Top 10 Most Beautiful Chateaux of the Loire Valley

In 2000, Unesco added the chateaux of the Loire Valley to its World Heritage list. The area extends from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes along the banks of the River Loire and its tributaries. In the Renaissance era the French Kings preferred to reside in the Loire region, hence the hundreds of châteaux. It’s always very hard to rank these beautiful castles… but I tried and here is a personal list of my Top 10. And if you have any ideas about other beautiful chateaux, please leave a comment below with your Top 10!

My Top 10 Most Beautiful Castles of the Loire

The fairy-tale chateaux of the Loire were built or renovated during the Renaissance era (16th century).

Most of them are located between Gien and Nantes.

They welcome millions of visitors each summer and represent major tourist sites in France.

Some ‘star chateaux’ are well-known names such as Chambord or Azay-le-Rideau.

Most of the châteaux are found along with the Loire river or one of its tributaries such as the:

• Cher,
• Indre,
• Loir,
• Maine, and
• Vienne.

A great number of the chateaux are within two hours from Paris.

All these castles are open to visits. For some you can book your tickets online with our Partner Tiqets (click on the link for more info):

• AMBOISE
• ANGERS
• AZAY-LE-RIDEAU
• BLOIS
• CHAMBORD
• CHENONCEAU
• CHINON
• LE CLOS-LUCÉ (Amboise)
• LOCHES
• VILLANDRY

What about a roundtrip from Paris to the Loire!

If you are staying in Paris for a little week, why not visit the Loire Valley?

This is a great opportunity to explore two French Renaissance castles and get a taste of real French aristocracy from the 16th and 17th centuries.

You can opt for a live guide to take you on a tour, or walk around the charming castles on your own with audio commentary.

You can also choose to visit the chateau of Chambord with a wine tasting experience and experience the unique, fruity tastes of the Loire Valley

>> Click here to find out more about entrance tickets << to the Chateaux de Chenonceau and Chambord (or Amboise depending on the season and day)

Roundtrip transport from Paris on an air-conditioned coach.

Chambord

Prestigious, majestic, colossal, extravagant…

These adjectives may not be enough to fully describe the splendour of Chambord.

The largest chateau of the Loire Valley is indeed full of surprises for those who are lucky enough to explore its domain. This remarkable piece of architecture is certainly more than just a castle: it is the dream of a King, transformed into reality.

Find out more about Chambord.

>> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Chambord <<

Instant ticket delivery + Skip the line + Smartphone tickets accepted

Blois

Of all the Royal Châteaux in France, Blois is certainly not to be missed when visiting the Valley of the Loire.

Organised around the main courtyard, Blois Castle is a fabulous palace with several wings totalling 564 rooms and 75 staircases, 100 bedrooms and a fireplace in each room!

Find out more about Blois Castle.

>> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Blois <<

Instant ticket delivery + Skip the line + Smartphone tickets accepted

Cheverny

The façade is made up of gleaming white stones from the local quarries of the Cher Valley. The castle is surrounded by a beautiful English-style garden.

Cheverny lent its traits to the fictional “Château de Moulinsart” (Marlinspike Hall) in Hergé’s Tintin comic books.

Amboise

The chateau is located on a high rocky promontory that dominates the city and the River Loire.

Its name is closely associated with Leonardo Da Vinci who resided in the nearby mansion of Le Clos-Lucé.

Find out more about Amboise Castle.

>> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Amboise <<

Instant ticket delivery + Skip the line + Smartphone tickets accepted

Chenonceau

The château was inhabited by great women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici who added the famous wing spanning the river.

>> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Chenonceau <<

Instant ticket delivery + Skip the line + Smartphone tickets accepted

Villandry

Villandry is a Renaissance estate and castle best known for its beautiful formal gardens made up of endless geometric parterres edged in carefully manicured and clipped boxwood.

Villandry contains one of the last of the great Renaissance chateaux built in the Loire Valley and today attracts more than 350,000 visitors per year who come here to admire the beautiful, diverse and harmonious estate’s fine setting.

Find out more about Villandry.

>> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Villandry <<

Instant ticket delivery + Skip the line + Smartphone tickets accepted

Ussé

Indeed, French fairy-teller Charles Perrault had in mind the castle of Ussé when writing the classic fairytale.

In the 15th century, the medieval fortress was partly rebuilt to incorporate some Renaissance features. With its medieval towers, dormant windows, roofs pierced with elegant chimneys and Renaissance courtyard, Ussé will definitely leave an unforgettable souvenir to its visitors.

Azay-le-Rideau

The chateau is set on an island of the Indre River whose water reflects its fine façade.

This masterpiece of Renaissance architecture features all the refinement, elegance and grace expected of a Loire château. The surrounding garden has been landscaped in the English style.

Find out more about Azay-le-Rideau.

>> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Azay-le-Rideau <<

Instant ticket delivery + Skip the line + Smartphone tickets accepted

Chinon

Chinon is closely associated with the great History of France, particularly from the 12th to the 15th centuries.

This is where Joan of Arc met the French king, claiming to have heard heavenly voices to deliver the kingdom of France from the English occupation.

Although not a typical Renaissance château of the Loire Valley, Chinon Castle is nevertheless one of the greatest fortresses in France and is being restored to its former glory.

>> Get your entrance ticket to the château of Chinon <<

Instant ticket delivery + Skip the line + Smartphone tickets accepted

Saumur

The fortress was depicted in the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry as it appeared in 1410.

Saumur Castle was one of the few fairytale castles in Europe to inspire Walt Disney for his Sleeping Beauty castle.

Where to stay near the chateaux of the Loire?

This map will help you find your accommodation in the Loire Valley according to location and prices. It is anchored in the city of Tours so you’ll have to zoom it out to display the whole region:


Booking.com

• Find out more about the treasures of the Loire Valley!
• For more info, visit the website of the Loire Valley tourist board. [in English]

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