Loire Valley Castles

These are pictures of some of the most famous Loire Valley Castles, just to give you a taste of what to expect on your trip to the Loire Valley!

For those who have already explored the Loire region, try a blind test and see how many places you can recognize! You may need to come back to refresh your memory!

Most Famous Loire Castles

If you would like to read more about the Northern Loire region, these are the most famous chateaux:

  • Chambord is the biggest and most magnificent - but you couldn't even think about living in this huge, freezing cold castle. 
  • Chenonceau is a place conceived by women, and today is still very well decorated with flowers. Inside there are impressive bouquets and outside you can admire the gorgeous gardens. 
  • Amboise castle has been destroyed and rebuilt during history and we like very much the town itself as well as Leonardo Da Vinci's final dwelling.

If you like gardens... 

Chaumont sur Loire is a must see...as well as Villandry, La Chatonnière or Valmer.

 

Do you like religious art?

There are several abbeys in the Loire Valley that are worth a detour - you can also follow in Saint Martin's footsteps, which will take you from Candes Saint Martin to Tours. 

 

Medieval or Renaissance castles?

If you can't resist medieval castles, you can visit Langeais, Loches' impressive fortress and donjon, Montrichard and Le Rivau.

What's that you say? You are interested in Renaissance architecture? Have you heard of Blois, Tours or Azay le Rideau?

 

Off the beaten tracks Loire Valley castles

Hmmm... so you're more of an off-the-beaten-track traveler and you like to see hidden places... We're pretty sure you won't have heard of Champchevrier, Aubry, Brézé, Candé or l'Islette. All these places have a very fascinating history and one thing's for sure - you won't be bothered by the tourist crowds. 

 

Ok, I understand... you like a little of everything and prefer not to be overwhelmed with French history and castles! We totally understand that and we will be happy to prepare your special trip to the Loire Valley with daily suggested itineraries which include a bit of everything: a castle, a winery, a nice little restaurant and a relaxing stroll through a lovely garden! How about that?

 

Sample of our Best Self-Drive Trips including the Loire Valley

Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 3950
Region
in Loire Valley

Be seduced by France Just For You's very special way of discovering the Loire Valley, its must sees and hidden beauties. In this itinerary, you will experience the "sweet life" in Touraine, stopping over in little villages to savor local goat cheese or taste amazing wines. Take the time to relax in rose gardens, or to enjoy the traditional cuisine in many small restaurants frequented by the locals.

Wine Tasting Tours
Heritage & History Tours
Gourmet Food Tours
Duration
10 days
Price
US$ 3340
Region
in Loire Valley & Normandy

From the Loire Valley castles, the famous village of Mont Saint Michel surrounded by water, the landings beaches and the Norman countryside . . . to end the trip at Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny: you’ll have to keep your eyes wide open!

Heritage & History Tours
Countryside Tours
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 3340
Region
in Loire Valley & Bordeaux

Uncover every hideaway and detail of the Loire Valley and Bordeaux UNESCO heritage sites. Taste typical regional food at your hosts’ table and stay at Bed & Breakfasts with unique atmospheres.

Heritage & History Tours
Villages & Markets Tours
Duration
10 days
Price
US$ 3370
Region
in Paris, Burgundy & Loire Valley

Discover French gastronomy in three regions famous the world over for their food and wines. Burgundy and the Loire Valley are actually arguing about where Coq au Vin was first invented. Burgundy is famous for wine sauce and the Loire Valley for river fish, fruits and goat cheese. And of course Paris is heaven to gourmets! You’ll find the best boulangeries in the world in Paris, and the food markets are amazing.

Wine Tasting Tours
Heritage & History Tours

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Leslie
There are not enough superlatives for our experience with Emilie. Prompt correspondence and thorough questions led to the perfect vacation for my family. Her choice of hotels in Paris and Provence were exactly what I would have chosen on my own. Her tour guide recommendations were spot on. The fact that she arranged all of our transfers, train …
Janis
We are experienced travelers and spent about three weeks traveling the french countryside via Emilie’s arrangements. Her personalized guidebook provided everything we could have asked for and, when some unexpected issues came up, Emilie promptly responded with kind, thoughtful assistance. We spent days with detailed driving tours, truffle hunting …
Suzanne & Bill
Cannot speak highly enough of our experience with Emilie and France Just for You. They attended to every detail and request. The B&Bs were welcoming and attractive - quaint and with modern conveniences. The table-d'hotes were very special and a chance to taste authentic, regional cuisine and wines. We were very thankful to discover this wonderful …

Our Travelers’ Photos

The Loo Family
From Malaysia
At the breakfast table in the Loire Valley
Lucelle & Alan
From South Africa
Meeting their host - Mr le Prince - in a Castle in the Loire Valley
The Ko Family
from Korea
on the French Riviera
Ginette and Craig
from the US
In Chaumont castle, Loire Valley
Dan & Kim
From the US
Romantic time in Paris...
Athena, Joanne, Don & Paul
from the US
Spending a day biking in the Loire Valley
Nancy, Don, Jane & Ron
from Canada
In Honfleur, Normandy
Roy & Maureen
From Australia
In Biarritz Food Market, enjoying some white wine with oysters
Ron & Don
From Canada
In Burgundy
..& the Oyster Guy !
in Biarritz Food Market with Maureen & Roy
Scott
From Australia
Making "chou" buns in the Loire Valley
Fiona
From the UK
At a restaurant in Le Mans

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