Where are the castles of the loire in france. Castles of the Loire Valley. How to get to the castle of the Dukes of Breton

The Loire Valley is one of the most picturesque places on earth. Luxurious parks with many winding paths, meadows full of bliss, inviting to lie down on their silky grass cover, majestic castles that look like a wedding cake or shudder like medieval dungeons - all this has made the region a place of pilgrimage for millions of tourists. The secluded location contributed to the flowering of not only nature, but also art. Here the titan of the Renaissance Leonardo da Vinci worked, staged his plays by Moliere, searched for plots and entourage for the novels of A. Dumas. Today, the Loire Valley is one of the few places where you can look into the shy face of real France. Crowded, tourist-attacked Paris has long lost its true French charm. Only in such a slightly naive, patriarchal province has the charm of a grassroots nation still been preserved.

Untouched Loire Valley (France): Promised Land

Geographically, this region is located in the middle of the country. The impenetrable thickets of the forest and the shallow depth of the Loire River, too shallow for ships, sheltered it from the wars that tore the country apart in the Middle Ages. The most famous and large-scale battle took place near the walls of Orleans, glorifying the heroic Joan of Arc. Perhaps that is why the Loire Valley has been preserved in its medieval beauty. It seems that time stops here.

Due to the fact that Paris is located in the immediate vicinity of the region, the Loire Valley was the focus of aristocratic life. Literally at every step here you can meet at least a small, but real castle. According to rough estimates, there are only about three hundred of them. Royally luxurious and the most simple, the castles of the Loire Valley make this land look like a fairyland.

Castle outpost of Amboise

Being at the crossing of Amboise was of great strategic importance. This is a real military fortress with many towers, massive gates and impregnable thick walls. At the same time, thanks to the harmonious combination of Gothic and Renaissance elements, this castle is one of the most beautiful buildings in France. Leonardo da Vinci is buried in its chapel, decorated with intricately carved bas-reliefs and colorful stained-glass windows.

Labyrinth castle of Chambord

This is one of the most famous buildings that the Loire Valley is rich in. The photo of this castle most often adorns guidebooks to the main attractions of the region. The architect of this eccentric building was Domenico de Cortona. According to rumors, Leonardo da Vinci was also involved in its creation. The construction cost the treasury dearly, but the king did not stop even when it was completely empty, ordering the gold of his subjects to be melted. You can easily get lost in it, its internal structure is so intricate and elegant: 426 rooms, 77 stairs, 282 fireplaces. This ingenious architectural decision was taken to ensure that numerous favorites could not collide with each other, flanking from the king's bedroom to their own. Around the castle is a luxurious park, where Louis XIV loved to walk so much. Chambord has been under the protection of UNESCO since 1981.

Chenonceau - home of beauty

This charming building was owned almost exclusively by women: queens, favorites and just the wives of wealthy landowners. One of his most famous mistresses was the beloved of the king, Diana de Poitiers. It was she who ordered to build a bridge across the river to it, which makes it seem that the castle is floating above the water. Intellectual receptions were often held here, artists, writers and musicians were welcomed. This could not but leave its mark on the interior of the castle. In its halls you can find a collection of paintings by Poussin, Rubens, as well as Flemish tapestries of the 16th century.

Cheverny - a stronghold of family values

Castles in the lands of the Loire Valley were literally designed for hunting fun. One of the clearest examples is Cheverny. For centuries, it has been passed down from generation to generation of the same family. For some time, however, the favorite of the king, Diane de Poitiers, lived in it, but the rest of the time it was carefully kept by the descendants of an ancient family. That is why the interiors and the building itself are so well preserved. Original paintings from the trophy hall with deer antlers, a kennel with hundreds of hunting dogs - everything here remains the same as it was many centuries ago.

Medieval Revived: Langeai Fortress

This castle is one of the earliest surviving witnesses of the French Middle Ages. Its walls keep the memory of legendary historical figures such as Richard the Lionheart and Fulk the Black. Here you can see with your own eyes what has long sunk into oblivion: gothic chandeliers, a drawbridge (which still functions!), tapestries of the 15th-16th centuries, ancient sculptures and paintings. But the pearl among its exhibits is, of course, a wax composition depicting the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany. It was this event that marked the beginning of the union of Brittany and France.

Fairy tale castle of Usse

This castle is closely associated with literature. According to legend, Charles Perrault imprisoned The Sleeping Beauty in his famous fairy tale. In one of the towers, there are now several wax figures illustrating episodes from there. Chateaubriand worked there on his "Grave Notes", and Prosper Mérimée admired its beauty so much that he insisted that in 1861 the Ussé castle be included in the state list of historical monuments of France.

Help for the traveler

The Loire Valley can be viewed from three cities: Blois, Tours and Angers. The journey from Paris by train takes only about an hour. For further travel, it is best to rent a car, as only this vehicle will allow you to fully enjoy the picturesqueness of these places. If you like outdoor activities, use a bicycle, since all the conditions in the region have been created for this: a large number of bicycle paths will allow you to move around quite comfortably. In some castles you can stay for the night if you do not have time to get to the hotel.

Early autumn is considered the best time to visit the Loire Valley - the main flow of tourists will already subside, and wine, which this fertile region is famous for, will already appear in cafes and restaurants.

wine break

The Loire Valley is famous not only for its castles and natural beauties, but also for its excellent wines. Approximately one third of all wine production in France is produced in this region. The reason for special pride is the incredibly diverse palette of wines produced. The variety of microclimates allowed the French to grow here such a number of grape varieties that an inexperienced sommelier can be timid from just listing them. The shores are divided into zones according to the types of soils, of which there are only four. This is what affects the variety of berries. In fact, all wines can be conditionally divided into three groups according to the place of their production - Upper, Central and Lower Loire. The grapes of each territory have their own special aroma and taste.

There are not many places left on earth where you can enjoy the untouched beauty of the past. Modern buildings are gradually replacing historical structures, drowning out their majestic appearance with their typified architecture. You can feel the breath of time by visiting the magnificent castles of the Loire Valley. France is rightfully proud of this region, which has long become a Mecca for tourists.

The river Loire from the hills of Sancerre to Angers flows past an endless streamluxurious mansions, palaces and castles. Guided tour of Laura's castlescomparable to a fascinating journey through different eras of French history. Chateaude Loches and d "Angers give an idea of ​​the fortifications of the 9th century. Elegant Château deChenonceau was created in the XIII century. Cheverny Manor was built in the 15th-16th centuries. Everythe castle is unique and worthy of the attention of the traveler. Our private tour of the Loire Castles.

The most famous castles of the Loire

In total, there are more than 300 castles on the Loire, more than 70 open to the public.which of them to go and what to see is difficult for a simple tourist. And even hardermake the right route. If you are planning a trip to the Castles of the Loire firsttime, then we have prepared a short list of the most popular and certainly the mostbeautiful castles of the Loire Valley. You can take a trip both independently and as part of an excursion group from Paris.

Chambord castle

Chenonceau castle

Cheverny Castle

The fate of the castle of Cheverny (château de Cheverny) turned out to be happy: it passed the war and civil strife, thanks to which the building has been preserved almost in its original form.The descendants of its founder, the royal chancellor Philippe Huro, still occupy todaythe upper floors, and the lower ones were kindly placed at the disposal of curious tourists.Cheverny is surrounded by a picturesque English-style park. An alternative to walkingalong the green alleys is a boat ride on the canal. localthe kennel is also considered a landmark, where hundreds of purebred hound dogs.

Blois castle

How to plan an independent trip to the Castles of the Loire?

Tourists go to the Loire Valley from Paris by train, car or tour bus. There are daily trains to Blois and Tours.The cost to Blois in a class 2 carriage is about 30 €, the journey time is almost 2 hours. Fromhigh-speed TGVs depart, which will take you to Tours approximatelyin an hour. In Tours you can rent a car or get to the castles by local transport on one's own.

The easiest way, of course, is to travel through castles. For the first time we we advise you the following route (it can be overcome even by car, even bypublic transport):

First day

Arrive in the morning in Blois. Inspect the castle, and go to Chambord. There you can visit the castle, take a walk in the park and watch a horse show.In the evening you will return to Blois, where you will spend the night. (hotels in Blois can be viewed Here).

The next day go to Amboise, walk around the castle of Amboise and visit Leonardo da Vinci, and after lunch you go to Chenonceau. In the evening return to Amboise, where you spend the night. (Look for hotels in Amboise here)

An approximate budget for your trip would be as follows:

• Visiting castles: 1 ticket for an adult costs about 10-12 euros.
• Expensive by train: Paris - Blois - 30 euros
• Blois - Amboise - about 7 euros
• Amboise - Paris - about 35 euros.
• Plus the cost of buses from Blois to Chambord and from Amboise to Chenonceau.
• If you rent a car, then 2 days will cost you 60-100 euros + gasoline.
• Lunch - on average - 15 euros, dinner - 20 euros per person.
• The average cost of a hotel in Blois and Amboise is 50-70 euros per room per day.

Tours of the Loire Castles from Paris

If you do not feel confident in terms of independent travel, it is better to choose a group tour. It will also be cheaper.

Moreover, we cannot guarantee that in 2 days you will have time to see 4-5 castles, but tour guides can. But on the other hand, you relatively lose "freedom"independent trips to castles. So it's up to you, of course.Excursion groups, as a rule, leave Paris on comfortable buses.The stories of the guide and the scenery outside the window entertain tourists, so that the road seems short. INthe itinerary includes visits to 3-4 castles, entrance tickets, lunch in a restaurant canincluded in the cost of the tour. Considering the good wine-making "glory of the Loire Valley,some guides supplement the trip with a visit to the winery with a tasting. In every castletourists have free time to buy souvenirs, take photos and take a walk.

You can book a place on a bus tour from Paris to the castles of the Loire.

Have a good trip!

The route to the castles of the Loire is accessible to people of all ages, the whole family can go on a trip. In the mists of time, an abundance of magnificent historical monuments that belonged to the noble families of France was born.

How to get to the castles

Excursions from Paris to the stone pages of history allow you to study the specifics of different eras. You can visit the castles of the Loire on your own thanks to year-round flights from Moscow to Paris. Air France aircraft operate a flight with a transfer at Charles de Gaulle Airport.

When studying the question of how to get to the famous palaces, you should pay attention to the bus route number 13 and the RER Paris branch. You can travel by train departing from one of the Paris stations: Montparnasse, Austerlitz.

Tourists, knowing where the castles of the Loire are located on the map, rent luxury cars. Going on a trip, they get acquainted with the work of post offices, banks, shops, which are closed in the province on certain days of the week.

It can take several days to explore the castle of Sully-sur-Loire, so travelers make advance reservations in 5-star hotels located in ancient residences or abbeys. Tourists can use the services of a restaurant, swimming pool, horseback riding.

The best jewelry of the Middle Ages

In the center of the Loire Valley there are many famous natural reserves, lakes and ponds. Chambord is an ancient fortress designed to protect against enemies. Traveling through the castles of the Loire will allow tourists to get acquainted with the wooden and earthen fortifications that surrounded the fortress, large donjon towers, and defensive positions. Vacationers admire the menacing view of the Chambord fortress, but its walls are thin, and the firing zone is more like a scenery for a movie.

France is proud of the wine region located in the valley. The best varieties of sunny berries are used to create white, pink, semi-dry drinks. The high-quality wines of the Loire Valley are produced in the historic province of Touraine, the Anjou region and the Saumur region. The best varieties of berries are grown in the central part of the Loire Valley. Tourists note the sophistication and excellent taste of Sancerre white wine. On the territory of Anjou, the noble drinks "Cabernet Franc", "Grollo", "Gamay", "Cat" are produced.

Expert opinion

Knyazeva Victoria

Guide to Paris and France

Ladies' corner

France is rich in luxurious mansions, but the Chenonceau Palace is the pinnacle of architecture. It stands on piles fixed in the ground at the bottom of the river. The castles of the Loire Valley are very beautiful, and the fortress of Chenonceau is a unique architectural solution. She is very popular in France. About 1,000,000 tourists from all over the world come here every year.

The high artistic perfection of the Chenonceau Palace was created according to the designs of the king's mistress Diane de Poitiers. The castle amazes tourists with the luxurious decoration of the rooms. On the walls are paintings by masters of Flemish painting, furniture and porcelain objects attract the attention of visitors. The Chenonceau fortress is decorated with a bridge equipped with a large two-tiered gallery. When leaving the palace, tourists can see the salon where meetings of the philosophical club were held.

The Loire Valley is famous for the wonderful castle of Cheverny. Pavilions, fountains, marble and bronze statues have been preserved on its territory. The artistic merit of the fortress has given it an important place in the history of France. From the observation deck of the tower, a wide view of the Loire River opens, and the entire palace ensemble is clearly visible from the lower terrace. Tours "Castles of the Loire - Paris" are very popular among tourists and allow you to enjoy the beauty of the Middle Ages.

Second capital of France

Having bought a train ticket from Paris to Orleans, you can stay in the city of Blois, which was the residence of powerful counts. Additional uniqueness of the fortress is given by the household items of the kings of the Valois dynasty - Henry III and Francis I, preserved in it. In the photo in the guidebooks you can see the initials of the owners of the palace - Anna of Brittany, Charles VIII, Louis XII. The fortress of the Counts of Blois for a long time demonstrated the power of the rulers of France. She was the center of a conspiracy against Henry of Orleans and a witness to the death of Catherine de Medici.

Castles of Loire - architectural structures, in most cases built or significantly rebuilt during the French Renaissance, at a time when French kings lived on the banks of the Great River, its tributaries or near them (XV-XVI centuries). Traditionally, 42 buildings are called Loire castles (although the English Wikipedia mentions 300 castles). The abundance of magnificent architectural and historical monuments in this part of France gave UNESCO the grounds to include the entire vast territory between Sully-sur-Loire (Dep. Loire) and Chalonne-sur-Loire (Maine-et-Loire) in the World Heritage List.

Cozy and calm, despite the active tourist interest, the Loire region is unique both from a historical and architectural point of view. Without a doubt, the Loire Valley is one of the most fertile and well-groomed corners in the world. Connoisseurs of beauty, romance, and just curious travelers must see this triumph of human talent, intelligence and excellent taste.

These places are referred to as the birthplace of ... the French language, because it is here that they speak the purest, most classic French, and as the "gardens of France." The latter is true: the Loire Valley is one of the important wine-growing regions of the country. In addition to vineyards, there are many orchards proper, and asparagus and artichokes are grown directly along the banks of the Loire. But they go to these parts not for artichokes, but for the historical and architectural heritage of the French aristocracy. From the tenth century until the revolution of the late eighteenth century, French nobles erected many buildings in the Loire Valley. The nature of the phenomenon is banal: after the kings, who began to build their residences in these parts, the court nobility was forced to follow. Look at the mansions around the Konstantinovsky Palace on the southern outskirts of St. Petersburg, and marvel at the ability of history to repeat itself. Albeit as a farce.

The first buildings in the Loire Valley were built already in the 10th century with purely defensive purposes, as a rule, at the intersection of water and land routes, at heights from which it is convenient to control the surroundings, and, if necessary, stop the advance of enemy troops.

Five centuries later, the valley was lined with hundreds of castles that rivaled each other in beauty, wealth, and functionality. The steady demand for rich buildings over several centuries attracted prominent architects, artists, landscape designers and builders to the Loire Valley. Suffice it to mention that Leonardo da Vinci spent the last three years here. The current Loire Castles perfectly illustrate the architectural and aesthetic principles of the Renaissance and the Age of Enlightenment that followed it. And if we switch to the simple language of travel notes, then the Loire Valley, its towns of Amboise and Blois are one of the most beautiful and interesting places in provincial France and all of Europe. Slowly, stylishly, tasty and gracefully, we would say so if we needed to convey our impressions of visiting the Loire Valley in four words. The French know how to live. In the Loire Valley, you can see that they knew how to live at least six centuries ago.

Which castles should be visited first? How much time do you need in the Loire Valley? Three days and two nights. The most beautiful castles of the Loire are listed below, their brief description is given, some practical information is added.

Castle of Villandry

Surrounded by a wonderful garden. In September, excellent grapes ripen here. The galleries are entwined with vines. You walk in the garden and eat berries. And that evening you dine in the town of Amboise under the walls of another castle, without too much pathos and, if desired, relatively inexpensive. Castles and castle-like estates in these parts are endless. No need to try to memorize and examine everything. Stop your bike or car for a picnic on the banks of a river or stream. See how they know how to live in France. Do not try to repeat anything, but just enjoy it, and come back for another portion of it next year. There will be enough castles for your lifetime, there are three hundred of them in the Loire Valley. You can come here every year. All life. By the way, many people do just that. Here you can endlessly listen to entertaining and instructive "stories from French history." Or you can just walk in the garden and eat grapes.

Chenonceau

47.324909, 1.070276

If Chenonceau Castle didn't impress you, then the Loire Valley is "not your cup of tea". This magnificent structure on the water is designed in such a way that at the first glance at it the visitor will take his breath away. The second most visited (after Versailles) castle in France and the "main" in the Loire Valley, Chenonceau is considered a women's castle, because several famous ladies took part in its fate. The original 13th-century building was rebuilt three centuries later by Catherine Bricone, while her husband fought in Italy. In 1555, the long-term mistress of two kings, Diane de Poitiers, after many tricks, took possession of her beloved castle, but not for long. Five years later, after the ridiculous death of King Henry II accurately predicted by Nostradamus, her main rival, Catherine de Medici, forced Diana to exchange Chenonceau for another famous castle, Chaumont. In the 18th century, the fate of the castle of Chenonceau was in the hands of Louise Dupin, who had a passion for high art and gathered all the beau monde of that time in her salon. Voltaire was a frequent visitor here, and Jean-Jacques Rousseau served for some time as Madame Dupin's secretary. Even if you are not a big fan of museum interiors, there is something to see inside the Chenonceau castle. You should go inside whenever possible. The most beautiful places in the castle are the living room of Louis XIV, a large gallery overlooking the river Cher and the green study of Catherine de Medici. In addition, the castle has a small but convincing collection of paintings: Tintoretto, Veronese, Van Dyck, etc. The garden area also leaves no chance for the visitor to leave quickly. There is a labyrinth of cut bushes, a reconstructed 16th century farm, flower gardens, Catherine's garden, Diana's garden, and so on. The main thing is that there are not too many people around you, on other summer days this happens.

The cost of an adult ticket is 11 euros (2013)

Chaumont

47°28′45″ N sh. 1°10′55″ E d.

Exceptionally beautiful castle. The first building on this site was built already in the X century. One of the representatives of the D'Amboise family, Pierre, who owned the castle, participated in a rebellion against the king, for which the castle was carefully dismantled by order of the king. Revolts and dismantling are commonplace in medieval France. And for the confiscation of private property in favor of the king, no rebellion was required. Immediately after the destruction of the castle, the next representative of the family, Charles d'Amboise, began to rebuild Chaumont, and by 1510 the castle had a look similar to the current one. The castle is exceptionally good due to the harmonious combination of the incongruous: medieval severity and "Renaissance" elegance. In 1560, the castle was bought by Catherine de Medici, the wife of King Henry II. The famous lady was obsessed with astrology, and many soothsayers worked in the Chaumont castle, including Nostradamus himself. A few years later, the Medici forced her longtime rival, Diane de Poitiers, to give her another great castle, Chenonceau, in exchange for Chaumont. Where Diane Poitiers moved to for a while. In the future, the castle often changed owners. Already in 1840, Chaumont was declared a historical monument, and since 1938 it has belonged to the state. It now hosts the annual Garden Festival. The castle is open for visits from 9.30-10.30 to 17-17.30, the entrance costs 5.5 euros (2013). Entrance to the territory is free.

Opening hours:

Monday 10:00 am - 4:15 pm

Tuesday 10:12 am - 4:15 pm

Wednesday 10:12 am - 4:15 pm

Thursday 10:00 am - 4:15 pm

Friday 10:00 am - 4:15 pm

Saturday 10:00 am - 4:15 pm

Sunday 10:00 am - 4:15 pm

Ticket price 9 euros

Amboise

47.4131° N, 0.9858° E

Amboise is not only and not so much the actual royal castle, although the castle in Amboise is good. But no less good is the quiet and cozy town around, and the Chinese pagoda, unexpected in the center of France, and the Clos Luce mansion, in which Leonardo Da Vinci lived and died. Models of some inventions of the great Italian are exhibited in the garden.

The castle was built by King Charles VII in 1492. In the next century, French history was made here: the Huguenot rebellion in 1560 and the verdict that followed the brutally suppressed rebellion, endowing the Huguenots with long-awaited religious freedoms. The rebellion damaged the reputation of the huge castle. The kings left there forever, and during the years of the revolution, Amboise was almost completely destroyed, and partially restored already in the 19th century. What we see now is not even half of the castle of the XVI century.

Opening hours:

The entrance ticket for an adult is 10.5 euros.

Blois

47.5855° N, 1.3310° E

Most of the castle was built in the Renaissance style.

King Louis XII of France, a native of Blois, established his residence here. The small city of Blois thus became the actual capital of the country at the beginning of the 16th century. The choice was justified, since the population of the city and its environs was wholly and completely devoted to the Dukes of Orleans, from whom the king came. Loyalty in those troubled times was valued very highly. In the 15th century, Blois Castle was predominantly Gothic.

During the religious wars, the ubiquitous Catherine de Medici managed to live in the castle, striving to retain power for her children at any cost. With her appearance, the castle, so joyful in the time of Francis I, turned into a nest of intrigues. A century later, it was here that King Louis XIII sent another Medici, Mary, to rest. Mary was the king's mother. This insignificant circumstance did not prevent her from trying to seat her lover on the throne, overthrowing her son-king. However, young Louis was quicker. The maternal genes came into play. And my mother went to decorate the castle of Blois. However, her patience did not last long, and two years later she fled the castle, descending, according to legend, down a rope ladder from one of their upper floors.

A few years later, Louis XIII, tired of all the same endless intrigues, exiles his younger brother Gaston of Orleans to Blois. Gaston did not tempt fate, he lived here from 1634 to 1660 and directed his ebullient energy to the construction of a new building of the castle, which is now called so: the wing of Gaston of Orleans, and with its strict classicism differs markedly from the richly decorated buildings of previous eras.

In the 18th century, the kings left Blois. In 1845, thanks to a large-scale restoration begun by the architect Duban, the castle was restored, this time without adding anything to it.

The castle consists of four parts, enclosed in a square, and is a unique example of the excellent interaction of opposite architectural schools. A real museum of French architecture.

The Francis I wing, especially its famous spiral staircase, is by far the most famous part of the castle, while the Gaston d'Orléans wing, designed around 1635 by François Mansart, is a masterpiece of French classicist architecture. In the oldest, Gothic part of the castle, the magnificent ceremonial Hall of the States General has been preserved, although rebuilt in the 15th century.

Blois is not only a castle, but also a very nice provincial town where it is nice to have a bite to eat, drink a glass of Angevin and take a break. In the warm season, it is very reasonable to spend the night in Blois, because from May to September, in the late evenings at 22.00 or 22.30, an excellent light show is arranged in the city, and the French are great masters in this matter. (See article about Lyon)

Entrance ticket for an adult 9.50 €, combined ticket with a visit to the light show 14.50 €. Discounts for groups of 20 people, children and seniors.

Opening hours:

From 02/01 to 31/03: 9:00-12:30 / 13:30-17:30

From 01/04 to 30/06: from 9:00 to 18:00

From 01/07 to 31/08: 9:00 to 19:00

From 01/09 to 30/09: from 9:00 to 18:30

From 01/10 to 03/11: from 9:00 to 18:00

From 04/11 to 31/12: 9:00-12:30 / 13:30-17:30

Chambord

47.6160°N, 1.5170°E

The largest and, in our opinion, the most beautiful castle on the Loire. At first glance, Chambord seems like some crazy billionaire took a picture out of a children's book or computer game and rebuilt it in stone.

The castle is surrounded by the largest park in Europe.

In 1516, Francis I, King of France since 1515, returned from Italy with Leonardo da Vinci with a desire to create a grand building in the Italian Renaissance style.

The hunting lodge of Francis I in 1519 quickly turned into a huge architectural structure, a new "wonder of the world", designed to immortalize its creator, Francis I, the "architect king". The project reflects the king's two main passions: hunting and architecture. With apparent chaos, there is nothing accidental here. A few figures will best tell about the scale of the building: a 156-meter facade, 426 rooms, 77 stairs, 282 fireplaces and 800 stucco columns. The base of the castle is built in the shape of a Greek cross, like St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, and surprisingly well combined with endless turrets and chimneys designed to surprise the visitor.

The main thing in the castle:

View from the park to the north facade.

Museum of hunting and nature.

French painting collection

Tapestries: The castle's ceilings are high and the tapestries here are unique in size and craftsmanship.

Opening hours:

From 02/01 to 31/03: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

From 01/04 to 30/09: 9:00 am - 6:00 pm

From 01/10 to 31/12: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Entrance ticket 11 euros. Discounts apply.

And more about Castle of Villandry

The castle was built in the 16th century, and, unlike other great castles of the Loire, it did not belong to the royal family, but ... to the French Minister of Finance, Jean Le Breton.

Villandry was an avant-garde phenomenon for his time, and is now considered one of the characteristic examples of the so-called "style of Henry the Fourth." This name is synonymous with the French Renaissance. The style is characterized by a combination of Italian influence with French tradition, the use of brick, red stone, white stone and slate, which allows to form a concise and functional whole. A textbook example of this style is the amazing Place des Vosges, the oldest in Paris.

In addition to architecture itself, Jean Le Breton became interested in garden art, and even studied it while being an ambassador in Rome. With the onset of the Renaissance, feudal fortresses give way to elegant castles, gloomy ramparts give way to walls that allow you to admire the surrounding landscape, the closed, utilitarian gardens of the Middle Ages are replaced by decorative gardens, the task of which is to soften the transition between the house and the surrounding landscape. Villandry was no exception to the then fashion. The gardens were laid out at the foot of the castle, overlooking the river Cher, and this was done with unprecedented splendor. For many guests, the gardens of Villandry make an indelible impression, in some way stronger than the castles themselves.

Transfers

If you do not want to rent a car or overpay a travel agency for organizing a trip, do not despair, you can get to the Loire castles on your own.The closest Loire Valley castle to Paris is Blois. It is very easy to get to by public transport from Paris. The train to Blois leaves from the Austerlitz station. A ticket costs from 10 to 26 euros one way.

There is a bus stop at the station square (it is a ring road). He will take you to three castles: Blois, Chambord and Cheverny. You can exit at every castle. Then from Cheverny the bus returns back to the station. From the station to the castle of Blois can be reached on foot. With a bus ticket there is a discount on entrance tickets to castles. From May to September there is a bus from Blois at 9 and 11 o'clock, which takes you to the castles of Chambord, Cheverny, Beauregard. The price of a bus ticket is only 6 euros.

Loire castles or chateaus are historical buildings located in the valley of the river and its tributaries (Maine, Cher, Vienne, Indre, Loire). Most of the chateaus were built in the Middle Ages, after several centuries, during the Renaissance, they were rebuilt according to the architectural trends of the new time. Thanks to the abundance of castles, the Loire Valley was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Chambord

Chambord Castle was built by order of Francis the First, in the period from 1519 to 1547. Built in the style of Renaissance architecture, it is believed that Leonardo da Vinci himself participated in the design. This is the most recognizable castle of the Loire. It has 426 rooms, 77 staircases, about 300 fireplaces, 800 capitals. Chambord is included in the list of UNESCO monuments. Today the castle houses a museum of hunting and nature.

Cheverny

The castle was built in the Baroque architectural style. Construction continued from 1624 to 1634. It was erected for the Cheverny family. This is one of the few chateaus that is owned by a single family to this day. The castle has been open to the public since 1914. He preserved the original interiors better than others, and the facade has never been restored.

Amboise

This is a former royal residence. Included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The first castle was built at the end of the ninth century. He served to guard the eastern borders of the county. At the end of the 15th century, the grandiose construction of a new castle in the Renaissance style began. Amboise became the favorite residence of many kings. The interiors of the castle have preserved the old furnishings. But the main feature of the chateau is that Leonardo da Vinci is buried in its chapel.

Blois

It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in the city of Blois. The largest of all the castles of the Loire. It served as the residence of the kings of France - Louis XII and Francis I. The castle began to be built in the 13th century, but the main part was built in the 15th century. Blois was built in different styles - Gothic, Classical, Renaissance, Baroque. Today the castle is open to tourists.

Villandry

This is one of the selected castles of the Loire Valley. Known for its donjon, ornamental vegetable garden, ornate garden and park with a pond. The construction of the castle lasted from the 16th to the 18th century. Chateau refers to the architectural solution of the Renaissance. The interior decoration dates from the 18th century. Villandry is partly surrounded by canals and has multi-level gardens.

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The castle is included in the list of UNESCO monuments. Built in imitation of Chambord. The current chateau was built from the 16th to the 18th century on the site of a dilapidated fortress. The castle is considered an architectural monument of the Renaissance and French classicism. During World War II, it housed the treasures of the Louvre (Venus de Milo and Nike of Samothrace). Today, the castle is open to visitors and exhibits vintage cars.

Plessy Burre

The castle was built in the 15th century, but its appearance has not changed much. The chateau is well preserved. This is private property, but Plessy Bourret is open to visitors. Initially, the castle was built for two purposes - to be a defensive fortress and a front residence for the owners. It combines the architecture of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The interiors are close to the Renaissance.

Azay-le-Rideau

The castle is recognized as a state historical monument. Refers to the selected Château of the Loire. Balzac called it "the sparkling diamond". It was built in 1510 by order of the treasurer Francis the First. The castle is a masterpiece of the French Renaissance. It was erected on the site of a fortress destroyed by the King of France, Charles the Seventh. Today, the castle houses the Renaissance Museum, which is open to visitors.

Huaron

This is a world landmark. The castle was built in the 15th century, described by Charles Perrault in the fairy tale "Puss in Boots". The mistress of King Louis 14 once lived in this chateau. Later, the castle became the property of the Gouffier dynasty, the owners improved and improved the castle. The galleries contain works of art from the French Renaissance.

Usse

This is a medieval castle built in the French Renaissance style. It was erected in the 15th century by order of the lord dusse. It is believed that the chateau was described in the fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty" by Charles Perrault. Under Napoleon, royalists secretly gathered in it. Since 1885, Usse belongs to the dynasty of the Dukes de Blacas.

Chamerol

The castle is located in the forests of Orleans, built in the style of Louis 12. It is a quadrangular building, decorated with towers. Built with two-tone brickwork. A moat filled with water was dug around Chamerol, and the castle can be accessed through a stone bridge. In the outbuildings adjacent to the chateau, there is a museum of perfumes and a gallery similar to the gallery of Blois.

Sully-sur-Loire

This is a medieval chateau. It was built in the Renaissance style. Until 1962, the castle was the property of the Bethune dynasty. The chateau was erected by order of Sully, the first duke of the family. Previously, the fortress played a defensive function, both Anna of Austria and Voltaire hid from the authorities in it. In 2000, the castle was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Buteon

The castle is located in Andrezier-Boutheon, a French commune. The first mention of it dates back to the 13th century. It was erected on the initiative and at the expense of the Counts of Foret, later belonged to the Bourbon and Gadan dynasties. In 1995, the castle was purchased by the local authorities. Within its walls there is a museum and rooms for temporary exhibitions.

Lavut-Polignac

This is a medieval castle built from local volcanic stone. The approximate date of construction is the 12th century. It was rebuilt in the 17th century in the Renaissance style. In this form, it has survived to this day. Initially, the castle was a defensive fortification in the Loire basin, then it began to be used as the residence of the Polignac dynasty. It still belongs to the descendants of the Polignac family.

Talsi

The chateau is included in the list of selected castles of the Loire. Located in the small village of Bos. The castle was built in 1520 in the Renaissance style. The building is a three-story building with a front arch. A six-sided tower is attached to the castle. Today, Talsi belongs to the state, it houses an archive. A number of halls have been restored and are open to tourists.

Troussé

It is considered one of the smallest castles of the Loire. Built in the 15th century, during the Renaissance. The castle is privately owned by the aristocratic family of Saint Mar. Troussé was built under the influence of Chambord castle architecture. Two wings adjoin the main building; they end in towers with hipped roofs. The facade is decorated with several sculptures. Six rooms are open for tourists to visit.

Clos Luce

Medieval castle, recognized as a historical monument. One of the most recognizable castles of the Loire. The first building was erected in 1106. Subsequently, it was repeatedly rebuilt and improved. Clos Luce was bought out by the royal family and made into a residence. It is famous for the fact that Leonardo da Vinci and the French king Francis I lived in it. Today, the castle is home to the museum of Leonardo da Vinci.

Chenonceau

This is one of the most visited castles in the Loire. Today it is privately owned, but open to tourists. Chateau is called the people's or ladies' castle. It was founded in 1411. Subsequently, it was rebuilt and improved more than once. Since the end of the 19th century, Chenonceau has belonged to the Meunier family. The oldest building of the castle is the 13th century Mark's tower and a medieval well.

Montreuil Belle

The castle was founded in the 11th century by order of the Count of Anjou. In the 14th century it was expanded, 13 defensive towers were added, the size of the fortress wall was increased (brought to 650 meters). In the 15th century, Montreuil-Bellais was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. Today, it has been given the status of a historical monument; a museum is located within the walls of the castle.

La Roche

The castle stands on a small island in the reservoir of Villeret, near Rouen. The first sources telling about the Gothic castle of La Roche date back to 1260. Floods and natural disasters posed a greater danger to the chateau than armed attacks. The castle was restored by 1996. It is open to tourists and hosts chamber music concerts.

Sachet

The castle is located on the banks of the river Indre. It was built in the 16th century instead of a fortress founded in the 12th century. This is a four-storey Renaissance building with a Romanesque tower nearby. Sasha was surrounded by a moat of water, but it was dried up. Honore de Balzac lived in the castle for several years, and a number of novels were written here. The Balzac Museum opened in 1951.

Argy

The castle is located in the town of the same name. Included in the list of monuments of history and culture of France. Mentions of the first defensive fortification date back to the 11th century. In 1444, Guy de Brillac bought it, the fortress was rebuilt, preserved almost intact to this day. The castle consists of two parts - the upper courtyard with a residential mansion and a garden with a vegetable garden.

Basti d'Urfe

The castle is located in the Loire department. Known for the fact that the writer Honore d'Urfe lived in it. He wrote the pastoral novel Astrea. It was originally erected in the 13th century in the Renaissance style, in the 15th century it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. The author of the project was Claude de Foret. In 1912 it was included in the list of state historical monuments.

La Bussière

The first mention of the castle dates back to the 12th century. Subsequently, the fortress was rebuilt several times. The castle often changed owners. The last owners were the count family Chavsel. The couple bought the castle in the 19th century, but in 1962 the descendants of the family converted the fortress into a museum. It includes the castle itself, the courtyard, gardens and greenhouses.

Monron Castle

It is called Monron-les-Bains. The castle was first mentioned in the 12th century. In the 16th century, he reached the peak of prosperity and glory. The fortress was rebuilt into a large and rich castle, built in the style of the Renaissance. Since 1984, it has belonged to the local municipality, and the castle hosts festivals and other cultural events.

Menard

This is a chateau in the Loire, owned by the Marquise de Pompadour. It was bought by her in 1760 from Guillaume Charron. The castle is a two-storey building made of white stone, built in the Romanesque style. The chateau has been expanded several times, several buildings have been added to the main building. Park areas are located near the castle.

Chaumont-sur-Loire

The history of the castle begins in the 15th century. A wooden fortress stood in its place. It was destroyed by Louis XI. Then the former owner, Pierre d'Amboise, erected a stone citadel. In the 16th century, the castle was acquired by Catherine de Medici, she lived in the fortress for a long time, today her room is open to tourists. There is a museum in the castle, and a garden festival is held annually.

Angers

Angers Castle is located in the town of Angers, occupies 25 thousand square meters. The stone castle was built in the 11th century on the site of a wooden fortress. In the courtyard there is a chapel and royal chambers. Powerful defensive walls are built of stone and have the shape of a pentagon. The castle became famous for its Apocalypse tapestry gallery.

Chevenon

The castle is located in the town of the same name in the Loire Valley. The construction of the chateau lasted from 1382 to 1406. In the 16th - 18th centuries, the owners of the castle changed, it began to fall into a deplorable state. In the 20th century it was restored and opened to tourists. Today it is a quadrangular building with high towers at the corners. A 25-meter donjon and a dovecote have been preserved.

losh

The castle stands over the river Indre. Its construction began in the ninth century. This is the oldest donjon in the Loire Valley and in France that has survived to this day. The donjon was built by Fulk Nerro in the 11th century, it is massive and erected in the form of a quadrangle. In Loches, Joan of Arc persuaded the Dauphin Charles to be crowned the throne. And in the dungeons of the castle there were prisons where many crowned captives were imprisoned. Today, Loches is open to tourists.

Verreri

The castle was built by the descendants of John Stuart. It was made in the style of Renaissance architecture. The chateau was owned by different owners, the last was the Vogüe dynasty. In the 19th century, restoration work was carried out, the castle became more elegant. The main feature of the castle is the chapel, its walls are painted with paintings of the apostles and martyrs.

Palace of the Dukes of Nevers

The palace was built in 1491. It combines elements of Gothic and Renaissance. It was erected at the direction of Jean de Clamesi. Today, the chateau houses the city hall, where court hearings are held. The main building of the castle is surrounded by towers, to which spiral staircases lead. The castle is 53 meters long and 11 meters wide.

Pont Chevron

The castle was completed in 1900, it was erected on the site where a medieval fortress once stood. Pont Chevron was built in the neoclassical style by the architect Coulomb. Next to the castle stands the chapel of St. Anne, a park, an orchard. In Pont-Chevron there is a museum of the history of construction. In several halls, the furnishings of the 17th and 18th centuries have been restored. They host weddings and other special events.

Saint Brisson

The chateau is located in the city of the same name, it was built in the 12th century and served as a defensive fortress. In 1987, the castle was bought by the authorities and opened to the public. It houses a historical museum, concerts and exhibitions. The building is built in the form of a hexagon, its diagonal is 150 meters. From the top of the chateau you can see the Loire Valley.

Gien

The chateau is located in Gien, Loire Valley. Along with the Château de Amboise, it contests the title of the first Renaissance chateau built in the Loire. The castle was built in the 16th century. It was the residence of the eldest daughter of the French king, Anna de God. After the revolution, the castle became the property of the state. Today it houses the Hunting Museum.

bouibo

The castle was built south of Orléans. The first mention of it dates back to 1510. Built in the Renaissance style. The castle changed owners, as a result, its purpose changed. Boujibo was both a hunting lodge and a place of social entertainment. Today it belongs to the de Meton family. The castle has been converted into a hotel.

La Ferte

This is a former Cistercian abbey. The first daughter monastery of the Order of Sieve. In 1760 it was rebuilt as a palace. Today the castle is privately owned, thanks to tourists the owners keep it in good condition. In La Ferte there is the largest staircase in Burgundy, the rooms for monks and abbots, the abbot's living room have been restored. Hanging portraits of all the owners of the castle.

Chateauneuf-sur-Loire

The castle is located in the center of the town of the same name. The current building was built in the 17th-18th century. From the first chateau, several buildings, stables, and a palace park have been preserved. Today, one of the buildings houses the mayor's office, and the former stables house the navigation museum. Rogogendrons, magnolias grow in the park, there is an artificial pond across which a stone bridge is thrown.

Maine-sur-Loire

The castle is located in the city of Meng, near Orleans. It used to serve as the residence of the Bishops of Orleans. During the Hundred Years War, it played a strategic role, for a long time it was in the hands of the British. Today it is open to the public; the interior of a medieval fortress has been restored in 30 rooms. The castle hosts festivals and cultural events.

dunois

This medieval castle is located in the city of Beaugency, twenty kilometers from Orleans. Built in the 15th century, it is a typical feudal residence. There is a watchtower and a tower enclosed by an arcade. Before the revolution, the castle belonged to the Dunoy-Longville dynasty. Today it houses the Museum of Arts and Traditions of Orleans.

Beauregard

The chateau was built in the 15th century. Located in the small town of Selle. The castle changed owners, was often rebuilt. In 1617 it acquired a modern look. Today it is owned by the dynasty of the Comtes de Cheron. It is open to tourists. Beauregard is famous for its portrait gallery and park area.

Vilsaven

The castle was founded in 1537 at the behest of Jean le Breton. The chateau resembles an Italian villa built during the Renaissance. It is privately owned, in one of the rooms there is a museum of weddings. There is a chapel in the Vilsaven pavilion, which was once visited by Queen Catherine de Medici.

Fougères-sur-Bièvre

The castle is located on the river Biever. Built on the site of a former fortress destroyed in the Hundred Years War. Chateau was built in the style of medieval castles. Today, Fouget-sur-Bièvre is an excellent example of a medieval castle. It has a massive body, low arches, a closed patio. The interior is also preserved in the medieval style.

Chinon

This is one of the royal castles. The history of construction dates back to the tenth century. The chateau consists of three parts, which were built according to the historical need. The castle had many owners who rebuilt it. Since 1854, a gradual reconstruction has been carried out, the floors have been restored, the rooms are furnished with antique furniture. Today it houses a museum.

Rivo

Located 10 minutes drive from Chinon Castle. Rivaud was built in the 13th century, but it was only a feudal building, fortified with towers. In the 15th century, it went to the courtier Pierre de Bov, was rebuilt into a stone and impregnable fortress with a powerful donjon, a drawbridge and a dry moat. In 1991, the castle was bought by private owners, restored and opened to tourists.

Petit Thouars

The castle was built during the Renaissance. It is located near the Vienne River. The descendants of the Petit Thouars family opened a museum in the chateau dedicated to the travels and lives of their ancestors. The castle is famous for its vineyards growing on its slopes. Tourists can have a tasting of sparkling wines.

Saint-Loup-sur-Thuet

Today the castle is privately owned, but you can rent a room in it. Consists of two parts. The first was built in the 11th century, and the second - the main one was built in the 17th century. In the square towers of the castle, the King of France John II and Edward the Black Prince were imprisoned.

Champigny

It is located in the municipality of the same name. It was built in the 12th century, but in the 17th century it was rebuilt by the owner of Champigny. The castle consists of the main building, two wings and outbuildings. In 2000, a family of American businessmen bought the castle and rents it out for weddings and other celebrations. The highlight of the castle is the chapel of St. Louis, built in the 16th century.

Condé

The history of the castle begins in the 14th century, in the 15th century it was bought and rebuilt in the Renaissance style. The castle has eight bedrooms, made in the art deco style, there is a library, gym, solarium, golf courses. Since 1972, it has been owned by the state. Music festivals are held in Kande.

Sarza

This is a large medieval castle. Surrounded by 38 towers, three drawbridges lead to the fortress. It was built in the 14th century and belonged to the Barbonsois dynasty. Since 1720, the castle has been owned by different owners. Today it houses a small private hotel. The original furnishings have been preserved in the halls. Of the original buildings, a chapel has been preserved.

Montpoupon

The castle was built in the Romanesque style, built of sandstone and stone. Stands in the middle of the forest, recognized as a protected historical monument. It was first built in the 12th century, then repeatedly rebuilt and modernized. The gate fort, the western tower, and the donjon have survived to this day. The fortress walls were demolished during the revolution. There is a museum of hunting in the buildings of the castle.

Montrichard

The castle was built in the 11th century by Fulk Nerra. It was plundered in the 12th century. Today it is in a dilapidated state. Despite this, it attracts a large number of tourists. Montrichard is the property of the municipality, it houses a museum where rare exhibits are kept.

Ge-Pean

Located in the wooded Loire Valley. Previously, this place was a Roman camp, then a fortress. During the Renaissance, it was rebuilt into a full-fledged castle. It is privately owned by Germain Pilon. Ge-Pean is open to the public; it has a chapel, a library, and restored rooms.

Saint-Aignan

The castle is located on a cliff, above the Cher River. It is private property, there are no tours inside the castle, but tourists can explore the courtyard and get to know the architecture of the chateau better. The building was built in the 16th century, on the site of a medieval fortress. Some sections of the earliest buildings have been preserved.

Selles-sur-Cher

The castle is located in the small town of the same name, which is famous for its delicious goat cheese. Built in the 17th century, a medieval fortress used to stand in its place. The chateau has been restored and houses a museum that tells about the life and crafts of the inhabitants of the Cher Valley. There is a garden next to the castle.

Aisne-le-Vieil

This medieval castle is located in the town of the same name. It was built in the 14th century and was of great strategic importance. Represents an octagon. The second row of walls has not been preserved. Entry into the castle was possible through a stone bridge. There is a garden and park ensemble in front of the castle.

Plessis-les-Tours

This is a late Gothic French castle, a former royal residence. The chateau was built in the 11th century for Louis the Eleventh, at the end of the 15th century. The king died at the castle in 1483. After the revolution, three-quarters of the chateau was dismantled, the surviving part was used as a farm. Today the castle belongs to the Polish community. The room in which the king died and the prison premises are open to the public.

Langeais

The construction of the castle began at the end of the tenth century. In the 12th century it was enlarged by King Richard the Lionheart. During the Hundred Years' War Langeais was significantly destroyed by the British. The castle was built in the Renaissance style. The drawbridge, the battlements of the towers, part of the fireplace have been preserved to this day. Today Langeais houses the French State Archives, a small hotel and a museum.

Gizo

The history of the castle begins in the 14th century, when a defensive fortress stood in its place. It belonged to the du Bellay family for a long time. Then the owners of the castle changed until it was bought by the Marquis Gizot. The building has been rebuilt several times and retains traces of the Renaissance and the Renaissance. There is a park next to Gizo.

Reo

This is a Renaissance castle located in Touraine. It was founded by the Brisonnet family, the date of construction is 1462. Today the chateau is privately owned. But it has an art gallery dedicated to the theme of male and female legs. The castle is included in the list of historical monuments of France.

Monsoreau

This is a medieval castle built in the 15th century by an adviser to King Charles the Seventh. It served as an important strategic fortress, as it stands at the intersection of the Loire and Vienne rivers. An octagonal tower from the 15th century has been preserved in the castle. The fortress was rebuilt during the Renaissance. Inside there are many fireplaces, spacious halls, two spiral staircases. Today the castle is occupied by a museum.

Saumur

Saumur is located in the town of the same name. It was finally completed in the 16th century. The castle was built in the shape of an irregular quadrangle. There are towers in the corners. In the center of the castle, the foundation of the donjon has been preserved. Today, within the walls of Saumur is a museum of decorative arts and a museum that tells about the use of horses in different countries.

Boomua

The castle is located 10 kilometers from Saumur. It was built in the 13th century, then destroyed by the British during the Hundred Years War and rebuilt in the 16th century. The facade of the castle has heavy ascetic and medieval forms, the windows are loopholes, and the courtyard is made in the spirit of the Renaissance. The castle was badly damaged during the world wars, but was restored.

Brissac

The castle was built in the 11th century by Fulk Nerra. Then it was acquired by the royal minister Pierre de Breze. A historic event took place in the castle - the reconciliation of Marie de Medici and her son Louis XIII. In 1502, Brissac bought out René de Cosse. Today the castle belongs to his descendants.

Montgeoffroy

This is one of a small number of castles in the Loire, which has preserved medieval interiors. It was built in the Renaissance style at the end of the 18th century. The castle was built in the shape of a horseshoe. All paintings, panels of interior decoration are in the same places on which they were hung by the first owner of the castle.

Castle of the Dukes of Brittany

Located in the city of Nantes. It stands on the banks of the Loire, in past centuries the water from the moat was connected with the water of the Loire River. The date of foundation of the castle is considered to be 1207. The castle was declared a historical monument in 1862. Today it is a popular tourist attraction; it houses a museum of the history of Nantes.

Chateaudun

This is the former residence of the Counts of Dunois. It was built in the 12th - 14th centuries. Located near the modern city of Chartres. The history of the castle began in 1171. At this time, the donjon was built. The chateau has been rebuilt several times. Today, the architecture of the castle includes: a donjon, a large chapel, the wings of Dunois and Longueville.

people

The castle was rebuilt many times. Initially, it was a fortress surrounded by six towers. In architecture, different styles are visible: neoclassical, renaissance, neogothic. In many rooms, the original decoration has been preserved. Today the chateau is a private property.

Bazage

The fortress was built in the eleventh century to protect the upper borders of the county of Anjou. The castle has repeatedly changed owners and rebuilt. Today it is surrounded by a moat, and a drawbridge leads to the fortress. The castle has preserved a 15th century chapel and an old original fireplace. Nearby, on an area of ​​1 hectare, there is a park with a complex system of canals.

Lavardin

The castle was built in the 11th century, originally it was a wooden fortress. Then a stone citadel was erected in its place. In the 14th century, Lavarden became an impregnable fortress; King Charles the Seventh even stayed there. In the 16th century the castle was taken and destroyed. Plans were subsequently considered to rebuild Lavardin. But until now, the castle is in a dilapidated state.

Vendome

The ruins of the medieval castle of Vendôme are located in the town of the same name. In 1840 they were declared a monument of culture and history. The castle was built in the 11th century. In the 16th century, Henry IV captured the castle and his troops destroyed the citadel. Vandom changed owners, fell into disrepair and is still being destroyed.

Montoir

A historical monument, of which only ruins have survived. The castle was built at the end of the eleventh century. After a while, Montoir was captured by the troops of the English king Richard the Lionheart. The castle was badly damaged as a result of religious wars, lost its strategic purpose and fell into disrepair.

Freteval

Initially, the castle was intended for military purposes. It was built on the ruins of defensive fortifications in the 11th century. The castle occupies about five hectares. It has three lines of defense and a stone dungeon. Today, Freteval is losing its appearance and is in a dilapidated state.

Corn d'Urfe

Currently, there are ruins on the site of a medieval castle. In 1946 they were included in the list of protected French historical monuments. The castle was first built in the 12th century by the Marquis d'Urfe. In the 15th century it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style. After the French Revolution, the owners left the fortress, and it gradually began to turn into ruins.

Beaufort

The castle was built in 1200, on the initiative of the Beaufort family. Located in the commune of Goude, this is the second oldest castle in the Loire Valley. The first mention of it dates back to the 12th century. The fortress played an important role during the Hundred Years War with the British. Today the castle is in ruins. The remains of Beaufort are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.