Exploring The Best Castles In The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley has some of the finest castles in the world! If you love history, architecture, and nature, a trip to visit the castles of the Loire should be on your bucket list.
At the geographical heart of France lies a region rich in nature, wine, and history—along with an extraordinary concentration of castles.
Welcome to the Loire Valley!
As a teenager and young adult, I was captivated by stories of the Hundred Years’ War.
These tales always unfolded within the walls of grand castles and fortified cities, sparking my fascination with these historic places.
When I began traveling, I had the chance to visit many incredible destinations, yet the Loire Valley remained just out of reach.
That is, until I finally experienced this extraordinary region in an unexpected way—by cycling through it.
Nicknamed “The Garden of France,” this fertile landscape is a paradise for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
A Short Background of the Castles in the Loire Valley
After the Hundred Years’ War, the kings of France chose to spend most of their time in this stunning region along the banks of the Loire.
By the late 15th century, the Loire Valley had become the preferred home of the French royal court.
Naturally, where the royals went, the nobility followed. Many remodeled their existing châteaux or commissioned entirely new ones, transforming the region into a showcase of wealth and power.
During the Renaissance, the Italianate style became the fashion, bringing Italian artists and architects to France to design and embellish these grand residences.
Even Leonardo da Vinci lived in Amboise at Clos-Lucé, which today is a museum open to visitors.
The Loire Valley is home to more than 300 châteaux, ranging from war-era fortified castles to magnificent Renaissance residences built centuries later.
Its strategic location played a key role in its development.
The Loire River, France’s longest at over 1,000 kilometers, served as a crucial transportation route, facilitating both trade and military movement.
With so many châteaux in the Loire Valley, it’s impossible to see them all.
However, a few stand out as must-visits and should be on any Loire Valley itinerary
The Bucket List Castles You Must See
Château de Chambord
Widely regarded as the most magnificent château in the Loire Valley, Château de Chambord is a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture.
Located near the city of Blois, it makes for a great starting point for exploring the region’s castles.
It was the first château we visited, and arriving by bicycle at this awe-inspiring landmark was an unforgettable experience.
Built-in the 16th century for King Francis I as a hunting lodge, Château de Chambord is nothing short of monumental.
With 440 rooms, 365 chimneys, and a striking double-helix staircase—believed to be designed by Leonardo da Vinci—it is truly an architectural marvel.
Beyond the château itself, the vast grounds offer plenty to explore, including pristine forests perfect for hiking and wildlife watching.
Château de CHENONCEAU
Your next must-see castle is the Château de Chenonceau, known as the “Ladies’ Castle”.
Two things set Château de Chenonceau apart: it elegantly spans the Cher River, and it stands as a testament to the influence of women in history.
Originally built by Katherine Briçonnet, the château later became closely linked to powerful figures like Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici.
One of its highlights is the stunning formal garden designed by Diane de Poitiers. Even in the rain, its picturesque beauty made it well worth exploring.
Inside, visitors can admire an impressive collection of art and furnishings that reflect the opulence of the Renaissance era.
Be sure to visit the grand hall that spans the Cher River, offering stunning views through its windows.
Château D’AZAY Le Rideau
One of my favorite châteaux, though not as grand, is Azay-le-Rideau.
Often regarded as a masterpiece of the early French Renaissance, this château has a charm all its own
The current château of Azay-le-Rideau was built on top of a former feudal castle.
It was built during the 12th century to protect the Tours to Chinon road where it crossed the river Indre.
Later, Azay-le-Rideau was acquired by Gilles Berthelot, the Mayor of Tours, who aimed to create a residence reflecting his wealth and status.
He combined the medieval elements with the latest Italian Renaissance styles, ensuring the château remained a symbol of prestige with its defensive fortifications.
But the most prominent feature of Azay-le-Rideau is its grand central staircase, the escalier d’honneur.
While touring the château’s art and furnishings, be sure to view the staircase from the inner courtyard for a truly stunning perspective
Château de Villandry
The most unexpected gem—and a definite must for your bucket list—is Château de Villandry.
While the château itself is charming but not the most spectacular, its gardens are the true highlight.
Renowned worldwide, these stunning Renaissance gardens are the most beautiful in the Loire Valley
Each section of the garden is carefully curated, featuring geometric patterns, vibrant flowers, and delicious vegetables.
These gardens are sure to brighten up your day – they did mine!
Staying in a Castle in the Loire Valley
One experience I highly recommend is spending at least one night in one of the many châteaux of the Loire Valley.
We stayed at Château de la Bourdaisière, and it was absolutely marvelous.
The château itself was stunning, with well-appointed rooms and a view overlooking one of its beautifully manicured gardens.
The most unexpected detail? The castle’s owner—a real prince—is renowned for his tomatoes!
For more information on Château de la Bourdaisière visit their website.
Options to Visit the Loire Valley
There are many ways to explore the Loire Valley, with several possible starting points. For comparison, I’ll use Paris to Blois, the first of the three major ‘castle’ towns and an excellent gateway to the region.
Train (Independently) – A direct train from Paris Austerlitz Station takes you to Blois-Chambord. Once there, you can rent a car, hike, or cycle to explore the valley at your own pace.
Organized Bus Tours – Whether you prefer a one-day or multi-day tour, guided or independent, there’s plenty of variety. Providers like Get Your Guide, Viator, and Tripadvisor offer options at different price points, allowing you to choose the level of comfort and flexibility that suits you best.
Driving (Independently) – If you’re renting a car, you can reach Blois from Paris in under two hours. Start your château tour with the impressive castle in Blois, then continue to Chambord and further down the valley toward Tours.
Tip
A good alternative when traveling independently is to schedule at least a few hours with a local using tours by locals. They’ll help get you oriented and they have hints that others don’t have.
Since I wanted to explore the Loire Valley by bike while visiting its castles, I chose an organized cycling tour with VBT.
It provided the perfect balance of independence and support, allowing me to fully enjoy this stunning region.
I visited all the major châteaux on my bucket list—plus a few hidden gems I hadn’t known about.
I also had the chance to tour Clos-Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s former home, and even did a wine tasting.
It was the perfect combination for me.
If you love cycling and want to learn more about biking through the Loire Valley, check out our post on cycling the Loire Valley!
Enjoying the Best of the Loire Valley Castles
The Loire Valley in France is home to some of the most stunning examples of castle architecture in the world!
Beyond its magnificent châteaux, the region boasts breathtaking formal gardens and vast forests, perfect for hiking, cycling, and immersing yourself in nature.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture and art enthusiast, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, the Loire Valley has something for you.
Go for the castles, admire the gardens, and take in the sheer grandeur of this incredible region.
Have you visited the Loire Valley? Which château was your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
