Château de Brézé

Château de Loches

Château de Langeais

The chateau has a history of intrigue, murders, imprisonment, premature deaths, ... You get to see just a little of this in the sound and light show (see events). After a period of decline and the French Revolution the Château de Blois came into the hands of the town. Late in the 19th century it was no longer used as a barracks and to some extent restored. Only after the Second World War was the job tackled thoroughly. There are now a few magnificent halls to marvel at, most of which have no furniture. An unusual feature is the “Cabinet de Catherine de Médicis”: this contains 237 decorated panels and four concealed cabinets. The walk around the outside of the chateau is also very interesting and takes only about 15 minutes.

Château de Villandry is proud of its gardens. This hitherto unseen beauty can be hard to take in on one visit. The chateau is certainly worth seeing. The rooms were refurbished in the 18th century and there is an exhibition of Spanish art. Its former owner restored this dilapidated chateau and was the creator of this magnificent Renaissance garden.

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau (16th century) is surrounded by water. This moat was once gave the chateau its defences, but now it gives its reflection. It came into the hands of the French king when the owner was accused of financial trickery. However, not many kings have resided here. But it is not lacking in beauty and elegance. It is considered a Renaissance chateau and is one of the leading examples in this style.

Amboise and Leonardo da Vinci are irrefutably linked. The artist and inventor spent the last years of his life here. He lived in Le Clos-Lucé, a country house just outside the centre. He is said to have been buried in St Hubert’s chapel at Château d'Amboise. The country house is open to the public. It contains reminders of da Vinci and there is a small exhibition. St Hubert’s chapel is one of the most beautiful chateau buildings and was spared after the loss of the chateau.

No visit to the Loire chateaux would be complete without seeing Chenonceau. It was built over the Cher, a tributary of the Loire. The history of Chenonceau is a real novel, its main character being one of the most beautiful women of all times: Diane de Poitiers.

The 15th century Château de Chaumont lies on the Loire and from the inner courtyard offers a beautiful view of the river. This is because it was built on rocks, and because it has been altered so many times by its many owners. It is a hotchpotch but well worth a visit. Though you wouldn’t expect it, there is also an English garden on 17 ha of land.

This is a chateau of a different style altogether: very classical and extraordinarily beautiful lines. The French Royals have never resided in Cheverny. It is a 'seigniory' or the property of the liege. The chateau, built in 1634 by Hirault de Cheverny, still belongs to a descendent of the marquis de Vibraye. It is best known now as ‘Chateau Molensloot’ from the Tin Tin stories.