February 5, 2023, 4:59 am | Read time: 7 minutes

There are 400 castles in the Loire region between Orléans and Nantes. The castles are located directly on the river or on one of its tributaries, such as the Indre or Cher. The reason for this large concentration is history: Between 1337 and 1453, the Loire was the border river between French and English-occupied territories, which led to the construction of many fortresses that later became the foundation of the castles that still stand today.

Castles as Summer Residences of the Nobility

For the French nobility recognized how beautiful the valley with its mild climate was and preferred to retreat to the Loire. For a time, the political and cultural life of the nobility took place almost entirely along the Loire. Later, the castles still served as summer residences.

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It takes a lot of time to truly visit all the Loire castles. However, some are particularly famous and magnificent. TRAVELBOOK showcases seven of the most beautiful and well-known castles along the Loire.

1. Magnificent and Fortified: Amboise

The Château of Amboise stands on a rocky plateau in the small town of Amboise on the Loire. It is famous for many reasons. It is named after a family that owned the castle for 400 years. It is one of the most magnificent castles on the Loire.

And it has a dark past: This is the place where a conspiracy against King Francis I was uncovered. The conspirators were caught and executed, and the royal family largely withdrew from Amboise afterward. Today, it remains a favorite destination for tourists.

Address: Emir Abd el Kader Square, 37400 Amboise

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2. Leonardo da Vinci’s Home and Workplace: Clos Lucé

Just a short distance from the Château of Amboise stands the small Château Clos Lucé, with even an underground connection between the two castles. Clos Lucé was long the home and workplace of Leonardo da Vinci, who brought one of his most famous works there: the “Mona Lisa.” Today, Clos Lucé houses a da Vinci museum.

Address: 2 Rue du Clos Lucé, 37400 Amboise

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3. 17 Kings and a Conspiracy: Blois

Halfway between Tours and Orléans lies Blois, whose main attraction is the mighty castle of the same name. Louis XII made it an important residence of the crowned heads. Seven kings and ten queens resided over the centuries in the Château Blois–their magnificent rooms can still be seen today. The massive, intricately decorated octagonal staircase and the many secret compartments in the wood paneling are spectacular.

The Château Blois also has a dark past. In 1588, Henry III had the Duke of Guise murdered in the castle.

Address: 6 Place du Château, 41000 Blois

4. Fairytale Castle with Many Towers: Chambord

Like a grand fairytale castle with countless turrets and chimneys, the Château of Chambord appears. With its 400 rooms, it is one of the largest castles on the Loire, and seeing it, one can imagine that its construction must have significantly depleted the royal treasury. Visitors to Chambord can see many of the halls and climb the famous double-helix staircase. The surrounding area also requires time: The castle is surrounded by a park enclosed by a 32-kilometer-long wall.

Address: Château, 41250 Chambord

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5. Chenonceau, the Ladies’ Castle

In the Château Chenonceau, which sits on a bridge with five arches over the River Cher, mainly women once lived. Chenonceau was a gift from Henry II to his mistress Diane de Poitiers. Later, the mistresses of Henry IV, Gabrielle d’Estrées, Louise Dupin, and Catherine de Medici, lived at Chenonceau, and they all infused their own preferences into the (re)design of the castle.

Famous paintings by Tintoretto, Flemish tapestries, and furniture can be found in the castle, with its stylish and magnificent decor. A favorite activity at Chenonceau is a nighttime stroll in the gardens, which have been designed with the same love and care as the castle itself.

Address: 37150 Chenonceaux, France

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6. Diamond in the Water: Azay-le-Rideau

Honoré de Balzac found very lyrical words to describe the enchanting little Château of Azay-le-Rideau in the Indre Valley: “A cut, multifaceted diamond, set in the Indre, raised on piles hidden by flowers….” The water castle is both a magnificent French château and a charming Italian-style palace. It owes its name to the castle of the knight Ridel d’Azay, on whose foundations Charles VII had the château built in 1523. Attractions include the monumental open staircase and the Italian-style decor with many sculptures. Those who come in the evening should look at the château from the landscape park. Or better yet, at the water’s surface. There, the château’s facade is beautifully reflected–a stunning sight.

Address: Rue de Pineau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau

More on the topic

It Stands on an Island Azay-le-Rideau: A Fairy-Tale Castle With a “Magic Mirror”

Gigantic Proportions Château de Chambord: France’s Fairytale Castle on the Loire

7. Saumur: Horses and Much Splendor

Between Nantes and Tours, the Château Saumur rises on a rocky plateau above the town of the same name. It was built in 1370 at the behest of Duke Louis I, who wanted a building at least as magnificent as the castles of his brothers, King Charles V and Duke John of Berry.

Many of the decorations and ornaments that once adorned Saumur have disappeared today, but the splendor can still be imagined. The structure with its four towers, numerous balconies, stairs, and statues is now a museum. The “Musée des arts décoratifs” houses furniture and tapestries, and the “Musée de cheval” tells the story of Saumur’s development into a city of equestrianism. The town is home to “Le Cadre Noir,” France’s most famous riding school.

Address: 49400 Saumur, France

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Loire Castles: the Choice is Vast

There are countless other Loire castles. Large, small, somewhat dilapidated, and magnificent. Beauregard and Chaumont, Cheverny and Langeais, Villandry and Ussé–the number is immense. One should take the time to visit many of these splendid structures or at least see them up close. For example, on a tour along the Loire Cycle Route.

(Text: Silke Böttcher)