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$ 5150
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
Heritage & History
Gourmet Food
Duration
10 days
Price
US$ 4310
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
Countryside
Duration
13 days
Price
US$ 4380
Region
in Loire Valley & Bordeaux

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

Heritage & History
Towns & Villages
Duration
10 days
Price
US$ 4880
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
Heritage & History

Our Travelers’ Reviews

Sandra
We are a group of Wine Aficionados and we recently traveled to Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, and Paris and were very impressed with this service. It took us quite some time to formalize (and agree) what we wanted in terms of places and wineries we wanted to visit, but in the end "France Just for You" came through with excellent organization and …
Miller Family
Our family of 5 adults spent 17 days touring France on a trip built around the Women's World Cup Semi-finals and Final in Lyon. France Just For You did a marvelous job setting up beautiful, well managed B&B's in 5 different regions as we explored both the history and gastronomy of France. Guided tours from personable and informative guides during …
Sandra
My husband and I prefer to travel independently not on tours but I am getting tired of doing all of the planning. Emilie did an excellent job of planning the trip. I gave input on the type of hotels and the places that we wanted to see and she took care of the details. The hotels that she picked were outstanding. All but one day we followed her …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Diana & Michael
A glass of wine in the Provence vineyards, what else ?
Harry & Caroline
From Australia
Wine & Cheese Tasting
Judy & Chris
From Great Britain
In a winery in Provence
The Rimlinger Family
from Australia
Came to find out about their French ancestors
Ron, Jane, Don & Nancy
From Canada
Visiting a wine cellar
Kathy & Mark
from the US
Truffle Hunting in Provence
Greg, Laurie, Laura & Jeff
From the US
With their B&B host near Mont Saint Michel
Trea & Anna
From the US
In a little town in Provence
Fred
from Canada
Truffle hunting in Burgundy with Thierry
Bridget & Tyler
from the US
In Monet's house kitchen in Giverny
Nancy, Don, Jane & Ron
from Canada
In Honfleur, Normandy
Don with his hostess Oriana
From the US
At the hotel in Lyon

Last Blog Articles