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Loire Valley Chateaux Ticket Options
Loire Valley Overview
History of Loire Valley Chateaux
Following the conclusion of the Hundred Years' War, Charles VII, Louis XI, and his successors chose to spend the majority of their time in the "garden of France" along the banks of the Loire. Tours, Blois, and subsequently Amboise were the chosen seats of the French royal court in the late 15th century.
Many courtiers purchased derelict castles established by the mediaeval Counts of Blois and Anjou and had them rebuilt in the newest Italianate style. Leonardo da Vinci and other Italian painters came to create and decorate these homes.
Francis I returned to the Louvre in Paris in the 16th century. With him went the great architects, but the Loire Valley remained the area where the French nobility chose to spend their time while not in Paris. When Louis XIV erected the Palace of Versailles at the end of the 17th century, he established the Île-de-France as the permanent location for grand royal mansions.
Those who acquired the king's favour and the affluent bourgeoisie proceeded to repair old châteaux or build costly new ones in the Loire Valley as summer houses.
Best Castles at Loire Valley Chateaux
Because of its distinctive architectural style, which mixes classical Renaissance architecture with traditional French mediaeval features, Château de Chambord is the largest and most famous Chateau in the Loire Valley.
Legend has it that Leonardo Da Vinci was one of the brains behind the distinctive design of the castle, which was built to be utilised as a hunting lodge. Since its construction in the early 1500s, it has also undergone several architectural changes due to historical events, followed by substantial restoration work in the 19th century.
The design resembles a traditional castle, with corner towers, a keep, and a moat to protect the castle. The French Renaissance architecture and the various artworks housed in the building, however, add to the beauty of the design. Thus, with all of these factors it was chosen as the model for the castle in Disney's Beauty and the Beast.
The Château D'Amboise, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a magnificent chateau that overlooks the Loire River and Valley. The castle was taken by Charles VII of France in 1434 and has since been the residence of several French kings. The grounds at Chateau D'Amboise are also well-known.
Visitors may visit the castle grounds, wander around the gardens, and learn about the castle's extensive history at Chateau D'Amboise. You'll also see the Chapel of Saint Hubert, which has some spectacular architecture and sculptures, and Leonardo da Vinci's ultimate resting place. The Chateau d'Amboise is a genuinely stunning location that deserves to be seen.
Château Royal de Blois, located in the town of Blois, was built as a fortified fortification and has served as a palace for numerous monarchs. The chateau is known for its enormous construction, which is divided into four wings and represents four different architectural styles.
The Francis I wing, which has Renaissance architecture and an octagonal staircase, is an excellent example. The Chateau de Blois is a fine arts museum with a collection of over 35,000 paintings by masters such as Ingres and Boucher. You'll also get to attend special exhibitions, behind-the-scenes excursions, Renaissance balls, and much more.
Château de Chenonceau is an architectural marvel and one of the most popular Loire Valley castles. The castle, which overlooks the Cher River, was built in a blend of late Gothic and Renaissance architectural styles.
The castle has many rooms and hallways, many of which have been lavishly adorned by the influential ladies who had resided there. The castle now draws visitors from all over the world because of its well-preserved interiors and floral embellishments.
Le Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, about 18 kilomètres from Blois, is a storybook castle. It was a multi-tiered, fortress-like castle built around 1000 that Catherine de Medicis purchased in 1550. This chateau's rooms are all furnished with artwork and ancient tapestries.
Several rooms have recently been refurbished to fully allow visitors to appreciate the château. It was founded in the 10th century, but it was destroyed and reconstructed in the 15th century due to historical events. Its most notable feature is the carved design on the outside front of the Domaine du Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
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The Château de Clos Lucé is a popular tourist destination near Amboise, and it was also the final three years of Leonardo da Vinci's life. The permanent installations at this chateau allow visitors to learn more about Leonardo da Vinci's life and achievements. There's also a Leonardo's Garden, which has been turned into an open-air museum to display his botany and geological study.
You will be able to visit the 15th-century castle and go through 800 years of history at Chateau Du Clos Luce by visiting this chateau. You may also stroll around the vast planted garden, making visiting the Château du Clos Lucé a must-do when visiting the Loire Valley.
Château d'Angers, perched on a crag, overlooks the Maine River and is one of the most popular sites in the medieval town of Angers. The stronghold dates from the 13th century and is surrounded by massive defensive walls and 17 round turrets. The castle was transformed into a piece of art in the 14th century, with panoramic views of the region from the ramparts and a notable tapestry collection, including the Tapestry of the Apocalypse.
The magnificent Château d'Angers is a must-see for anybody visiting the Loire Valley. Enjoy a breathtaking perspective of the Maine river while learning about the French architectural brilliance and superb artisanship.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, located in the centre of the Loire Valley, is one of the region's most beautiful castles. The old fortification was acquired in 1510 by Francis I's treasurer, Gilles Berthelot, who renovated it into one of France's largest châteaux. Balzac dubbed the castle a "multifaceted diamond set in the River Indre!" because of its splendour.
The castle has changed hands multiple times, with each new owner imprinting their lavish style on the structure. Spend some time examining this 16th-century take on a fantasy house. It is one of the finest examples of early Renaissance architecture in France.
Know Before You Go
Throughout the year, the chateaux of the Loire Valley have something unique to offer. However, if you want to make the best out of your stay, spring, late summer, or fall are the ideal times to go. There are fewer people during the spring and fall, allowing you more time and room to explore.
Summer is the busiest season, with visitors from around the world flocking to the castles of Loire Valley. Winter is the off-season in the Loire Valley since most castle gardens are closed to the public
By car, it takes around two and a half hours. To visit the castles of Loire Valley, most tourists take a pleasant vehicle journey. Moreover, travelling by train takes around an hour and a half. The train is the quickest transport from Paris to the Loire Valley.
The Châteaux may be reached via shuttle service from the nearest train station. Furthermore, by bus, it will take around three hours. Once a day, a direct bus service runs from Paris to the Loire Valley.
Many beautiful French châteaux, particularly in the Loire Valley, are endowed with charm and history. Many of these castles are surrounded by exquisite five-star properties that treat you like royalty, even if just for the night. Some of the best hotels located in the vicinity of Loire Valley are Château de la Bourdaisière, Hotel-Château de Verrières & Spa, Château des Arpentis, Château de Rochecotte, and Château de Perreux.
If you're visiting the Loire Valley, you'll be spoiled for choice regarding culinary delights. To have some of the best food experiences, one can visit, Château de Petit Thouars, RiverLoire, Les Halles de Tours, Restaurant La Maison d’à Côté, etc. All of these restaurants are known for their extraordinary charm and French gastronome. The menu offers a wide range of French delectables, which can be savoured with a glass of freshly brewed wine.
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FAQs
What is the biggest chateau in Loire valley?
Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley, and it was created as a hunting lodge for Francis I, who also had royal palaces in Blois and Amboise.
How many chateaux are there in Loire Valley?
There are 42 chateaux present in Loire Valley.
How far is Loire Valley from Paris?
The Loire Valley is an extensive territory located around 280 kilometres south of Paris.
Which castle is the best to experience the renaissance time period?
Castles like as Château d 'Azay-le-Rideau, Château de Chambord, Château Royal d'Amboise, Château du Clos Lucé, and Château de Chenonceau exhibit a strong Renaissance influence in its design and structure.
How much time is required to visit one castle in Loire Valley?
It depends on the type of trip you want to take. Most tourists choose to spend an entire day at a castle because all of the Loire Valley castles provide a variety of things to see, activities to participate in, and exhibits to attend. If you want to make the most of your vacation, you may get a combo ticket to save time and visit numerous castles on the same day.
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