French kings had settled in the Loire valley since the Middle Age. Little by little, strongholds had become magnificent castles of the Renaissance, which had been restored during the 17th and 18th centuries. These castles tell about the suprising history of the great kingdom of France. You will find there, still lively, the enchanting charm of this fabulous past. Discover our examples of packages in the Loire Valley.
The Chambord castle, pinnacle of the Renaissance, lighted up the reign of King François the First. It combined the dream of King François the First with the imagination of Leonardo da Vinci, who has lived at Clos Lucé, in Amboise for many years. The result is a real "mathematisation" of architecture ,a grandiose creation: 440 rooms ,a fabulous double staircase ,a unique roof terrace.
The Blois Castle, capital of the kingdom for a short time (1498-1595), was stirred by the last starts of the Valois dynasty.
The Chenonceau Castle, the "Château des dames", is built on a bridge across the river Cher. King Henri II gave it to his favorite, Diane de Poitiers.
The Azay le Rideau Castle ,one of the purest creation of the Renaissance, was built on an island of the Indre River ,ideal setting for an architectural jewel.
The Montsoreau castle, situated in one of the most beautiful village of France, is registered as World heritage by the UNESCO.
Let's not forget the religious patrimony with the royal abbey of Fontevraud, founded in 1101, which was before the Revolution the richest and most important monastery in France. In fact, there are so much castles that being exhaustive is nearly impossible.
Moreover, castles do not constitute the whole richness of the Loire Valley. Firstly, there are incredible troglodyte houses near Saumur. Secondly, nature of the Loire valley is beautiful and generous. Some of the best gardeners have magnificently tamed this nature in gardens as at Villandry, in labyrinths and still do with the gardens festival of Chaumont-sur-Loire. We also invite you to visit the Loir Valley.
Thirdly, Finally, the Loire valley is an area of good food and wines. This is not a coincidence if Rabelais, author of "Gargantua" and "Pantagruel", was born there. Actually, there are great red and white wines and succulent food specialities as shad, pike, rillettes.
Besides Montsoreau, some of the most beautiful villages of France are nearby: Candes-Saint-Martin, Crissay-sur-Manse, Montresor: they are perfect places to stay for your trip to the Loire Valley Castles.
