Prepare An Unforgettable Route Through The Castles Of The Loire
The Loire Valley is one of the most beautiful areas in France for its incredible natural beauty, as well as for something very peculiar: a fabulous series of castles that are scattered throughout its territory. Doing the route through the castles of the Loire is a must for any experienced traveler. Would you like to do it too?
A route through the castles of the Loire , don’t forget anything
The first thing to enjoy a route through the castles of the Loire is to prepare the trip from where you are. There are several options, the most comfortable is to take a flight to Paris or Nantes, if there is the latter option from the airport near your home.
Once in the chosen city, you will have to rent a car to make the route through the Loire castles at your own pace and not let any of these fantastic constructions escape you.
The next step will be to choose which castles to visit. Keep in mind that there are dozens of castles in the Loire Valley, so unless you are going to spend a month or more in the area, you should choose the ones you want to see. This seems a bit more complicated, right? Don’t worry, we will make you a list of the best!
Castles of the Loire that you cannot miss
All the castles of the Loire are unique and beautiful. In them you will find ostentatious constructions, in some cases surrounded by magnificent gardens. Others are more modest, but charming, and there are some that seem out of a story.
And, if they have something in common, it is that they were built in a time when castles were not used for defensive purposes, but as stately residences, with the addition of being in rural areas full of nature. Obviously, such a special place could not be missing from the UNESCO World Heritage list.
To make the most of the route through the Loire castles, we have prepared a list for you with the most impressive ones, those that you should not miss.
1. Castle of Chambord
With Renaissance architecture and incredible history, this castle will leave you speechless. It was the hunting lodge of King Francis I and harmoniously blends its magnificence with a touch of elegance as few castles do. We can’t think of a better place to start this route.
2. Castle of Blois
During the Renaissance period it was the official residence of the kings of France, so its walls have many stories and secrets to tell you. For example, Joan of Arc herself blessed its chapel in 1429. Since 1841 it has been a museum in which you will learn about its history and its near disappearance during the French Revolution.
3. Castle Cheverny
Another beautiful Renaissance construction that does not go unnoticed by anyone. In its time it was the forerunner of a French architecture that would later set a trend. It was the inspiration for the The Secret of the Unicorn episode of the Adventures of Tintin.
4. Castle of Amboise
This castle of spectacular beauty stands on a promontory near the Loire River and its reflection in the water makes it even more beautiful if possible. Next to it is the Clos-Lucé castle, which was the last known residence of the famous Da Vinci.
5. Castle of Chenonceau
A castle built on the water of the river Cher. It is private, although it is open to the public. Known as the “castle of the ladies”, it has wonderful gardens that are decorated in summer and spring with 130,000 plants.
6. Castle of Vilandry
Despite being private, it is open to the public and is used as a museum in which to see one of the most beautiful gardens in France. It was the last Renaissance palace of the time to be built in the Loire Valley.
7. Castle of Azay-le-Rideau
It dates from 1527 and is built on a small island in the Indre river. It is one of the most beautiful examples of castles on the water, as it is surrounded on all four sides by moats of water, either natural or artificial.
These are essential stops on any route through the Loire Valley. However, driving through this region is an incredible experience in which we recommend that you get lost and stop at the places and castles that most attract you. A unique trip.
