The 15 Best Castles in the Loire Valley, France + Tips to Visit

Visiting the magnificent castles in the Loire Valley feels like walking through a storybook.

But with so many Loire Valley chateaux, it can be tough to decide which ones to visit.  This guide will help you plan your trip to the Loire Valley.

With its sweeping vineyards and quaint towns, the Loire valley spans 280 kilometres (170 miles) in central France, stretching from the cities of Saumur to Orléans.  The entire region is a UNESCO world heritage site, making it the largest one in France.

Whether you’re on a day trip from Paris, or spending a few days in the valley, here are some of the best Loire Valley castles that you shouldn’t miss.

The Best Castles in the Loire Valley

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Castles near Tours
Castles in or near Amboise
Castles in or near Blois
How to get to the Loire Valley
How to get around in the Loire Valley
How many days do you need in the Loire Valley
The best time to visit the Loire Valley
Take a day tour to the Loire Valley from Paris
Other things to do in the Loire Valley
Best places to stay in the Loire Valley
Map to the castles of the Loire Valley

Loire Valley Castles near Tours

1. Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

Built around 1520, Azay-le-Rideau is one of the best examples of early French Renaissance architecture.

Set on an island in the Indre River, this small castle with its fairy tale turrets is famed for its Instagram-perfect reflections.  The castle is surrounded by stunning English-style gardens.

A striking feature of this Loire Valley castle’s interior is the Renaissance bedroom that showcases a variety of beautiful tapestries and ceiling decoration.

2. Château de Villandry

Built in 1536, the main draw of the Château de Villandry is its gardens.

The interior is not that interesting, but the ground are impressive.  The theme gardens encompass native French herbs, vegetables, and fruit trees set on a backdrop of flowing fountains and numerous ponds. It’s all laid our in a geometric pattern divided by hedges.

This castle in the Loire Valley is a beautiful place to wander.

3. Château d’Ussé

The Château d’Ussé is known as the Sleeping Beauty castle.

Built at the edge of the Chinon forest, the picturesque castle is thought to have inspired Charles Perrault when he wrote “Sleeping Beauty.”  It also played a role in the design of the Cinderella castle in Disneyland.

This Loire Valley castle is privately owned and still occupied by the family.  They make sparkling wine from the vineyard on the grounds.

Inside, the castle has kept much of its 18th century furniture.  There’s a fine collection of tapestries and rotating exhibits of period costumes.  Don’t miss the attic which has been set up with scenes of a 16th century princess playing with her toys, watched over by the good fairies.

4. Château de Chinon

Château de Chinon dominates over the town of Chinon and extends along the Vienne River. The medieval era stronghold was built by Theobald I in 1160.

It features a fortress and a vast collection of medieval-age weapons and other artifacts. Its interior and gardens do not, however, compare to many of the other castles.

The castle is open all year-round.

5. Château de Saumur

Château de Saumur punctuates the skyline of Saumur town in the Loire Valley. It was built in the 1oth century to protect against Norman attacks.

There are two museums in the castle: ‘Musee des Arts Décoratifs’ and ‘Musee du Cheval’ (horse).

Enjoy great views of the river and Saumur town from the balconies of the chateau. Try walking up the castle from the riverside to savour its breathtaking exterior designs and courtyard.

6. Château de Langeais

You’ll find the Château de Langeais in the heart of the town of the same name. The towering castle that consists of two buildings is an unmistakable figure over the town’s skyline.

Inside, there are 15 richly furnished rooms.  Some of the history of the castle is displayed by wax figures which have been described as rather odd.

Outside, kids will love this castle’s working drawbridge, as well as the surrounding gardens and playground. As you continue, through the gardens up a slope, there’s a hiking trail that leads to a fun tree house in a massive cedar.

Castles in the Loire Valley in or near Amboise

7. Château de Chenonceau

The Château de Chenonceau has it all – – a beautiful exterior spanning the Cher River, beautiful gardens and a sumptuous interior.

Known as the “women’s castle,” it also has a compelling backstory.  King Henry II gave the castle to his mistress, who was driven out when the queen become regent. You can see the the competing styles of Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis throughout the castle.

The result is a Renaissance masterpiece that is one of the most visited castles in France.

For the best experience when visiting Château de Chenonceau, arrive early before the crowds surge in, or come later in the afternoon.

8. Château Royal d’Amboise

Built above the Loire river is the enchanting Château d’Amboise. It became a favorite residence for kings since 1434 when King Charles VII of France conquered it.

Charles VIII turned the castle into a luxurious palace.  Not long after the work was completed, he died after banging his head on one of the low doorways (can’t make this stuff up!)

The interior is sparsely furnished but not without some soap operatic intrigue.  There are three rooms named after famous women:  Joan of Arc, Anne of Brittany and Agnes Sorel, Charles VII’s favourite mistress.

Leonardo da Vinci was involved in the renovation of the palace. You can visit his tomb in St. Hubert’s Chapel within the Amboise chateau.

The cute town of Amboise is also worth a wander.

9. Château du Clos Luce, Amboise

The Château du Clos Lucé is just up the street from the Amboise castle, but many find it more fascinating.

This is where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last three years (1516-1519). He made some of his most groundbreaking inventions here.

There are indoor and outdoor exhibitions of da Vinci’s most imaginative works, including the machine gun, helicopter and paddle boat.

The tranquil grounds are stunning.  You can almost imagine da Vinci drawing inspiration from the serene gardens and ponds.

10. Château de Loches

The Château de Loches is a 9th-century castle built by the Indre River by King Philip II of France. The King and his court stayed here when they were passing through town or avoiding their enemies in Paris.

This Loire Valley castle is unique for its multiple towers and stained glass windows.  It also houses the largest cache of medieval armour in France.

The interior is sparse but you will see tapestries, lanterns, and gigantic fireplaces.

Loire Valley Castles in or near Blois

11. Château De Chambord

The Château de Chambord is the biggest and most visited castle in the Loire Valley.

Constructed in 1519 by Francois I, this castle embodies the breathtaking architecture of the French Renaissance. The interior features a massive double-helix staircase inspired by Leonardo da Vinci.

If you’re not visiting on a guided tour, it’s worth getting the audio tour.  There are many historical tidbits to discover.  For example, during World War II, some of Frances’ most valuable national treasures, such as the Mona Lisa, were stored at Chambord.

Don’t miss the views from the roof and be sure to explore the massive gardens. You can also hire bicycles and boats for rides on the grounds.

12. Château Royal de Blois

The Château Royal de Blois was built in 1608 in the centre of the town of Blois.

The castle consists of four wings that display the architectural styles from four distinct periods: Gothic, Renaissance, Flamboyant, and Classicism.

The interior has been restored in detail.  It features palatial rooms that drip with royalty. There’s a fine art museum with over 30,000 artistic pieces.

Visitors can have a photo taken on the throne within the Stateroom.

In the evenings during the summer, the castle hosts a Sound and Light Show accompanied by classic music.

13. Château de Cheverny

This elegant castle in the Loire valley is known for its perfect classical architecture. The Château de Cheverny has been owned and maintained by the same family for more than 600 years.

Inside are some of the most lavishly furnished rooms anywhere in the Loire Valley, virtually unchanged for generations.  It also contains a fabulous art collection.

There’s a tearoom in the orangerie behind the main castle.  Be sure to try the creamy hot chocolate.

Don’t miss the flower gardens and the daily feeding of more than 100 hounds that live in the castle kennel.

Fun fact – – Cheverny’s architecture was the inspiration of the home of cartoon character, Tintin’s friend Captain Haddock.

14. Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

The Chaumont-sur-Loire castle was rebuilt in the 15th century after the original structure was destroyed.

The castle is known for its medieval exterior, an interior courtyard and striking contemporary art.  It also hosts an international garden festival for which 30 magnificent gardens are created each year.

Be sure to see the stables which contain a variety of antique carriages.

15. Château de Sully-sur-Loire

The Château de Sully-sur-Loire is a genuine medieval fortress with a moat, turrets and ramparts with holes for pouring boiling liquid on invaders.

It has 19 richly decorated rooms dating from the middle ages to the 19th century.

Fun fact: Voltaire stayed at Sully in the 1710s after being exiled from Paris.

How to get to the Loire Valley

You can get to Loire Valley by train, car, or a guided tour.

A good option that I used is to take the train to Tours, and then rent a car to visit the region.  This way, I avoided driving in Paris.  The ride on the fastest trains is just over an hour.

How to get around in the Loire Valley

A car is the most convenient way to get around the Loire Valley. You’ll be able to follow your own itinerary for visiting the region.

I typically use Auto Europe to find a good rental price.

Except for Chambord, parking is free in most castles. The roads are in good condition with ample signs for directions. Book your car early if visiting during the peak season (June-September).

Cycling is an attractive alternative as there are well-paved biking trails along the Loire river. You can rent a bike from Les Velos Verts, and Velo Val de Loire.

How many days do you need in Loire Valley?

You’ll need 3 to 4 days to visit the Loire Valley.

Plan a daily itinerary that covers three castles at most. Believe it or not, it’s possible to get “castled out.”

The best time to visit the Loire Valley

The best time of the year to visit the Loire Valley is between April and October as some castles close during winter.

As summer kicks-in, the weather gets warmer and the flowers begin to bloom creating a feast for the eyes in the numerous castle gardens.

The peak season is between June and October when festivals are in full gear and flowers have fully bloomed. The crowds are larger and the weather can be quite warm.

To avoid the big crowds, go in May to mid-June.

Take a day tour to the Loire Valley from Paris

If you’re short on time, you can also visit the Loire Valley on a day tour from Paris.  You’ll get all of the historical tidbits on a guided tour.

Here are some good options:

• This highly-rated day tour for small groups from Paris to the castles in Chambord and Blois, with a wine tasting at Chenonceau
• A small group day tour from Paris to Châteaux Chambord, Chenonceau, and Clos Lucé
• A full-day small group tour from Paris to Chambord, Amboise & Chenonceau Chateaux

Other things to do in Loire Valley

Wineries

Enjoy an afternoon wine tasting tour of the Vouvray region to taste elegant wines at two estates in the region (departs from Tours).

Hot air balloon ride

Experience three hours of pure bliss on a hot air balloon ride from Chenonceau.  Enjoy an aerial view of the castles, gardens and vineyards while an experienced tour guide shares the stories.

Loire Valley Lakes

You can swim, paddle or just kick-back on the banks of the many lakes and beaches on the Loire Valley.

Best Places to Stay in the Loire Valley

The best base for exploring the Loire Valley might be determined by the castles you intend to visit.

For example,  stay in Amboise town to visit Amboise Chateau, Chenonceau, and Clos-Luce.

Blois will be a convenient base to visit Chambord, Chaumont, and Cheverny.

And Tours works well for visiting Usse, Azzay-le-Rideau, and Villandry.

Stay in a Loire Valley hotel or apartment

Tours

Tours is often considered the gateway to the châteaux and wineries of the Loire Valley.  For accommodations, here are 3 good options:

• Oceania L’Univers Tours, a 4-star spa hotel near the centre of Tours.
• La Maison Jules, a small, luxury guesthouse set in a charming 19th century mansion in the heart of the city of Tours.
• La balançoire, a one-bedroom apartment equipped with a full kitchen and washing machine in the centre of Tours.

Amboise 

Here a a few recommendations for Amboise:

• Le Clos d’Amboise is an elegant 17th-century mansion in the heart of Amboise that includes access to a heated outdoor pool.
• Le Manoir Saint Thomas, located near the Château d’Amboise with a special old-time charm.
• Le Manoir les Minimes is a charming residence with an exceptional view of the Château d’Amboise.

Blois

In Blois, choose from these options:

• La Perluette, a highly-rated bed & breakfast with a sun terrace.
• La Maison du Carroir, another elegant B&B, near Blois castle.

Stay in a mansion or chateau in the countryside

If you’re traveling with a car, you may want to stay in a chateau in the countryside.  Here are my picks:

• Auberge du Bon Laboureur; a beautiful 18th-century countryside inn, with a gourmet restaurant, very close to the Château de Chenonceau.  Read more about my stay here,
• Le Relais de Chambord,  a 4-star hotel with stunning views of Château de Chambord.

Stay in a cave

Here’s something you might not expect.  The Loire Valley has many dwellings, called troglodyte homes, that are carved into cliff sides.  Yes, you can literally stay in a cave!  Here are a couple of good choices:

• Demeure de la Vignole; a 17th-century cave-house in the town of Turquant.
• Troglododo, eco-friendly hotel is set in a 16th-century troglodyte farmhouse near Azay-le-Rideau.

Map to the castles of the Loire Valley

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