Here are just a few of the reasons to visit the loire valley. The loire valley was listed in 2000 in the unesco worlds heritage. The valley is famous in france due to its amazing asparagus fields, fruit orchards, vineyard and artichoke. The chateaux of the loire valley are part of the architectural heritage of the historic towns of amboise, angers, blois, chinon, montsoreau, nantes, orleans, saumur, and tours along the loire river in france. Upon the invitation of francois i, it was the chateau du clos luce, near the chateau damboise, where leonardo da vinci spent the remaining three years of. We have a unique tour of the loire valley with a 5 day stay at the fontevraud abbey. They welcome millions of visitors each summer and represent major tourist sites in france. The dauphin and the hundred years war charles vii hid in the loire valley after declaring himself king of france. In this book, the photographer robert polidori has captured more than seventy of them in unique pictures. The loire valley chateaux castles make this central region one of the most popular destinations in france for visitors, and with good reason. They illustrate renaissance ideals of design in france. Just two hours from paris, the mighty river flows slowly through a gorgeous landscape where medieval fortresses and renaissance palaces are strung out like jewels along the banks. Viticulture in the valley dates back to its invasion by the ancient romans, although vines and vineyards may already have existed there before then. The fairytale chateaux of the loire were built or renovated during the renaissance era 16th century.
For some you can book your tickets online with our partner tiqets click on the. This website was designed for all the visitors of loire valley chateaux who are looking for information and are planning a trip to the heart of france. Magnificent castles, sophisticated gardens and sweeping parks demonstrate both the monarchs power and appreciation of art, attracting and fascinating uncounted visitors to this day. Front cover for the book michelin green guide chateaux of the loire by michelin travel. A guide to visiting our france experts 12 favourite chateaux in the loire valley, france, including information on their gardens and history, entry. Our loire chateaux biking trip allows you to take a romantic ride through history. Wander through sumptuous interiors, cared for by noble families whove lived there for centuries and still put out bouquets fit for a countess. It gives a lot of information on the most prominent chateaux of the region and their description along with the interesting bits of history. In french, castles translates to chateaux and throughout the country there are many chateaux that embody the extravagance of french nobility from centuries past. View packs of carefully bred hounds yelping for red meat as they await their next chance to hunt.
It stands for the part of the valley located between sully sur loire in the loiret and chalonnes sur loire in the maine et loire. Top 10 most beautiful chateaux of the loire valley. The top 10 things to see and do in the loire valley, france. The book also contains the map, chronology of the most important facts of french history and the genealogy of the french kings. Top 10 most beautiful chateaux of the loire valley french.
Marked by the elegance of its beautiful chateaux, a mild climate, and delicate wines, frances loire valley conveys a relaxed appreciation for the good things in life, and dks eyewitness travel guide. Sep 17, 20 the loire valley is an area steeped in history and because of its riches, one that has been fought over and influenced by a variety of adversaries from the romans to atila the hun. Boasting a range of historical monuments, the chateaux in loire valley are known for their royal past, cared for by noble families and figures in history. It covers the areas of 310 square miles or 800 sq km. Visitors today will still feel something of the regal about this green countryside just an hour outside paris. France is awash with magnificent castles and the loires rolling hills and medieval towns are home to more than 300 of them, each revealing histories of passion, treason, murder and more. For centuries, the loire valley has been the favoured retreat of frances elite and its majestic chateaux are a symbol of its wealthy past. All our tours are inclusive with no additional hidden costs. The area extends from sullysurloire to chalonnes along the banks of the river loire and its tributaries.
Best places to stay in loire valley, france the hotel guru. May 2, 2020 explore abandoned fairy tale castles and chateaus of the loire valley france, dublin and wicklow ireland, and england in a new historical. The formation of the region as we know it today began after its conquest by julius caesar in. Nantes sothebys international realty, luxuary real estate agency, propose you a 500 m2 castle from the xixth century, on a 14 hectare land 3 hectares fenced. This is a great opportunity to enjoy this rich region of chateaux and vineyards. The area of the loire valley comprises about 800 square kilometres. A history of the chateaux of the loire valley loire valley castles tours starting from 9,00 find out more the french renaissance lasted from the 15th to the 16th century. Frances loire valley kings had been good at incorporating italian renaissance ideas into french life. The guide that shows you what other travel books only tell you.
He depicts the chateau of blois in its imposing beauty, the original fortifications in chinon and angers, and the magnificent azaylerideau. History of the loire valley steeped in history with roots dating to the era of julius caesar, the riches of the loire valley have been the subject of much conflict for millennia. The loire valley, two hours southwest of paris, offers frances greatest array of chateau experiences. As the wars of the 15th century wound down, kings charles vii, louis xi, and their successors preferred to spend the bulk of their time in the garden of france along the banks of the loire. In 2000, unesco added the chateaux of the loire valley to its world heritage list.
The road from the past, traveling through history in france. Early dominion of the gauls was seceded to the romans in 52bc, whose grip on the area and much of modernday france would hold for centuries, and which would. This is a fascinating book for all lovers of the loire valley, all travelers, and anyone with an interest in history. This destination may have covid19 travel restrictions in place. Chinon is closely associated with the great history of france.
The valleys grand castles were often used as hunting. Loire valley region history and culture howstuffworks. This is also a great book for a history buff, as the history of each chateau is featured in detail. The loire valley is also known for its outstanding wines red, white, rose and sparkling and lively, sophisticated cities, including orleans, blois, tours and angers yet more reasons why the entire area is an enormous unesco world heritage site. Today the loire valley might seem like one of the most peaceful places in france with its storybook castles and old world villages and chateaux. The chateaux increase in extravagance and opulence, their gardens ordered and majestic, and the rows of. The guide includes unique cutaways, floorplans and reconstructions of the regions stunning architecture, plus 3d. Its popularity with aristocracy and royalty has left its lush countryside sprinkled with fairytale chateaux and many grand renaissanceera castles that tourists can visit. The loire valley is a just short train journey from paris and an easy drive from the coast of normandy. It is referred to as the cradle of the french and the garden of france due to the abundance of vineyards, fruit orchards, and artichoke, and asparagus fields, which line the banks of the river. The worldfamous chateaux of the loire attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Some star chateaux are wellknown names such as chambord or azaylerideau. Books about loire valley the slow road travel blog.
The magnificent chateaux became palaces of pleasure with their facades reflecting their italian influence and their stunning locations advantageously nestled in the tranquil loire valley. This is an enjoyable book with lots of photos of chateaux throughout the loire valley of france. Each castle has a unique history loire valley castles tours starting from 9,00 find out more although some might tend to group the loire valley chateaux together, each one is vastly different from the other and lays claim to its own unique history. Do not come if you want the glitz and scale of a marriott hilton chain hotel, however, if you want a fine stay in a genuine small chateau, in an idyllic location, there isnt a better facility at this rice range in the loire valley. The most magical chateaux and castles in the loire valley. Top 10 most beautiful chateaux of the loire valley french moments. The loire valley is an area steeped in history and because of its riches, one that has been fought over and influenced by a variety of adversaries from the romans to atila the hun. The loire valley of france, found between the towns of tours and blois, offers a fascinating landscape of vineyards, forests, gardens, and stately chateaux singular chateau. The perfect location for a visit to the loire chateaux.
Discover the unique tourism destinations of the loire valley in french wine region. Loire valley chateaux tour with skip the line entry and wine. Guide to the chateaux of the loire valley tripsavvy. Front cover for the book a brief history of france by cecil jenkins. The dk eyewitness loire valley travel guide will lead you straight to the best attractions loire valley has to offer. An interactivr map of chateaux of the loire valley. Slum it with richard the lionheart, joan of arc, and leonardo. It contains a list of more than a hundred chateaux, a selection of chateaux with the most famous french castles, a map and a selection of hotels, bed and.
Here are ten ways to make the most of a trip to the loire valley. It was built on the site of an old mill on the river cher, sometime before its first mention in writing in the 11th century. Many had exquisite churches on the grounds or within the chateau. Loire valley chateaux pictures guide, which are best for you. Loire valley guide for visitors from people living here. But in fact the area is one with a rich history and the numerous castles and fortifications are a testament to the numerous conflicts that took place over the centuries.
In the late 15th century, tours, then blois, and later amboise became the preferred locations of the french royal court. The loire valley has been the chosen retreat of the french elite for hundreds of years. It constitutes an exceptional site for its biological diversity as well as for its historical and. Sep 26, 2007 the architectural heritage of the french kings is nowhere as present as in the loire valley. The loire valley is still in spite of its attractions a delightfully spacious and undeveloped region of sunflower fields, vineyards, massive green forests and over 300 chateaux, a place so large and full of interest that it can absorb many thousands of tourists daily without seeming crowded even in peak season, though some castles do get a bit hectic, notably magnificent. The epicenter of this 16th to 18thcentury lifestyle was the loire valley, located two hours southwest of paris and the perfect setting for royal summer escapades. The architectural heritage of the french kings is nowhere as present as in the loire valley. Time travel through france by way of its finest chateaux, cathedrals and monasteries. The cultural and historic heritage of the loire valley is found in its villages, the architecture of the many chateaux and castles and in the works of art in many national museums. The formation of the region as we know it today began after its conquest by julius caesar in 52 bc.
Book chateau or gites holiday in the loire valley france. With over 300 chateaux spread around the region, loire valley is bursting with culture and historical architecture. The loire valley is a popular region of france and, unless you are just there on a day trip from paris, you will be able to choose from a selection of fantastic local accommodations. A low limestone and tuff stone cliff is often to be found on either side of the valley between orleans and angers. In the loire valley, the biggest tributaries are the vienne, the cher and the indre. The loire valley, in central frances loire river, is known for its abundant produce, famed wine industry, vibrant culture and stunning chateaux. May 21, 2014 a guide to visiting our france experts 12 favourite chateaux in the loire valley, france, including information on their gardens and history, entry prices and contact details, and how to avoid. This is also a great book for a history buff, as the history of each. This destination may have covid19 travel restrictions in place, including specific restrictions for lodging. The most famous hotels are located in blois, amboise and tours, right in the middle of the bestknown areas.
The chateaux of the loire valley number over three hundred, ranging from practical fortified castles from the 10th century to splendid residences built half a millennium later. It was in 1516 that leonardo da vinci crossed the alps on a donkey, the mona lisa in his saddlebag. The area of the loire valley comprises about 800 square kilometres 310 sq mi. Click on for more information on individual chateau. When the french kings began constructing their huge. Loire valley chateaux pictures guide, which are best for. Loire valley guide showing the many things to do and see in this beautiful part of france,from people who live here tn the loire valley, more than just the loire river and its chateaux. The best chateaux of the loire valley, france telegraph. The loire valley portrays a scene of centuries of conflict and war ruins contrasted by the lavish castles and lifestyles of french kings and queens. The book features some well known chateaux as well as some that are not so well known. The loire valley has been a unesco world heritage site for over 15 years and is often referred to as the garden of france due to its myriad of vineyards, fruit orchards, artichoke and asparagus fields. Once upon a time, the picturesque loire valley was playground to the french court, where royalty went to get away from it all.