In and around Orleans

House of Joan of Arc

La Maison de Jeanne d’Arc holds a museum to celebrate and remember the local heroine. The building although with original features has been renovated using pieces from neighbouring buildings.

Chateau de Sully

Sully is situated east of Orleans and is rather sadly often missed on the Sully is situated further east of Orléans and is rather sadly often missed on the Chateau trail. A moated chateau, Sully is surrounded on all sides by the river Sange. A fortress has been here since the 9th century, however the present day building was constructed in the 14th century and later updated in the 15th and 17th centuries. A classic chateau and one of a kind, it boasts medieval architecture with gorgeous Renaissance additions. Commissioned by the royal servant Sully (or Maximilien de Béthune) the later additions included the Renaissance wing with wooden ceilings and fantastic tapestries, but more fascinating is the medieval ‘Great Hall’ that still has its impressive open roof timbers

In and around Blois

Chateau de Blois
A common retreat of the Royals in the 16th century, Blois was originally a medieval fortress, which was partly demolished and rebuilt by Charles Dorland in the mid 1400s. Louis XII and Anne of Brittany resided here for many years but, as with most of the Chateaus in the Loire Valley, Francois I had very strong ties with Blois Chateau. He travelled continuously between the Royal residences of Blois, Amboise and Chambord. Later, Blois became the centre of much controversy when the Duke of Guise was murdered here, under the instruction of Henri III, and in later years, the Loire became a lot less popular as Royalty stayed in Paris. Consequently the Chateau at Blois was left rather neglected. It was not until the early 19th century that Louis XIII exiled his brother here for safety and provided him with funds for its modification. This was a blessing for the chateau. Gaston became fascinated with the natural sciences and created the most wonderful collection of gardens, full of rare plants and features. Much of the château can be visited, and parts of particular interest include the oldest part, the 13th century assembly hall, the Chapel of St Calais, which was restored after its terrible damage in the Second World War, the stunning 16th century Italianate Francois I Wing and the classical 17th century Gaston d’Orleans Wing. The chateau also houses a Religious Art and Fine Arts Museum. The Chateau usually has the 'son et lumiére' held in the courtyard on summer evenings and provides a fantastic musical lightshow, (presented in English on Wednesdays).

Chateau de Chambord
Commissioned by Francois I in 1519 as a "hunting lodge", Chambord is the largest of the Loire châteaux and one of the most famous and extravagant. With 440 rooms, it was built in order to outshine Emperor Charles V and for Francois to demonstrate his fame and power. This can be seen in the detail of the construction but unfortunately the Chateau de Chambord lacks some of the love and affection observed in other chateaux. Funded by accumulating debt and later neglected during the imprisonment of Francois I, (by Emperor Charles V in Madrid), the castle was not finished on his return a year later nor by the time of his death. His son Henri II attempted its completion but designed on such a grand and extravagant scale, the chateau was still not complete under the reign of Louis XIV. However, it was still used to house and entertain the Royal entourage from time to time and the opulent decoration and detail will fascinate all who visit.

Features of particular interest include the tower, a fine example of Renaissance architecture, the incredible Italian staircase and the miniature fairytale town that sits on the roof terrace. The old ‘hunting grounds’ in which the chateau stands are wild and beautiful. The woods and parkland are adorned with lakes, streams and meadows and provide a haven of tranquillity and peace. The largest part of the woodland is conserved as a state reserved hunting ground, for deer and wild boar, and boasts a huge 32 kilometre wall. Standing on the course of the Cosson, this chateau is one not to be missed.

Chateau de Cheverny

An opulent and extravagant renaissance styled chateau from the period of Louis XIII. It has a lavishly decorated interior of full tapestries , furnishings, portraits and grisaille paintings, providing you with a clear picture of life for the aristocracy at the time. The exterior is stylish and striking but somehow less romantic than some of the other fairytale designs. It is set in fantastic parkland, previously used as hunting grounds for deer and the chateau boasts a small hunting museum.

Chateau de Beauregard

Built by Henri II’s secretary of state, Jean du Tier, this chateau is set in beautiful grounds and overlooks the village of Cellette and stunning countryside. Today although beautiful, the chateau resembles a country estate more than the fairy tale structures of its peers as only the central wing remains. Areas of interest include the 16th century kitchen; the amazing Picture Gallery containing 363 portraits of Royal family members and aristocracy, and the Cabinet de Grelots, a small oak panelled room.

Chateau de Chaumont

This chateau is really quite exciting. Set on a cliff above the Loire, it stands on the foundations of two previous fortresses from the 10th and 12th centuries. In the 15th century Pierre d’Amboise had this chateau built following his pardon from King Louis the XI. Approaching the chateau via a path through the parkland, its fortified structures are quite overwhelming, with a drawbridge and huge towers. The chateau displays some fantastic relics of the past, such as the Italian tiled floor in the Salle du Conseil, furniture from the 16th and 18th centuries and the impressive stables built by the Prince de Broglie.

In and around Tours

Chateau de Plessis-lès-Tours

Situated to the west of Vieux Tours, is the lovely 15th century chateau that became the favourite residence of Louis XI. Inside you can view the opulent fittings and furnishings from Louis XI.

Chateau d’Amboise

This wonderful chateau was once home to French King Louis XI and his wife Charlotte of Savoy. Through the centuries, due to much turmoil and devastation the structure has almost been demolished, but can be seen to today in its entirety thanks to loving repair and restoration. Within the chateau’s walls you can see; the Gothic styled Chapel of St Hubert, where the remains of Leonardo de Vinci are supposed to be buried in the north transept; the lavish Kings quarters (Logis de Roi), the Great Hall and the Tour des Minimes, a great tower on which horses and carriages can access the chateau. This fascinating building also hosts festivals and events throughout the year.

Chateau de Chenonceau

This chateau is situated 20 kilometres southeast of Tours. Described as the most beautiful chateau in the region, it is not the largest nor the most historically significant but it has touched the hearts of many across the centuries. The spectacular architecture is of grand Renaissance style and stretches across the River Cher on piers. The interior is adorned with an exquisite Italian staircase and the magnificent formal gardens with their sweet smelling roses, are just breathtaking.

The Royal Treasurer Thomas Bohier and his wife Catherine Briconnet built the Chateau at the beginning of the 16th century, on the site of the old castle. Catherine was in charge of the beautiful design and construction whilst her husband journeyed to Italy. The castle was next placed into the hands of King Francois I and later King Henri II’s mistress, Diane de Poitier. The tales and mystery surrounding this fascinating woman are endless. She captured the Kings heart completely. A wild and beautiful ‘hunting goddess’, she was said to swim naked at sunrise in the River Cher before jumping onto her grey Stallion. Diane was devoted to her King and the Chateau and commissioned the arched bridge gallery and the formal gardens. Unfortunately, following the Kings death, Diane was moved to Chambord and his widow Catherine de' Medici, took over. Catherine used the chateau for formal gatherings and added a two-stored gallery over the bridge wing in addition to other domestic wings and the development of her own Park. Louise of Lorraine, Catherine’s daughter in law and the widow of the murdered King Henri III later mourned him within these chateau walls. Thankfully the chateau was saved during the French Revolution by George Sand's grandmother, in World War II when the River Cher marked the boundary between free and occupied France, so the château and its drawbridge became an important escape route. The chateau now belongs to the Menier family, who are manufacturers of the well known cooking chocolate.

The chateau is open daily mid-April to mid-October and is one of the few Chateaus that you can view without a guide.

Chateau de Valençay

This chateau is a 16th century building, commissioned by the aristocrat Jacques d’Estampes. It has a distinctly elegant feel with picturesque views over the parkland full of peacocks, herons and storks. A lavishly designed structure, this chateau’s interior boasts fine ‘empire style’ furnishings and Italian gouache paintings. Once used by Napoleon to house the exiled Spanish King, Ferdinand VII, the chateau boasts some interesting history. A vintage car museum can also be found in the chateau grounds.

Chateau d’Azay-le-Rideau
Described as one of the loveliest and charming exteriors in the Loire, this chateau is pure turreted Renaissance. With the exquisite design also observed in Chenonceau, both chateaus were financed by an affluent man and supervised and designed by their wives. For this very reason, this chateau has a continuous flow and a more homely feel. The fairytale architecture is beautifully reflected in the sparkling River Indre, and the surroundings are serene and tranquil. Quite a contrast to the history of the medieval fortress that once stood here. Originally known as the Azay-le-Brulén (the burnt Azay) the medieval fortress was the site of a huge massacre of 350 men under the rule of Lord Dauphin, who later became Charles VII.

Built between 1518 and 1529 by a fine example of the nouveau riche, Gilles Berthelot, the chateau was built on oak piles in the riverbed. The chateau exhibits many Gothic styled features but there is also an air of Renaissance. The imposing central stairway is home to an array of Royal profiles and the rooms of the chateau are perfect examples of 15th and 16th century décor, with luxurious fabrics, furnishings, paintings and tapestries. However the piece de resistance are the fantastic grounds and beautifully manicured gardens from which you can view the chateau in full glory.

Chateau de Villandry

The ancient medieval fortress of Villandry has a lot to offer the visitor. Not only is it architecturally beautiful, it has one of the best examples of formal gardens in the Loire Valley. The extensive gardens incorporate styles and designs from far and wide. Built on various levels to accommodate the sloping landscape, you will find English, French and Italian styled gardens, alongside vegetable, ornamental and water gardens. They are all breathtaking. The sweet smelling roses, immaculate box hedges, ‘love’ themed Renaissance design and planting will amaze you all. The chateau itself was rebuilt in the 16th century and has fantastic views of the village of Villandry below. There are three wings arranged around a central courtyard and the medieval moats and keep have been preserved.

In and around Angers

Chateau d’Angers

A delightful chateau set in a pentagon shape; this was the formal home and ancestral seat of the counts of Anjou. A magnificent structure built in the 13th century on the site of a Roman fortress; this was an imposing castle with a perfect position over the valley of the Maine. With a great historical background full of war and turmoil, this chateau is today surprisingly peaceful in its beautiful surroundings of the river and countryside. With seventeen round towers of huge scale and a superb exterior of white stone and slate, the chateau is striking in appearance. The chateau houses famous treasures such as the Apocalypse Tapestry Cycle, commissioned in the 14th century. There were, in total, seven tapestries of 6 metres by 24 metres, depicting 98 scenes from the Apocalypse, the vision of the end of the world by the apostle, John. Although now the tapestries are in a slightly weathered state and some of the scenes are missing, they are still one of the oldest and largest surviving in Europe.

Chateau d’Ussé

Set on the River Indre, this stunning chateau is one of the most elegant and magical around. Set against a backdrop of dark woodland the chateau’s light exterior boasts a multitude of towers, turrets and dormers. Its fairytale appearance gave Charles Perrault’s his model for the tale of Sleeping Beauty. Although today the chateau, once close up looks a little tired, it is still a fine example of combined architectural styles from the 15th century to the 19th century. In the chateau’s park there is also a 16th century chapel to explore in the peaceful surroundings.

Chateau de Chinon

Chinon was built in the 10th century as a fortress by the counts of Blois, later additions and modifications were made by subsequent rulers and kings. Originally the place of a Gallo-Roman castrum, the raised rocky terrain overlooks the Vienne and provides the great views and a perfect place for a lookout. The fortress has housed some of the greats throughout history, from our own Plantagenets, King Henry II and Richard the Lionheart in the 12th century to Joan of Arc, Charles (Dauphin) VII in the 15th century and Louis XII in the 16th century. The Fortress is 400 metres long and is divided into three parts that are separated by water and moats. The Chateau de Milieu, containing the royal apartments, the Chateau de Coudray and the St Georges Fort are all connected to the main fortress. Each of these connecting buildings, houses some examples either of amazing architecture, history or art. The Chateau de Coudray has three distinctive towers, one of which, the Donjon de Coudray dates back to the 13th century and which was the site where members of the Order of the Knights of Templar were incarcerated before trial and execution in Paris, in the 14th century. A real mixture of architectural designs and styles from across the centuries unite the building of Chinon and make it a fascinating and enchanting place to visit.

Chateau de Saumur

Constructed in the 14th century on the foundation of an older castle, the Chateau of Saumur displays pretty towers, turrets and pinnacles. The chateau has often been at the centre of many important historic battles, i.e.; the Hundred Years War, and the religious struggle between the Catholic League and the Huguenots. Apart from learning about the chateau's superb and fascinating history there are also the two museums within the building, the Museum of Decorative Art and the Museum of the Horse. The Museum of decorative art exhibits medieval and Renaissance art, furniture and wall hangings. The Museum of the horse is a fascinating insight in to the history of the evolution of the animal.

Chateau de Langeais

Situated on the banks of the River Loire, not far from Tours is the chateau at Langeais. Sstanding on the site of an old Gallo-Roman settlement and was commissioned by Louis XI in 1465 to keep out the rebellious Dukes of Brittany. High walls protect the fortified castle alongside defence ditches. The chateau remains as it was in the 15th century and its contents have been restored to their original style. Of particular interest is the spectacular wedding hall; full of tapestries and wall hangings, in which Charles VIII married Anne of Brittany in 1491, the wedding chest and distinguished four-poster bed for the wedding couple, and the grand two-storey hall on the upper floor.