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The Loire River Valley is known for its beautiful castles, as well as excellent wines. Its waters, irrigating a fifth of France, attract tourists from all over the world. The Loire is called the “river of kings”, and its valley is called the “wedding dress of France” and the “royal garden of France”. In this case, these big words do not seem like an exaggeration. Between Nantes and Orleans there are dozens of castles and it is impossible to describe the history of France without touching on the valleys of this majestic river. Chinon Castle alone is worth it.

River length: 1012 km.

Drainage basin area: 117,000 km. sq.

Largest cities: Nantes, Angers, Tours (once the capital of France), Orleans...

Main tributaries: Cher, Vienne, Allier, Indre, Maine, Aron.

Population: about 7,000,000 people.

Where does it occur: The river originates in the south of France in the Ardèche department. The source is located on Mount Gerbier de Jonc. From its source the river flows north to Orleans, where the river turns west. After Orleans, the most famous part of the river begins. From here until it flows into the Atlantic Ocean, tourists are surrounded by magnificent castles, palaces and ancient cities at every step. At the mouth the river forms an estuary. In summer, the river can even be forded in places, but during floods its flow can double.

To personally visit all the castles and attractions of the Loire River Valley you will have to spend quite a lot of time. But there is an alternative option. Near the Castle of Amboise there is a park of castle miniatures (Parc des mini chateaux).

Video about the miniature park and more:

Here are photos of some of the castles:

The entire list of Laura's castles is much longer. It can be viewed in full on Wikipedia.

See also video:

"Loire Valley - Glitter and Poverty"

"Magnificent castles of the Loire in France"

PS: Also worthy of attention is the Brenn Natural Park, located between Poitiers and Chateauroux. It is considered the most important lake reserve in France. Although, in fact, most of the park consists of ponds and reservoirs connected to each other through numerous canals and channels.

The Loire Valley is the birthplace of the French Renaissance, one of the most picturesque and poetic places on Earth, where the literary French language developed. Natives of these places were Francois Rabelais, Pierre Ronsard and Honore Balzac. Here, François Villon and Victor Hugo, Stendhal and Jules Verne, Oscar Wilde, George Sand and Charles Perrault drew their inspiration to write new works.

But, of course, the main attraction of the valley are the numerous castles, most of them built or significantly rebuilt during the French Renaissance, which served as a refuge for royalty in difficult times. The abundance of magnificent architectural and historical monuments in this part of France determined the inclusion of the Loire Valley in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Traditionally, 42 castles are called castles of the Loire (although English Wikipedia mentions as many as 300). Let's look at a few of the most famous ones.

Chenonceau Castle
Chenonceau Castle (Chateau de Chenonceau) is unique for its original location on the Cher River, as well as for its destiny. He was loved, cherished and protected by women such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici

These days, Chenonceau Castle is the second most visited castle in France after Versailles.

Valencay Castle
Valencay Castle (Chateau de Valencay) combines two architectural styles - Renaissance and classicism. It is fully furnished and surrounded by superb French-style gardens and an English park. At one time, the castle belonged to Talleyrand, for whom it was acquired by Napoleon in 1803.

Castle of Azay-le-Rideau
The castle of Azay-le-Rideau (Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau), built on an island in the middle of the Indre River, in its present form was built during the reign of Francis I by the wealthy financier Gilles Berthelot, who wanted to implement Italian innovations in French architecture. Surrounded by greenery, the castle is washed by the waters of the Indre, in which its walls are reflected.

Royal Castle of Blois
The Royal Castle of Blois (Chateau Royal de Blois) is the favorite residence of the French kings Louis XII and Francis I. The castle is located in the center of the city of Blois, on the right bank of the Loire, and offers tourists a real panorama of the art and history of the castles of the Loire.

Castle of Saumur
Chateau de Saumur is located in the town of the same name, considered the cavalry capital of France (the National Equestrian School is located here), also known for its champignons and wine. Inside the castle there are three museums: applied arts (porcelain, tapestries of the 15th century), horses (stirrups, bridles, a collection of saddles and sleds from the Russian "troika") and ancient toys (animals, clowns and soldiers).

Chambord Castle
Chateau de Chambord is the largest of all the castles of the Loire. It was built by order of Francis I, who wanted to be closer to his beloved lady, Countess Turi, who lived nearby.

Cheverny Castle
Cheverny Castle (Chateau de Cheverny) is recognized as the castle with the most magnificent furnishings. It is famous for its kennel and regular hound hunts. The Moulensart castle from the comics of the Belgian artist Hergé was copied from the Cheverny castle.

Angers Castle
Angers Castle (Chateau d'Angers) - a large medieval fortress with seventeen towers was built by the young St. Louis on the border of his kingdom in the 13th century. From Neolithic times to the 21st century, this place has constantly changed its appearance and purpose, with each period leaving its mark. Behind the fortress walls are living quarters and gardens. The castle exhibits the famous Apocalypse tapestry, the largest work of medieval masters.

Castle of Clos Lucé
Castle of Clos Luce (Le Clos Luce) - House-Museum of Leonardo da Vinci. At the beginning of 1516, Leonardo da Vinci accepted the invitation of King Francis I and settled in France. The artist died on May 2, 1519 and was buried in the Amboise castle, which is located nearby and connected to the Clos Luce castle by an underground passage. The d'Amboise family saved Clos-Lucé from destruction during the revolution. It then became the property of the Saint-Bris family. This family has preserved the castle to this day. Today the Leonardo da Vinci Museum is organized in Clos Luce. In the castle and park, the universe of Leonardo da Vinci is recreated and comes to life.

Royal Castle of Amboise
The Royal Castle of Amboise (Chateau Royal D'Amboise), towering over the Loire in the city of Amboise, becomes a royal residence during the reign of kings Charles VIII and Francis I (late 15th - early 16th centuries). Many European artists and writers lived at the court in Amboise at the invitation of the kings, like Leonardo da Vinci - here he finished La Gioconda, and here he died in 1519. The great artist, as is commonly believed, was buried in the castle chapel of St. Huberta.

Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle

The Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle (chateau de Chaumont-sur-Loire) is located on the estate of the same name, where there is also a landscape park with hundred-year-old cedar trees and the International Flower Festival. The sharpest and most original minds lived here - Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitiers, Nostradamus, Ruggieri, Benjamin Franklin, Germaine de Stael, as well as the wayward Princess Broglie, who turned Chaumont-sur-Loire into a sophisticated and sophisticated residence in the French style.

Langeais Castle

Langeais Castle (Chateau de Langeais) was founded at the end of the 10th century by the Angevin Count Fulk the Black (the founder of the Plantagenet dynasty) on a cliff hanging over the Loire Valley. In the 12th century the castle was expanded by his descendant Richard the Lionheart. Philip II Augustus recaptured Langeais from the Angevin counts in 1206, then it was partially destroyed by the British in the Hundred Years' War. The façade of the main tower, nicknamed the “donjon of Fulk the Black,” has been preserved from the building of that era; it is considered the oldest surviving stone fortress in France. The rest of the castle was built in the second half of the 15th century, under Louis XI.

Villandry Castle

Villandry Castle (Chateau de Villandry) is located 15 km west of Tours on the D7 highway. Famous for its 3 gardens, a keep rising above the ornamental vegetable gardens (1 hectare), an ornamental garden and a garden with a pond.

Fontevraud Abbey

Fontevraud Abbey (Abbaye de Fontevraud) is one of the largest monastic complexes in Europe, the tomb of the royal Plantagenet dynasty. Fontevraud Abbey amazes with its size and originality. Turned into a prison by Napoleon in 1804, it escapes destruction and becomes a formidable place of detention. The last prisoners will leave it only in 1985. Today it is the Cultural Meeting Center (according to the terminology of the Ministry of Culture and Communication). The Abbey hosts concerts, conferences and exhibitions. The Abbey also encourages creativity to flourish by welcoming and housing artists.

Loire Valley- a stunningly picturesque stretch of land in the center of France - is widely known for its magnificent historic towns, vineyards and castles. Moreover, its beautiful cascading green hills and tranquil landscape have made it an ideal muse for many lovers of writers, artists or poets. Parts of it were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, and its timeless natural beauty has indeed earned it the nickname "the garden of France".

With origins dating back to the mid-Paleolithic period, the Loire Valley boasts some of the most charming towns and architectural monuments in Europe, such as Amboise, Blois, Saumur, Tours and wonderful castles including Chambord and Chenonceau. Everywhere you turn you will be reminded of the artistic influence of the Renaissance and Enlightenment. Indeed, visiting these places is like taking a historical trip back to a simpler, but aesthetically pleasing period of time.

Historical landscape

In the early 15th century, the young Joan of Arc led French forces in a number of important battles that ultimately led to the defeat of the British in the war for complete control of the region. Even before this happened, the Loire Valley had been coveted by kings and queens since the 10th century. This is not surprising, as this exquisite valley is surrounded by the Loire River - France's longest river - and has lush green forests, rich fertile lands and an ideal climate for wine harvesting.

As was customary at the time, only royalty, nobility and wealthy citizens could afford the luxury of higher education in the arts and cultural activities. The best artists, historians, architects and writers of the time were often invited to strengthen the court artistic press. Of these honored guests, the famous artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci was so intrigued by this wonderful place at the invitation of the king that in 1516 he established a residence in the city Amboise and remained there until his death in 1519. His home - Le Clos-Luce - eventually turned into a museum dedicated to the genius of this man's creations. This lovely town also has an attractive castle and a museum dedicated to the history of the postal service.

Another city worth visiting for its unique landscape and historical significance is Blois . A Renaissance castle, the Chateau de Blois was once the home of King Louis XVII in the heart of the city. The city itself was built on a steep hill with winding paths that end in long staircases at various points, making it a most interesting place to explore. A fun attraction found in Blois - La Maison de la Magie Robert-Houdin (the home of the wizard Robert-Houdin) is the only public museum in France dedicated exclusively to magic and the performing arts.

City Tour also deserves a mention. Known for its charming medieval old town, 12th-century cathedral and the distinction of being the city with the purest form of French, Tours boasts a more lively atmosphere than most other cities in the Loire Valley. On any given day, the main square - Place Plumereau - is alive with the bustling sounds of visitors in the many open-air cafes, bars and restaurants.

Fascinating Castles

With over 300 castles in the Loire Valley, you can feel a little confused about which ones to visit during your short stay in the region. While all castles have their own uniqueness that makes them special for individual visitors, three that really stand out are Chambord, Azay-le-Rideau and Chenonceau.

One of the oldest castles in the region, Azay-le-Rideau was named after Lord Riedel, who decided to build a fortress on an island protected by a road leading travelers from Tours to Chinon, in the late 12th century. King Francois I modernized it, using the best French and Italian masters - architects and designers of the time. By the early 1500s, the castle was purchased by the French Minister of Finance as a gift for his son. The young man quickly commissioned renovations, giving the castle the curious "L" shape it retains to this day - offering the essence of a stately French chateau combined with an Italian palazzo. Today, visitors can get a glimpse of the royal family's privileged life as they wander through its open spaces, including the drawing room, library and master bedroom - all decorated with restored furniture and colorful original tapestries.

Situated in a small village Chenonceau seemingly floating on underwater arches. The majestic Chateau de Chenonceau is perhaps the most romantic castle in the Loire Valley. Known as the "six ladies' castle" - for its famous inhabitants, including the queen, mistress and colorful ladies of society - this beautiful castle is a historical marvel. We strongly recommend that you order a guide to this special castle to fully appreciate the fascinating stories surrounding its attractive inhabitants.

Today, Chenonceau ranks second after Versailles as the most visited castle in France.

If time allows you to visit only one castle, then Chambord will give you a better idea of ​​the luxury of 16th century castles, featuring no less than 440 rooms! This huge castle, located deep in the forest, was first built as a summer living room and hunting ground for King François I. He deliberately commissioned it to be built so large to remind citizens of the power of the court. Although the castle was not completed during his lifetime, it is a regal reminder of the unlimited power of the French crown at that time. Today the castle grounds serve as a hunting reserve and national park, as well as a feudal castle museum with four towers, a central dungeon and three magnificent floors reached by a winding staircase.

When visiting any of the Loire Valley castles, it is important to keep an eye on opening times, which vary seasonally, and know that no food, drink or camera flash is allowed inside.

Wineries and restaurants

Thanks to its pleasant climate and the aforementioned fertile lands, the Loire Valley enjoys an abundance of fresh produce, fruit, dairy products and high-quality wines and liqueurs. Like many other regions of the world, each city is famous for its delicacies. For example, sunny Tours produces delicious plums and melons, shady Touraine boasts fine mushrooms and asparagus, while Orléans is famous for the poultry grown on its vast farmland.

Because the Loire Valley is located in northern France, its best wine regions are on the south-facing slopes. Some of the country's best wines, including Sancerre and Pouilly Fumé, come from here. Villages with exceptional sparkling wines include Montlouis, Saumur and Vournay.

Visiting wineries in the Loire Valley is often as simple as contacting them and making an appointment. Wine tasting in this part of France is a leisurely experience, and the wine is often paired with regional cheeses or other tasty morsels. Since there are many different types of wine from different areas - such as reds from Chinon, whites from Angers and sweet wines from Vouvrey - one should either look for wineries in their preferred area that may be open to visitors, or consult expert guides who can accompany you to several wineries over several days. Hiring this type of service can save you a lot of valuable time and energy, as there are a huge number of wineries to choose from. One such company with over 25 years of experience in the Loire Valley is called Le Tasting Room. They can organize a day at specific wineries or conduct an introductory wine tasting of the entire region to give you an idea of ​​what's on offer.

Those wishing to enjoy exceptional traditional cuisine in an elegant yet cozy setting can book a room at the 1* Michelin hotel Le Bon Laboureur in Chenonceux. In addition to an affordable 3-course menu, this small hotel restaurant offers a large selection of cheeses and desserts, as well as a selection of the region's best wines.

If you prefer French food with a more modern twist, try Les Linottes Gourmandes in Tours. Situated in the heart of the Old Town, this restaurant has a wonderful selection of dishes like foie gras de Canard (duck liver pate) and Noix de Saint-Jacques (scallops) and knowledgeable, friendly staff.

For a truly wonderful dining experience, book a table at L'Orangerie du Château de Blois, a fine dining restaurant in every sense: the kitchen is an oasis of creatively combined flavors - the presentation of the dishes is impeccable and the service is delightful. It's best to choose the tasting menu, then sit back and enjoy adventures.

Where to stay for a while

Deciding where to stay in the Loire Valley depends on the route you choose for yourself and, of course, the time you plan to stay in the region. A good option if you're looking for a charming place just outside Tours with easy access to the rest of the region is the Domaine de la Tortiniere, a 24-room former castle (some rooms located outside the castle) turned into a 4* hotel. The environment is serene and relaxing, with a lovely park and terrace - a reasonable distance from the castles of Azay-le-Dito and Chenonceau, as well as the wine regions of Montlouis or Vouvray. For a more intimate stay in Chinon, try Hotel Diderot, a divine mini-mansion with clean, tastefully decorated rooms, a beautiful patio and garden, and a welcome croissant, homemade jam and fresh juice.

For budget travelers wanting to see the Loire Valley by car or bike, the Loire Côte Coy-Ligerin in the pretty town of Blois is a top choice. This small, unassuming hotel offers comfortable rooms next to the river and is located just a few minutes from the town's castle.

Road

Due to its close proximity to Paris, a visit to the Loire Valley can be anything from a fast-paced day trip to an extended visit to fully discover the region. If you're on a time crunch, book a bus from Paris that can take you on an escorted tour to visit 3-4 castles in just one day. Prices for these services start from 150 euros per person. If you're the adventurous type, rent a car and drive 2.5-3 hours into the Loire Valley on your own and explore the region in your own way for as long as you like. Expect to pay a minimum of €30 for travel (one way), plus the cost of your rental car. To really experience the region, take the TGV (fast train) from Paris to Tours in just 35 minutes, then take local transport to the castles from there. Alternatively, take the train from Paris to Blois - which will get you there in about 1.5 hours - and begin your journey to this charming little town. Prices for these trains vary, but usually start from 45 euros one way.

One fun way to explore the area, for travelers with little time, is to take a bike tour. Cycling is a fun and relaxing way to explore the enchanting landscapes of the Loire Valley. BikeToursDirect offers self-guided cycling tours of the Loire Valley, ranging in length from 5 days to two weeks. Orleans to Angers is a popular route that runs throughout the valley and takes about 9 days at a leisurely pace.

Whatever you decide, it is advisable to visit the Loire Valley during the spring months (March-May) when the sun is shining - plus flowers and magnificent scenery are in full bloom - or during the early autumn months of September and October - during the harvest season, when the weather is still mild and the foliage is changing dramatically to warm chestnut and yellow tones.

The Loire Valley, the ideal playground for kings and queens for centuries, comes alive again with each new visitor who is seduced by its enchanting beauty. There is undoubtedly a lot to see and be impressed by this magnificent region that you will later remember and dream about when you can return here. No matter how long you decide to stay here, there is no doubt that this will be an experience that you will always treasure.

Famed for its fine wines, opulent castles and Renaissance intrigue, the Loire Valley boasts both a wealth of history and architecture. Like the Loire River itself, this vast region cuts through the very heart of French life. Its sophisticated cities, lush landscapes and excellent wine and food complete the picture of a bourgeois paradise.

Scattered throughout the valley are magnificent castles and ancient cities, which for a long time, before King Henri IV moved his entire court to Paris, were home to the royal family and served as the center of social and cultural life in France. The towns of Tours and Angers, located on the river, are excellent starting points for exploring the valley and its treasures. In addition to regular bus excursions, you can rent a car or bicycle and make your own route.

From Tours, located at the confluence of the Loire and Cher rivers, you can begin an exciting journey through the Loire Valley. The city itself is of much less interest than the castles surrounding it, but it also has places and objects that deserve attention. For example, the city's cathedral, whose striking Gothic façade is flanked by 12th-century towers, and whose interior is notable for its stunning 13th-century stained glass windows and the tomb of the children of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany. Also in Tours you can visit the museum at the Archbishop's Palace, where interesting works by Degas, Delacroix, Rembrandt and Boucher are kept. Otherwise, the city is very pleasant for an evening relaxation, when the streets and bars are filled with tourists and locals. The large student population in Tours also adds an energetic touch to the city's atmosphere.

Just a few kilometers from Tours, on the Cher River, is the Château de Chenonceau, one of the famous castles of the Loire. In the Middle Ages it was used as a mill - the space of the castle completely blocks the river. Who didn’t own this castle: Henri II’s beloved Diana of Poitiers, Queen Catherine de’ Medici, and Louise de Laurens. In this regard, Chenonceau is often called the “women's palace”. Inside the palace there is a delightful 61-meter-long gallery, the living room of Louis XIV and the bedroom of François I.

Eight kilometers from Tours is the tiny village of Villandry and its castle. The latter is famous mainly for its gardens, which are open to the public from February to November. It contains not only ornamental gardens, so familiar and characteristic of Europeans. In the Villandry gardens, paths lined with vines are interspersed with neat beds and boxes of carrots, cabbage and zucchini that make up the original design, while roses rise elegantly above plantings of medicinal herbs and plants.

The city of Angers stretches across the Maine River towards the western part of the Loire Valley. It is a vibrant regional center and university city with an air of sophistication. Among the significant attractions of the Loire Valley are the intriguing Tapestry Museum of Jean Lurs, famous especially for his work "The Song of the World"; and the city cathedral with a nave and stained glass windows from the 12th century. However, the greatest attraction here is the Angers castle, surrounded by a kilometer-long fortress wall and having 17 cylindrical towers along the entire perimeter. Available for inspection are the courtyard, the prison, the creeping arches, the windmill, the 15th century chapel and the royal apartments. Well, the most important detail, for which it is worth visiting the Angers castle, is the tapestry depicting scenes of the apocalypse. Woven between 1375 and 1378 for Duke René of Anjou, it represents a vision of the apocalypse through the eyes of St. John the Evangelist.

During the Second World War, Orleans was heavily destroyed and now represents only a faded shadow of its glorious past. Its history began long before the arrival of the Romans, but the most famous event in its chronicle is the liberation of the city from the British by Joan of Arc in 1429. Every year on May 8, festivities and city parades in medieval style are held to commemorate this event.

Much of the historical character of medieval Blois can be seen in its whitewashed houses and narrow cobblestone streets. Modernity, however, also left its mark here. Tourists come here mainly to see the magnificent castle, around which there is now a circular road, which does not in the least interfere with its entertainment. This beautiful castle witnessed the assassination of the Duke of Guise, and is famous for its impressive 13th-century hall. From Blois you can also take an excursion to the Chateau de Chambord, located in the outskirts of the city.

18 km from Blois is the vast Chateau de Chambord, the largest and most famous castle in the Loire Valley. Its construction was conceived by François I, who wanted to surpass Charles V. The result was a picturesque 450-room Renaissance masterpiece, designed by an Italian architect in 1519 but executed by French masons. The facade looks typical of the French Middle Ages - massive cylindrical towers with conical tops, a large number of chimneys, spiers and turrets. However, the interior is strictly Italian in style: magnificent spiral staircases, colored marble panels, niches decorated with shell-like domes, and free-standing columns. Contrasting architectural styles came together in Chambord to create a decadent and at times contradictory whole. The castle is surrounded by a 32-kilometer wall containing a deer park.

Located in Sologne, near Blois, Cheverny Castle is one of the main castles of the Loire Valley, and for seven centuries these lands belonged to the same family. Now Cheverny is privately owned; these places are also famous for hound hunting, as evidenced by the numerous trophies on display. The Château de Cheverny as we know it today was built in 1634 by Henri Hurault, Count of Cheverny, from bourré stone, which became whiter and harder over time.

On the banks of the Loire, 32 km east of Tours, is the Renaissance city of Amboise. A beautiful city, proud of its history, attracts crowds of tourists, but this does not make it any less charming. This place was the favorite residence of Leonardo da Vinci and Charles VIII. The castle of Charles VIII rises above the city, combining the expressiveness of the Renaissance and Gothic. The original 15th-century entrance lobby opens onto a terrace with panoramic views of the river. After the revolution, the castle fell into disrepair, and now we see less than half of its former greatness. However, many rooms have been preserved, including the king's apartments, and are open to visitors. Leonardo da Vinci was invited here by Francois I to support the Renaissance in France. He settled in Clos Luce, which is now a museum where 40 models made from his drawings are exhibited. East of Amboise are museums for children, including the Mini-Chateau, a two-hectare park containing the great castles of the Loire Valley in miniature. There is also a magnificent aquarium nearby.

The Loire Valley is one of the most picturesque places on earth. Luxurious parks with many winding paths, meadows full of bliss, inviting to lie down on their silky grass, majestic castles that look like a wedding cake or are eerily reminiscent of medieval dungeons - all this has made the region a place of pilgrimage for millions of tourists. The secluded location contributed to the flourishing of not only nature, but also art. Here the Renaissance titan Leonardo da Vinci worked, Moliere staged his plays, and looked for plots and settings for the novels of A. Dumas. Today, the Loire Valley is one of the few places where you can look into the shy face of real France. Crowded and overrun by tourists, Paris has long lost its truly French charm. Only in such a slightly naive, patriarchal province the charm of a grazing nation is still preserved.

Untouched Loire Valley (France): the promised land

Geographically, this region is located in the very middle of the country. The impenetrable thickets of the forest and the shallow depth of the Loire River, too shallow for ships, sheltered it from the wars that tore the country apart in the Middle Ages. The most famous and large-scale battle took place at the walls of Orleans, glorifying the heroic Joan of Arc. Perhaps this is why the Loire Valley has been preserved in its medieval beauty. It seems that time stops here.

With Paris in close proximity to the region, the Loire Valley was the center of aristocratic life. Literally at every step here you can find at least a small, but real castle. According to rough estimates, there are only about three hundred of them. Royally luxurious and the simplest, the castles of the Loire Valley make this land look like a fairyland.

Castle-outpost of Amboise

Being at the crossing of Amboise was of great strategic importance. This is a real military fortress with many towers, massive gates and impenetrable thick walls. At the same time, thanks to the harmonious combination of Gothic and Renaissance elements, this castle is one of the most beautiful buildings in France. Leonardo da Vinci is buried in its chapel, decorated with elaborate carved bas-reliefs and colorful stained glass windows.

Chambord Labyrinth Castle

This is one of the most famous structures that the Loire Valley is rich in. Photos of this castle most often adorn guides to the main attractions of the region. The architect of this eccentric structure was Domenico de Cortona. According to rumors, Leonardo da Vinci was also involved in its creation. The construction cost the treasury dearly, but the king did not stop even when it was completely empty, ordering the gold of his subjects to be melted. You can easily get lost in it, its internal structure is so intricate and elegant: 426 rooms, 77 staircases, 282 fireplaces. This ingenious architectural decision was made so that numerous favorites could not collide with each other while walking from the king’s bedroom to their own. Around the castle there is a luxurious park where Louis XIV loved to stroll. Since 1981, Chambord has been protected by UNESCO.

Chenonceau - abode of beauty

This charming building was owned almost exclusively by women: queens, favorites and simply the wives of wealthy landowners. One of its most famous mistresses was the king's beloved Diana de Poitiers. It was she who ordered a bridge across the river to be attached to it, which is why it seems that the castle is floating above the water. Intellectual receptions were often held here, and artists, writers and musicians were welcomed. This could not but leave its mark on the interior decoration of the castle. In its halls you can find a collection of paintings by Poussin, Rubens, as well as Flemish tapestries of the 16th century.

Cheverny - a stronghold of family values

Castles in the lands of the Loire Valley were literally intended for hunting pleasures. One striking example is Cheverny. For many centuries it was passed from generation to generation of the same family. For some time, however, the king’s favorite Diana de Poitiers lived in it, but the rest of the time it was carefully preserved by the descendants of the ancient family. That is why the interiors and the building itself are so well preserved. Original paintings from the times, a trophy room with deer antlers, a kennel with hundreds of hunting dogs - everything here remains as it was many centuries ago.

The Middle Ages come to life: Lange Fortress

This castle is one of the earliest surviving witnesses of the French Middle Ages. Its walls preserve the memory of legendary historical figures such as Richard the Lionheart and Fulk the Black. Here you can see with your own eyes what has long since sunk into oblivion: Gothic chandeliers, a drawbridge of the castle (which is still functioning!), tapestries of the 15th-16th centuries, ancient sculptures and paintings. But the pearl among its exhibits is, of course, a wax composition depicting the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany. It was this event that marked the beginning of the union of Brittany and France.

Fairytale castle of Usse

This castle is closely connected with literature. According to legend, it was in it that Charles Perrault imprisoned the Sleeping Beauty in his famous fairy tale. In one of the towers there are now several wax figures illustrating episodes from there. Chateaubriand worked there on his “Grave Notes”, and Prosper Merimee admired its beauty so much that he insisted that in 1861 the Château de Ussé be included in the state list of historical monuments of France.

To help the traveler

The Loire Valley can be viewed from three cities: Blois, Tours and Angers. The train journey from Paris takes only about an hour. For further travel, it is best to rent a car, since only this vehicle will allow you to fully enjoy the picturesqueness of these places. If you like active recreation, use a bicycle; fortunately, all the conditions in the region are created for this: a large number of bicycle paths will allow you to move around quite comfortably. In some castles you can stay overnight if you don't have time to get to the hotel.

The best time to visit the Loire Valley is considered to be early autumn - the main flow of tourists will have subsided, and cafes and restaurants will already have the wine for which this fertile region is famous.

Wine break

The Loire Valley is famous not only for its castles and natural beauty, but also for its excellent wines. Approximately a third of all French wine production is produced in this region. The incredibly diverse palette of wines produced is a reason for special pride. The variety of microclimates allowed the French to grow so many grape varieties here that an inexperienced sommelier can be intimidated by just listing them. The banks are divided into zones according to soil types, of which there are only four. This is what affects the variety of berries. In fact, all wines can be divided into three groups according to the place of their production - Haute, Central and Basse-Loire. The grapes of each territory have their own special aroma and taste.

There are not many places left on earth where you can enjoy the untouched beauty of the past. Modern buildings are gradually replacing historical buildings, drowning out their majestic appearance with their standardized architecture. You can feel the breath of time by visiting the magnificent castles of the Loire Valley. France is rightfully proud of this region, which has long become a Mecca for tourists.

 

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