Itinerary Ideas to Inspire Your Next Adventure
Located in central France, just two hours away from Paris, the Loire Valley has always been a magnet for the French elite. Lured by the region’s spectacular scenery and fine wines, many aristocrats and kings of France came to live in the lush countryside of the Loire Valley, building fairytale châteaux and impressive Renaissance-era castles. …
10 Fairytale Castles in the Loire Valley That Will Impress You Beyond BeliefRead More
3 days in Paris may not seem like enough time for this great city, but with a well planned itinerary you can actually see quite a lot in this amount of time. Ideally, you should spend more than just three days in Paris to fully experience it, but sometimes a packed European itinerary doesn’t allow …
3 Days in Paris – the Perfect Itinerary for Your First VisitRead More
Overlooking the tranquil waters of the Loire River, the majestic silhouette of Château d’Amboise keeps guard over the large valley below. Château d’Amboise was the place of residence for the kings of France for over 400 years, so its destiny is inextricably linked to the history of France.
Château d’Amboise – a Royal Residence With a Dark HistoryRead More
From the bald hill with the same name, Château de Chaumont keeps watch over the river below. Located in the center of the Loire Valley, the castle was originally a fortress that protected the town of Blois. Château de Chaumont is one of France’s largest and most impressive historical sites. Like most castles in the …
Château de Chaumont – a Castle Entangled in Intrigue and RivalryRead More
Chateau de Chambord is undoubtedly one of the most grandiose buildings in France. As you travel the tree-shaded road that leads to Chambord, you’ll first spot the castle’s incredible towers rising above the vast forest that surrounds it. When the entire castle breaks into view, you’ll realize how gigantic and beautiful it really is. Although it has the layout …
Château de Chambord – a Hunting Lodge of Gigantic ProportionsRead More
The impressive Chateau de Sully sur Loire sits at the confluence of the Loire and the River Sange. The castle was built on a group of three small islands: the main keep sits on the northern island; the Inner Courtyard is on the southern island, and the Outer Courtyard takes up the eastern island. Château …
Visiting the Picture-Perfect Château de Sully-sur-LoireRead More
History can be strange and fascinating sometimes. Especially when political intrigue, jealousy, and revenge are involved. But what would a castle be without all that? Château de Chenonceau is perhaps the most beautiful castles in France. But without its unique history, it would probably be just another castle in the Loire Valley. The story of Chenonceau is pretty much …
Château de Chenonceau, a Testament to the Power of WomenRead More
Our trip to the Loire Valley castles started in the city of Blois which is without doubt the gateway to the châteaux in the region. Not surprisingly, the first castle we visited was the famous Château de Blois. Although not as spectacular as Chambord or Chenonceau, the castle’s appeal goes beyond its beauty. Château de Blois …
Château de Blois – Exploring the Favorite Residence of the Kings of FranceRead More
But for the gigantic and lavish Popes’ Palace, Avignon might have never risen to fame. The austere-looking fortress (Palais des Papes) was the residence and ruling place of 9 popes, who reigned in Avignon for nearly 70 in the 1300’s. But how did the French city of Avignon become a papal city? Why Avignon and not Rome? Read …
Visiting Avignon’s Palais des Papes – a Papal Palace Without PopesRead More
