AZAY LE RIDEAU
Between the arms of the Indre, the Castle of Azay le Rideau is one of the most beautiful Renaissance successes. Here, beauty is more modest than triumphant and from this comes its purer and more calming quality.
The castle is built on an L-shaped plan and stands on a loop of the river INDRE.
It's one of the most elegant creations of the early Renaissance and the great staircase, within the main part of the mansion is a masterpiece. (16th century furniture and tapestries).
CHAUMONT SUR LOIRE
A typical castle of Loire that deserves its title, as it forms an integral part of the river that it overlooks. Catherine de Médicis gave it to Diane de Poitiers in exchange for the castle of Chenonceaux.Its drawbride is still in working oder five centuries after it was built. Particulary notworhy are the 19th century stables, fitted out by Hermes.
LANGEAIS CASTLE
A 10 century keep (the oldest existing romanesque keep), a 15 C. fortress of notable architectural homogeneity, make up one of the most important castles in the west of France.
Outstanding furniture and tapestries. Waxworks evoking the mariage of Charles VII and Anne of Brittany (1491).
The stern Gothic chateau de Langeais brooding over the town of the same name was built beside the Loire on Touraines's border with Anjou by order of King Louis XI.
CHENONCEAUX
The castle was erected in 16 th C. Henri II gave it to Diane de Poitiers who laid out the gardens and had a bridge built over the Cher. Catherine de Médicis took it from her and added further improvments. Several pieces of historical interest, furniture, tapestries. Wood fire in winter.
If this château is nicknamed the « ladies'chateau », due to the influential women have graced it with their presence over the years, it's also fitting in terms of its power of seduction. The harmony between the Cher, over which the château strides with elegance, thanks to a two storied gallery, the castle itself and the surrouding plant life connot fait but to impress.
CHEVERNY
This is probably the most classic example of the chateaux of the Loire and it's exquisitely furnished. For readers of the Tintin comic books who are familiar of with Hergé's illustration of the château de Moulinsart, this Château is likely to ring a few bells. Its style is the perfect embodiment of 17th C artistic evolution, up to the moment of its construction, since which time it has been the residence of one family line. For a real treat, why not take an unforgettable hot-air balloon ride over the castle park or make up a trip around the park by boat or electric car.
RIGNY USSE
The castle was a quadrilateral built with its back to the hillside. It was rebuilt in 15 and 16 Century on the site of a medieval fortress. In the 17th C;, the courtyard was opened, terraces and orangery built.
The collegiale church, in transitional gothic renaissance style, contains very fine 16 c. stalls and and enamelled earthenware Virgin by Luca della Robbia. Furniture, tapestries, display illustrating scenes from the story of sleeping Beauty as Charles Perrault took his inspiration from this castle.
This imposing medieval fortress was the scene of many events (Henri II Plantagenet, the Templars, Joan of Arc, Charles VII, Caesar Borgia...
Fine tapestry collection.
There's Joan Of Arc museum in the clock tower and panoramic view.
LA BUSSIERE CASTLE
If there are castles that have a soul, then LA BUSSIERE is certainly among them with its traditional-style lake and gardens. There are exhibitions on the world of fishing and fish.
What could be more romantic than this fine family residence with its harmonious brick architecture and vast six hectares lake surrounded by French Style gardens laid out by Le Nôtre.
The exceptional kitchen garden and collection of art works depicting freshwater fishing scenes gave it the nickname "the fisherman's château".
CHENONCEAU CASTLE
The Château de Chenonceau famously spans the Cher east of Tours. The splendid galleries over the river were ordered by Queen Catherine de Médicis in the mid-16th C. The equally elegant, slightly older part was constructed for Thomas Bohier. As well as appreciating the fabulously decorated chambers, enjoy the formal gardens and labyrinth, or go boating treat, visit the chateau by night. Children are well catered for, with games on offer as part of "sur la piste de l'enfant Roi" (on the trail of the child King). This is an initiative to encourage youngsters from 7 to 12 to make the most of some of TOuraine's and Anjou's most famous sights.
AMBOISE
Built in the 15 and 16th century, the castle stands high above the Loire and the town.
First royal building of the Renaissance period.
Outstanding collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture, 2 empire drawing-rooms.
In the St Hubert Chapel (1493) Leonardo da Vinci's tomb.
Renaissance games and activites in the park in season.
Son et lumière show : « At the cour of King François ».
CHAMBORD CASTLE – the most fasinating castle in the Loire Valley.
At the age of 25, François I realised a dream by having this magnificent palace built in the middle of an estate populated by stages and wild boars. CHAMBORD was therefore designed as a genuine fortress with a keep and a surrounding wall with broad towers.
Its imposing dimensions defy the imagination : a façade 156 meters long and a height of 56 meters, quite a building. The castle was completed by Louis XIV in 1685,
The major collections that it houses reflect aspects fo life over the years in this prestigious residence, inhabited for only 20 years over a period of five centuries. Encircled by a 32 km long wall, the Chambord castle estate, today the largest enclosed forest park in Europe, is still home to abundant wild fauna.
CASTLE OF ANGERS - château d'ANGERS
CHAMEROLLES - CASTLE OF PERFUMES
In the 16th C. CHAMEROLLES was the home of Lancelot 1st du Lac, a companion fo two successive kings, Louis XII and François 1st, whom he accompanied to ITALY during the war. With time, the castle had fallen into disrepair until the local governing body had it completely renovated. Although built at the beginning of the 16th C, the castle has a medieval plan, but it relects nonetheless signs of the new lifestyle, the Renaissance.
The 16th Century garden made of six square plant beds and surrounded by covered passages, is at the same time, sumptuous, pleasant and useful. The museum of perfumes presents he history of scents, aromatic plants and precious bottles in their daily use from the 16th C. until now.
Today it has recovered all its charm of years gone by. A garden with a practical purpose as much as charm and decoration, it has six flowerbeds.
In 1992 the home of LANCELOT OF THE LAKE reopened after five years of extensive restoration. Refurnised to recreat the atmosphere which reigned here at the time of its successive occupants, the castle houses a unique collection of fruniture and objects which retrace the history of perfume and hygiene throughout the centuries.
The 'Promenade des Parfums" is a reminder and tribute to the presence of numerous industrial perfume sites -including prestigious brand-names- which have set up in LOIRET.
SULLY SUR LOIRE Castle
A 14th century medieval fortress, then residence of the dukes of Sully, the Château de Sully will delight you with its medieval architecture (framework and parapet walk) but also with its memorabilia - tapestries and paintings liked to the first Duke of Sully and his descendants. By turns prestigious residence place of exile, prison, hunting domain or holiday resort, this jewel of the Loire Valley has played host to French history on many occasions. Guided tours are organised all the year :
- the history of France, architecture, collections and key personnalities who shaped the history of Sully (Joan of Arc, the Duke of Sully, the exiles of Voltaire and Louis XIV)
- the tapestry history through the centuries, the manufactures (the founding of Les Gobelins) techniques the unique character of tapestry art.
GERMIGNY DES PRES CAROLINGIAN ORATORY
9th century, restored in the 19th century - as you walk round this splendid Christian sanctuary, don't miss the 9th century cul de four mosaic which adorns the heart of the building
RIGNY USSE
The castle was a quadrilateral built with its back to the hillside. It was rebuilt in 15 and 16 Century on the site of a medieval fortress. In the 17th C;, the courtyard was opened, terraces and orangery built.
The collegiale church, in transitional gothic renaissance style, contains very fine 16 c. stalls and and enamelled earthenware Virgin by Luca della Robbia. Furniture, tapestries, display illustrating scenes from the story of sleeping Beauty as Charles Perrault took his inspiration from this castle.
THE CASTLE OF BELLEGARDE
Among the brick and stone constructions of the forest of Orleans features, as an introduction to the Loire Valley, the castle of Bellegarde. Raised in 1376, the keep flanked by turnets was transformed at the beginning of the 18 th C by the superintendent of the kingdom's buildings, the Duke of Autin, son of the Marchioness of Montespan. ( construciton and arrangment of the two mansard lodges framing the entrance, and also the gardens).Voltaire came here and he wrote « In two days time, I'm leaving with M. the Duke of Autin to go and see King Stanislas at Bellgarde » (18 oct 1725, voltaire, letter to the Marchionesse of Bernières)
CHATEAUNEUF SUR LOIRE - Musée de la marine de Loire
Housed in the former castle stables, this museum relives the adventure of Loire navigation and the local trade it generated, through a lively evocation of the history of mariners, transport and routes.
MEUNG SUR LOIRE
One of the oldest castles in the Loire Valley : home to the bishops of Orléans for six centuries : François I and Joan of Arc stayed here, Charles VII was said to have died here. Furnished rooms, kitchen, bishop's bathroom, chapel, cellars, oubliettes,, etc... the dungeon
HALLIER CASTLE
The brick and stone castle was the love nest of Henri IV and Henriette d'Entragues.
LE BIGNON MIRABEAU
In 1880 this impressive residence replaced the castle belonging to the lord of Bignon – birthplace of the famous Marquis de Mirabeau. Concealed in the heart of the park by a screen of trees, the current building was formerly the property of the poet Patrice de la Tour du Pin.
YEVRE LE CHATEL
YEVRE LE CHATEL
Situated in a village that abounds in charm and flowers, this medieval fortress built under Philippe Auguste, stand proudly on its rocky spur. With its gatehouse, its ramparts, its castle and the Church st Lubin whci was so much admired by Victor Hugo, Yèvre le chatel is one of the main pithiverais tourist sites.
CASTLE OF GIEN
Anne de Beaujeu countess of GIEN and elder daughter of Louis Xi, commissioned this large royal castle built from brick and stone - a remarkable building which, like the castle of Amboise was a forerunner of Renaissance architeture.
Joan of Arc slept here and François I also spent time here. The chateau houses the renowned Musé International de la Chasse, with 15 galleries filled with hunting art and techniques from around the world. An interesting collection of objects, weapons, engravings and paintings by Desportes and Oudry.
THE CASTLE OF BELLEGARDE
Among the brick and stone constructions of the forest of Orleans features, as an introduction to the Loire Valley, the castle of Bellegarde. Raised in 1376, the keep flanked by turnets was transformed at the beginning of the 18 th C by the superintendent of the kingdom's buildings, the Duke of Autin, son of the Marchioness of Montespan. ( construciton and arrangment of the two mansard lodges framing the entrance, and also the gardens).Voltaire came here and he wrote « In two days time, I'm leaving with M. the Duke of Autin to go and see King Stanislas at Bellgarde » (18 oct 1725, voltaire, letter to the Marchionesse of Bernières)
MEILLANT
Fine example of the architecture of the late 15th and early 16th C. This early-renaissance abode was built by charles I d'Amboise and his elder son Charles II, Lieutenant-general of Lombardy from 1502 until his death in 1511, who altered the old fortress built about 1300 by Jean de Sancerre. The work was supervised by cardinal Georges d'Amboise. Whilst the western façade remains very mediaeval, the more decorated eastern front and particularly the Lion Tower, shows the evolution of flamboyant gothic art under the influence of the Renaissance.
Nestled at the heart of a fine park, the castle of Meillant is a delightful location typical of the « Route Jacques Coeur ». The flamboyant gothic styling is widely exhibited here, not least by the tower known as the « Tour du Lion ».
A visit to the castle is a magnificent experience, topped off by the miniature « Daily decor from the Middle Ages to the present day » exhibition.
THE VALLEY OF THE KINGS HISTORIC ROUTE
This important route along FRANCE's longest river, the LOIRE, has been used for centuries. The valley is associated with the kings of FRANCE, who from the time of the Capets, established their expanding dynasty in ORLEANS before deciding to make PARIS their capital. The valois and Bourbons were frequent visitors as the Loire Valley was only two days ride on horseback from PARIS. Although the magnificient Loire Valley well deserves its evocative name of « Valley of the Kings'. It's also an important economic thoroughfare. It was here too that architecture as well as the art of living flourished and it remains a melting pot for thought and the exchange of ideas.
GIEN
Castle 15th c.
Anne de Beaujeu, countess of GIEN and elder daughter of Louis XI, commissioned this large royal castle buitl from brick and stone – a remarquable building which, like the château d'amboise, was a forerunner of Renaissance architecture. Joan of Arc slept here, and François 1er also spent time here. The château houses the renowned Musée International de la chasse with 15 galleries filled with hunting art and techniques from around the world. An interesting collection of objects, weapons, engravings and paintings by Desportes and Oudry can be seen.
BEAUGENCY
In the heart of a medieval city this fine ensemble, consisting of an impressive feudal keep and a vast living block, celebrates the memory of Dunois, companion in arms of Joan of Arc, who made his home here for 17 years. The museum houses riche collections of traditional clothing and tools, religious objects, liturgical clothing, ancient toys and games scattered through all the rooms in the castle.
LA FERTE SAINT AUBIN
One of Sologne's major strongholds, this castle in stone and red brick, with its moat and fine period furnishins and tapestries, was used by director Jean Renoir in filming La Règle du Jeu. It provides a lively panoramic overview of 17th C. architecture, and its vast old kitchens are staffed by costumed actors. The enchanted island is a paradise for children who can play in the wooden houses built to a child's scale.The tour is punctuated by various entertainments, including the Ile Enchantée (Enchanted Island) for younger visitors and demonstrations of cooking the traditional way.
The current castle with its essentially classic styling, owes its renaissance to the strong will of its owner who has restored it to its former glory.
BLOIS CASTLE
If the Loire was to elect a capital, it would be BLOIS surely, town of Art and History and the veritable center of French Renaissance.
For a long time it was a royal town, marked by the regal touches of Louis XII and Francois 1st, and by important events for the kingdom in general.
The old town in particular the castle, with its staircase that never fails to amaze its visitors, brilliantly evokes the town's royal past. The Maison de la Magie (House of Magic) completes Blois historic heritage.
MONTRICHARD
An ancient square-shaped tower on the hillside attests to the medieval history of a town snuggled down into the right bank of the Cher. The art of falconry is still very much alive here, with regular bird of prey demonstrations. The hill is riddled with numerous caves which are now used for cultivating mushrooms and ageing the local vintages, now that they no longer house troglodyte communities.
CASTLE OF CHINON