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$ 4360
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$ 3480
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$ 3520
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$ 3430
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

Sharon & Bob
We couldn't recommend France Just For You highly enough. After visiting various parts of Europe on our own we were delighted to have someone else attend to all the details. Emilie was a joy to work with and couldn't have chosen better B&B's, tours and day trips to meet our needs. I can't wait to call upon her services again!
Janet
We have traveled in Europe a dozen times. Our trip to France, the Loire Valley and Normandy was one of the very best. Their custom self-guided tours are based on places and activities that interest you. Emelie listened to what we wanted and created an itinerary that was just what we wanted as well as some suggestions for other things we might try …
Bill
France Just For You is a service I highly recommend regardless of how much experience you have traveling through France. Emilie does an amazing job of putting together an exciting and interesting itinerary, taking you to places and meeting people you would never find on your own. Not only are her ideas great, but she is also very thorough. Her trip …

Our Travelers’ Photos

Dina & Jim
from the US
Who just received their travel pack at home
Carolyn & Harry
From Australia
Cycling in the Loire Valley
Shirley
from Canada
In lavender fields in Provence
Don with his hostess Oriana
From the US
At the hotel in Lyon
Andy
from the US
Enjoying a drink on a brasserie terrace in Paris
Ginette, Craig, Bev & Dan again
from the US
Having breakfast on their private terrace near Aix en Provence
Ruth & Mary-Ann
From the US
In front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
Alexis, Stefanie and Paul...with Emilie & Family
from the US
At the B&B in the Loire Valley
Christina & her niece
from Australia
In the Wolves Sanctuary in Guéret
The Khaw Family
From Malaysia
With their guide Raphaelle in Paris with Notre Dame Cathedral in the background.
Leslie & Family
from the US
A la Tour Eiffel, Paris
Ron
From the US
Cycling in the Loire Valley vineyards