10 Castles in Loire Valley That You Shouldn't Miss

Family estate in organic production, working to create wines of Chenin and Cabernet Franc, the two royal varieties of the Saumur region. Paul Pisani-Ferry took over after his father Edouard in order to perpetuate the family tradition started in 1655. Welcome to the Château de Targé.

With the dawning of the Renaissance, the mighty medieval fortress of Amboise gave way to a royal residence, during the reigns of the Kings of France Charles VIII and François I. The Court, a large number of men and women of letters and European artists, stayed here on invitation from the sovereigns, one example being Leonardo da Vinci who lies here in peace in the Château’s Chapel.This place of high renown in the History of France boasts an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture illustrating the artistic finery of the first French Renaissance. After a visit of the Royal House and the impressive Cavalry Towers, the walk continues in the magnificent panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire river.

The royal fortress of Chinon has been built between Xth century and XVth century. It has been restaured on XXIth century. Come and discover all of famous figures of the fortress : the Plantagenêts, the Kings of France Philippe Auguste, Charles VII and Joan of Arc. Full price : 8.50 € Reduced rate : 6.50 € Free for children less than 7 years.

Chambord is the emblem of the French Renaissance through Europe and the world. The Domain of Chambord is made up of the château, a village, farms and a wooded area. The domain of Chambord is completely enclosed within a wall, all 5,440 hectares of it. That’s the equivalent of the city of Paris! It is the largest enclosed forest in Europe. The entire site has been the property of the state since 1930; when the public estate was created, article 230 of the law dated 23 February 2005 stated that the possessions making up the domain were given over to it without restriction or exceptions.

The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, masterpiece of the Renaissance. The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, built at the heart of Touraine under the patronage of François Ier, has all the charm of the Renaissance. Masterpiece of the 16th century architecture, it rises up on an island designed by the river Indre and is surrounded by a romantic 19th century park. The château has some prestigious historical decorations telling about its 4 centuries of history. It also has some sumptuous collections of items, tapestries and furniture. To be discovered : - On the ground floor : restoration of the 19th century decoration and atmosphere. - On the first floor : an immersion at the heart of the Renaissance, the great hall and its period furniture, as well as the restoration of a Renaissance chamber, whose walls are fully made of bullrushes braids. - The Pressoir (former press room), an interpretation center reachable by everyone in order to know more about the château. - The romantic park of 8ha with many points of view on the château and its water mirrors.

A monumental countryside villa surrounded by world-famous gardens, organized in the classic French Renaissance style.

Castle and Fairytale Gardens Le Rivau was constructed in the 15 century by Pierre de Beauvau, Great Chamberlain of Charles the 7th. It is also renown for having been visited by Joan of Arc on her way to Orleans to get some horses. This medieval private castle is animated by more than 380 art-objects. In the royal stables, an exhibit on Francis the First last king-knight is shown. Gem among the Loire Valley, Rivau Gardens are labbled 'Remarquable Gardens'. All around the year, discover our amazing flower collections of bulbs, iris, peonies, roses, lavender, dahlias, ornemental grasses and vegetables. Rivau gardens are Conservatory of Fragrant Roses and Conservatory of Vegetables that are used in our restaurant. The castle and gardens are suitable for the whole family, adults will be interested in botanic, history and contemporary art and kids will be transported in a fairytale like environnement.

The imposing medieval architecture of the chateau de Sully has dominated the Loire for seven centuries. With its high towers, its moats still filled with water and its superb conical roofs, the château gives the impression of having seen some of the finest moments of France's history. You can visit the residence of Maximilien de Béthune, better known by the name Duke de Sully, Henri IV's famous minister, and discover the history of this family which owned the castle for nearly four centuries !