103 Loire Valley castles to discover (list + photos)

In the Loire Valley, you can find castles for all tastes: medieval, renaissance, with beautiful gardens, or animations for children... (the Châteaux de la Loire).
Many castles are privately owned, but in this article we list for you 103 Loire valley castles that you can discover either by visiting or sleeping there, or by admiring them from the outside.
This will help you choose the ones you want to admire!

About this Loire Valley castles list

The Loire castles gather under the same tourist name all the French castles located around the Loire river, mainly between Nantes and Orleans.
We have not found an exhaustive list of the castles of the Loire Valley, but it would not be useful for you as there are surely around 3000 of them and most of them are private and not accessible.
This article focuses on 103 castles that you will be able to discover during your trip with criteria that can help you choose:

architectural interest,
garden,
location,
our favorites
...

And 103 is not bad at all!

Map of the Loire castles

Impossible to create a map with all 3000 castles, or even the 103. So, here is a map with our 12 favorite castles to help you find your way:

map of the most beautiful castles in the Loire Valley

How to choose which castles to visit?

If the number 103 scares you, check out these other articles with our picks:

the most beautiful castles of the Loire Valley
the most beautiful gardens (to come)
Loire Valley castles where to sleep
castles with the most beautiful interiors (coming soon)
The best Loire castles to visit with your family

This list below is in no particular order, except that the lesser known or less visitable ones are towards the end.

And, if you're looking for a little more out of the way, have a look at our articles on the best châteaux: around Blois, around Amboise, around Saumur, around Tours, around Angers and around Nantes.

1. Chenonceau Castle

For us, the most beautiful castle of the Loire Valley. The Château de Chenonceaux majestically spans the Cher, its magnificent Renaissance architecture reflected in the river. The gardens and interior are also exceptional and we came away intoxicated by so much beauty.

>> Book your tickets

Claire and Manu in love
Near the town of: Amboise
Style: Renaissance
Of interest for: exterior and interior architecture, furniture and gardens
Open to visitors all year round
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

2. Chambord Castle

Certainly, the most impressive castle of the Loire. Its massive architecture did not leave us indifferent. The embodiment of the know-how of this crazy and creative period that was the Renaissance, thedouble helix staircase of Leonardo da Vinci, which combines technical excellence and ornament.

>> Book your tickets

Near the town of: Blois
Style: Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior and interior architecture
Open to visitors all year round
Suitable for children: particularly suitable for children
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire

Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
There is a lot of demand, book it early.

See the cars

See our tips

3. Château de Villandry (and its remarkable gardens)

Villandry impressed us for its breathtaking gardens and their permanent dialogue with the rooms of the castle. The gardens were redesigned in the ^20th century according to the rules of the Renaissance and adopt a tiered structure that corresponds to that of the castle. Just gorgeous!

>> Book your tickets

A favorite of Manu's
Near the city of: Tours
Style: Renaissance
Of interest for: interior architecture and gardens
Open to visitors: December and February to mid-November
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

4. Castle of Azay le Rideau

The castle of Azay-le-Rideau is for us one of the most poetic of the Loire Valley. Its typically renaissance architecture is magnified by its romantic park and the quietness that emanates from the place.

>> Book your tickets

A favorite of Manu's
Near the city of: Tours
Style: Renaissance
Of interest for: outdoor architecture and gardens
Open to visitors all year round
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Accommodation available: No
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

WHERE TO STAY IN THE Loire Valley

Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:

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

5. Royal Castle of Amboise

With the royal castle of Amboise, you dive into the daily life of the kings of France in the second half of the ^15th century and it is really exciting! But if the castle attracts so many visitors today, it is because it is said to house thetomb of the Italian genius and artist, Leonardo da Vinci. We investigated...

>> Book your tickets

Near the town of: Amboise
Style: Renaissance
Interesting for: architecture, Leonardo da Vinci's tomb and gardens overlooking the Loire River
Open to visitors all year round
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

6. Castle of Ussé (Sleeping Beauty)

The castle of Ussé is one of the most enchanting in the Loire Valley and is suitable for children. We liked its architecture that fits so well with the landscape facing the Indre River, and its tiered gardens designed by Le Nôtre. The visit of the interiors, ends with a collection of wax dolls, which plunges us into the famous tales of Charles Perraut who was inspired by Ussé to write "Sleeping Beauty".

A favorite of Manu's
Near the city of: Tours
Style: Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture, wax doll re-enactments and gardens
Open to visitors all year round
Child-friendly: particularly suitable for children
Accommodation available: No
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities

7. Castle of Sully-sur-Loire

The castle of Sully-sur-Loir is one of the first castles when you go down the Loire. Itsimpressive moat is fed by the river Sange which crosses theimmense park of the castle of 42 hectares.

Near the city of: Orleans
Style: mosaic from the ^15th century onwards
Interesting for: exterior architecture and park
Seasonal opening: February to December
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Accommodation available: No
Timetable on the official website here

8. Castle of Saumur

The castle of Saumur majestically overlooks the city and the river. From the top of the belvedere, the view is just incredible, certainly one of the finest of the Loire. Thetormented history of the castle is an indispensable testimony of the life in Anjou during nearly a millennium.

Near the town of: Saumur
Style: mosaics from the ^10th to ^16th centuries
Interesting for: exterior and interior architecture, views and decorative arts museum.
Open to visitors all year round
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Accommodation available: No
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

A LITTLE MORE patience

All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in the Loire Valley a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!

If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on the Loire, register:

9. Castle of the Dukes of Brittany (Nantes)

The castle of the Dukes of Brittany (Nantes) is a real architectural puzzle that it is pleasant to reconstitute. You will cross there the dukes of Brittany, the famous Anne of Brittany, wife of 2 successive kings of France, but also Louis XIV. The castle houses the surprising and very well designed museum of the history of Nantes.

Located in the city of Nantes
Style: Gothic/Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture and museum
Open to visitors all year round
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

10. Castle of Montreuil-Bellay

The castle of Montreuil-Bellay has the reputation of being one of the"impregnable fortresses" of the Loire. It is certain that this castle whose construction began in the Middle Ages has a defensive system consisting of no less than 15 towers! We recommend a visit from the moat.

Nearest city: Saumur
Style: Medieval and Gothic
Of interest for: exterior and interior architecture and kitchens
Open to visitors all year round
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get away from it all with Region Lovers' beautiful destinations!
Once a month
Advertising-free

11. Castle of Brissac-Quincé

The"giant of the Loire Valley" with its 7 floors and its 48 meters height which makes it one of the highest castles in Europe. As you will see, the monumental facades hold a few surprises. The English-style park irrigated by two streams is wildly poetic and offers beautiful views of the castle.

Nearest city: Angers
Style: 17th ^century
Interesting for: exterior architecture, art nouveau theater and park
Open to visitors all year round (only at weekends during the winter months).
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

12. Château du Rivau

The castle of Rivau is a magical castle that tells us about the life of these agricultural regions in the Middle Ages. We loved it! The owners take us back and forth between renaissance and contemporary art, but also between nature and architecture. This is the other (very) strong point of the castle, its 15 remarkable gardens with a resolutely dreamlike universe.

Claire and Emmanuel's favourites
Nearest city: Tours
Style: 17th ^century
Interesting for: architecture, interiors and parkland
Open to visitors: April 1 to November 13
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: yes
read our complete article (photos and advices) on thevisit of the castle of Rivau.
read our complete article (photos and reviews) on the hotel du Château du Rivau

13. Castle of Cheverny (Moulinsart)

The castle of Cheverny was built in the ^17th century, but it became part of the history of the Loire castles when Hergé was inspired to make the famous castle of Moulinsart in which Tintin is held prisoner, before becoming the property of the volcanic Captain Haddock. In addition to a museum dedicated to these paper characters, Claire was delighted by the château's vast park, which can be visited by electric buggy and boat, and its remarkable trees.

Claire's favorites
Nearest city: Tours
Style: 17th ^century
Interesting for Tintin Park and Museum
Open to visitors all year round
Suitable for children: particularly suitable for children
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).

14. Castle of Blois

Certainly one of the richest castles of the Loire. The different buildings cover six centuries of architecture and the furniture on display plunges you into the great hours of the Renaissance in breathtaking settings. If that's not enough for you (let's face it...), the castle is home to the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Blois.

>> Book your tickets

Nearest city: Blois
Style: ^13th to ^17th century
Of interest for: exterior and interior architecture, furniture, museum
Open to visitors all year round
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).

15. Castle of Lude

The castle of Le Lude is distinguished by its geographical position on the border of Anjou and Maine, which exposed it to the ravages of the Hundred Years War. Rebuilt in the Renaissance style in the ^15th and ^16th centuries, and extensively remodeled in the ^19th, it offers a rather massive architecture that contrasts with theelegance of the gardens. The park is bordered by the river Loir which gives it a very special atmosphere.

Nearest city: Tours
Style: ^15th and ^19th century
Of interest for: architecture and gardens
Open to visitors from April¹to October 31 and during school vacations.
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).

16. Castle of Serrant

At the gates of Angers, a surprising castle of great interest, which is distinguished by its constancy. Although it was built over nearly two centuries, it is authentically Renaissance, its plans having not evolved with the architects. But it is most notable for its furniture and its incredible library, the result of several centuries of acquisitions by the various owners.

Nearest city: Angers
Style: Renaissance
Interesting for: furniture
Open to visitors from April¹ to October 31 and during school vacations.
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

17. Clos Lucé (Leonardo da Vinci)

This small castle, located in the town of Amboise, was the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci. It was King Francis ^I who decided to place this manor at the disposal of the Italian Master who lived there for three years until his death on May 2, 1519. The interior of the castle plunges you into the world of Leonardo da Vinci and the park presents his brilliant inventions and artistic inspiration.

>> Book your tickets

Nearest city: Amboise
Style: ^15th century
Suitable for: interiors and gardens
Open to visitors all year round
Suitable for children: particularly suitable for children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

18. Castle of Plessis-Macé

About ten kilometers from Angers, this medieval castle of the ^XIIIthcentury was embellished in the ^XVth century to make it a seigneurial dwelling. It is in this grandiose natural setting that many plays of the renowned Anjou Festival have been performed over the past 70 years. The château du Plessis is now run by theater enthusiasts who offer theatrical activities for young and old alike.

Nearest city: Angers
Style: 13th^and^15th centuries
Interesting for: exterior architecture, animations
Open all year round - Wednesdays and weekends only in low season
Suitable for children: particularly suitable for children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Infos on the official website here

19. Castle of Angers

It is from this imposing fortress castle that the powerful dukes of Anjou ruled for more than 4 centuries. These 17 towers and its thick ramparts made of schist and limestone, protect today an artistic treasure, the tapestry of the apocalypse of Saint John, woven in the ^14th century and 140 meters long.

>> Book your tickets

Nearest city: Angers
Style: mainly ^13th century
Of interest for: exterior architecture, upholstery
Open to visitors all year round
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

OUR TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR IN Loire

Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars - one of the best rated sites.
Choose a fairly compact car (many villages have narrowed the road).
Think aboutfull insurance (parking in big cities is really tight).
There is a lot of demand, book it early.

See the cars

See our tips

20. Fortress Castle of Chinon

On the borders of Anjou, Tourraine and Poitou, a beautiful medieval fortress made up of 3 separate but adjoining castles. Situated on a rocky spur, the fortress stretches over 300 meters long and dominates the Vienne river which flows through the valley and the city of Chinon.

>> Book your tickets

Nearest city: Saumur
Style: ^10th to ^13th century
Interesting for: exterior architecture
Period of opening to the visit : all year long
Child-friendly: activities designed to interest children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).

21. Castle of Montsoreau

Château de Montsoreau is an early French Renaissance château, at the foot of which flows the Loire River. Now dedicated tocontemporary art, it offers a setting in which the works can fully breathe and give their full potential. The view from the terrace of the guard road almost justifies the visit.

>> Book your tickets

Nearest city: Saumur
Style: between Gothic and Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture, museum, view
Open to visitors all year round
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).

22. Château de Brézé - castle under the castle

In the castle of Brezé, it's what you can't see that is the most interesting! Not that the Italian Renaissance building, built in the^16th century, is repulsive, but the troglodytic network that runs for 4 km in the moat and under the castle is just incredible.

Nearest city: Saumur
Style: Italian Renaissance
Interesting for: cave network
Open all year round, closed in January
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).

23. Castle of Langeais

Facing outwards, Château de Langeais is a typically defensive medieval castle. On the other side (facing the gardens), it is a typical renaissance royal dwelling. You will enjoy beautiful views of the (very) photogenic castle from the park and you can watch areenactment of the wedding of Anne of Brittany and Charles VIII inside. Royal, right?

Nearest city: Tours
Style: medieval and renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture, re-enactment of the royal wedding in Wax dolls
Open to visitors all year round
Suitable for children: particularly suitable for children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

24. Castle of Valençay

The castle could have been "just" a renaissance castle as the Loire Valley has so many. But, in 1803, Tayllerand, Napoleon Bonaparte's Minister of Foreign Affairs, acquired it and made it part of French History, that of the 19th century! The interior is richly furnished and immerses you in theart of living and entertaining in the French style.

Nearest city: Blois
Style: renaissance
Interesting for: furniture
Open to visitors: mid-March to mid-November
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

25. Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire

If this medieval castle is today a must-see in the Loire Valley, it is for its gardens! The estate has become the French, if not international, reference for contemporary gardens. It offers 13 permanent gardens that preserve the horticultural heritage and 24 ephemeral gardens created around an annual theme. It is in this enchanting setting that the Chaumont-sur-Loire castle stands.

>> Book your ticket

Nearest city: Blois
Style: medieval
Interesting for: gardens
Open to visitors all year round - garden festival from late April to early November
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article

26. Castle of Montrésor

This small castle mixes some elements of a medieval fortress with a royal dwelling of the renaissance. What makes the interest of the castle of Montrésor, it is its idyllic integration in its natural framework. Built on a rocky outcrop, it watches over the Indrois river which laps in the valley.

Nearest cities: Tours or Blois
Style: medieval and renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture
Open to visitors from early February to November 11 and during school vacations.
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).

27. Chateau de Chissay

An authentic renaissance castle transformed into a hotel-restaurant. It is logical when you learn that it was the property of the butler of King Charles VII in the ^15th century. The castle is not open to the public, unless you sleep or eat there, which we strongly recommend!

Nearest city: Blois
This castle is a hotel-restaurant that cannot be visited, except for its guests
Style: renaissance
Of interest for: exterior architecture and furniture
Opening period: mid-March to mid-November
Possibility of accommodation: yes
read our complete article (photos and reviews) on the Chissay castle hotel

28. Castle of Gizeux

A small family castle , juxtaposition of a renaissance building, of common of the ^XVIIIth and some vestiges of the medieval castle. The dwelling houses 2 very beautiful galleries, including that of the Châteaux du Roy, painted at the end of the ^17th century. It represents on ^400m2 the greatest royal castles.

Nearest city: Saumur
Style: Renaissance - ^18th century
Interesting for: painting galleries
Opening period: April to mid-November
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Timetable on the official website here

29. Castle of Plessis-Bourré

A ^15th century castle that has survived the centuries without any damage or hazardous architectural modifications. Surrounded by a very large moat, it really seems to float on water. The paintings on the coffered ceiling of the guard room fully justify a visit to the interiors.

Nearest city: Angers
Style: ^15th century
Interesting for: exterior architecture - interior ambience
Opening period: February to November
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Timetable on the official website here

30. Castle of Meung-sur-Loire

Between a medieval castle and a large dwelling, the castle of Meung-sur-Loire is a former fortified episcopal palace which housed the bishops of Orleans and was also used as a prison. To note, a chilling visit to the torture room...

Nearest city: Orléans
Style: ^12th century
Interesting for: furniture
Opening period: February to October
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here

31. Castle of the enigmas of Fréteval

A large manor house, rebuilt many times over the centuries, the Rocheux castle in Fréteval is especially interesting for introducing children to castle visits. A real leisure park, it offers a course in 28 games that will appeal to the 5 senses of your children. Claire has deciphered all the riddles, what about you?

Nearest city: Blois
Style: 19th ^century
Interesting for: games for children
Opening period: April to early November
Suitable for children: particularly suitable for children
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).

32. Beauregard Castle

Miniature version of the Beauregard castle — Beauregard Castle

Once a hunting lodge for François I^, this late 15th century castle owes its current fame to the impressive Gallery of the Illustrious, which contains 327 portraits hung over a length of 26 meters, one of the longest in Europe!

Nearest city: Blois
Style: late ^15th century
Interesting for: portrait gallery
Open from April to mid-November
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Timetable on the official website here

33. Château Gaillard Amboise

Chosen for its southern microclimate in the shelter of the cliff on which the royal castle of Amboise stands, the Château Gaillard was used as a place of experimentation to acclimatize Italian tree species (orange trees, lemon trees, peach trees...) to the climate of the Loire. Even today, the gardens bear witness to this botanical vocation. You can even buy very good jam made with the oranges of the castle...

>> Book your tickets

Nearest city: Amboise
Style: late ^15th century
Interesting for: gardens
Opening period: April to mid-November
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Timetable on the official website here
More photos and tips in our article (coming soon).

34. Castle of Lavardin

The ruins of this ancient ^11th century fortified castle overlook the charming village of Lavardin and the Loir River which flows through the valley. Structured on 3 levels, the best preserved parts are the châtelet and its drawbridge, as well as the 26 meters high keep.

Nearest city: Blois
Style: ^11th century
Interesting ruins and village
Opening period: May to October
Possibility of accommodation: no
Opening hours on site here

35. Château du Grand-Pressigny - museum of prehistory

A former medieval fortress, of which only the keep is still visible, the Grand Pressigné castle was transformed into a dwelling by a cousin of François ^I in the middle of the 16th century. It is the renaissance gallery of this building that now houses the rich museum of prehistory and its collection of carved flints.

Nearest city: Tours
Style: ^16th century
Interesting for: museum
Opening period: all year round
Possibility of accommodation: no
Timetable on the official website here

36. Castle of Islette

Close neighbor of theAzay-le-Rideau castle, built at the same time (and perhaps by the same craftsmen), the castle of Islette resembles it in many aspects. Only its strange "brick and stone" wing , inherited from a first construction in the previous century, sets it apart.

Nearest city: Tours
Style: ^16th century
Interesting for: exterior architecture and park
Opening period: May to September
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visitthe official website of Château de l'Islette

37. Domaine de Candé

This large Renaissance mansion was extensively remodeled in the ^19thcentury on the initiative of its Cuban owner, a wealthy sugarcane planter. It triples its living space by adding a neo-gothic wing. The castle made history by hosting the wedding of the Duke of Windsor, short-lived king of the United Kingdom, with Wallis Simpson, on June 3, 1937.

Nearest city: Tours
Style: Renaissance and Neo-Gothic
Interesting for: interior design
Opening period: April to October
Child-friendly: activities designed to appeal to children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visitthe official website of Domaine de Candé

38. Chateau de Chateaudun

Miniature version of the Château de Chateaudun

This imposing castle was built in the ^12th century and extensively remodeled in the 15th and ^16th centuries, but with a concern for continuity between the architectures and not juxtaposition as in many castles. In the shadow of the medieval keep, you will find a frail ^15th century Sainte Chapelle decorated with a fresco representing the last judgment.

Nearest city: Orléans
Style: Gothic and Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture and tapestries
Opening period : all year round
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of Chateaudun Castle

39. Castle of la Ferté-Saint-Aubin

A small castle original by its very horizontal organization, surrounded by moats in which flows the river Cosson. 7 of its branches irrigate the 40-hectare park. The owners like to say that their castle can be visited from the cellar (which houses the kitchens) to the attic (with its collection of porcelain dolls and old games). And to not forget this castle, taste their warm honey madeleines...

Nearest city: Orléans
Style : renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture, toy loft and park
Child-friendly: activities designed to interest children
Opening period : all year round
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Visit the official website of the castle of La Ferté-Saint-Aubin

40. Castle of Montpoupon

A rather surprising castle that seems to emerge from the forest and protect it. Built on the ruins of a medieval stronghold, the castle continued to evolve architecturally until the ^20th century. The castle offers a rich museum dedicated to the world of hunting.

Nearest city: Tours
Style : renaissance
Interesting for: museum of the veneur
Opening period : from February to December
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the castle of Montpoupon

41. Keep of Loches

This rectangular keep with Romanesque buttresses is one of the oldest and most impressive in the Loire. Built in the ^11th century, it features a 37-meter-highmain tower and a small adjacent keep "only" 25 meters high. The climb to the ruins is not easy, but the view from the top is worth it. But above all, even more so if you take the Histopad, you will be projected into life in the Middle Ages in these defensive towers, which became a prison in the ^15th century.

Nearest city: Tours
Style : Middle Ages
Interesting for: exterior architecture
Opening period : all year round
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the Loches keep

42. Royal Logis of Loches

Located a few hundred meters from the keep, but at theother end of the rocky spur on which the royal city of Loches is built, the royal dwelling was built in the ^14th century. As France was about to enter the renaissance, this house bears witness to this change of era. Agnes Sorel, the influential mistress of King Charles VII, lived here for the last 7 years of her life.

Nearest city: Tours
Style : Middle Ages
Interesting for: exterior architecture
Opening period : all year round
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the Royal House of Loches

43. Castle of Oudon

This castle is one of the few remaining between Angers and Nantes. Built at the end of the ^XIVth, beginning of the ^XVth century, it dominates the Loire, which allowed it to control the traffic on the royal river. With the castle of Ancenis, they ensured the defense of the "border" between the duchies of Anjou and Brittany. The fortified enclosure can be visited on sunny days.

Nearest city: Nantes
Style : Middle Ages
Interesting for: exterior architecture
Opening period : from May to November
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the castle of Oudon

44. Beaugency Castle

Of the medieval fortress, the impressive 36-meter high keep remains. The abbey church of Notre Dame (^12th century), as well as thelord's residence (^15th century) were built on the rubble of the medieval period. The dwelling now hosts a digital art center that offers a beautiful exhibition on the theme "Castle of Light" bringing together heritage and digital.

Nearest city: Orléans
Style: Medieval and Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture of the keep and museum
Opening period: during school vacations, and Saturdays and Sundays from Easter to All Saints' Day
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of Beaugency castle

45. Fortress of Montbazon

Overlooking the valley of the Indre, it remains of this castral site, a medieval keep of 26 to 28 meters height on 3 levels, as well as a house of the ^XVth century and fortifications. The site has decided to commit itself to the preservation of medieval know-how and offers workshops, visits and animations to discover the art of ironwork, leatherwork, or even catapult shooting! Really fun...

Nearest city: Tours
Style: Medieval and Renaissance
Interesting for: animations
Opening period: weekends and holidays in April, May, June and September and every day in July and August
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the fortress of Montbazon

46. Castle of Valmer and its gardens

The beautiful castle of Valmer was ravaged during the night of October 20-21, 1948 by a fire caused by an iron. A surprising yew castle now symbolizes the site of the former residence, and opens onto magnificent terraced gardens typical of the Renaissance, which extend over an area of 5 hectares, in the middle of a park of 60 hectares.

Nearest city: Tours
Style: renaissance gardens
Interesting for: gardens
Opening period: Wednesday to Sunday from April 23 to October 2, visit possible by appointment the rest of the year
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of Valmer Castle

47. Castle of Luynes

Located above the town of Luynes, the medieval fortress was founded in the ^11th century and has been extensively remodeled over the years, particularly in the ^15th and ^17th centuries. It has been owned by the Albert de Luynes family, one of the oldest of the French aristocracy, since August 3, 1619!

Nearest city: Tours
Style: renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture
Opening period: this castle cannot be visited
Possibility of accommodation: no

48. Castle of Thibaudiere

This former pleasure house was transformed into a castle in 1692 and completed in the ^19th century by a surprising chapel. The park of the castle is said to be of the Choulot type, named after the landscape designer Paul de Lavenne, Count of Choulot. In the early ^19th century, he advocated minimalist landscaping in order to serve nature and designed 280 parks in France during the last 20 years of his life!

Nearest city: Angers
Style: 17th and 19th century
Interesting for: Choulot Park
Opening period: during the heritage days, 3rd weekend of September
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the Château de la Thibaudière

49. Castle of Martigne-Briand

If the main tower and some fortifications are from the ^12th century, the body of the castle is typical of the early ^16th centurycentury with a main building surrounded by 2 circular towers and a flamboyant gothic decoration. Because of its authenticity and the quality of its facades, the castle was classified as a historical monument in 2015.

Nearest city: Saumur
Style: Gothic and Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture
Opening period: contact the association of the friends of the castle of Martigné Briand
Possibility of accommodation: no

50. Castle of Chemery

The body of the castle is composed, on the right of the entrance of a Renaissance part (^XVIth) and on the left of a medieval part (^XIIIth). A little touch of the people of the place, it was inhabited for a few years by the famous French singer Alain Souchon. It has been restored since 1981 with great care by two heritage lovers, Axel and Cécile Fontaine.

Nearest city: Blois
Style: ^13th and ^16th century
Interesting for: Choulot Park
Opening period: during the tourist season and out of season by appointment.
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Visit the official website of Chemery Castle

51. Castle of Gien

Proudly dominating the city of Gien, the castle of Gien was built from 1482, at the request of the daughter of Louis XI, Anne of France, regent of France from 1483 to 1491. The castle houses a very didactic museum dedicated to hunting, history and nature in the Loire Valley.

Nearest city: Orléan
Style: Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture and hunting museum
Opening period: all year round, only afternoons in low season.
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the castle-museum of Gien

52. Castle of Champchevrier

On the ruins of the medieval castle, a Renaissance-style pavilion was built in the ^16th century, and a new building was added to the northeast façade in the ^18th century. The family, owner of the castle since 1728, invites you to discover 11 rooms richly furnished and staged, with tapestries of great beauty.

Nearest city: Tours
Style: Renaissance
Interesting for: furniture and tapestries
Opening period: from June 15 to the third weekend of September.
Possibility of accommodation: yes
Visit the official website of Champchevrier Castle

53. Castle of Marcilly-sur-Maulne

This castle was built in the second half of the ^16th century, inspired by the engravings of the French architect Jacques ^I Androuet du Cerceau. The majority of the interior rooms still have beamed ceilings and exposed joists, as well as wall paintings. The interior chapel is really surprising with its framework and its painted decoration in trompe-l'oeil imitating wood and marble.

Nearest city: Saumur
Style: ^16th century
Interesting for: interior design
Opening period: from July 14 to September 3.
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the castle of Marcilly-sur-Maulne

54. Castle of Ternay

The construction of the castle began in 1439 and lasted no less than 13 years, mixing renaissance style and medieval defense elements. The castle underwent a revival and important modifications when Charles Marie d'Aviau de Piolant became the owner in 1813. The castle has since remained in the family, and it is now Caroline and Loïc d'Aviau de Ternay who welcome you in one of their 5 rooms and 2 gites.

Nearest city: Saumur
Style: renaissance and gothic
Interesting for: exterior architecture, hotel atmosphere
Opening period: from April^1st to November^1st.
Possibility of accommodation: yes

Read more about it:

Back in photos and in detail on our night at the hotel of the castle of Ternay.

55. Castle of Montgeoffroy

Of the original castle built in 1543, only 2 towers, the moat and the chapel remain. At the end of the ^18th century, the new owner, Marshal Louis Georges Erasme de Contades, decided to rebuild the castle by calling upon the famous Parisian architect Jean-Benoît-Vincente Barré. The latter was one of the creators of the Louis XVI style, marking the return to classicism with symmetrical and harmonious structures. The visit of the first floor will plunge you into the refined universe of the ^18th century, while the^first floor has been entirely restored by the fabric publisher Pierre Frey, whom we love.

Nearest city: Angers
Style: Louis XVI
Interesting for: exterior architecture, furniture and decoration
Opening period: from the beginning of April to the end of September.
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the castle of Montgeoffroy

56. Castle of Selles-sur-Cher

If the very first castle dates back to 935, only elements of the ^13th century remain today, notably 2 impressive towers that protected the entrance. In 1604, the new owner, Philippe de Béthune, French ambassador, had two square pavilions built, now called the Pavillon de Béthune (whose interior can be visited) and the Pavillon de Sully, connected by a wing of about thirty meters.

Nearest city: Blois
Style: Medieval and Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture
Opening period: from the beginning of April to the end of December.
Lodging possibility: yes in 4 gites located at 2 steps from the castle
Visit the official website of the castle of Selles-sur-Cher

57. Castle of Baugé

This old hunting lodge was built between 1454 and 1465 by King René of Anjou. With a typical architecture of the early renaissance, the large halls of honor present a very beautiful and rare vault in palm tree, with the coat of arms of Anjou on some of its keys. An ambitious and contemporary scenography allows you to discover the daily life of the good king René who left a lasting mark on the history of Anjou.

Nearest city: Saumur
Style: Early Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior and interior architecture, museography
Opening period: from mid-April to early November.
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the castle of Baugé

58. Castle of Durtal

The foundations of this castle were laid by the formidable Foulques Nerra, Count of Anjou, in the ^11th century. The castle was largely rebuilt in the ^15th century and continued to evolve architecturally over the next two centuries. From a Romanesque defensive fortress, it gradually became a Gothic-style residence of pleasure appreciated by the members of the royal family. The interior houses 5 oratories and monumental paintings of the ^XVIth century classified as movable heritage, the castle being for its part classified as a historical monument.

Nearest city: Angers
Style: Romanesque and Gothic
Interesting for: exterior architecture and interior design
Opening period: not open for visits
Possibility of accommodation: 3 guest rooms

59. Château du Petit Thouars

This small castle of Renaissance architecture was built in the XV and ^XVI century and was acquired in 1636 by Georges Aubert, an officer in the service of the powerful Cardinal de Richelieu. His son, a gentleman and then a lieutenant of the Grande Fauconnerie, was knighted in 1711 by Louis XIV. Today, one of their descendants, Sébatien du Petit Thouars , manages the château and is responsible for its multi-awarded wines, both in AOC Chinon and in Anjou (see our article on Loire wines and vineyards).

Nearest city: Saumur
Style: Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture and wines
Opening period: not to be visited.
Possibility of accommodation: gîte in the heart of the vineyard
Visit the site of the castle of Petit Thouars

60. Castle of the Forges

A few minutes from the center of Angers, this small castle was built in the ^19th century by an Anjou industrialist who made his fortune in the spinning industry. Its architecture is directly inspired by the beautiful villas of seaside resorts. Transformed into a hotel, it offers a beautiful experience in the heart of the beautiful nature of Anjou. In any case, we really enjoyed it!

Nearest city: Angers
Style: 19th ^century
Interesting for: the hotel experience
Opening period: all year round.
Accommodation: 14 rooms

Read more about it:

Back in photos on our night at the hotel of the castle of Forges (slow village)

61. Castle of Beauvois

The castle of Beauvois, formerly called castle of Beauvais, was built in the ^15th century. It retains a circular tower of Renaissance inspiration, supplemented by a wing to the east in the ^eighteenth and finally a wing to the south in the ^twentieth. In the ^17th century, Charles d'Albert, Duke of Luynes, favorite of the king, sharing with Louis XIII his love of game, made it a hunting relay. Transformed into a hotel-restaurant in 1966, it offers a fine gastronomic table (the Louis XIII) and a troglodytic cellar housing 10,000 bottles.

Nearest city: Tours
Style: Renaissance
Interesting for: the gastronomic table and the period decoration of the hotel
Opening period: not to be visited, hotel open all year round.
Accommodation: 35 rooms
Visit the site of the castle of Beauvois

62. Château de Saché - Balzac Museum

This manor house is composed of a dwelling dating from the ^15th century, enlarged by 2 wings built in the ^17th and ^18th centuries. Honoré de Balzac, a famous French author, stayed there for ten times from 1825 to 1848 and wrote there, among others, Le Père Goriot or the fascinating Lost Illusions. He was visiting the owner of the place, Jean François Alexandre de Margonne, his friend and the illegitimate father of his brother Henry de Blazac. The rich collection of 2300 pieces is partially exposed on 3 floors of this writer's house.

Nearest city: Tours
Style: Renaissance for the main building
Interesting for: the Balzac museum and the park
Opening period: all year round.
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the website of the château de Saché - musée de Balzac

63. Castle of Tortiniere

Even though there is evidence of a Tortinière fief as early as the ^15th century, the present Renaissance-style castle was built by Pauline Dalloz (widow of the author of the famous French Civil Code) in 1866, under the direction of the architect Jacquemin-Belleisle. Transformed into a luxury hotel and gourmet restaurant after its purchase by the Capron family in 1954, it has welcomed artists and world leaders, eager to enjoy the magnificent 15-hectare park with itsrare species.

Nearest city: Tours
Style: Renaissance
Interesting for: the park and the hotel-restaurant
Opening period: from March to December
Accommodation: 32 rooms
Visit the Domaine de la Tortinière website

64. Castle of Tours

First of all seat of the county of Tours, then royal castle before the advent of the castles of the Renaissance, it remains of the castle of Tours only 2 round towers of the ^XIIIth century, that of Guise the closest to the river, and the Tower of the Secret Dungeon. Between the two, the Pavillon de Mars, a barracks building probably built around 1781, now hosts photo exhibitions in collaboration with the prestigious Jeu de Paume Museum in Paris. In the former bailey of the castle, the Governor's house was built in the ^15th and ^19th centuries on the remains of the ancient Gallo-Roman fortifications.

Nearest city: Tours
Style: Renaissance
Interesting for: the museum of photography with the Jeu de Paume
Opening period: all year round from Tuesday to Sunday
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the Château de Tours website

65. Castle of Boisgibault

Modest manor with 75 hectares at the beginning of the ^XVIth century, Boisgibault was rebuilt in the ^XVIIth century and the domain extended to its apogee, in the ^XVIIIth century, on nearly 3000 hectares. The two outbuildings were added around 1756, when the owners, the Mauberts of Boisgibault, had a chapel built within the castle. Inside, rich decorations from the end of the ^XVIIth to the beginning of the ^XXth century and the woodwork are classified as Historic Monuments.

Nearest city: Orléans
Style: 17th ^century
Interesting for: interior decorations
Opening period: this castle cannot be visited
Accommodation: 1 apartment
Visit the site of the B&B of the castle of Boisgibault

66. Castle of Muids

Originally a religious estate, it was sold during the revolution. A master house was built there in 1805, gradually transformed throughout the ^19th century into a neo-Gothic style brick castle under the impetus of its owners, Thomas Skottowe, a rich British heir, and then Louis-Joseph Maës, crystal maker and Mayor of Clichy. In 1983, the heirs of the Maës family sold the castle which was converted into a comfortable hotel-restaurant.

Nearest city: Orléans
Style: Neo-Gothic
Interesting for: the 33 hectares park and the hotel
Opening period: no visits possible - hotel open all year round
Accommodation: 20 rooms
Visit the Château de Tours website

67. Castle of Villesavin

This small renaissance castle was built between 1527 and 1537 by Jean Le Breton, who was responsible for the construction of Chambord. At the same time, he had the most imposing Château de Villandry rebuilt, a symbol of his power and his proximity to King François ^I. More modest, this castle shelters in one of its wings a chapel with paintings of the ^XVIth century. The most surprising is its 2 small museums, the one dedicated to horse-drawn carriages and children's cars, and the one dedicated to weddings with its 1500 objects dating from 1850 to 1950 and its 350 wedding globes. Really kitschy but not uninteresting!

Near the city of : Blois
Style : Renaissance
Interesting for: wedding museum
Period of opening to the visit: from March^1st to November 15th
Child-friendly: activities designed to interest children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the Château de Villesavin

68. Castle of Chamerolles

Miniature version of the Château de Chamerolles

This Renaissance castle surrounded by a moat was built around 1530 by Lancelot ^I du Lac, chamberlain to the French king Louis XII. His grandson, Lancelot II du Lac, transformed the chapel into a Protestant temple and had the renaissance gardens landscaped by Jacques Moulin. Prestigious owners succeeded one another in the following centuries before the castle was heavily damaged during the Second World War. It is the Loiret departmental council that will save it from ruin.

Near the city of : Blois
Style : Renaissance
Interesting for: exterior architecture and gardens
Period of opening to the visit: from February^1st to December 31st
Child-friendly: activities designed to interest children
Possibility of accommodation: no
Visit the official website of the Château de Chamerolles

69. Castle Hotel de Perreux

The castle was built in 1701, but totally redesigned in the ^19th century by François Valentin Thomas. The latter, collaborator of the famous Baron Hausmann (prefect of the Seine and builder of modern Paris), transformed it into a Louis XIII style castle. Originality, the first floor is troglodytic, that is to say dug in the rock, which gives a very particular atmosphere to the castle. Olivier Fructus acquired it in 2011 and transformed it into a charming hotel, which we loved, with a gourmet table d'hôte.

Near the city of : Tours
Style : Neo-Louis XIII
Interesting for: the quality of the hotel offer
Opening period : the castle is not open to the public, the hotel is open from February 10 to December 31
Possibility of accommodation: 11 rooms

Read more