Châteaux of the Loire Valley: Like They Came Right Out of a Storybook

Roam through the ‘central keep’ and four round towers, before taking a walk around the château terrace to view the thousands of attic windows, spires, capitals, chimneys, and little steeples. This is also a fantastic vantage point to take in the enormity of the Chambord national estate. Whilst inside the château, remember to ascend the famous double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci.

The façade of the Château de Chambord stands at 156 meters high – an example of pure Renaissance architectural brilliance with its jaw-dropping displays of intricate masonry. Built in 1519, this symmetrical French-Renaissance style castle is now protected by UNESCO.

The Park and hunting reserve in which the Château de Chambord sits is bigger than central Paris, spanning 13,000 acres. Surrounded by a 32-kilometer wall, it is also the largest enclosed forested area in all of Europe. Go for a walk along one of the many footpaths, or take a horse-drawn carriage tour from the Marshal of Saxony stables.

Once upon a time, author Charles Perrault fell so in love with the Château d’Ussé that it inspired him to pen the beloved fairy tale Sleeping Beauty, that was later adapted into the well-known Disney franchise. That’s right, this castle doesn’t just look like something out of a story book- it is. In tribute to Perrault, the attic of the Château d’Ussé tells the story of Sleeping Beauty through whimsical scenes, played out in various rooms, that are guaranteed to enchant everyone of all ages.

Once an enclosed space, the modern courtyard of the château opens out onto the river. Soak up the magical views of the white towers and luscious countryside from the courtyard or the top of the château. From here you can also enjoy a good view of the formal gardens that were designed by the same landscape architect behind Versailles.

Upon leaving the château, follow the path to a Gothic Renaissance Chapel, otherwise known as the Collegiate Church. Built in the 1520s, the chapel bears the symbol and initials of Charles d’Espinay and Lucrèce de Pons, who lived in the château from 1485, along with many fascinating religious carvings and sculptures.

The Château de Chenonceau is famous for its grand gallery that spans the Cher River. At 60 meters long and containing 18 windows, the iconic five arches reach delicately over the river, overlooking the flowing waters below.

Visit the chambers of Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de’ Medici and the five queens. Part of the reason why this castle is such a masterpiece is down to the embellishments made by both Catherine and Diane during their times as the wife and mistress of Henry II respectively.

Bask in the serenity of the Loire Valley as you stroll through the park, looking back on the stunning architecture from afar, or take a boat ride on the Cher to get up close to the building. You can also wander through floral gardens or try and escape the maze.

The Château d’Azay-le-Rideau has some unrivalled examples of carpentry within its walls, namely on its staircase and within the attic. The iconic staircase within the castle walls is richly decorated both on its façade and ceiling. From here, check out the remarkable woodwork in the attic, using wood that was cut down in the Forest of Chinon in 1517.

The estate of the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau includes an impressive collection of furnishings, tapestries, and paintings. The highlight of these are the rare 16th and 17th century Flemish tapestries that are on display all year round in the château.

The exterior of the Château du Clos-Lucé is a vibrant red brick with stark white stone detailing. Once inside, you will find that several of the important rooms of the house have been dutifully restored, including the bedrooms of Marguerite de Navarre and Leonardo da Vinci, plus the Queen Anne chapel.

After you have made your way through the house itself, visit the underground rooms of the château. These rooms contain around forty authentic recreations of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions. Many of these inventions were detailed centuries before anyone else built them, including a machine gun, car, and flying machine.

To see more of da Vinci’s larger inventions brought to life, stroll around the surrounding gardens. These gardens also boast a dovecote from the original castle, a natural marsh garden, and a quaint boating lake.

The interior of the château includes 30 furnished rooms for you to visit, plus an unbelievable collection of art in the onsite museum. Highlights of the numerous rooms include the ornately decorated 13th century state room, Catherine de’ Medici’s ‘Chamber of Secrets’, and the lavish bedroom of Henry IV.

Clamber up the iconic buttressed staircase to the very top of the highest tower for stunning panoramic views of the Loire Valley, especially at dusk.

Ideally plan your visit for between April and September when the Son et Lumière (Sound and Light) show takes place in the castle courtyard every evening after dark. The visual special effects play out events from the château’s rich and colorful history.