Summary
The Loire Valley châteaux (castles) make this central region one of the most popular destinations in France for visitors, and with good reason. Just two hours from Paris, the mighty river flows slowly through a gorgeous landscape where medieval fortresses and Renaissance palaces are strung out like jewels along the banks. During the Renaissance, François I made Amboise his capital, making it the aristocratic, artistic, and intellectual heart of France. Chambord, the largest of all the châteaux in the Loire Valley, was built by François I as a hunting lodge. Today, the whole valley is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, along with the Statue of Liberty in New York, the Great Wall of China, and many of the world’s most important places.
It’s easy to reach many of the châteaux by train from Paris, and a bus runs between several around Blois. Alternatively, you can base yourself in Blois or Tours at the western end of the valley and take side trips to other châteaux along the river using public transport. If you are traveling by car, consider taking your time to chateau-hop your way along the Loire; it’s well worth it.
Tickets and Passes
Many of the châteaux have teamed up with neighboring properties to offer deals on visiting. Consequently, it’s advisable to check with the local tourist office when you visit the first château on your itinerary or inquire at the ticket office for information.
See a Google Map of the locations of these top ten châteaux in the Loire Valley.
01 of 10
Château of Sully-sur-Loire
Sully, at the eastern end of the Loire Valley, is not among the blockbuster châteaux, but it’s one of the most cherished. Standing in a moat that reflects the white stone building, the original 14th-century medieval fortress features massive round towers with pepper-pot roofs. Built by the architect of the Louvre and Vincennes, the château was later purchased by Maximilien de Bethune (1560-1641), who became Duc de Sully in 1602. The splendid building he restored and expanded remained in the family until 1962. Historically, it sheltered royalty during the Fronde (France’s civil war) and later the writer Voltaire, who had fallen out with the royal family. You will see the grand Duc de Sully’s apartments, the tomb room containing the bones of the Duke and his wife, and various beautifully adorned rooms.
Tourist Office
Pl du General-de-Gaulle
Sully
How to Get There
There is a regional bus from Orleans, known for its connection to Jeanne d’Arc.
02 of 10
Château of Chambord
Chambord stands out as the principal attraction, drawing around 7,300,551 visitors a year. Consequently, if you wish to experience this grandeur without crowds, try visiting off-season. Chambord rivals Versailles with its magnificent architecture.
Set in the heart of a forest and mirrored in the surrounding waters, Chambord was the vision of François I. He returned from military campaigns with a passion for Italian architecture and Leonardo da Vinci’s influence. The château showcases remarkable symmetry with a perfect Renaissance façade framed by fairytale towers. It elegantly features a double spiral staircase, designed for two individuals to ascend and descend simultaneously without meeting.
Climb the staircase to discover splendid rooms furnished in period style. You can enjoy a film showcasing various construction stages, thus captivating visitors with its historical journey. The terraces provide striking views over the hunting grounds and park.
Tourist Office
Place St-Louis
Chambord
Loir-et-Cher (41)
How to Get There
Take the train from Paris to Blois, then a special bus operates between various châteaux.
03 of 10
Château of Blois
Perched high above the town of Blois, the extraordinary château showcases diverse architectural styles accumulated over centuries. Inside, it is beautifully furnished, making it a family-friendly site. If you’re there in the evening, don’t miss the son-et-lumiere presentation in the courtyard, which narrates the intriguing and sometimes bloody history of the castle.
04 of 10
Château of Cheverny
Cheverny, distinguishes itself as it remains in the same family since its construction in 1634, providing a unique atmosphere. The owner’s hunting dogs are maintained on the estate. If you’re fortunate, you might see them being prepared for a hunting excursion, accompanied by green-coated riders.
Characterized by delightful symmetry, the central façade is flanked by square pavilions. Ascend the magnificent main staircase to enter a world of elegance and luxury, adorned with tapestries, painted wooden ceilings, flamboyant fireplaces, and beautiful furniture.
The expansive park leads to a canal, while the rear boasts distinct gardens, including a potager (kitchen garden), formal walks, and an ornamental pleasure garden. Many visitors are drawn to the château for the Tintin exhibition, as Cheverny inspired the setting for Herge’s Moulinsart.
You will also find a café in the former Orangery.
Tourist Office
12 rue du Chene-des-Dames
Cheverny
How to Get There
Take the train to Blois from Paris, then a taxi to Cheverny.
05 of 10
Chaumont-sur-Loire Château
Chaumont in the Loire-et-Cher department is renowned for two prominent features. Firstly, its striking white stone château that dominates a hill overlooking the Loire Valley. This location has seen intrigues and power struggles, notably in the 1560s when Catherine de Medicis compelled her husband’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers, to surrender the more desirable Chenonceau in exchange for the less glamorous Chaumont.
The château’s second notable aspect is its annual Garden Festival, running from April to October, which attracts garden enthusiasts worldwide. Each year introduces new designs, ensuring visitors leave inspired. The gardens of the château themselves are consistently evolving and improving.
06 of 10
Royal Château of Amboise
Reconstructed in 1492 by Charles VIII, the Renaissance-style royal château of Amboise and its expansive gardens stemmed from the King’s Italian influences. It was a favorite residence for French monarchs, where many raised families, including the young Mary Stuart, Queen of Scotland, who was promised in marriage to future French King Francis II. Due to such royal patronage, Amboise blossomed into a center of social and intellectual life.
Inside the château (only a fraction of the original remains), you will find the Chapelle de St-Hubert, which houses the revered tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, who passed away in Amboise in 1519. The terrace offers sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. This site hosted lavish festivities under Charles VIII. The rooms feature tapestries and regal furnishings, including a grand Salle du Conseil and a ramp allowing knights to ride directly into the castle. Visitors can stroll through the enchanting Mediterranean gardens and opt for guided tours of the underground passageways (in French).
Tourist Office
Quai du General-de-Gaulle
Amboise
How to Get There
Amboise is an hour from Paris by TGV, or two hours by car. A regular bus service operates between the town center and the château, just 300 yards away.
07 of 10
Leonardo da Vinci’s Château de Clos-Luce
Invited to France by François I, Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years in Amboise, residing in Château de Clos-Lucé, conveniently located near the King’s residence. Originally constructed in the 1470s, this stone-and-brick building served as a summer retreat for the monarchs. Leonardo passed away here in 1519.
Inside, visitors can explore Leonardo’s bedroom, kitchen, and study, as well as the chapel covered in frescoes by his students. A video presentation offers insights into his life, contextualizing his influence during the Renaissance. A secret entrance, traditionally used by François I to surprise Leonardo, is also notable.
In the model room, 40 extraordinary machines designed by Leonardo, from early airplanes to helicopters, have been recreated, showcasing his engineering genius. The gardens demonstrate the flora and fauna that inspired his artwork, while trails in the park allow visitors to absorb insights about botany and human anatomy from Leonardo’s perspective.
This quaint building may not match the grandeur of the other Loire Valley châteaux, but it is delightfully intimate, enriching visitors’ understanding of da Vinci.
Tourist Office
Quai du General-de-Gaulle
Amboise
How to Get There
Amboise is an hour from Paris via TGV or two hours by car. A regular bus service connects the town center to the château, which is 300 yards away.
08 of 10
Chenonceau Château
Spanning the river Cher, Chenonceaux is an architectural marvel, often referred to as the Ladies’ Château due to the significant history of women associated with it. Initially constructed by Katherine Briçonnet, its legacy deepened when Henri II acquired it in 1547 for his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Following Henri’s death in 1559, his wife and rival, Catherine de Medicis, exchanged Chenonceau for the less desirable Chaumont. Catherine’s renovations, particularly the two-story gallery on the bridge, enhanced its elegance, reminiscent of the bridges in Florence.
Catherine later passed the château to her daughter-in-law, Louise de Lorraine, who donned a white mourning gown after Henry III’s assassination, earning the moniker ‘white Queen’ for the remainder of her life.
The interior of Chenonceau is adorned with Gobelin tapestries and stunning works by masters like Poussin and Rubens. During the summer months, visitors can enjoy the gardens at night, beautifully illuminated while Italian classical music plays.
In December, the château transforms into a winter wonderland, complete with grand Christmas trees in the gallery, and banquet tables set in the kitchens.
For those interested in the history of the Dames de Chenonceau, a nearby Musee de Cire (Wax Museum) offers intimate insights.
A formal restaurant, tea room, and self-service restaurant are available on-site.
Tourist Office
1 rue du Dr. Bretonneau
Chenonceaux
How to Get There
For clarity, the village is called Chenonceaux, while the château is named Chenonceau, so don’t worry; you’re in the right location!
Regional trains operate from Tours to Chenonceaux, with the station located at the base of the castle.
09 of 10
Azay-le-Rideau Château
Built on an island in the River Indre by Gilles Berthelot, a prosperous financier during François I’s reign, this enchanting château offers picturesque towers and turrets, making it a favored destination in the Touraine region.
One of the most remarkable features is the ornate staircase enclosed within a bay. Staterooms include the rich Royal Chamber, as well as Louis XIII’s bedroom from 1619. The walls are lined with tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries that ward off winter’s chill, and the collection of furniture is noteworthy. Surrounding the château is an English-style park designed in 1810 by the Marquis of Biencourt, featuring reflective water mirrors, pathways, and various ornamental trees from Asia.
Tourist Office
4 rue du château
Azay-le-Rideau
How to Get There
Take the regional train from Paris to Tours. From there, either take another train, which takes around 30 minutes to Azay-le-Rideau, or utilize the frequent bus service from Tours to Azay-le-Rideau.
10 of 10
Chinon Château
One of the oldest fortified châteaux in France, Chinon was crucial during the Middle Ages. In the 12th century, during the time of Henry II, it stood as a vast, imposing structure encircled by defensive towers. Situated at the crossroads of Anjou, Poitou, and Touraine, Chinon was of utmost strategic importance.
Today, the partially restored ruins overlook the river. Visitors can stroll along the ramparts for striking views while discovering where medieval kings held court. On the site of Fort St-George, a contemporary museum showcases archaeological findings and tells the story of Joan of Arc’s visit in 1429, where she sought military support from the Dauphin, later Charles VII, to aid in the siege of Orleans.
The town of Chinon boasts delightful medieval houses throughout its streets and holds a significant place in English history, marked by the site where Richard the Lionheart died in 1199 from a wound incurred during the Hundred Years’ War in Limousin.
A charming tea room enhances the visit.
Tourist Office
Pl. Hofeim
Chinon
How to Get There
Regional trains travel from Paris to Tours, followed by a train journey of approximately 45 minutes to Chinon, or you may choose the frequent bus service from Tours to Chinon (about 1 hour 15 minutes).
