The 12 best castles of the Loire Valley (photos of châteaux + tips)

1. The most beautiful castle of the Loire Valley: Chenonceau

Why did we fall in love?

It's simple, for EVERYTHING! Whether it is its majestic architecture over the cher inspired by the Florentine Ponte Vecchio, its rich and long galleries, or its lush gardens, it is for us the most beautiful castle of the Loire. He is the perfect embodiment of the spirit of the Renaissance, when pomp and circumstance became the norm, when Italian influence permeated France and when a wind of culture blew across Europe.

What to see at Chenonceau castle - our top 3

• Commonly known as the castle above the river, its arches that let the Cher river flow through have made Chenonceau internationally famous and its charm incomparable.
• The 2 large galleries with impressive dimensions (60 meters long and 6 meters wide) let us imagine the banquets, balls and grandiose parties given during the great hours of the castle.
• In an outbuilding of the castle, theQueen's apothecary, open to the (amazed) eyes of visitors in 2019, was not missing. This magnificent achievement celebrates the role in French history of Catherine de Medici, a woman who was King.

Essential practical information

>> Book your tickets

• The castle is open all year round, including holidays. See detailed timetable and prices
• For the guided tours, you will have to turn to an external partner, but it can be worth it as the castle is full of treasures to discover.
• Large free parking lots are available near the castle.
• If the exterior of the castle does not present any particular difficulty, it will be necessary to climb some steps in the castle to reach the^first floor and go down to the kitchen. The area is vast and you may travel a few miles during your visit.
• The castle has a light catering offer to be enjoyed in the gardens or along the Cher. You can also opt for a picnic, with several areas along the moat near the entrance. And for the amateurs, it is possible to taste the wines of the castle in the cellar. Outside the castle you have several restaurants and beautiful terraces. We opted for an excellent meal on the go at the well-named Epicerie du bon laboureur!

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 4 hours minimum.
• Direction of visit: Before you rush into the castle, take a little field to be mesmerized by the beauty of the castle on the river. Direction the Jardin de Diane, located on the left of the castle, along the Cher river. You can then tackle theinterior of the castle. The direction of the visit is imposed and it will be difficult for you to turn away from it. On your way out, catch your breath in Catherine's garden, admiring the other side of the castle. You will then have the leisure to visit the outbuildings and gardens while gradually returning to your car.
• With children: this castle seems to us to be both a must-see but also an experience that can be difficult for young children. Even if they are seduced by the beauty of the place, the size of the castle and the crowds can be a source of tension.
• The extra: classic, but still very effective, is the boat ride on the river Cher to enjoy unique views of the castle.

>> Book your tickets

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2. Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

Why did we fall in love?

The castle of Azay-le-Rideau is certainly one of the most poetic and romantic of the Loire Valley. The Indre River, which irrigates its moat, offers a mirror of water in which its beautiful renaissance architecture shines. An exceptional work of refurnishing allows him today to present on the first floor atypical decoration of the ^XIXth century which will plunge you into the aristocratic universe of this tumultuous century.

What to see at Azay-le-Rideau castle - our top 3

• Of course the water mirror which gives the castle its charm and underlines the balance of its architecture typical of the first French renaissance. Although it is believed to have been there since the castle was built, the water mirror has only existed since 1950, when Bernard Vitry, chief architect of historical monuments, decided to widen the Indre branch. Great idea!
• Theloggia staircase with its finely decorated ceilings, presenting the portraits of all the kings and queens of France as well as plant words.
• The many remarkable trees in the park of Azay-le-Rideau are the work of Charles de Biencourt, a botanical enthusiast, and his son, who had many exotic species planted in the ^19th century.

Essential practical information

>> Book your tickets

• The castle is open all year round. See details of schedules and prices.
• Guided tours are offered and last about 1 hour. No registration in advance, but when you arrive at the reception.
• A paying parking lot is at your disposal at a hundred meters from the entrance of the castle.
• The park does not present any particular difficulty, although it is quite large. In the castle, thespiral staircase to access the attic is rather narrow and difficult. The large loggia staircase is not difficult and you can use the beautiful handrail inlaid in the stone.
• The castle offers a small tea room and light food, Le Lavoir, with a pleasant terrace. The town of Azay-le-Rideau is full of good restaurants, including theAigle d'or which really won us over.

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 2h30 minimum.
• Sense of visit: The most important part of your visit is to let yourself be immersed in the poetry of the castle. We advise you to start by observing the different facades and their rich sculptures. Then take a little distance to observe them in their natural setting by walking in the beautiful English park. Return to the castle to climb the beautiful staircase , looking up to admire the sculptures on the caissons. You'll then have access to the attic and the ^15th-century timber frame , before discovering the Renaissance rooms on the^1st floor, and finally the ^19th-century rooms on the first floor.
• With children: the castle of Azay-le-Rideau may be a bit crowded for children and not necessarily very accessible, but for us it is a must-see in the Loire Valley. The center of the historical monuments provides a booklet course-games to propose a playful visit.
• Extra tip: the attic is home to a colony of bats belonging to the protected and rare species of the Great Walls. Since they can reach a wingspan of up to 43 cm, they may surprise you!

>> Book your tickets

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3. Château de Villandry (and its gardens)

Why did we fall in love?

Even if the castle does not demerit, what makes a visit to Villandry indispensable are its gardens redesigned at the beginning of the ^20th century according to the layered plans of the Renaissance. To be more precise, what is magical about Villandry is thebalance between inside and outside. It's to see how the architecture of the gardens matches that of the castle so that, wherever you are, the view is quite simply exceptional.

What to see at Villandry castle - our top 3

• The different green rooms of the ornamental garden to be admired from the^first floor of the castle of Villandry.
• The vegetable garden to be walked slowly to discover its extreme diversity and to be charmed by its multiple colors.
• The Moorish wooden ceiling, a real puzzle of 3600 pieces, bought and reassembled by the owner of Villandry in 1905 during the dismantling of the palace of the Dukes of Maqueda in Toledo, Spain.

Essential practical information

>> Book your tickets

• The castle is open from the beginning of February to mid-November, as well as in December. See details of schedules and prices.
• The castle offers guided tours of about 1h15, devoted to the history of the castle and its interior rooms.
• There are large, free parking lots in the village about 200 meters from the entrance to the castle. You can also try to get closer, but the number of places available is smaller.
• No particular difficulty to visit the gardens, except for the distance to cover. If you want to admire the view from the top of the dungeon, you will have to support your knees on the medieval steps.
• The castle has a catering service at the entrance with a light catering formula (sandwiches and pancakes) and a more traditional one at the Doulce terrasse. You know us well enough to know that we took this second option which really surprised us.

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 3 hours minimum.
• Direction of visit: What makes the charm of the gardens of Villandry is their geometric construction and their play of colors renewed season after season. It is therefore necessary to take a little height to admire them. Start with the belvedere which will allow you to see the whole. Then continue with the castle from where you will understand the function of each of the gardens. Finally, take a long walk through the various gardens, admire the many species, get lost in the maze of bower trees and take a light break in the sun garden.
• With children: the gardens of Villandry are a good way to give them some fresh air. The paths are suitable for strollers and a booklet can accompany this discovery for 8-12 year olds. However, the visit is long and the charm of the gardens is not easily accessible. It will be necessary to measure your ambition carefully.
• Here's the best part: since the castle is not allowed to sell, transform or consume its production, you can pick up the vegetables and fruits that you find on the ground!

>> Book your tickets

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WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley

Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:

• Where to stay in the Loire Valley
• Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley
• Best luxury hotels

Or, if you've chosen your destination, the best hotels in:

• Nantes
• Angers
• Saumur
• Tours
• Amboise
• Blois

4. Château de Chambord

Why did we fall in love?

The Chambord castle is the blockbuster of the Loire Valley. Imposing by its size and its compact appearance, its facades are richly decorated. The rooms of the castle with rich furniture are distributed around the very famous double revolution staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. With its large French gardens and game-filled forests, it is a must for any stay in the Loire Valley.

What to see at Chambord castle - our top 3

• Of course the double revolution staircase (or helix) designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It made it possible to go up and down without ever crossing each other, but also to see and be seen, 2 essential functions in this century where pomp was the rule.
• The terraces offer an incredible view of the park and the surrounding forests, but above all they allow you to admire in detail the roofs and the famous Lantern Tower, the highest point of the castle (56 meters).
• In the northwest tower of the castle, you will find the sober chapel, with its Romanesque vaults of the ^16th century and its subtle stained glass windows of the ^19th century. A little bit of calm and contemplation, that's good!

Essential practical information

>> Book your ticket

• The castle is open all year round. See details of schedules and prices.
• Guided tours are offered and last about 1 hour. No registration in advance, but when you arrive at the reception.
• Several large capacity paying parking lots are available within 500m of the castle.
• The castle offers 3 types of guided tours, a playful one for children, one dedicated to architecture and history lasting an hour and a half and finally one to deepen your knowledge, lasting 3 hours! You can also opt for a private tour with one of the external partners.
• Even if the castle does not present any specific difficulty, its gigantic size can be a source of exhaustion even for the most resistant. We can only recommend that you plan your time for this visit.
• For the restoration, there is a trap (which we fell into). You will either have to have lunch at the castle or plan to travel more than 30 km to find a table open on Monday. The castle has 3 offers, a savory and sweet Autour du puits, a more substantial offer at the Café d'Orléans and a gastronomic offer at the Relais de Chambord.

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 1 day minimum.
• Sense of visit: The visit to the castle is an endurance race, even a marathon. Between its large facades, its 60 rooms that can be visited and its vast gardens, you could spend days there. We advise you to cut your day in 2: in the morning the facades, the terraces and the gardens to have an overall view of the castle and its cross-shaped plan. A good lunch break to regain strength. You can tackle all or part of the interior rooms by following the circular logic of the place. If you have any energy left, you can visit the carriage room, with its remarkable collection of horse-drawn vehicles, to finish.
• With children: the castle of Chambord is a must-see that you must have had in your life. But we are not sure it is suitable for all ages, especially because of the length of the tour and the crowds. Only for really passionate kids.
• Extra tip: if you want a more exclusive experience, you can opt for a tour of the reserve with a nature guide. In its game-filled forests, a royal and then presidential hunting ground, you may even have the chance to hear the stag's bellow if you come between mid-September and mid-October.

>> Book your ticket

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5. Château du Rivau

Why did we fall in love?

To offer ourselves an enchanted interlude (visit, dinner and night) at the Château du Rivau was, for us, a truly extraordinary experience. This feudal castle of modest dimensions is set in a remarkable agricultural and botanical setting. Its current owners bring together the best of contemporary design with Renaissance elements in the castle's logis and with nature in the 15 remarkable gardens.

What to see at Château du Rivau - our top 3

• Among the 15 remarkable gardens designed by the owner and her gardeners, we fell under the spell of the beautiful fairy alley dotted with grasses and perennials in perfect harmony with the castle in the background.
• The visit of the different rooms of the dwelling is surprising and daring, but we remained in stop in front of the cabinet adjacent to the room of the lords of Beauveau, in which we can see a Joan of Arc in full meditation.
• Having the chance to sleep in the hotel located in the royal renaissance stables, we were able to enjoy the extraordinary view of the castle, which was rendered silent after the departure of the last visitors. Just magical!

Essential practical information

• The castle is open from the beginning of April to mid-November. See details of schedules and prices.
• Guided tours or guided presentations are available. For self-guided tours, an explanatory leaflet is available in about ten languages.
• A free parking lot is at your disposal at about 50 meters from the entrance of the castle.
• The route through the garden is via stony paths that can be slippery in rainy weather but which do not present any particular difficulty. To visit the castle, you will have to take the stone stairs (2 floors).
• The castle offers two dining options, one light at the Table des fées, for a lunch facing the castle, and one gastronomic and fairy tale, in the evening, in the Secret Garden under a glass roof, facing the dwelling.
• The château offers 4 rooms at theHôtel du Château du Rivau for a truly memorable experience. Here's a look back at this enchanting night. See prices, photos and availability

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 3 hours minimum.
• Direction of visit: For once, we don't recommend any particular direction. Each part (exterior, interior and gardens) takes you into very different worlds and what binds them together is the magic of the place. There is no chronological or architectural logic to decipher, you just have to let yourself go!
• With children: Château du Rivau is suitable for children. The dreamlike world of fairy-tale gardens can be a source of motivation and interest. And contrary to popular belief, children are often very receptive to contemporary art. Finally, the castle offers various activities to liven up the visit (costumes, book-games, treasure hunt).
• Extra tip: be very careful when arriving near the dwelling, you are entering the domain of the peacocks that like to come and see the visitors and to slip majestically into the castle.

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6. Château de Brissac

Why did we fall in love?

Imposing by its gigantism, the castle of Brissac carries on its facade all its fragility. Among the highest castles in Europe (48 meters), it has known various fortunes over the centuries and its construction has never been completed. A true living castle, occupied by the same family since 1502, it has never ceased to be transformed according to the fortunes of its descendants.

What to see at Brissac castle - our top 3

• The main facade, called "du Levant", with its two towers strangely joined together and its baroque architecture from the beginning of the ^17th century.
• The Pont Rouge walk, which will allow you to admire the castle and its English-style park while following the Montayer stream. A pure moment of poetry!
• The Belle Epoque theater which testifies to the rich artistic hours of the castle and which we owe to Jeanne Say, Marquise de Brissac, in the ^19th century.

Essential practical information

• The castle is open all year round from April to September and during the French school vacations the rest of the year. See details of schedules and prices.
• Guided tours of 55 minutes are offered on certain days.
• A large parking lot is available 100 meters from the entrance of the castle.
• The castle is not particularly difficult, just a few steps down to the kitchens and into the theater.
• The castle has a tea room, but you will have to prefer the town of Brissac or the neighboring towns to eat (we enjoyed our break on the beautiful terrace of the Petit Manoir in Saint-Melaine-sur-Aubance).

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 2h15 minimum.
• Direction of visit: we advise you to start by taking distance from the giant of the Loire, by enjoying its beautiful gardens. Then get closer to these facades and especially to the one on the east side to appreciate the details and finally visit the interior with a guided tour.
• With children: this castle seems to us accessible to children, the visit of the interior rooms is indeed relatively short (9 rooms) and the park is a place where they will be able to spend themselves without danger!
• Extra tip: Beware, it is possible that the castle is haunted by a white lady, Charlotte de Valois...

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7. The castle of Ussé

Why did we fall in love?

The castle of Ussé is so magical that it inspired Charles Perrault in the ^17th century for his prose tale"Sleeping Beauty". Its harmonious architecture, its human size, its gardens overlooking the Indre, everything is an invitation to romantic reverie. Who knows, maybe you'll meet Prince Charming!

What to see at the castle of Ussé - our top 3

• The construction of the castle having spread over 3 centuries, thearchitecture mixes medieval and gothic inspiration with the renaissance style. A real patchwork of stones exciting to decipher.
• The large gallery of the castle, once open to the courtyard, now houses a fine collection of ^18th-centuryBrussels tapestries based on the drawings of the prolific painter David Teniers, known as the Younger.
• The dungeon shelters at its top a wax doll reconstitution of the tale "Sleeping Beauty". An opportunity to dive back into this dreamlike universe that rocked our childhood.

Essential practical information

• The castle is open from mid-February to mid-November. See details of schedules and prices.
• No guided tour, but possibility to have a visit document.
• Free parking is available at the entrance of the castle.
• The entire park of the castle is on a (modest) hillside, so there is a bit of a natural slope. In the castle, you will have to climb the grand staircase designed by François Mansart (architect of the castle of Blois). And to access the tale of Sleeping Beauty, plan an ascent of the dungeon for a spiral staircase.
• The castle does not have any catering facilities, but you will find a light catering facility (sandwiches, quiches, salads and waffles!) right across the street.

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 2 hours minimum.
• Direction of visit: We recommend that you start at the castle. After going through the main rooms, you will be able to access the dungeon which will plunge you into the world of Sleeping Beauty. Thus put in condition, you will be able to walk in the gardens designed by Le Nôtre, to admire more closely the frontages and to let you carry by the romanticism of the place. Don't forget to visit the beautiful renaissance chapel and the stables during your walk in the park.
• With children: the castle of Ussé is clearly one of the best castles of the Loire Valley to do with your children. In addition to the pleasure of discovering the famous Sleeping Beauty castle, they will have a complete overview of castle life in a short visit time.
• The trick: for Easter, a big egg hunt is proposed with the exclusive presence of the Princess!

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DON'T MISS THE BEST CASTLES IN the Loire Valley

• The most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
• The most beautiful gardens
• Where to stay in the Loire castles: unforgettable hotels!
• The best Loire castles to visit with your family
• Chambord or Chenonceau: our comparison
• itineraries: weekend - 3 days - 4 days - 5 days - 1 week
• Castles around Blois, around Amboise, around Saumur, around Tours, around Angers and around Nantes.
• or our list of over 100 Loire castles

8. Château de Serrant

Why did we fall in love?

The castle of Serrant is not the most famous of the Loire castles, but it is for us, one of the most richly furnished of all the Loire. These treasures are the result of the successive owners who have never separated the furniture from the castle. You will be able to admire splendid pieces of marquetry, magnificently reconstituted rooms, but especially let yourself be bewitched by theexceptional library (one of the most beautiful we have ever seen) and its 12000 books.

What to see at Serrant Castle - our top 3

• Without question, the library which mixes 12000 books including some rare editions with game furniture (billiards, backgammon...). An English club atmosphere dedicated to words and leisure. The only thing missing was a glass of whiskey to make the experience perfect...
• The chapel dedicated to Saint Michael and designed by Jules Hardouin Mansart, who designed the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles. A particular atmosphere emanates from the place which shelters the monumental mausoleum of the Marquis de Vaubrun sculpted by Antoine Coysevox (major sculptor of the reign of Louis XIV).
• The monumental staircase whose architecture is reminiscent of Azay-le-Rideau, with its many richly sculpted caissons.

Essential practical information

• The castle is open from mid-February to mid-November. See details of schedules and prices.
• The most beautiful rooms, including the library, are only accessible on guided tours, and it is more prudent to book your visit in advance.
• Free parking is available at the entrance of the castle.
• No particular difficulty in this castle. The monumental staircase provides smooth access to the first floor.
• The castle offers coffee and drinks to be enjoyed in front of the castle on a pleasant terrace, but no restaurants. A nice picnic area is also available inside the park.

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 2 hours minimum.
• Sense of visit: what must condition your visit is your guided tour slot. It is the key to access the treasures of the castle, including the library and the luminous Belle Epoque dressing room of the Duchess. Depending on your choice, start with the chapel which will immerse you in the atmosphere and history of the castle. Ideally, follow the guided tour and then visit the open-access rooms. Then take a well-deserved breath in the English park
• With children: the castle of Serrant can be interesting to initiate your children to the art of living in a castle and the constraints of everyday life. The castle offers educational sheets to accompany this discovery.
• Extra tip: the castle offers several times a year a murder party inspired by the novels of Agatha Christie. A unique opportunity to feel the atmosphere of the castle.

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9. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Why did we fall in love?

The Chaumont-sur-Loire estate is internationally known for itsgarden festival. Since 1992, it has brought together the best of contemporary creation in the field of gardens and landscape design in the world. The site is just incredible, with its ^15th century castle that seems to turn its back on the Loire River to address nature. The historic park built at the end of the ^19th century is in harmony with the landscape, while the 13 perennial gardens and the 24 propositions of the festival take you into a plant trance sprinkled with contemporary art.

What to see at Chaumont castle - our top 3

• The remarkable trees of the landscaped park and its beautiful views of the Loire and the castle.
• The magnificent council chamber in the castle with the so-called Majolica tiles, dating from the ^17th century, and the Hanging of the Planets and Days, woven in Brussels in 1570.
• The permanent gardens created by one of the greatest French landscape designers of the moment, Louis Benech, who takes us on a true tour of the world of plants.

Essential practical information

>> Book your ticket

• The castle is open all year round, but the garden festival only runs from mid-April to early November. See details of schedules and prices.
• No guided tour, but possibility to have a visit document for the castle and the Garden Festival.
• Free parking is available at the entrance of the castle.
• No particular difficulty to visit the gardens, except for the distance to cover (benches available to catch your breath). In the castle, a steep spiral staircase is required to access the first floor.
• The castle has a restaurant offer in the outbuildings and near the castle: a gastronomic one, the Grand Velum, light catering with the Comptoir des Tilleuls and the Café du Parc, and take-away sales with L'estaminet. The estate has just opened a hotel-restaurant, the Bois des Charmes, on the theme of art and nature.

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 3 hours minimum.
• Direction of visit: We advise you to arrive by the Loire and see how the castle dominates the city. In the domain, start with the castle which visit will be quite quick and will give you some keys to understand the domain and its history. You will thus better appreciate the layout of the landscaped park created by the Prince de Broglie at the end of the ^19th century. The visit of the gardens starts with the festival gardens, before getting lost in the perennial gardens of the Pré du Goualoup designed by the French landscape architect, Louis Benech.
• With children: the Chaumont estate may be suitable for children, although it is unlikely that you will be able to keep them interested throughout the 37 gardens on offer (or else they have the vocation!). The distances are reasonable unless you get lost in the landscaped park.
• The trick: in mid-September, the domain welcomes the best plant producers in France to allow you to reproduce the festival gardens at home (or at least to buy the plants that compose them).

>> Book your ticket

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10. Château de Saumur

Why did we fall in love?

The castle of Saumur is for us one of the most majestic castles of the Loire. On its rocky spur, it proudly dominates the city and the royal river which flows below. The view from its belvedere is just magnificent. Exceptional witness of the centuries and its outrages, it will take you through the rich hours of the dukes of Anjou-Valois.

What to see at the castle of Saumur - our top 3

• The view of Saumur and the Loire from the top of the belvedere is breathtaking. The blue of the river contrasts with the white of the tufa stone of the facades in a truly harmonious whole. You can see 39 km around!
• To go up to the belvedere you will take a double helix staircase. Contrary to what is often claimed, this type of staircase was not invented by Leonardo da Vinci for the castle of Chambord. The Italian master perfected it and above all gave it an aesthetic vocation that was absent from the saumuroise version.
• The magnificent tapestry "Les enfants jardiniers", woven in 1718 at the Manufacture des Gobelins, on the basis of cartoons drawn by Charles Le Brun, official painter of Louis XIV.

Essential practical information

• The castle is open all year round, but usually closed on Mondays. See details of schedules and prices.
• Three guided tours are offered: one devoted to the architecture of the site, another to the second floor of the museum and finally, our favorite, the one that will allow you to access the belvedere.
• Free parking is available at the entrance of the castle.
• The castle of Saumur has many steps and the floor is not always perfectly even. The ascent to the belvedere is done by several stairs rather narrow and in bad condition. For knees in good condition only!
• There are 2 restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the château, L'Orangeraie and Le Terrier du Château, next to the parking lot. You can also take the time to walk down the small and pleasant streets (10 minutes) and have lunch in the city center.

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 2 hours minimum.
• Direction of visit: To enjoy the castle of Saumur, you must arrive by the Loire, by the left bank and admire it from the Pont des Cadets. You can then go up to the castle either by road or through the small streets of the city center. Ideally (and if your knees allow it) reserve your time to climb the belvedere, which is only accessible on guided tours. The visit of the castle is merged with the visit of the museums, the 2 being intrinsically linked. On the^1st floor, the decorative arts with its remarkable tapestries, on the^2nd floor, the horse collection under a beautiful frame. If the weather is hot, take the time to go down to the cellar to enjoy its exceptional coolness.
• With children: the castle of Saumur can be visited with children. Not the most characteristic of the Loire, but quite collected and with a nice diversity in the topics covered that may help to maintain their attention.
• Extra tip: around the castle, you will be able to admire 1400 vine plants, with 3 grape varieties: chenin, cabernet franc and chardonnay. The students of the Pisani high school in Montrueil-Bellay are the ones who use them. For many years, the wine of the castle was served in all the official events of the city!

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11. Château de Cheverny

Why did we fall in love?

Like many young French people, we grew up with the Tintin comics created and drawn by Hergé. We could not fail to include in our list of the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley, the castle of Cheverny which directly inspired the famous castle of Moulinsart property of the tempestuous captain Haddock. But besides the exhibition dedicated to the famous comic book, the park is truly remarkable and inspiring.

What to see at Cheverny castle - our top 3

• The body of the castle of Cheverny itself which inspired the castle of Moulinsart, there is only to remove the two side pavilions and you will recognize it! Hergé was also inspired by the decor and interior furnishings for his plates.
• In the park, let yourself be tempted by a visit in a cart and then in a boat that will allow you to admire the many remarkable species, especially the157 Atlas cedars, but alsothe bald cypresses of Louisiana (we missed their beautiful red colors by a few days...).
• You can't miss the permanent exhibition,"The Secrets of Moulinsart" which offers a life-size reconstruction of the rooms of the castle of Moulinsart (in Chevenry, do you follow?)? A great opportunity to revise your Tintin. At the end of the tour, you will see how the people of Chevenery inspired the famous Belgian cartoonist!

Essential practical information

• The castle is open all year round. See details of schedules and prices.
• Guided tours of the interior of the castle are offered, lasting 45 minutes.
• The castle has 3 large free parking lots for visitors. If you feel lucky, try P1 which is the closest to the castle.
• The castle offers light meals at the Café de l'orangerie and provides picnic areas ideally located along the canal.

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 3 hours minimum.
• Direction of visit: Start by admiring the exterior of the castle and on the north facade play the game of 7 differences with the castle of Moulinsart. Then, go to the park and join the departure area for the electric boats and cars. After your tour, head for the exhibition room "The Secrets of Moulinsart" with a quick stop at the castle's kennels (tricolored Anglo-French dogs) and especially in the beautiful bouquetier vegetable garden. If you still have some energy left, you can finish your visit with the interior of the castle.
• With children: the castle of Cheverny is well suited for children. Even if they don't know Tintin (yet), they should be interested in the immersive exhibition in the world of Moulinsart and they will appreciate the visit by car and electric boat in the heart of nature.
• The best part: it is probably the only castle to have an authentic"insect hotel" not far from the vegetable and flower garden! Bzzz....

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12. Château de Valençay

Why did we fall in love?

This rather imposing renaissance style castle, with its square pavilion and its towers with an imperial dome, could have been just one of the many castles of the Loire. But it enters the history of France at the beginning of the ^XIXth century after its purchase by the Prince of Tayllerand, one of the greatest French foreign ministers who served no less than 6 regimes in the heart of a troubled period of French History. Richly furnished and refurbished, it offers a real immersion in the life of the castle when the Minister Tayllerand officiated with the Emperor Bonaparte.

What to see at Valençay castle - our top 3

• In the King of Spain's room, you can admire a beautiful empire set, but also a Louis XVI style bed specially made for the future king of Spain Ferdinand VII. On the walls, the wallpaper in grisaille is splendid.
• The prince was very attached to the art of the table and to gastronomy, and the dining room , which could accommodate up to 36 guests, remains a model of its kind. Having had the opportunity to dine at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a previous life, we can assure you that the attachment of our diplomats to"French service" remains intact.
• In the forest, we particularly liked the natural ballroom that hosted groups of dancers, including the Spanish princes in captivity.

Essential practical information

• The castle is open from mid-March to mid-November. See details of schedules and prices.
• Guided tours of the castle and the theater are offered. You can even opt for a "speed visit" if necessary!
• Free parking is available outside the castle, especially at the tourist office, which is located about 100 meters from the castle.
• The walk in the park is not difficult, especially since you can use an electric cart to discover the forest and its various remarkable elements. The castle is also easy to access, you will just have to climb up one floor and down 2 to reach the kitchens, but with wide stairs.
• The castle offers a restaurant-tea room, the Orangeraie, to restore you in the spirit of Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand. A picnic area is also available in the park.

Tips for visiting

• Time of visit: 2 hours minimum.
• Direction of visit: The main interest of the castle really lies in the interior and its exceptional furniture. The rooms follow each other naturally, until the visit of the wine cellar. If you're exploring the gardens and forest, opt for one of the electric carts that will take you to the farthest reaches of the castle. Before leaving the town of Valençay, make a stop at Talleyrand's tomb, 5 minutes from the entrance of the castle, at 6 rue Talleyrand.
• With kids: Not sure if your kids will spontaneously enter the immersive experience inside the castle, but they will have a free audio guide suitable for 7-13 year olds, as well as game books from 4-12 years old. A great effort!
• Extra tip: if you are lucky enough to come in September, you can attend one of the early music concerts given as part of the Talleyrand Festival in the castle's small theater.

Read our full article (photos and visit tips)

The 12 most beautiful Loire castles on video

Why not take a virtual tour before reading the article?

PLAN YOUR TRIP IN
Loire Valley

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The castles of the Loire Valley

• Best châteaux in the Loire Valley
• Sleeping in a castle in the Loire Valley
• Best family castles
• List with over 100 castles

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Other places to explore

• Best things to do in the Loire Valley
• Most beautiful towns along the Loire
• Most beautiful villages
• Most beautiful gardens
• Best things to do in Nantes
• Things to do in Angers
• Best things to do in Saumur
• Things to do in Tours
• Things to do in Amboise
• Hot-air balloon ride

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Practice

• Where to stay in the Loire Valley
• See our tips for renting a car in Nantes, Angers, Tours, CDG, Orly or Beauvais...
• How to get to the Loire Valley - article to come
• Itineraries: 3 days - 4 days - 5 days - 1 week
• Weekends: unusual

All our tips (coming soon)