Route through castles in the Loire Valley: the best to see and do

One of the more interesting and attractive trips what can you do in France is, without a doubt, a car route through the Loire Valley, which is currently a top destination among Spanish tourists who visit the neighboring country.

This area of ​​France located less than two hours from Paris is a cultural landscape which has had great importance throughout history, as it was the corner chosen by French royalty and aristocracy to enjoy life in its famous royal castles and palaces.

Of the historical importance and tourist interest of the Loire Valley serves as an example of the fact that a part of this area of France is declared Heritage.

Loire Valley, which section is a World Heritage Site?

The area preserved by the declaration of the Unesco is cultural landscape de 280 kilometers between Sully-Sur-Loire y Angers/Chalonnes-sur-Loire, where its “small historic cities and towns, large architectural monuments (castles and palaces) and farmland” stand out.

And it is also worth highlighting the great prominence that in the Loire Valley have had outstanding figures in world history such as Joan of Arc y Leonardo da Vinci.

What is the Loire Valley like?

At the outset you should know that the Loire river is longest in France, with more than 1.000 kilometers in length, and is so important that in the past it was a basic channel for communication within the country, since it was very easy to transport goods through it.

El Loire river It even had tolls, and was also used by the Vikings during the Middle Ages to besiege cities.

And this characteristic of being a great communication and trade channel It was one of the keys to there being so many castles, although all this changed with the arrival of the railway.

But Loire river It was not fully navigable in times of drought, and in other times there were floods, so the arrival of the train cut short the idea of ​​making it fully navigable.

Why are there so many castles in the Loire Valley?

In the Middle Ages there were already many castles fortress, but with the arrival to power of Francisco I, one of the most important kings in the history of France, the entire region underwent an enormous change.

The French kings liked to have itinerant courts, and their entire entourage always traveled with them, which could have up to 10.000 people, and among them many nobles who built their own castles in places close to where the king settled.

This meant that if a king built a castle, all its surroundings would be filled with palaces, which here are also known as castles.

In the area protected by the Unesco There are up to 40 castles, although if we include the course of the river up to Nantes, there are about 70.

The best things to see and do on a car route through the Loire Valley

Una car route through the Loire Valley will allow you to visit those spectacular castles and palaces, where you can also see beautiful gardens.

In addition, you can complement the trip by knowing beautiful towns and cities and enjoying various tourist activities.

Among them stands out the cycling, for which you have a great cycle route The Loire in Velo of up to 900 kilometers that follows the course of the river and you can combine by train, or navigate through Loire river.

You can do this on an excursion aboard a traditional barge, or also giving a ride on a tourist boat or in a canoe.

And, of course, another of the attractions of a route through the Loire Valley is to taste its delicious gastronomy, as well as their wines, which is another characteristic of the traditional art of living that you always enjoy in a trip through France.

Here you have complete information about the wine domains of the Loire Valley and wineries that you can visit during your trip.

Below we detail some of those attractions that we have had the opportunity to see on our trips through the area.

Map of the Route through the Castles of the Loire Valley

To make it easier for you to search for information, we have made a map where you can see the route to visit castles.

Also on that map are the cities that you have to visit.

This map is the result of all the information that you are going to see in the article.

So for each place you see on the map there will be more detailed information

Travel through the Loire Valley in Video

For those of you who like to consume information on video, we have one for this trip.

Everything that appears in this article is contained in the video that we have on our YouTube channel.

So that you can see how beautiful the route through the Castles of the Loire Valley is, we leave you here the video of our experience.

What castles and palaces in the Loire Valley to visit

As we have mentioned, the most famous attraction of this region of France is visiting its chateaux.

The French name of castles We tell you that it refers to four types of constructions.

First of all, oldest castles type medieval fortress; on the other hand, the royal palace where the kings of France resided throughout its history.

You will also see others castles his palaces where the counts of the region resided; and, finally, they also have the name of castles big manor houses from noble families.

In the area protected by the Unesco There are up to 40 castles that are the result of the movements of the French kings and itinerant courts through the region, although there are 23 main castles that are most visited by tourists.

Specifically, here you can check what the 23 main castles and highlights of the Loire Valley, with its location on the map.

Below we are going to highlight some of the most important ones, which we have had the opportunity to visit on a circular route from Paris during our recent trip through the Loire Valley.

Chateau de Meung-Sur-Loire in Loire Valley

Outside of Orleans you can visit the Chateau de Meung-Sur- Loire, which belonged to Bishop of Orleans.

Originally there was a manor house and a bell tower, but later the building was expanded, in addition to the other towers being raised.

They call him the castle of two faces because during the 18th century the then bishop decided to rebuild it and only updated the decoration of one of the facades, preserving the other fortress-type facade and the medieval towers.

When visiting its interior entrance you will be able to see a 18th century chapel de neoclassical

And the most beautiful thing about this castle is that most of the rooms show what life was like in this type of castle from the beginning. Middle Ages until the aforementioned century.

Chateau de Chambord in Loire Valley

Next the route by car takes us to one of the star castles and the largest in the Loire Valley, Chambord Castle.

Built in 1539 by king francis i, Is a castle fortress which follows the tradition of French castles combined with an interior decoration of the Italian Renaissance.

The castle was not completed until the 17th century, when Louis XIV, known as Sun King spent several seasons in Chambord and ordered it to be finished.

When are you going to visit the castle of Chambord you almost have the feeling of reaching a Theme Park because of the large parking lots around it.

Your visit inside will focus on one of the towers, so you will gradually climb two floors along its helical staircase to end on the terrace.

On the lower floor you will find large rooms, but it will be on the first floor where you can go through various rooms that were inhabited by both Francis I, as later by Louis XIV, which show decoration from those different periods.

Once on the terrace you will surround one of the towers, which will allow you to enjoy panoramic views of the gardens from various perspectives.

For your visit you can use a histopad with which en español You will receive explanations about the different rooms as you arrive at them.

• What Chambord Castle is like
• Where to buy tickets in advance
• Chambord and Chenonceau excursion from Amboise

Royal Castle of Blois in Loire Valley

Your visit to Blois during the route through the Loire Valley will focus on its Royal Castle, located on top of a hill with panoramic views of the city and the river.

Different kings of France resided in this fortification.

Since it went from being in the Middle Ages a county castle, to become a Royal castle when Louis II of Orleans was appointed King of France with the title of Louis XII.

Some time later in 1515, the king francis i built a wing with French and Italian mix styleo.

Finally, in 1639 the Prince Gaston built the wing neoclassical style.

Now, during your visit to Royal Castle of BloisWhen you are in its large interior patio you will see three wings of very different architecture, highlighting the exterior ceremonial staircase that ascends in circles.

It should be noted that on summer nights, you can attend a very interesting light and sound show in which, through images shown on the four facades of the interior patio, the history of the castle and the kings who passed through it are told. .

Cheverny Castle in Loire Valley

This spectacular renaissance castle was the one who inspired Hergé to draw the Moulinsart Castle, hence it is known as Tintin's castle.

Chateau de Valencay in Loire Valley

Built in 1540, when visiting this Loire Valley castle It is impossible not to marvel at its fantastic exhibitions, its imposing façade or its 53 hectares of gardens.

Royal Abbey of Fontevraud in the Loire Valley

Built in the 12th century, it was for a long time a monastery where monks and nuns resided.

In this ancient abbey you can currently enjoy a museum of modern art, a hotel and a restaurant with one Michelin star.

Saumur Castle in Loire Valley

On the visit to the castle of the small town of Saumur, you will discover incredible corridors, intricate stairs, or a watchtower that will make you feel like you are in a fairy tale.

Montsoreau Castle in Loire Valley

Located between the cities of Angers and Tours, it is the only castle on the riverbed Loire river, which houses a Contemporary Art Museum.

Chateau de Chenonceau in Loire Valley

One of the most impressive castles that you can visit in a route through the Loire Valley is, without a doubt, that of Chenonceau.

It was built in 1520 and was able to be preserved thanks to the fact that during the French Revolution it was used as a bridge to cross the river, as it was the only one for many kilometers.

Indeed, the peculiar characteristic of Chenonceau Castle is that it is a building that grew in different phases from a tower located on the banks of the river, with new phases built on the river.

The result is that also during Second World War This bridge-box was used to cross from one side of the river to the other in an area that delimited the occupied France by the Nazis Free France.

Facing your visit of Chenonceau Castle, what will first catch your attention is its spectacular location on the river, surrounded by beautiful and flowery gardens in a wooded area.

This way it will be easy for you to understand why Chenonceau is from one of the most visited castles in the Loire Valley.

On your walk through its interior, covering two floors, you will see sumptuous lounges and other rooms.

La visit of Chenonceau You can complete it by signing up for various leisure activities, such as boat ride on the river: kayak.

Royal Castle of Amboise in Loire Valley

When you arrive in Amboise you will find yourself in a very charming small town, with a main street that starts from the Loire River and continues at the foot of the rocky promontory where the royal castle is located.

This castle was originally a medieval fortress that began to be used by the kings of France as a temporary place of residence during their many trips around the country.

For these trips, the kings were accompanied by a court of up to 10000 people, they even moved all the furniture from the castles from one to another.

In the royal castle of Amboise, the presence of kings such as Charles and Francis I stands out above all.

Currently, one fifth of the original construction remains of Amboise Castle, since in the 19th century, after the French Revolution and the time of Napoleon, a large part of it was destroyed.

What will catch your attention the most during your visit to the castle will be the spectacular panoramic views you have from the viewpoints and its gardens, both of the city of Amboise and of the Loire River and its surroundings.

Also worth highlighting is the royal chapel that remains from the original castle, where you can see the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci who spent the last stage of his life in Amboise.

He was buried in the church inside the castle grounds, which was destroyed in the 19th century. Some time later, during some excavations, the remains of Leonardo da Vinci's grave were located, whose body was finally buried in the aforementioned chapel.

During the visit you will visit two clearly differentiated spaces, a first floor with a flamboyant Gothic style and a medieval atmosphere and the second floor with 19th century decoration.

If you sign up for the special tour of the castle you will be able to see the interior of the spectacular tower that extends from the rocky base to the upper terrace

• What to see in Amboise

Maintenon Castle 

On a route through the Loire Valley, there are several well-known castles that receive hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, but in this region of central France there are other less popular castles, which will nevertheless surprise you with their charm when you visit them.

El Chateau de Maintenon, is one of the most charming that we have known, with its beautiful architecture that also combines the medieval and Renaissance style, and the beautiful gardens and canals that surround it.

It is a not too large castle whose exterior image you will love.

In addition, it is surrounded by beautiful gardens and canals, which creates a scene of great charm and beauty.

When visiting the interior you will find all its wings very well decorated with objects and furniture from the 20th century.

Many times this castle is not visited because it is too close to Paris, but it is the ideal castle to see as the first stop on the route as soon as you leave the French capital, or as the last castle on the route when you return.

Visit charming cities in the Loire Valley

Orleans, the city of Joan of Arc

If you start your route in Paris, the first stage will take you to the city of Orleans which is considered the gateway to the Loire Valley.

Orleans is the city where Joan of Arc cemented her fame as a French heroine, and also the beginning of the Loire Valley Cycle Route.

On your walk you will be able to see, in addition to some other monuments, a spectacular cathedral, some corners with half-timbered houses, and you can also sail a traditional barge on the Loire.

Very close to Orleans you can discover the Sully-Sur-Loire castleAn authentic medieval fortress which begins this route through the Loire Valley considered as Heritage.

Here you have extensive information for visit the city of Orleans.

• What to see in Orleans

Tours, pilgrimage of San Martín de Tours

If there is an interesting city to visit on your driving route through the Loire Valley, it is undoubtedly Tours.

You will find important heritage sites in the city, such as its cathedral or the Basilica of Saint Martin, a pilgrimage destination to see the tomb of Saint Martin of Tours.

But the real heart of Tours life lies in the Plaza Plumereau, center of known as Student Quarter, in a city with a great university atmosphere, and where you can see a spectacular architectural complex of half-timbered houses.

Castle lovers will be able to discover the incredible castles of Loches, Clos-Lucé, Azay-le-Rideau or Langeais, no more than an hour from Tours.

Here you have information with the best corners of Tours.

• What to see and visit in Tours

Angers, castle and Tapestry of the Apocalypse

Located on the western limit of the declared area Heritage of the Loire Valley, the city of Angers It is not only a stage on the car route through this French region, but also on the routes from Spain to the west or north of the neighboring country.

Angers is one of the best examples of the charm of French cities, where there is no shortage of heritage sites of interest, such as its castle, a fortress whose origins date back to the 13th century, which preserves robust walls through which you can walk.

Inside the castle of Angers a great artistic jewel is preserved, the Apocalypse Tapestry, from the end of the 103th century, which at XNUMX meters long is the largest preserved in Europe.

Also worth noting is that just 30 minutes from Angers you can visit the Brissac castle, which is known as el Giant of the Loire Valley for its fortress of 17 towers.

Here you have all the information to visit the city of Angers.

• What to see in Angers

Nantes, a cultural city in the Loire Valley

In this modern and dynamic city where he was born Julio Verne, you can discover from its prestigious Castle of the Dukes of Brittany in the heart of the city, up to a giant mechanical elephant.

But you shouldn't leave Nantes without visiting the gothic cathedral of saints peter and saint paul, plant garden,

In the Nantes Island you will be able to discover the surprising tourist attraction of the Island Machines, among which stands out the Big Elephant and the imposing Carousel of the Sea Worlds.

• What to see in Nantes

Chartres, Gothic cathedral, World Heritage Site

Already on the way back to Paris, it is well worth completing your route through the Loire Valley visiting the city of Chartres to see your impressive Gothic cathedral declared Heritage.

Without a doubt, it is one of the gothic cathedrals most impressive that you can see not only in France, but in Europe.

In addition to its size, the great uniqueness of the Chartres Cathedral is that it is preserved as it was completed 800 years ago, with its more than 170 Gothic stained glass from the 13th century.

Highly recommended for your visit is see the sound and light show which takes place every night from April to December.

Here you have complete information for visit Chartres Cathedral.

• What Chartres Cathedral is like

Most beautiful villages in the Loire Valley

Of course, during your route through the Loire Valley You will also have the opportunity to meet some pretty towns.

As an example, you can take a tour to the north of the cities of Tours y Blois visiting three towns that have special charm.

Vendôme, garden city of the Loire Valley

Thus, in Vendome you can see various historical buildings, such as its walls or on abbey church, with spectacular façade flowery gothic style, although the corner that will catch your attention the most is the Saint-Georges Gate.

This small town of 16.000 inhabitants, an ideal place to stay or eat during your trip, is also known as the garden city of the Loire Valley Well, during your visit you can take a route that runs up to ten gardens with beautiful floral arrangements and large groves.

Lavardin, medieval castle in Loire Valley

Nearby you find Lavardin, a small town integrated into the Association of the most beautiful villages in France, with its stone houses and slate roofs, and the remains of an old medieval castle.

On your walk through Lavardin, the castle's tower will catch your attention, as well as some troglodyte homes, as well as Gothic and Renaissance houses.

Troo, troglodyte village in the Loire Valley

Another town you can visit in this area is Troo, known as the troglodyte town.

On your walk through Troo you will be able to see various dwellings excavated in caves, which are arranged on three different levels, and visit a cave with stalactites and stalagmites.

In Troo it is also worth visiting the Saint-Martin collegiate church.

Saumur, Cadre Noir in Loire Valley

It's worth it too visit Saumur, actually a small town on the banks of the Loire where stands out his castle and, above all, the place where the first equestrian school was inaugurated at the end of the 16th century.

It is now the headquarters of the Black frame, faculty of the National Riding School which has maintained the French riding tradition for almost two centuries, and which is declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Chinon, royal fortress of the Loire Valley

Another small city to visit is Chinon, where another notable royal fortress on a rocky promontory, which dates back to the 10th century.

Where to see romantic gardens in the Loire Valley

As we have mentioned, the attractiveness of visit of the castles of the Loire Valley not only focuses on its architectural or artistic value, but also on enjoying the beautiful gardens that surround many of them.

To highlight, the gardens of the castles de Chenonceau, Chambord, Villandry, with the colorful flowerbeds of its garden, Breze , Le Rivau, and Chaumont-Sur-Loire.

But in your route you also have the possibility of including the visit of romantic gardens, Like the ones of Plessis Sasnières, English style, which you find 40 kilometers northwest of the city of Blois.

During your walk through the gardens that surround a quiet pond, you will be able to see pergolas and enclosures with the most varied seasonal flowers, and you will be able to complete the walk by having a sweet in its pleasant Tea Room.

Here schedules and prices to visit the Loire Valley Gardens.

How to sail the Loire on a traditional barge

One of the essential activities in your trip through the Loire Valley es sail on a traditional barge, which you can do in various places along its route.

Addition Boat tour, various activities are offered that complement it, such as fishing with traditional gear on the Loire River, outings to nature or enjoying snacks on the boat.

In summary, el Loire Valley It is a destination where you can travel in time, immerse yourself in the french culture with its gastronomy y art of living and discover unusual corners