10 best castles in Loire Valley in France, some of them are legendary, some are beautiful and some are intimidating
2023-07-21
Castles are symbols of power, wealth and glory of European nobility. Over centuries from Middle Ages to Renaissance, French royal family built over 200 castles on both sides of Loire Valley as palaces and residences, forming now world-famous castles of Loire Valley. The castle not only carries a rich history and culture, but is also synonymous with French romance. Here are 10 of most famous castles, each with its own unique charm.
Chambord is king of French castles, largest of all castles in Loire Valley, a giant built by Francis I to show his rights, 440 rooms in total, 365 chimneys, 13 main staircases and 70 side ones. ladder. Among them, most legendary "double helix staircase" is said to have been designed by Da Vinci, which can prevent king, queen and mistress from meeting while using staircase at same time, avoiding embarrassment. In addition to castle itself, surrounding forest of over 1,000 hectares has overtaken urban area of Paris. You can explore various wildlife on a bike, horseback or 4x4, and experience life of French royal family of time.
The castle of Chenonceau. Known as a French fort, this romantic castle on water is located on banks of tributaries of Loire River. In history of owners of 7 famous "favorites" and "queens". Queen of Henry II, Catherine de Medici, expelled Henry II's favorite concubine Diana and expanded it into a water castle. The castle is elegant on water. Exquisite, a huge kitchen in castle is still full of kitchen utensils , exuding a strong femininity that makes all women jealous, and becoming king and queen of castle group with Chambord.
Château de Chaumont-If Chambord is king of castle and Chenonceau is queen of castle, then Chateau Chaumont is "princess of castle". Catherine de Medici was owner of castle. After Anne kicked Chenonceau away, she gave Château de Chaumont to this beloved concubine as compensation. Chaumont is also a national territory, and castle is a gothic defensive structure overlooking seething Loire. But highlight is not castle, but dozens of extremely creative horticultural exhibitions in a huge garden, every year gardeners from all over world are invited to hold thematic exhibitions.
The Royal Castle of Amboise - rebuilt by Francis I in 16th century. Several generations of French royal family studied and grew up here. All events take place here. . The castle itself is not very high, but it offers a picturesque view of Loire River. During summer, performances from life of palace are staged in castle, and unique parties can be held on a small terrace. Da Vinci was invited here by Francis I in last few years of his life and finally buried in Chapel Saint-Huppe of castle.
Castle Clos Luce - also known as Da Vinci Castle, appearance is not very good. Da Vinci was invited by François I to live here for 3 years and died here. The room saves Da Vinci's life. Place of work, and 40 amazing machines made from his manuscripts, including tanks and planes. The outdoor da Vinci Garden offers beautiful views. Along Mystery Path, discover da Vinci's source of inspiration with magical plants. It is said that underground passage of castle leads to castle of Amboise, which leads people to gossip about mysterious relationship between da Vinci and king.
Castle of Villandry. Built around 1536, Renaissance castle was purchased by a Spanish family. You can find many Spanish elements. The French garden of more than 50,000 square meters is biggest highlight, and a large number of decorative flowers are planted. When flowers are in full bloom, they are colorful and beautiful. The stunningly beautiful gardens are in perfect harmony with surrounding nature and outlandish rocks and are considered one of most beautiful gardens in world.
Royal Castle of Blois - Throughout history, 7 kings and 10 queens have stayed here, and many exciting and even unimaginable historical events have taken place. In one courtyard, four wings of different eras and building styles are collected, as if traveling through time and space to discover architectural history of France. At night, you can watch a light show. Ancient buildings use light shadows to interpret history of castle, conspiracies and love stories of past. The most famous is assassination of Duke of Guise.
The castle of Langeais. Built in 15th century, one side is a typical fortress in defensive style, while other is in an elegant Renaissance style. In 1491, grandiose wedding of French emperor Charles VIII and princess of Brittany de Anna took place here, which changed fate of France and Brittany. Now in wedding hall there is also a group of wax figures specially made to imitate wedding scene of that time. In many rooms of castle there are decorative brocade paintings from fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, which are very beautiful and precious. The forest and tree houses are full of idyllic atmosphere, overlooking river Loire and bridge.
Château de Azay-le-Rideau is an early French Renaissance castle built by Gilles Berthelot, a financial officer of King Francis I of France in early 16th century. The styles of three countries: French, Italian and British, mix and match with each other without disturbing harmony. It is located on a small island in middle of lake and its reflection is beautiful against clear water. It is not most majestic or most romantic, but very artistic, giving people a wonderful feeling of paradise.
Chateau de Cheverny - built in 17th century and still inhabited by descendants of builder. The interior decoration of furniture is by far most magnificent among castles of Loire Valley, it is refined and tasteful, some say it is starting point of French courtly artistic life. The magnificent and majestic castle of Cheverny is prototype of castle in world-famous Belgian comic book "The Adventures of Tintin", some scenes from comics are also reproduced in castle. In relaxed and happy big garden, you can see the breathtaking scene of hundreds of big dogs having lunch together, which is very shocking.