French Holiday Ideas | 7 Chateaux not to miss whilst on holiday in the Loire Valley

Loire chateaux country

All regions of France have unique tourism credentials that make them stand out from the crowd. In Brittany, it’s ancient stone menhirs and cider; the Riviera has lovely beaches and hilltop villages, while Alsace has vines and more than a hint of Germanic influence.

In the Loire, however – known by many as the Garden of France – it’s one specific aspect of architectural heritage that gives the region an instantly recognisable identity: châteaux.

All along the river that gives the region its name, not to mention other smaller tributaries, are majestic, towering constructions in white, some spanning the water, other perched masterfully above it.

If you explore the region by bike – this is a most gratifying way to enjoy such a flat and pretty corner of France – you will get the best views of these most regal of residences. Take to the cycle ways for a carefully plotted route and your rewards will come with regularity. The regional tourism authorities are so keen that you get on your bike that the Loire à Vélo scheme (link: http://www.loireavelo.fr/) has abundant stop-off ideas along an 800km stretch.


(Saumur)


So with dozens to choose from, which ones are unmissable?

Chateau de Chambord:

For sheer size and grandeur, glorious Chambord is hard to beat. With its Renaissance look, François 1’s not-so-humble hunting lodge took 20 years to build and sits in huge grounds. It also boasts 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases!

Chateau de Chenonceau:

Château de Chenonceau, otherwise known as Château des Dames, is actually a manor house near the village of the same name beside the Cher River. It’s probably the most romantic of all Loire châteaux, with elegant turrets, arches and stately avenues bordered by plane trees. And the reflection in the river that it straddles lends it yet greater aesthetic appeal.

Search for Holiday accommodation close to Chenonceau here

Chateau de Blois:

100-bedroom Château de Blois was the residence of several French kings, and also the place where Joan of Arc went in 1429 to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims. It is like four castles in one, each created in a different architectural style including Renaissance, Classical and Gothic. Head inside to nose around Catherine de Medici’s private rooms, including the Chamber of Secrets where she kept a selection of poisons!

Azay-le-Rideau:

Much purer in its Renaissance styling is the château at Azay-le-Rideau, which sits strikingly on an island in the Indre River. This makes it an ideal place to stop off for a summertime son-et-lumière show for which the Loire region is well known.

Chateau de Cheverny:

When it comes to lavishness, Cheverney surely takes the prize. Currently inhabited by a direct descendant of the original owner, it’s interior is adorned with paintings by old masters, amazing tapestries, and even Louis XIV's commode.

Chateau de Villandry/Chateau de Chaumont:

If it’s a château’s gardens that you enjoy exploring, none come more highly recommended than those at Château de Villandry. With its water garden, ornamental flower gardens and vegetable gardens all laid out in formal patterns created with low box hedges, it’s truly breathtaking. Also noted for it garden design, albeit with a more modern approach thanks to its annual international garden festival, is Chaumont.

Finally, there are some castles that dominate towns, such as Saumur and Angers. The sturdy latter one was originally a fortress thanks to its strategic location.

Of course, there are many more castles to discover in the Loire. For that, you need to head to the Garden of France and explore. Start planning your trip with a look at the regional tourist board website here. (link http://www.loirevalleytourism.com/)

Monday, March, 14th at 11.45 by Katharine Barrau