The Loire Valley is located in France. It is known as the land of a thousand castles. Kings and queens used to live in these big and beautiful houses. Often, these castles or chateaux as they are known, were used by royalty only as holiday homes. Everything inside, including the furniture, was functional and portable, meaning it could and was moved to another royal chateau or residence whenever the king had to leave. When you explore these magnificent structures of history and grandeur, it is interesting to see everything up close and not just in pictures or video.
It is one hour away from Paris if you happen to take the fast speed train. But if you take the normal train or go by car or bus, it can take you about two hours to get there from the capital city of Paris, France. It is sixty miles away from Paris but the views and the marvelous countryside air and the stunning castles or Chateaux as they are known are simply amazing!
Top 5 Châteaux in Loire Valley France: Châteaux de Chenonceau
This castle is just so beautiful with gardens and parks which are so much fun to explore. Nicknamed the “ladies’ castle” because so many famous women have lived there and have been involved in the development of the castle. Notable women who have lived there are: Katherine Briçonnet, Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. Be sure to visit the five queens’ chambers which are very popular. It has beautiful architecture as well and overlooks the Cher river, which is magnificent. Currently, it is the most popular and famous castle in the Loire Valley.
Top 5 Châteaux in Loire Valley France: Royal Castle of Amboise
Amboise castle is amazing because it is where the king of France lived. It is also the resting place of Leonardo da Vinci. Famous for being a UNESCO World Heritage Site along with the rest of the Loire Valley. It also has a big beautiful Italian-style garden. It is located near the city of Amboise.
Chambord Castle
This is the biggest and grandest castle of them all, probably. It has an enclosed backyard forest park that extends to 50 square kilometers! The largest forest park anywhere in Europe. It has 160 acres of game meadows. That’s pretty impressive. Considering that the inside is like walking in a Renaissance masterpiece and, oh, yeah, the garden is pretty beautiful and big too.
Villandry Castle and Gardens
The Villandry Castle and gardens never fail to enchant and entertain. The castle is filled with Renaissance architecture and beauty. The outside gardens are filled with geometric shapes and many pretty designs and details not found in just any old garden. It is big and beautiful and spending the day here just hanging out with the flowers is so relaxing and refreshing. Monty Don, a celebrity English Gardener, who had a program on television named: “The 80 Gardens of the World”, named Villandry Castle and Gardens as one of his top 80 gardens in the world.
Cheverny Castle
Cheverny Castle is another beautiful castle to go and explore in the Loire Valley. Lovers of the comic book “Tin Tin” may find that the designer Hergé was inspired by this castle. The castle has classical architecture and a huge park and lots of dogs. It’s also famous for its gardens and labyrinth.