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.
Château d’Amboise – Randezvous With the Dark Side of History
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.
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Château de Chaumont – a Castle Entangled in Intrigue and Rivalry
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 …
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Château de Chambord – a Hunting Lodge of Gigantic Proportions
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 …
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Château de Sully sur Loire – All You Need to Know Before Visiting
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 …
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Château de Chenonceau, a Testament to the Power of Women
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 …
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Château de Blois – Exploring the Favorite Residence of the Kings of France
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 …
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Château d’Azay-le-Rideau – a Hidden Gem in the Loire Valley
Standing on an island in the middle of the Indre River, about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Tours, lies one of the finest châteaux of the Loire Valley: the Château Azay-le-Rideau.
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Château du Clos Lucé – in the Footsteps of Leonardo da Vinci
You cannot visit the town of Amboise and its impressive château without also visiting nearby Chateau du Clos Luce. Château du Clos Lucé has nothing of the extravagance of the Loire Valley castles. In fact, it is not even a castle in the real sense of the word. On the other hand, it can brag about something …
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