwined with ivy, seem to invite you to retire in them.

The interior chambers of the castle amaze with no less luxury and variety. All furniture and interior are completely preserved. You can also climb up to the very tower of the castle, from where you can see all the gardens.

Operating mode:

• January. Gardens- 09:00–17:00. Lock- January 1-2 - 09:30–16:30, January 3-31 - closed.
• February. Gardens- February 1–3 - 09:00–17:00, February 4–28 - 09:00–17:30. Lock- February 1–3 closed, February 4–28 - 09:00–17:00.
• March. Gardens- March 1–25 - 09:00–18:00 and March 26-31 - 09:00–19:00. Lock- March 1-25 - 09:00–17:30 and March 26–31 - 09:00–18:00.
• From April to June. Gardens- 09:00–19:00. Lock- 09:00–18:00.
• From July to August. Gardens- 09:00–19:30. Lock- 09:00–18:30.
• September. Gardens- 09:00–19:00. Lock- 09:00–18:00.
• October. Gardens- October 1–28 - 09:00–18:30, October 29–31 - 09:00–17:30. Lock- October 1–28 - 09:00–18:00, October 29-31 - 09:00–17:00.
• November. Gardens- November 1–12 - 09:00–17:30, November 13–30 - 09:00–17:00. Lock- November 1–12 - 09:00–17:00, November 13–30 closed.
• December. Gardens- 09:00–17:00. Lock- December 1–22 closed, December 23–31 - 09:30–16:30.

Ticket price:

• From November 14 to March 31. Adults - 8.5 EUR (castle and gardens) 4.5 EUR (gardens). Children from 8 to 18 years old - 5.5 EUR (castle and gardens) and 3.5 EUR (gardens).
• From April 1 to November 13. Adults - 10.5 EUR (castle and gardens) and 6.5 EUR (gardens). Children from 8 to 18 years old - 7 EUR (castle and gardens) and 5 EUR (gardens).
• Children under 8 years old are free at any time of the year.

Churches and temples. Which ones are worth visiting?

Orleans has some of the most beautiful cathedrals and churches in the country. And how can we not remember the monasteries that managed to survive wars and revolutions, bearing the traces of history!

Cathedral of Sainte-Croix or Orleans Cathedral (La cathédrale Sainte-Croix)

From the name it is clear that it is located in the city of Orleans. Gothicism in its pure, pristine form is what this cathedral is all about. In its beauty it is not inferior to Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris. Inside there is everything typical of Gothic cathedrals: a rose window, stained glass, a carved altar.

Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:30.

The entrance is free.

Abbey of Fontevraud

It has a rich and eventful history. It was one of the most famous monasteries in all of Europe in the Middle Ages. Here are the graves of Eleanor of Aquitaine - one of the most beautiful women of that era - and her second husband Henry II Plantagenet, King of England. King Richard the Lionheart, the son of Eleanor and Henry, is also buried on the territory of the abbey.

It was built from the 12th century and represents a combination of Gothic and Romanesque architecture. It can be confused with a castle, but it is a monastery. You can take a walk both inside and outside.

Opening hours:

• from January to March and from November to December: 10:00 - 17:30;
• from April to June, from September to October: 09:30 - 18:30;
• from July to August: 09:30 - 19:30.

Entry fee:

• adults - 9 EUR,
• children under 8 years old - free,
• from 8 to 18 years old - 6 EUR.

Abbey Fleury

A visit to the monastery itself, which is still in operation, is not possible. Only the Church of Saint-Benoit or Saint-Benedict is open to tourists. This is a legacy of Romanesque architecture. The high vaults inside and the columns amaze the genius of the craftsmen who built this church.

Opening hours: 06:30 - 22:00.

The entrance is free.

Abbey of Noirlac

In French, le lac noir means “black lake.” This name comes from the fact that the son of one of the landowners drowned in a nearby lake. The 12th century monastery is perfectly preserved. It was repeatedly subjected to robberies and raids during wars, which were almost always waged by the. Now it is no longer operational, but there is a museum inside.

Opening hours:

• from February 1 to March 14: 14:00 - 17:00;
• from March 15 to October 15: 10:00 - 18:30;
• from October 16 to December 23: 14:00 - 17:00.

Cost of visit:

• adults - 7 EUR;
• children under 12 years old - free.

Church of Our Lady of the Patroness (Église Notre-Dame-de-Recouvrance d"Orléans)

It is located in Orleans and is notable for the fact that organ music concerts take place there. At least once in your life you should listen to works on the organ resounding under the arches of an ancient church. Stained glass windows of the 16th century also provide purely aesthetic pleasure.

Opening hours: 09:00 - 17:30.

The entrance is free.

Museums. Which ones are worth visiting?

Most of the museums are located in big city region of the Loire Valley is Orleans. There are other interesting muses in the Loire Valley. I will list the most significant of them.

House of Jeanne D'Arc (Maison Jeanne d'Arc)

This is a house restored after the Second World War, where Joan of Arc lived only a few days after the capture of Orleans by her army. The exhibition represents the rooms where the Maid of Orleans lived. The museum is small.

Operating mode:

• from October to March: 14:00 - 18:00;
• from April to September: 10:00 - 18:00;
• Closed on Mondays and holidays.

Entrance ticket price: 4 EUR (with this ticket you can also enter the Historical and Archaeological Museum).

Historical and Archaeological Museum of Orleans (Musée historique et archéologique de l "Orléanais)

The museum is located in the Hotel Cabus, which once belonged to Diane de Poitiers. The museum's exhibition includes a collection of Gallo-Roman antiquities discovered not far from here, as well as statues from the late Middle Ages. Part of the museum is separately dedicated to Jeanne, the famous savior of France.

Operating mode:

• Tuesday - Saturday: 09:30 - 12:00, 13:00 - 17:45;
• Sunday: 14:00 - 18:00;
• Monday is a day off.

Entrance ticket price: 12 EUR.

Groslot Mansion (Hôtel Groslot d'Orléans)

Don't be surprised if the name says hotel in French. Previously, in France, hotels were called mansions of noble people. This mansion belonged to the bailiff Jacques Groslot.

King Francis II died in this house, and Kings Henry IV and Charles IX stayed here during their visits to Orleans.

It is interesting because inside you can see fine examples of antique furniture and tapestries from the 16th century. The Saint-Jacques Chapel and the statue of Joan of Arc decorate the courtyard of the mansion.

Operating mode:

• Monday - Friday: 10:00 - 12:00 and 14:00 - 18:00;
• Saturday: 10:00 - 19:00;
• Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00.

The visit is free.

Museum of Fine Arts of Orleans (Musée des Beaux-Arts d "Orléans)

This museum houses a rich collection of paintings, prints and drawings from the 15th to 20th centuries. Paintings by Tintoretto, Velazquez, Bruegel, Delacroix are the real pearls of this museum. Most of the exhibition consists of works of art confiscated from local aristocrats during the French Revolution.

Operating mode:

• Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 18:00;
• Monday is a day off.

Entrance ticket price: 5 EUR.

Champignon Museum

A very interesting museum that tells and shows how mushrooms are grown in France. The museum has a separate part called “Stone and Light” - it tells how fortresses and castles are sculptured from stone. There are also finished works that are specially illuminated. Hence the name of this exhibition.

Entrance ticket price: general ticket (Museum of Champignons and the exhibition "Stone and Light") - 10 EUR for children from 6 to 18 years old, 13 EUR for adults. Only the Champignon Museum - 8 EUR for adults, children under 6 years old - free, from 6 to 18 years old - 6 EUR.

Parks

National Park of the Loire-Anjou and Touraine region(Parc Naturel Régional Loire-Anjou-Touraine) is located between the cities of Angers and Tours. This is a huge park, created in 1996. On its territory there are the castles of Villandry, Chinon, Langeais, Saumur, and Montsoreau. There is a small museum attached to it that tells about the nature of the park.

Opening hours: Sunday and Monday are days off, from Tuesday to Saturday - 10:00 - 13:00, 14:00 - 17:00.

Neighboring regions

The Loire Valley is surrounded by other regions of France: Ile-de-France, Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, New Aquitaine (Aquitaine, Limousin and Poitou-Charentes), Normandy and the Loire Lands.

Ile-de-France

You can also take home soft goat cheese, which is produced here. It has a complex name - Sainte-Maur-de-Touraine. Costs from 10 EUR.

How to get around the region

The most pleasant way to get around the island is by bicycle. There are bicycle paths throughout the region. The roads are comfortable, smooth, without holes or potholes. Rental points are located in all big and small cities. Rental price - from 10 EUR per day.

There are also regional buses that run throughout the region. Price from 10 EUR. You can buy a ticket at the station or online.

Transport rental

You can rent a car in all cities of the region - Orleans, Tours, Amboise. For 30-40 EUR per day, this can be done if you have a foreign passport and a license valid in Europe. You will need to leave a deposit for the car.

You can compare rental prices.

Roads in the region are good. If you want to visit some of the Loire castles that are not the most popular among tourists, then it is better to plan the route in advance in the navigator. Even local residents do not always know how to get to them.

Gasoline stations are found regularly.

Loire Valley - holidays with children

It is quite possible to travel around this region with children. The castles also have stands for children, where the life of the inhabitants of the castle and its construction are told in an interactive and exciting way.

Here are a couple of places where you can take your beloved child, in addition to castles:

Cyberzoo (Petting Zoo)

There is one unusual zoo in Orleans that your children will definitely love! Instead of animals there are... robots! It's called a cyberzoo. Trunk-springs hang from the ceiling and react vividly to touch and emotions. The children squeal with delight at this!

Operating mode: Wednesday - Sunday - from 14:00 to 19:00. Closed December 25, January 1 and May 1. Opens until 20:00 on the first Thursday of every month.

Entry price: 4 EUR.

Zoo de Beauval

One of the most beautiful zoos in Europe. It is divided into separate zones - African savanna, aquarium. Once a day there are performances with parrots and sea lions. It will take you the whole day to visit, so arrive early.

Operating mode: Monday - Sunday - from 09:00 to 18:00.

Entry price: 26 EUR - adult, 20 EUR - children from 3 to 10 years old.

Bioparc Doué La Fontaine

It is located on the site of former limestone quarries. That's why many animals live in caves. For those who love felines, there is a pleasant surprise. The zoo has a canyon of leopards, where three species live side by side - jaguars, snow leopards and tigers.

Whoever says castles of France means Castles of Loire: Chambord, Chenonceau, Amboise, Blois, Cheverny, Clos-Lucé, Chaumont, Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry, Chinon, Breze, Saumur, Angers... The most exquisite and majestic castles in the world with royal cities, gardens and museums are concentrated here, not far from Paris. It is difficult to determine which of the 42 castles are more beautiful or significant than others, because each of them has its own history and charm. They are united by the atmosphere of the monarchy and the style of the eras: from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance, and, of course, the fact that they represent a precious part of the mosaic of the unique beauty and richness of the Loire River valley.

The most popular castles in the Loire Valley

Amboise

www.chateau-amboise.com/ru/

Open daily except 1.01 and 25.12.

Adult ticket 10.50 €; children (7-18 years old) 7.20 € .

The most Italian among the castles of the Loire, a UNESCO monument. Amboise is erected on a hill overlooking the river, and combines feudal character (large round towers) and the sophistication of Renaissance elements. Today, only one tenth of the area of ​​the former royal residence, which reached its heyday in the 16th century, remains of its former grandeur. In place of some of the buildings that once lined the walls, there is a large garden terrace with stunning views of the Loire River. It houses a historical collection of unique Gothic and Renaissance furniture.

After visiting the royal house, be sure to take a stroll in the picturesque gardens with Mediterranean plants, the castle gardens also offer one of the best views of the valley. Leonardo da Vinci is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert, a masterpiece of Gothic architecture from the late 15th century. After Francis I invited the Italian genius to Amboise in 1516, he settled in nearby Clos-Luce and lived there until his death in 1519.

The Amboise fortress has served as a defensive structure since Gallo-Roman times. In 1470, Charles VIII turned the castle into a luxurious residence and ordered decorations from Italy. He increased the size of the estate and organized lavish celebrations. Amboise was also the scene of the famous plot that led to the massacre of Protestants. After that bloody episode, the French monarchs no longer stayed at the castle, and it turned into a prison for Fouquet, Marshal Lauzun and Emir Abd-el-Kader.

Azay-le-Rideau

Open daily except 1.01, 1.05 and 25.12.

Adult ticket 8.50 €, discounted 5.50 €, free for under 18s.

A pearl of the early French Renaissance. Built during the reign of François I, this castle's sober architecture lacks the grandeur of Chambord and the crowds of Chenonceau. But having visited this Renaissance palace, you can understand why Balzac and Rodin valued it.

The castle of Azay was built in Touraine in the first years of the reign of Francis I and occupies a leading place in importance among the castles of the Loire Valley. Built by wealthy financier and bourgeois Gilles Berthelot, it reflects the elite's love of Italian Renaissance art. It was this building that ushered in the era of holiday homes, combining the charm of a French castle and the grandeur of Italian palaces.

In 1518, Gilles Berthelot, the new court administrator of the kingdom's finances, built two buildings on the site of the fortress, protected by the branches of the Indre River. In the corners, above the water, there are elegant towers that remind of its owners - Philippe, Barthelot's wife, who, after the death of her husband, was able to complete the reconstruction of the castle.

The building combines all the subtleties of Renaissance architecture and the qualities of a traditional French castle with its high roofs, turrets, long rows of windows and lanterns, with Italian grandeur in its layout, giving the façade symmetry. Inside the courtyard there is a luxurious staircase. Through the openwork decor you can see a park in the style of romanticism. This is how it was created by the new owners, the Marquises de Biencourt. While the restrained appearance of the facade is reflected in the mirror of the water surface, the interior shines with the luxury of works of art and the richness of the interior furnishings. The large hall, where receptions and balls were held, is decorated with tapestries, and “priceless” paintings hang in the salons, library, dining room and bedchambers, including the rooms of Louis XIII.

Beauregard à Cellettes

www.beauregard-loire.com

Tickets: 5 € -12.50 €.

Beauregard is privately owned and located in a beautiful park between the castles of Blois and Cheverny. The elegant mansion was built by Jean du Thiers, minister of Henry II, on the edge of the forest of Roussy, just a few kilometers south of the city of Blois. This 60-hectare forest was once a favorite hunting ground of Francis I. The castle houses the famous “cabinet of bells,” which owes its name to the three silver bells of the jester, which is depicted on the painted ceiling. The next owner of the castle, the treasurer of Louis XIII, Paul Hardier, ordered this office to be furnished as a gallery of three hundred and sixty-three portraits: fifteen kings, from Philip VI to Louis XIII, ministers, courtiers, and celebrities. This collection, including 327 portraits, is still in place, and they gave the office another name - “Gallery of the Illustrious”. The gallery's Delft faience flooring depicts paintings of an army of infantry and cavalry dressed in full dress uniform from the era of Louis XIII.

After visiting the castle itself, you can continue your walk in the very beautiful rose garden of the landscape park (400 species of perennials and 100 species of climbing plants), created by landscape artist Gilles Clement. You can also see a restored glacier here.

Blois

House of magic and light show.

www.chateaudeblois.fr

Open daily except 12/25 and 1/1.

Ticket prices from 4 € to 9.50 €.

The favorite residence of French monarchs during the Renaissance, the Château de Blois is a true royal palace in the Loire River valley.

Built on the carved slopes of a hillside in the center of the city, this masterpiece displays all the splendor of French architecture. Each wing of this courtyard quadrangle reflects an era: the medieval roof of the Counts of Blois, the stone and brick walls in the style of Louis XII, the Renaissance wing with a spiral staircase and building facades, and finally the classical architecture of the 17th century, displayed in the wing of Gaston d'Orléans. The castle also houses the Museum of Fine Arts.

To demonstrate to its visitors all the stages and history of the construction of the castle, interactive 3D screens are located in the “hall of states” (salle des Etats). Each of them recreates a unique way of building buildings: from the Middle Ages to the first restorations in the 19th century, through the periods of Francis I and Gaston d'Orléans. This is how the new one ends sightseeing tour around the castle. The modern program creates a special atmosphere for visitors, as if reviving life at the court of the Renaissance. And various entertainment such as concerts, plays, shows, ancient music concerts and summer fencing tournaments immerse visitors in the history of the great Kingdom.

A unique show. Significant moments in the history of the royal castle of Blois are presented in projection on the facades of the four wings of the castle. At nightfall at 22:00 (22:30 in June, July and August) half an hour before the show, the audience moves to the center of the courtyard. The lighting of the facades and the background music during this wait begin to give a fantastic appearance to the architectural diversity of the place and create a panorama of French architecture from the 12th to the 17th. The show begins amidst sound and visual effects that reveal a colorful world of events in the royal palace, interpretations of royal symbols and stories of great personalities such as Francis I and Catherine de' Medici.

On Wednesdays there is a performance at English language. Brochures have been translated into English, German, Spanish, Italian, and Dutch.

Chambord

www.chambord.org

The Chambord estate is open daily.

The castle is open all year round, except January 1 and December 25.

• 02.01-31.03: 10:00-17:00
• 01.04-30.09: 9:00-18:00
• 01.10-31.12: 10:00-17:00

Adult ticket 11 €, special price 9 €. Free entry: children under 18 years old, EU youth 18-25 years old, students, people with disabilities with an accompanying person.

Paid parking:

• Car/motorcycle: 4 €/day
• Camping house / car up to 7.9 m: 7 €/day (10 € per night)
• Bus/car from 7.9 m: 45 €/day

The handsome Chambord is known all over the world, the dimensions of this unusual castle truly impressive... With its 128 m long facade, 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces, Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire Valley! A unique double system of stairs has been created here - the creation of da Vinci, when people who go up do not intersect with those who go down. The castle is located in the center of a 5,500 hectare park (former hunting ground of the Counts of Blois). Its walls and central donjon with four towers express the power of the French monarchy. The castle was built on a plain, according to the plan of a fortification structure, including a massive rectangular fence 156 m by 117 m and four cylindrical towers at the corners. On the northwestern side there is a donjon, which itself creates almost an entire castle. But in the totality of all elements, real royal grandeur is born and a source of inspiration for many creative personalities - with its geometric clarity, harmony of proportions, roofs, turrets, fireplaces and dormer windows...

Chenonceau

www.chenonceau.com

Open daily.

Adult ticket from 11 €. Evening walk through the gardens 5 €. Children under 7 years old are free.

Chenonceau is called the Ladies' Castle, it impresses with its architecture and history and is the most visited private castle in France. Chenonceau Castle is one of the brightest flowers in the bouquet of palaces in the Loire Valley. Located 30 km east of Tours and 10 km south of Amboise, next to the Cher River, reflecting the beauty of its fabulous architecture.

For approximately 400 years, the castle was inhabited by representatives of the fair sex: Catherine Brisonnet, wife of Thomas Bohier, Henry II's favorite Diana de Poitiers, Queen Catherine de Medici, her daughter-in-law, Henry III's inconsolable widow Louise de Lorraine, Gabrielle d'Estrée, Henry's favorite IV, the mistress of the young Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Madame Dupin, and, at the end of the last century, the local restorer Madame Pelouz. The wax museum located in the “building of the Domes” is dedicated to all of them.

Charming architecture, French-style gardens and a park add to the tenderness and love for this place. Chenonceau is famous not only for its “appearance” and history, but also for the richness of its collections: Renaissance furniture, tapestries of the 16th and 17th centuries, numerous paintings by the owners by great artists of their time.

Cheverny

www.chateau-cheverny.com

Open daily:

• 01.01-31.03: 9:45–17:00
• 01.04-30.06: 9:15–18:15
• 01.07-31.08: 9:15–18:45
• 01.09-30.09: 9:15–18:15
• 01.10-31.10: 9:45–17:30
• 01.11-31.12: 9:45–17:00

Free parking.

Full ticket 8.70 €. Free for children under 7 years old.

Situated 15 km from Blois and 18 km from Chambord, Chaverny is famous throughout the world for its tradition of hound hunting and its uncanny resemblance to Moulinsart, the castle of Captain Haddock. Hergé, the creator of the Tintin comics, drew his inspiration from Chaverny, where there is now a permanent exhibition dedicated to him.

But the special interest of Chaverny lies in the luxurious interior decoration of the Louis XI era and home comfort. It is because of this that visitors prefer this castle to others in the Loire. Its decoration has been preserved in excellent condition and remains almost as it was in the 17th century. Among the premises of the castle there is a Trophy Hall (2000 antlers) and a kennel where more than 100 tricolor dogs live.

Cheverny Castle stands in the middle of a huge park with lawns and flower beds, where giant cedars and other rare species of trees and plants also grow. You can rent a boat to tour the park from April to November.

Montigny-le-Gannelon

www.domainedemontigny.com

Adult ticket 8 euros, children 4 €, group 6 €/person.

A beautiful privately owned 15th-century castle located among wheat fields, just 150 km away. from Paris, near Chateaudun.

See: the park is 15 hectares very beautiful view to the Loire Valley.

Rivau à Lemere

Rievaulx Castle Booklet www.chateaudurivau.com/img/chateaudurivau-2013.pdf

Ticket 10 €

Fairytale castle and gardens, listed as a UNESCO heritage site. The castle gardens are the most beautiful in Touraine. Ideal place for those who are tired of crowds of tourists.

See: gardens, royal stables, labyrinth, castle itself.

Park and castle of Valence (Parc et Château de Valençay)

www.chateau-valencay.fr

In the heart of Bury is one of the most iconic monuments of the Renaissance - Valence Castle. It was built on the site of an ancient castle. The subtle combination of styles gives it a unique character. The Maly Theater hosts performances of Doulce Mémoire. Theater ticket 15 €. Visit to the castle and performance (at 15:00) – 23.50 €. Walk through the forest of Forêt des Princes, visit to a cave, tasting local syrups at the “Tavern of the Spaniards”: + 3.50 € to the ticket price.

Full tariff 12 €, with a discount (from 7 to 17 years old, teachers, disabled people) 8.50 €, children from 4 to 6 years old – 3 €. Online purchase possible. There is a restaurant in the park's greenhouse.

Saumur

www.chateau-saumur.com

Open 01.04-02.11: 10:00-13:00 and 14:00-17:30; 01.07-31.08: 10:00-18:30.

Closed on Mondays.

Tickets 5 - 9 €. Reduced tariff (students, schoolchildren, from 7 to 16 years): 3-5 €, children under 7 years old free.

This castle is hard to miss on the way to the city of Saumur. The building is currently under restoration, but you can look at some of the rooms and the outside: the Court of Honor, gardens and a panorama of the Loire.

Saumur was classified as a historical monument in 1862 and exhibits 14th-century (late Middle Ages, early Renaissance) architecture worthy of fairy tale castles.

Today, in the former bedchambers of the dynasty of the Dukes of Anjou, there are priceless collections of decorative art, and under the arches in the form of the underwater part of a ship, there is a museum dedicated to the history of horse harnesses.

In the second half of the 14th century. Louis Er d'Anjou, brother of King Charles V, turned Louis's medieval fortress into a holiday residence. Due to the pomp and luxury of balls and receptions, as well as the decoration of the castle, that period was called “The Rich Times of the Duke of Bury”.

In 1480, after the death of King René, the last Duke of Anjou, who dubbed the castle “the castle of love,” Saumur returned to the King of France. Subsequently, it became the residence of city managers, a prison, an armory and an ammunition depot. And finally, it was purchased by the city in 1906 to open a municipal museum here.

Saumur is also home to the headquarters and school of the French National Equestrian Centre.

Villandry

www.chateauvillandry.fr

The gardens are open all year round.

The castle is open from 11.02 to 11.10.

Ticket from 4 € to 13 €

Free for children under 8 years old.

Renaissance castle and gardens.

Among the castles of the Loire, Vilandry undoubtedly owes its fame to its terraced gardens that adorn it on all sides.

The estate was completed in 1536, making Vilandry the last of the great Renaissance castles built on the banks of the Loire. The design of the architectural work belongs to the Breton Jean Le, Secretary of State of Francis I. Being an ambassador in Rome, where he studied garden landscape art, Jean Le had already supervised the construction of Chambord Castle for the crowned monarch for many years.

In the 19th century, the classical garden was destroyed, and an English park was laid out around the castle (in the style of the Parisian Monceau Park).

In 1906, the Spaniard, Dr. Joaquim Carvallo (he is the great-grandfather of the present owners) bought this castle. Joaquim saved the building from dismantling and recreated the Renaissance architectural monument and magnificent gardens from the ruins. The doctor will also be one of the first private castle owners to open the doors of his estate to the public.

How to get to the Loire castles from Paris on your own

Traveling on your own is not only a feeling of freedom to choose a place and time, but also an excellent opportunity to save money or see much more than when ordering a standard “hackneyed” program on a tour organized by someone else. It is impossible to see all the castles in one day; it is advisable to plan three days to explore them.

Rented or personal car

The easiest way to get to the Loire Valley from Paris.

a) Paris - Tours.

The trip to Tours takes approximately 5 hours depending on traffic in Paris.

From the Paris ring road (Paris périphérique), take the E15/E50/l onto the Autoroute du Soleil. Continue: A6B / E15 / E50.

Take the A10/E05 to Orléans/Nantes/Bordeaux/Palazo. Take Exit 21 towards Tours-Centre / Montlouis / Saint-Pierre-des-Corps

The distance is about 240 km, travel on toll roads will cost about 35 €.

On the Michelin website you can enter an address/district in Paris (or any other), the address of your destination - and get several route options with information about the cost of travel on motorways. www.viamichelin.com

You can also take the train to Tours, and then rent a car to travel directly to the castles. This way you will avoid traffic, traffic lights and traffic jams in Paris.

b) Paris - Blois.

The duration of the trip is 3-4 hours. Highway A10 (exit about 5 km from the castle) and RN 152. Autoroute A10 Paris / Bordeaux, exit at Blois (Autoroute A10, Paris / Bordeaux, sortie Blois). Distance 170 km. National road RN 152, Paris / Orléans / Blois (Route nationale RN 152, Paris / Orléans / Blois). Distance 180 km.

Price comparison site for almost all companies offering car rental services in France www.locationdevoiture.fr

...If you are with children and you only have one day to visit the Loire Valley, then from Paris you can take a bus excursion that includes visits to three or four castles, although be prepared that the trip will be a little tiring (but worth the effort). On the Internet, at hotels, on Parisian tours. agencies and tourism bureaus have many offers. A one-day tour of the valley by bus or minivan costs about 150-250 €/person.

The journey by car or train can be continued towards the unique fortified island of Mont-Saint-Michel in Brittany.

Train or bus

Let's start by using an excellent route designer for France on the company's website public transport ratp.fr, with metro, buses, transfers.

Tickets for regular or high-speed train TGV from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport or other places, see the websites www.agencies.voyages-sncf.eu/ru and www.raileurope.com. Trains run almost every hour between Tours and Blois, and there is a regular bus service.

Buy tickets through the website in advance (register, book, pay by card, print): the discount sometimes reaches 50%. Tickets are personalized and valid with a passport.

a) Paris - Tours.

1. Paris, Montparnasse station (PARIS MONTPARNASSE)

in TOURS CENTER (center of Tours) Duration 1 hour. A ticket through the website when purchased 3 months in advance costs 15 €, while at the box office on site it costs 45 €.

2. TGV (from Montparnasse) to Tours, trip duration 35 minutes.

From Tours to Villandry (15 km), Langeais (24 km); Azay le Rideau (26 km) – 6 € one way.

Local train from Tours to Orleans with stops in Amboise (20 minutes from Tours) and Blois (20 minutes from Amboise).

For 1.7 € the Fil Vert company will take you from Tours to Chenonceau, Amboise, Azay le Rideau www.tourainefilvert.com. Please note the return flight times.

Regular non-tourist bus from the Tours railway to Chenonceau: twice a day (check with the Tourism Bureau). The bus drops off passengers in the center of the village, near the castle (5-10 minutes on foot).

b) Paris - Blois.

You can get to Blois from the Austerlitz train station in Paris in 1.5 hours by train (through the website 10 € one way, at the ticket office - 22 €), and from the city station by local buses www.tlcinfo.net for 6-8 € get to the most popular castles of the Loire. Route: Blois, Chambord, Cheferny, Beauregard, Blois. This bus company often offers discounts on entrance fees to castles, with scheduled (see booklet given to you on the bus) drops you off at the castle, picks you up, takes you to the next one and returns to Blois. Open during the summer season.

From Blois to Beauregard (6 km), Chaumont (9 km), Cheverny (15 km), Chambord (16 km), Talsi (25 km), Amboise (34 km).

Bicycle as a means of moving between castles

You can rent a bicycle, choose an interesting route, take advantage of high-quality bike paths, see maps, photos and reviews on the website Loire à Vélo or Le velo voyageur.

Package bike tours for 3-8 days www.unebaladeavelo.com and many others.

Where to stay in the Loire Valley

Do you dream of feeling like real French aristocrats? You can take advantage of the opportunity to live in castles. Or choose a cozy hotel very close by.

Hotels in Tours area.

Hotels in Blois area.

Good to know

Tip: To save money on tickets to the castles of the Loire Valley, purchase them on the websites of the Tourism Bureau.

Regional Tourism Agency: www.loire-chateaux.org (on the website you can find out about the dates of various events taking place in the castles and the benefits of the “Loire Castles Passport” - 2 options for purchasing tickets in combination with discounts, including a 5% discount on purchases in designated stores at locks).

Websites of Tourism Offices:

City of Tour (Russian): www.tours-tourisme.fr/minisite/11/russian

Blois: www.bloischambord.co.uk

Orleans: www.tourisme-orleans.com/en/

Angers: www.angersloiretourisme.com/fr/angers-loire-valley

Nantes: en.nantes-tourisme.com/

Extended list of castles: www.ru.wikipedia.org

This information is for informational purposes only. When planning independent travel We recommend checking the relevance of tariffs, etc. on the above sites. We would be grateful for any suggestions and additions regarding the castles of the Loire.

Loire Valley- a stunningly picturesque piece of land in the center of France - widely known for its magnificent historical cities, vineyards and castles. Moreover, its beautiful cascading green hills and tranquil landscape have made it an ideal muse for many amorous writers, artists or poets. Some parts of it were declared an object World Heritage UNESCO in 2000, and its timeless natural beauty has truly earned it the nickname "the garden of France".

With origins dating back to the mid-Paleolithic period, the Loire Valley boasts some of the most charming towns and architectural monuments in Europe, such as Amboise, Blois, Saumur, Tours and wonderful castles including Chambord and Chenonceau. Everywhere you turn you will be reminded of the artistic influence of the Renaissance and Enlightenment. Indeed, visiting these places is like taking a historical trip back to a simpler, but aesthetically pleasing period of time.

Historical landscape

In the early 15th century, the young Joan of Arc led French forces in a number of important battles that ultimately led to the defeat of the British in the war for complete control of the region. Even before this happened, the Loire Valley had been coveted by kings and queens since the 10th century. This is not surprising, as this exquisite valley is surrounded by the Loire River - France's longest river - and has lush green forests, rich fertile lands and an ideal climate for wine harvesting.

As was customary at that time, only royalty, nobility and wealthy citizens could afford the luxury of higher education in art and cultural activities. The best artists, historians, architects and writers of the time were often invited to strengthen the court artistic press. Of these honored guests, the famous artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci was so intrigued by this wonderful place at the invitation of the king that in 1516 he established a residence in the city Amboise and remained there until his death in 1519. His home - Le Clos-Luce - eventually turned into a museum dedicated to the genius of this man's creations. This lovely town also has an attractive castle and a museum dedicated to the history of the postal service.

Another city worth visiting for its unique landscape and historical significance is Blois . A Renaissance castle, the Chateau de Blois was once the home of King Louis XVII in the heart of the city. The city itself was built on a steep hill with winding paths that end in long staircases at various points, making it a most interesting place to explore. A fun attraction found in Blois is La Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin (the home of the wizard Robert-Houdin) - the only public museum in France dedicated exclusively to magic and the performing arts.

City Tour also deserves a mention. Known for its charming medieval old town, cathedral 12th century and with the distinction of being a city with the purest form of French, Tours boasts a more lively atmosphere than most other cities in the Loire Valley. On any given day, the main square - Place Plumereau - is alive with the bustling sounds of visitors in the many open-air cafes, bars and restaurants.

Fascinating Castles

With over 300 castles in the Loire Valley, you can feel a little confused about which ones to visit during your short stay in the region. While all castles have their own uniqueness that makes them special for individual visitors, three that really stand out are Chambord, Azay-le-Rideau and Chenonceau.

One of the oldest castles in the region, Azay-le-Rideau was named after Lord Riedel, who decided to build a fortress on an island protected by a road leading travelers from Tours to Chinon, in the late 12th century. King François I modernized it, using the best French and Italian masters - architects and designers of the time. By the early 1500s, the castle was purchased by the French Minister of Finance as a gift for his son. The young man quickly commissioned renovations, giving the castle the curious "L" shape it maintains to this day - offering the essence of a stately French chateau combined with an Italian palazzo. Today, visitors can get a glimpse of the royal family's privileged life as they wander through its open spaces, including the drawing room, library and master bedroom - all decorated with restored furniture and colorful original tapestries.

Situated in a small village Chenonceau seemingly floating on underwater arches. The majestic Chateau de Chenonceau is perhaps the most romantic castle in the Loire Valley. Known as the "six ladies' castle" - for its famous inhabitants, including the queen, mistress and colorful ladies of society - this beautiful castle is a historical marvel. We strongly recommend that you order a guide to this special castle to fully appreciate the fascinating stories surrounding its attractive inhabitants.

Today, Chenonceau ranks second after Versailles as the most visited castle in France.

If time allows you to visit only one castle, then Chambord will give you a better idea of ​​the luxury of 16th century castles, featuring no less than 440 rooms! This huge castle, located deep in the forest, was first built as a summer living room and hunting ground for King François I. He deliberately commissioned it to be built so large to remind citizens of the power of the court. Although the castle was not completed during his lifetime, it is a regal reminder of the unlimited power of the French crown at that time. Today the castle grounds serve as a hunting reserve and national park, as well as a feudal castle museum with four towers, a central dungeon and three magnificent floors reached by a winding staircase.

When visiting any of the Loire Valley castles, it is important to keep an eye on opening times, which vary seasonally, and know that no food, drink or camera flash is allowed inside.

Wineries and restaurants

Thanks to its pleasant climate and the aforementioned fertile lands, the Loire Valley enjoys an abundance of fresh produce, fruit, dairy products and high-quality wines and liqueurs. Like many other regions of the world, each city is famous for its delicacies. For example, sunny Tours produces delicious plums and melons, shady Touraine boasts fine mushrooms and asparagus, while Orléans is famous for the poultry grown on its vast farmland.

Because the Loire Valley is located in northern France, its best wine regions are on the south-facing slopes. Some of the country's best wines, including Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé, come from here. Villages with exceptional sparkling wines include Montlouis, Saumur and Vournay.

Visiting wineries in the Loire Valley is often as simple as contacting them and making an appointment. Wine tasting in this part of France is a leisurely experience, and the wine is often paired with regional cheeses or other tasty morsels. Since there are many different types of wine from different areas - such as reds from Chinon, whites from Angers and sweet wines from Vouvrey - one should either look for wineries in their preferred area that may be open to visitors, or consult expert guides who can accompany you to several wineries over several days. Hiring this type of service can save you a lot of valuable time and energy, as there are a huge number of wineries to choose from. One such company with over 25 years of experience in the Loire Valley is called Le Tasting Room. They can organize a day at specific wineries or conduct an introductory wine tasting of the entire region to give you an idea of ​​what's on offer.

Those wishing to enjoy exceptional traditional cuisine in an elegant yet cozy setting can book a room at the 1* Michelin hotel Le Bon Laboureur in Chenonceux. In addition to an affordable 3-course menu, this small hotel-restaurant offers a large selection of cheese and desserts, as well as a selection of the region's best wines.

If you prefer French food with a more modern twist, try Les Linottes Gourmandes in Tours. Situated in the heart of the Old Town, this restaurant has a wonderful selection of dishes like foie gras de Canard (duck liver pate) and Noix de Saint-Jacques (scallops) and knowledgeable, friendly staff.

For a truly wonderful dining experience, book a table at L'Orangerie du Château de Blois, a fine dining restaurant in every sense: the kitchen is an oasis of creatively combined flavors - the presentation of the dishes is impeccable and the service is delightful. It's best to choose the tasting menu and then sit back and enjoy adventures.

Where to stay for a while

Deciding where to stay in the Loire Valley depends on the route you choose for yourself and, of course, the time you plan to stay in the region. A good option if you're looking for a charming place just outside Tours with easy access to the rest of the region is the Domaine de la Tortiniere, a 24-room former castle (some rooms located outside the castle) turned into a 4* hotel. Environment serene and relaxing, with a beautiful park and terrace - a reasonable distance from the castles of Azay-le-Dito and Chenonceau, as well as the wine regions of Montlouis or Vouvray. For a more intimate stay in Chinon, try Hotel Diderot, a divine mini-mansion with clean, tastefully decorated rooms, a beautiful patio and garden, and a welcome croissant, homemade jam and fresh juice.

For budget travelers wanting to see the Loire Valley by car or bike, the best choice is Côte Loire Coy-Ligerin in beautiful city Blois. This small, unassuming hotel offers comfortable rooms next to the river and is located just a few minutes from the town's castle.

Road

Because of its close proximity to Paris, a visit to the Loire Valley can be anything from a fast-paced day trip to an extended visit to fully discover the region. If you're on a time crunch, book a bus from Paris that can take you on an escorted tour to visit 3-4 castles in just one day. Prices for these services start from 150 euros per person. If you're the adventurous type, rent a car and drive 2.5-3 hours into the Loire Valley on your own and explore the region in your own way for as long as you like. Expect to pay a minimum of €30 for travel (one way), plus the cost of a rental car. To really experience this region, take a TGV ( fast train) from Paris to Tours in just 35 minutes, then take local transport to the castles from there. Alternatively, take the train from Paris to Blois - which will get you there in about 1.5 hours - and begin your journey to this charming little town. Prices for these trains vary, but usually start from 45 euros one way.

One fun way to explore the area, for travelers with little time, is to take a bike tour. Cycling is a fun and relaxing way to explore the enchanting landscapes of the Loire Valley. BikeToursDirect offers self-guided cycling tours of the Loire Valley, ranging in length from 5 days to two weeks. Orleans in Angers - popular route, which runs throughout the valley and takes about 9 days at a leisurely pace.

Whatever you decide, it is advisable to visit the Loire Valley during the spring months (March-May) when the sun is shining - plus flowers and magnificent scenery are in full bloom - or during the early autumn months of September and October - during the harvest season, when the weather is still mild and the foliage is changing dramatically to warm chestnuts and yellows.

The Loire Valley, the ideal playground for kings and queens for centuries, comes alive again with each new visitor who is seduced by its enchanting beauty. There is undoubtedly a lot to see and be impressed by this magnificent region that you will later remember and dream about when you can return here. No matter how long you decide to stay here, there is no doubt that this will be an experience that you will always treasure.

The famous castles of the Loire, and throughout France - Chenonceau, Chambord, Blois... Every year thousands of tourists visit these priceless works of architecture. We would like to suggest you what is worth watching and giving practical advice. In the article you will also find a map of the Loire castles that we describe. The author of the article was in all the listed castles, you can trust us.

The magnificent castles of the Loire were built and some restored during the Renaissance. At that time, the courtiers of the royal court decided to settle in this region of France. In 2000, most of them were classified as World Heritage Sites and are protected by UNESCO. There are more than 300 castles and they are scattered throughout the region. To make your search and the journey to the castles easier, you can book our excursion from Paris or drive yourself through the Loire Valley by car.

Where to begin?

Of course it's a castle Sully-on-Loire (Sully- sur- Loire). Firstly, it is the gateway to this rich historical region. Secondly, it is noticeably distinguished by its medieval architecture, which will help you overcome time and travel back to that era.

Don't miss the opportunity and visitRoyal castle of Blois (châ teauroyaldeBlois) , which was the residence of seven kings of France. It represents a unique synthesis of Renaissance architecture and was the first palace to be restored, which served as a model for other castles of the Loire.

Map of the main castles of the Loire

Chateau de Chenonceau

Royal Castle of Amboise

Castle of Clos Lucé

Located just 500 meters from the Castle of Amboise, Clos Lucé is the last house where the great Leonardo da Vinci lived. Here you can not only visit the Renaissance castle, but also discover the creations of the famous inventor. You can also stroll through the romantic six-hectare park.

Here is an exhibition of a fleet of 20 working machines of Leonardo da Vinci

Price: from 14€ for adults, 10€ for children and 10€ for students

You can view and book the best accommodation options and hotels near the Clos Lucé castle using this link

Castle d'Azay-le-Rideau

Honore de Balzac called this castle “a cut diamond in the frame of the Indre River.” The castle in the French Renaissance style was built on an island in the middle of the river during the reign of Francis I. Carved stone facades invite you to admire this masterpiece of architecture, and the English park invites you to dream. The castle is state property and is open to visitors throughout the year.

There is also a walk through the illuminated park on a summer night

Price: 6.5€ for adults, children under 18 years old free.

You can view and book the best accommodation options and hotels near the castle d'Azay-le-Rideau using this link

Castle of Sully-sur-Loire

Another interesting place for a trip to the Loire Valley: Sully Castle. Surrounded by a moat, it consists of a tower and a small castle and is a fine example of medieval architecture. At one time, the castle walls saw famous guests such as Louis XIV, Anne of Austria and Voltaire.

An annual classical music festival is held for children.

You can view and book the best accommodation options and hotels near the Sully-on-Loire castle using this link

Castle of Saumur

Originally, in the 13th century, it was a fortress, then the Duke of Anjou reconstructed it for the royal court. Under Louis XIV, the castle overlooking the city served as a prison, then, during the time of Napoleon, it was converted into an arsenal for storing, repairing and assembling weapons and ammunition. Over time, the castle partially collapsed, but by 2007 it was restored. It is currently closed to visitors in winter, but welcomes visitors in summer.

Royal Fortress of Chinon

The English kings Henry II and Richard the Lionheart gave the castle the appearance that we know now. Over time, the Royal Fortress of Chinon passed to the French government, so the names of Joan of Arc and Cardinal Richelieu are closely associated with its history. In the 19th century, it was transferred to the district council (now the general council), which carried out extensive restoration work.

This is the most atypical castle of the Loire. It is least of all related to the concept of "chateau", rather it is a fortress. In addition, most of the castle was destroyed. However, a walk through the medieval ruins is quite an interesting experience.

Optional excursions: The Joan of Arc Museum, which is located in the castle and the Museum of Modern Scenography.

Price: 8.5€ for adults, 7.50€ for students

You can view and book the best accommodation options and hotels near Chinon Castle using this link

Brissac Castle

The castle has belonged to the family of the Comte de Brissac for more than 500 years. The current castle was built by Marshal de Brissac, about whom Alexandre Dumas wrote in his novels, including The Three Musketeers. Many historical events have taken place in the castle itself over the course of half a thousand years. Today de Brissac is a real palace with luxurious halls, its own vineyards and even its own theater. And guests can spend the night in the room of King Louis XIII.

A visit to the castle costs 10 euros. You can visit it any day except Tuesday at 2 or 4 p.m.

Royal Castle of Blois

Château de Cheverny

For six centuries now, the castle has belonged to one family, which lives in it to this day. There is a nursery on the estate, making this place a real Mecca for avid hunters.

The castle is famous for its classical style, and for the fact that the famous architect Hergé worked here.

Since the castle is “family”, the atmosphere here is “homey”. A very nice castle to visit in summer.

Optional excursions: Tintin exhibition, Botanical Garden, greenhouse and garden

Price: 10.5€ for adults, 7.5€ for students under 25 years old and children over 7 years old, children under 7 years old free

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We wish you a pleasant trip and hope that our review will help you make your choice. Or maybe you have already traveled to the castles of the Loire and want to suggest something that we did not have time to talk about in our article. Then, leave your comments and wishes - we will be glad.

Medieval castles located in the middle reaches of the valley and on tributaries of the Loire River attract many travelers year after year. Coming here means touching the historical heritage of France and seeing with your own eyes priceless architectural monuments erected during the Renaissance. Castles, palaces and fortresses are not alike architectural styles and differ in varying degrees of preservation. But there are real pearls among them.

Chambord Castle

The famous Chateau de Chambord is beautiful, and its architecture is rightfully considered a masterpiece of the Renaissance. This castle is considered the most recognizable in the Loire Valley. And the reason for this is that in his The genius Leonardo da Vinci participated in the design, who at that time was the court architect of the French king Francis I. It was he who came up with an intricate staircase formed by two spirals - a real architectural decoration of an ancient building. Thanks to this design, the ascending and descending ones could not interfere with each other. The castle terraces offer wonderful views of the roofs and chimneys. And the ancient buildings are surrounded by an amazingly beautiful park-reserve with an area of ​​1000 hectares, which previously served as a place for royal hunting.

How to get there.

By train from the Paris Austerlitz station to the Blois stop - about 1.5 hours. Then by taxi or bus.

Chateau de Chenonceau

The castle, built in the 16th century, is located in the valley of the Cher River, 34 km from the city of Tours. This is a region famous for its wonderful wine and delicious cheese made from goat's milk. At first, the luxurious chateau was managed by Diane de Poitiers, an influential favorite of the French king Henry II. And after her - Queen Catherine de Medici. In the 18th century, the castle was bought by a well-known banker in the country, and his wife Louise Dupin became the mistress of the medieval possessions, who opened an art salon here.

Chenonceau houses a magnificent collection of Flemish tapestries. There is also an art gallery where paintings by world-class masters are collected. No less attractive is the curious wax museum, by visiting which you can plunge into the era of intrigue of the French royal court. More than 130 thousand flowers are planted in the garden surrounding the castle every year, and this is a unique sight!

How to get there.

By train from the Paris Montparnasse station to the Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station, located in the suburbs of Tours (1 hour). Then take a local train to Chenonceau (25 min).

Blois Castle

The castle, which stands in the central part of the town of Blois, is the largest in the Loire Valley. It is known as the residence of French monarchs. The main part of the castle buildings was erected in the 15th century under the Dukes of Orleans. The architecture of the castle complex intersects the traditions of late Gothic and Italian Renaissance. The emblems of almost all its owners can be seen on the facades. Porcupines were the symbol of the Dukes of Orleans, ermines were the symbol of Queen Anne of Brittany, and lilies were the emblem of the French crown. Inside, magnificently decorated furnished royal chambers have been preserved: the wing in which Francis I lived, as well as the apartments of Queen Catherine de Medici. The royal residence lost its political significance during the time when the Bourbons began to rule the state.

How to get there.

By train from Paris Gare d'Austerlitz to Blois station. The journey takes about 1.5 hours.

Cheverny Castle

The Cheverny estate, striking in its architectural symmetry, became the prototype of many medieval castles in various cartoons. It strictly adheres to the architectural canons of the Renaissance, and only small elements of the facade betray the influence of the classics. Cheverny differs from other castles in the richness of its interiors. The interior spaces - the chambers of the kings, the Armory Hall, the dining room, the lobbies and the main staircase of this castle look quite lived-in. And the wonderful carved furniture made in the era of King Louis XIII gives them a special coziness. The Trophy Hall is especially striking - a real apotheosis of several centuries of royal hunting. Over 2 thousand deer antlers are exhibited here. To this day, this castle remains a favorite place for traditional hound hunting. And especially for her, about a hundred well-trained dogs are kept in the large castle kennel.

How to get there.

By train from Paris Austerlitz station to Blois station (1.5 hours).

Villandry Castle

15 km from Tours there is a white castle, to which the flow of tourists never stops. And the reason for this is not only the luxurious facades of the 15th century, but also the magnificent gardens, thanks to which this castle became famous throughout the world. The three-level landscape, decorative vegetable gardens, intricate patterns of flower beds and colorful flower beds that create living patterns are beautiful at any time of the year. The gardens, which are considered a masterpiece of French park art, are in perfect harmony with the entire architectural complex. The interiors of the castle were created in the 18th century. These are living and living rooms, a dining room, a staircase and an art gallery. For a long time now, the castle has belonged to representatives of the Carvalho dynasty. Thanks to their efforts, not only the architectural monument itself was restored, but also the unique gardens.

How to get there.

By train from Paris Montparnasse station to Tours (1 hour). Then by taxi. In July and August, a special bus runs from Tours to the castle.

Castle of Ussé

The picturesque castle with medieval towers and loopholes has been known since the mid-15th century. It is generally accepted that it was its facades and interiors that were described by Charles Perrault in the famous fairy tale dedicated to Sleeping Beauty. During the time when Napoleon ruled the country, secret meetings of royalists who wanted to restore the Bourbon dynasty to the French throne took place here.

Gothic buildings erected in the Indre River valley are surrounded by a picturesque regular park. This castle is so popular that more than half a million tourists visit it every year. Many of them come to admire rich collection tapestries displayed in the gallery that connects the two wings of the castle. On the tapestries you can see scenes of balls, hunting and masquerades, rural landscapes, as well as portraits of famous citizens. Most of the paintings were made by masters of the famous Brussels manufactory.

How to get there.

By train from Paris Montparnasse station to Tours station (1 hour). Then by bus.

Valence Castle

Construction of the ancient castle began in 1540, and its construction lasted until the 18th century. But, despite the different construction times, the architectural complex is distinguished by harmony and unity. Modern look This castle is largely the merit of Napoleonic Foreign Minister Tyleran, who, at the expense of the emperor, put the buildings and surrounding lands in order. During World War II, the treasures of the Louvre were kept in Valence. Today the castle interiors are fully furnished. There is a museum of vintage cars specially created for tourists here. The buildings are surrounded by formal French-style gardens and a landscaped English park. Its beauty was noted by the famous writer George Sand. The old park houses llamas and other exotic animals, and peacocks roam freely along the alleys.

How to get there.

By train from Paris Montparnasse station to Saint-Pierre-des-Corps station or Valence station.

Castle of Azay-le-Rideau

Built on an island in the middle of the Indre River and surrounded by greenery, this castle is very picturesque. It was erected during the reign of King Francis I. And although medieval castle for more than six hundred years, it has been perfectly preserved and welcomes tourists all year round. Inside, seven rooms are open for inspection, including luxurious royal bedrooms, a ballroom, a library with a fireplace and a kitchen. The furnishings reproduced in them correspond to the traditions of the 16th-17th centuries. Many travelers who come here call the castle one of the most romantic places in the Loire Valley.

How to get there.

The castle is located 25 km southwest of Tours. Therefore, first you need to go from the Paris Montparnasse station by train to the Tours station (1 hour). And then - by bus or taxi.