Loire Valley Castles

Chateau de Chenonceau

2009-03-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

Built on the river Cher, where the unique beauty of its architecture reflects in the water, the Château de Chenonceau is the Val de Loire’s finial.

Château des Dames as recorded in the French history books, Chenonceau owes a large part of its charm to women: it was built in 1513 by Katherine Briçonnet, then made even more attractive by Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, and saved from the rigours of the French Revolution by Mrs Dupin. The lovely surroundings, the formal garden and the park surrounding it add to the impression of delicate grace emanating from the castle.

In rebuilding the Chenonceau château in the 16th century, Thomas Bohier razed the castle-keep and the fortified mill of the Marques family, erecting the new château upon the piers of the former mill and keeping only the ancient donjon: The Marques Tower, which he transformed in Renaissance style. The forecourt reproduces the layout of the former medieval castle demarcated by the moats. Next to the tower, there is also a well decorated with a chimaera and an eagle - the emblem of the Marques family.

Chenonceau is not only remarkable for its architecture and history but also for the fine quality of its collections as can be seen from the inside visit: Renaissance furniture, a vast ensemble of XVI th and XVII th centuries tapestries and a great number of masterpieces. Le Primatice, Rubens, Le Tintoret, Rigaud, Nattier, Van Loo are among the most famous names that can be found there.

Château de Saumur

2008-12-07T04:05:00.000-08:00

Built during on the XIVth century for the Ducs d’Anjou, it becomes the house of the governors of the town, then a jail, before being bought by the town in 1906.

The work of rebuilding of the Château doesn't allow the access to the inner rooms of the building. However, you can visit the site from april to september.
The chateau of Saumur was painted by the Limbourg brothers for The Tres Riches Heures of Jean, Duke of Berry. Their painting shows peasants working in a vegetable garden outside the castle walls and gives a glimpse of a pleasure garden within the battlements. But the real of interest of the chateau to garden historians lies in the close correspondence of the old painting to the current form of the chateau: it proves the accuracy of the paintings of garden scenes at the close of the middle ages.

The castle of Loches

2007-11-24T05:07:00.001-08:00

Loaches appears in the history in the middle of the 5th century with the construction of a church in the "vicus" (village) of "Luccas" by the Bishop Eustace de Tours. These facts are reported by the Bishop Gregoire, one of his successors, in his "History of the Franks". In 742, the Mayors of the Palate, Carloman and Pépin (future king of the Franks from 751 to 768 and knew under the name of Pépin the Brief) fought battle against Humbold, Duke of Aquitanian and seized Loches. "Luccas" from now on was indicated by the term of "castrum" (castle).The ceaseless quarrels which opposed the counts of Blois to the counts of Anjou from the very start of Xth century, were at the origin of the rise of the castle of Loches which played from now on a dominating part in this fight of being able. The angevin Geoffroi Grisegonelle rebuilds a new church at the end of Xth century, while his son the turbulent Baron Foulques III Nerra (987-1040) made build between the 1013 and 1035 enormous quadrangular keep always visible nowadays. This keep formed part of a network of fortifications encircling the town of Tours, object of all his covetousnesses. It is his son, Geoffroi II Martel (1040-1060), which carried out in the long term opens it paternal: Touraine became angevine in 1044.

Château du Beaugency

2007-03-11T05:24:00.000-07:00

The construction of this building was undertaken by the Bastard one of Orleans, count de Longueville and of Dunois, in second half of XVe century. Built on the ruins of a medieval castle of the Lords de Beaugency, it has a remarkable frame of XVe century. Its César tower, square keep, dominate the Loire. Beautiful Dunois y lived seventeen years from 1440 before settling in Châteaudun. He was a faithful comrade in arms of Jeanne d' Arc. Remained in its descent until the Revolution, the castle knows certain transformations then. In XVIe century, its descendants increase the building. Thus, Jean Cardinal of Longueville made build the Renaissance wing, the spiral staircase and the frescos of the oratory. Confiscated, the building is then sold like national good. It will be used as Deposit of begging in 1840. The castle Dunois de Beaugency is classified historic building in 1926. It belongs today to the general Council of Loiret which in entrusted management to the town of Beaugency. Since 1927, it shelters the museum of arts and traditions of Orléanais. The castle of Beaugency accomodated the king Louis VII the Young person who made cancel, in 1152, his marriage with Aliénor of Aquitaine. This sentence was one of the causes of the One hundred year old war.

Château de Bridoré

2007-02-27T13:17:00.000-08:00

2 Minutes from the RN 143 between Loches and Châtillon-sur-Indre : a magnificently preserved feudal fortress. Between the lower courtyard, where the soldiers and servants were lodged, and the upper courtyard where the Lord of the manor lived, is an impressive 30-metre-high keep crowned with watchtowers.

The fortress of Bridoré was erected during the reign of Charles V by the marshal of France Jean I Le Meingre called Boucicaut (1310-1368), and then by his son, Jean II Le Meingre called Boucicaut (1366-1421), marshal of France under Charles VI and comrade of Du Guesclin.

Imbert de Bastarnay (1438-1523), counsellor to King Louis XI and chamberlain of the royal court, bought Bridoré in 1475. He perfected the prototype of the buried fortification which inspired Vauban : the caponier. He raised the height of the keep, which attained 30 metres, and covered it with the frame of a roof with watch-towers.

In 1641, the marquis of Viantais acquired Bridoré. One of his daughters founded the convent of the Viantaises at Beaulieu-les-Loches; the feudal estate of Bridoré belonged to them until the Revolution.

Sold as state property at the Revolution it has belonged to the same family ever since. Designated as a « Monument historique » in 1911, restored by the painters Simone Lefèvre-Mouveau and Pierre Mouveau, it is now their daughter, Véronique Mouveau, who ensures the conservation and restoration of the property.

Château de Brézé

2007-02-12T00:50:00.000-08:00

The castle of Brézé is listed ancient monument since 1060.It has been transformed during the 16 th century and the 19 th.Today it's the residence of descendants of ancients lords.

If the castle of Brézé is single in more than one way, it is to its owner, the count de Colbert, that it must! This true Loire château is actually a castle under a castle. Indeed, under the castle of surface, built between XIe and XIXe centuries, is hiding place an incredible underground fortress and up to that point closed with the public. Surrounded by a team of specialists in museography and inheritance, Mr. De Colbert with decided to open its castle of the roofs until deepest of the undergrounds.

Surrounded by dried-up ditches (the deepest of Europe 18 metres and 13 metres wide), the sumptuous castle, built with the “tuffeau” extracted from the ditches, is an architectural jewel . The fortress is protected by imposing towers, old Renaissance residence where the “tuffeau” is like lace. You will find this wonderful harmony of strength and refinement at BREZE.

From the first home of Brézé lords, walking across the rounds way until the drawbridge, you will go for a walk in this block of “tuffeau” which make the underground fortress. During your walk round the ditches, you will discover an economic cave dwellers substructure, created from the 16 th century and which expanded the wealth of BREZE.

Château de Langeais

2007-01-03T02:56:00.000-08:00

Around the year 1000, Touraine was coveted by two powerful local lords: the Count of Anjou, Foulque Nerra, and the Count of Blois, Eudes I. At the end of the 10th century, Foulque Nerra conquered the site of Langeais, not far from Tours, and established a castle on the promontory. All that remains of it now are a few traces of the keep. For the next four decades, Langeais went through troubled times, occupied turn and turn about by the successive Counts of Blois and Anjou. Finally, in 1044, along with the rest of Touraine, it fell into the hands of the Plantagenets and then of their descendants who were the Kings of England. It was not until 1206 that Langeais became part of the French realm, after the victories of Philippe Auguste (King Philippe II) over England’s King John. Thereafter, its possession was conferred on various great lords close to the French court.

During the Hundred Years War, Langeais was the temporary lair of lawless armed bands. The future Charles VII * realised the danger that this posed and, when he came to the throne in 1422, he repossessed the domain. All its fortifications were then destroyed, except for the “Great Tower”. (* Charles VII was the “Dauphin” for whom Joan of Arc fought against the English.).

During the second half of the 15th century, Langeais remained a strategic site. Charles VII’s son, Louis XI, therefore decided to build a castle there in face of hostilities from a group known as the League for the Public Weal, formed by dissidents from the high aristocracy. (Active members of the group included the Duke of Brittany, then still independent from France.) Work on the new château, situated at the eastern end of the rock spur, was at its height in 1465 and 1467. The task was supervised by Jean Bourré, one of the king’s faithful councillors, in collaboration with Jean Briçonnet, another royal servant, who was then the first Mayor of Tours.

Meanwhile, in July 1466, the castle was granted to one of the king’s cousins, the Count of Dunois, son of the military commander who captured Orleans with Joan of Arc. Troubles with the League for the Public Weal died down. From 1468, however, Charles VII had to combat a far more dangerous enemy: the Duke of Burgundy, Charles the Bold. The building work came to a halt.

A generation later, on 6th December 1491, the Dunois-owned château was the scene of the dawn wedding between Charles VIII (Louis XI’s son) and Duchess Anne of Brittany. The marriage put an end to the strife between France and Anne’s independent duchy and paved the way for Brittany eventually being incorporated formally into the French kingdom (in 1532). Only a small number of people attended the wedding ceremony, held in one of the château’s great halls. The marriage contract stipulated that the couple gave each other mutually their rights over the duchy; in addition, Anne promised that, if the king were to die without a male descendant, she would marry the new sovereign. That is what actually happened. The children born to the royal couple were either born dead or died at a very young age. After Charles VIII died in 1498, at the Château d’Amboise, Anne of Brittany married his cousin, Louis d’Orléans, who reigned as Louis XII.

After the 15th century, the Château de Langeais had a variety of owners, who took hardly any care of it. Only Christophe Baron, its proprietor from April 1839, undertook restoration work and bought a collection of furniture for the premises. Unfortunately, his son later sold a large part of this collection to pay off heavy debts. After the son died, the château was acquired by an influential businessman named Jacques Siegfried.Born at Mulhouse in 1840, Jacques Siegfried was not only a banker but was also charged by the French government with finding the best means of developing France’s export trade.He had a passion for medieval art and, having bought château on 28th July 1886, devoted almost 20 years of his life to restoring and refurnishing it. The aim he set himself was to reconstitute the living quarters of the nobility at the end of the Middle Ages. In 1904, he donated the château and its rich collection to the Institut de France, which still owns the property.

Château de Chinon

2006-12-10T09:52:00.000-08:00

The chateau was built for the first time in stone in 954 By Theobald I, Comte de Blois, on a steep plateau. The stronghold, which replaced a lighter wooden structure, the passed to the rival Comte d"anjou, Geoffroy Martel in 1044.

The Comte d"Anjou was the first to join the walls of the two original defensive structures as well as adding towers and the chapel of St. Melanie. The far east wing was added by Henry II Plantagenet Until 1205 he and his descendants continued construction work, adding the fortress to the east and the internal chapel, the mill tower and the numerous reinforcement towers.
Set on a rocky spur, Chinon Citadel has been dominating the Vienne Valley for centuries. In the late 12th century, Henri II Plantagenêt moved into Chinon. Then, he decided that his favourite residence would be converted for use as a stronghold. Left on his own, he died lonely here. Even his own son and descendent Richard the Lionheart left him alone. Richard the Lionheart also died here ten years later in 1199.

The castle of Chinon Dominating the river Vienne, the plate of Chinon finishes out of spur, almost to touch the river. This spur, strengthened as of the Romans, knows during ten centuries a confused and tragic history. Three Masters in the art of the fortifications especially left their print on the extremely current castle: two kings of England, Henri II and Richard Lion Heart, a king of France, Philippe Auguste. This is in 1205, after an eight month old siege, that this last removed the place to Plantagenêts.

The court of the "roi de Bourges" (beginning of the 15th C.).
With Charles VII begins, for Chinon, a page of history. France is in a very serious situation. Henri IV, king of England, are also "roi de Paris", Charles VII is only the "roi de Bourges" when, in 1427, he installs his small court in Chinon. Following the year, he joins together there the general states of the provinces of the Center and the South still subjected to his authority. The States vote 400.000 livers to organize the defence of Orléans, besieged by the English.

Château de Chaumont

2006-11-19T04:55:00.000-08:00

The castle of Chaumont, like much of Loire château, owes part of its beauty with the splendid site which it occupies. It dominates the river over left bank, at the point where the calcareous slope is most abrupt. Vis-a-vis the Loire, the castle is drawn up at the end of a landscape park to English which constitutes a genuine bosky bower. With its feet, over bank, the village is spread out.

The castle has from now on the shape of “U”. In front of the drawbridge is the Southern wing on the left, the wing Is on the right which frames the châtelet of entry and which 2 turns confine. The vault is at the end of the wing Is, vis-a-vis the Loire.While being held vis-a-vis the Loire in the interior court of the castle, one outside locates the Western wing, flanked on the right by the tower of Amboise (in South-west), vis-a-vis the park. On the left, the wing rises is confined by the Saint Nicolas's Day tower with the North-eastern angle, vis-a-vis the park.

In X-th century, Eudes 1st, count de Blois, established a fortress to protect Blois from the ceaseless attacks of Foulques Néra, count d' Anjou.The Norman knight Guelduin accepted Chaumont and made consolidate the fortress.His/her small niece, Denise de Fougères, having married Sulpice d' Amboise, the castle passes in the family of Amboise for five centuries.Louis XI made burn and shave Chaumont in 1465 to punish Pierre d' Amboise to have revolted against the royal capacity at the time of the “League of the public property”.A little later its grounds were restored.This one then his/her son, Charles 1st of Amboise undertook the rebuilding of the castle of 1465 to 1475 by building the Northern wing (vis-a-vis the Loire), now disappeared.They continued work by the Western wing, the gross tower of Amboise and the first contiguous span of the Southern wing in the Gothic and defensive style of XVè century with: covered way, machicolation (openings practised in the ground in overhang of the fortifications and allowing to launch projectiles to the attackers), and dry ditches surrounding the castle.From 1498 to 1510, Charles II of Chaumont d' Amboise, helped of his uncle the cardinal George d' Amboise, continued the rebuilding in a style already marked by the Rebirth while preserving the same strengthened general pace: southern wing, châtelet of entry, wing East, coupled with the Southern wing).The introduction of the italianizing reasons on the châtelet and the monumental staircase is particularly early.The vault is at the end of the wing Is, vis-a-vis the Loire.Become widowed in 1559, Catherine de Médicis buys Chaumont in 1560 and constrained Diane of Poitiers to accept it in exchange of Chenonceau. The favorite one of Henri II builds the covered way to machicolation of the châtelet of entry and the Eastern wing, remained unfinished in 1510, by affixing its figures and its emblems there: Interlaced, arcs and quiver, hunting horns, delta and crescents.

With the destruction of the Northern wing in 1739 per Nicolas Berthin de Vauguyen, Master of the Requests at the Parliament of Paris, the castle loses his pace of strong castle partly and becomes residence of approval. In 1750, Jacques Donatien Ray, future intendant of the Invalids, buys Chaumont, it installs there in 1770 a glassmaking and a manufacture of ground medallions, directed by the Italian engraver Jean-baptiste Nini. He succeeds in preserving the castle of the revolutionary upheaval by bequeathing all his goods to his son of American nationality. In 1810, Madam de Staël remains there, surrounded by a true court of opponents with Napoleon among whom appear then Benjamin Constant and Mrs Récamier.The count of Aramon acquires it in 1883 and carries out important repairs, continued by the Viscount of Walsh since 1847.In 1875, Marie-Charlotte Say, grand-daughter of the financier and sugar Louis Say, buy Chaumont.The same year, it marries prince de Broglie who gives again with the castle a glare without precedent.The husbands call upon the architect Paul-Ernest Sanson who restores the castle.Many elements of external and interior decorations are restored in the néo-Rebirth spirit: grounds, woodworks, chimneys, stained glasses in which are included old stained glasses.Sanson made build important stables which profit from very modern installations (running water and electricity in particular), with the measurement of the luxury of Broglie.In 1884, Prince de Broglie entrusts the realization of a landscape park to English to the landscape designer of reputation Henri Duchêne.With this intention, of the decayed houses, encumbering the accesses of the castle, are destroyed and their inhabitants rehoused on the edges of the Loire. The old church also undergoes the same fate as well as the cemetery which will be moved.During forty years, the castle will know one sumptuous time, during which Broglie will give dazzling festivals and receptions, by carrying out a life worthy of a royal house. Unfortunately reverses of fortune will oblige the princess of Broglie to sell Chaumont in 1938 in the State which will assign it to the service Historic buildings.

Château de Chambord

2006-11-12T10:04:00.000-08:00

The castle of Chambord is held in a few miles of Blois, in the Sologne. Palate emblematic of the first French Rebirth, the castle of François 1st constitutes today a stage impossible to circumvent in the circuit of the Loire château.

It is in the middle of a vast giboyeuse forest, punt and muddy, often embrumée, that this white and unreal palate emerges from the marshes. The plan of the building is that of a strong castle of plain. It comprises a vast rectangular enclosure, confined round towers, on a side of which a keep sets up. This last has colossal proportions, and constitutes with him only the almost whole castle. The unit releases however a deep feeling of majesty, and the geometrical clearness of the plan, the harmony of the proportions and the imagination of its roofs roughcast of turrets, chimneys and attic windows vertiginous were, through the centuries, as many sources of amazement. According to Alfred de Vigny, “… one hardly conceives how the plans were traced… it is a dream carried out”.

1800 workmen, says one, worked with the construction of Chambord, since 1519 and during more than thirty years. If shade of Léonard de Vinci - friend of the king and official “architector” who died a few months before the opening of the building site - plane on the astonishing staircase with double revolution, one does not know however the author of this strange residence, at the same time extraordinary and uninhabitable. Sovereigns and Européens ambassadors admired it, and remained confused about it. François 1st, who dreamed some, spent only a few weeks there, leaving it vacuum of pieces of furniture and inhabitants after each passage and, finally, unfinished…

Is it thus necessary to see there the will of king de France, vis-a-vis Charles Quint and Henri VIII of England, to impose itself in changing Europe, a given image of the centralization of the capacity which is established then?If Henri II (1519-1559) continued a few times work of them, those were finished only under the reign of Louis XIV (1638-1715), who liked this prestigious place at the point to make there several punctuated stays of huntings, ballets and the stage performances of Molière.

Although seldom inhabited thereafter, it preserved a function symbolic system, representing what an absolute capacity could do as regards construction useless, born only imagination and good pleasure of the sovereign. Chambord became then the prestigious “gift” and the residence whose in various ways the dukes of Orleans at the XVIIème century profited; Stanislas Leczcinski, beautiful father of Louis XV and king de Pologne in exile, and the Maurice marshal of Saxony at the XVIIIème century and, with the XIXème century, the Berthier marshal then the duke of Bordeaux, become count de Chambord.

State-owned property since 1932, this mythical building accomodates today more than 800.000 visitors per annum.

Château de Brissac

2006-08-31T02:03:00.000-07:00

The remote hill village of Brissac in the Languedoc region of Southern France, once the heartland of the troubadour civilization, is dominated by a castle dating to the eleventh century. (Not to be confused with the younger and far grander Château de Brissac in the Loire Valley, home of the thirteenth Duc de Brissac — this is just a coincidence of names.) The family which built the Brissac Castle in Languedoc, cousins of the Emperor Charlemagne, founded one of the chief cities of the South of France. Throughout the Middle Ages they were to play a leading role in the turbulent history of the region.
The castle and the church date from before the origin of Brissac. They were built up under the protection of the fortress during the Caroling Empire dispersion period. Since that time the Castle and its history dominated Brissac in all its manners. During this troubled and distant period, the powerful Roquefeuil family was in possession of important lands in between Séranne's mountain and Ganges: Brissac. The castle could be easily called:" Le Château de Roquefeuil de Brissac". Through different matrimonial alliances the Roquefeuil's do not represent Brissac permanently and that's the reason why the Lords of Brissac belong to Pons d'Agonès in the beginning of the XI century.

Acquired in 1502 by René de Cossé, first Lord of Brissac, it is today the residence of the 13th Duke of Brissac. Whilst the park offers magnificent views from the shaded century old trees, the visit reveals a dazzling décor. You will notice stunning ceilings, precious furniture and a ravishing theatre Belle Époque, dedicated to Opera.

Today, the Chateau Brissac is still owned by a de Cossé family member. The chateau is open to tours and its luxurious gilded theater hosts the annual Val de Loire festival.

Château de la Bourdaisière

2006-08-31T02:00:00.000-07:00

Its origins date back to the 14th century when it was a fortress belonging to Jean Meingre. Over the next few generations, the property changed hands several time, until 1520 when King Francois I arranged for construction of a new castle on the site. Built for his mistress, Marie Gaudin, the wife of Philibert Babou, Superintendent of Finances for France, after her death, the property would remain in the family's hands.
Grandiose architecture, breathtaking furniture, exuberant but really charming hosts! This splendid Renaissance style château in the heart of the Loire Valley was first built by King François 1er. Descendants of the 'Broglie' family will warmly welcome you in their princely retreat which offers 13 spacious bedrooms superbly decorated. Travel in time by strolling in the authentic French gardens after a day visiting the other castles of the Loire valley.

Château de Bouges

2006-08-31T01:33:00.000-07:00

Situated near Valençay, the château de Bouges is an Italian style building which elegantly illustrates 18th century arts. In 1759, Charles-François Leblanc de Manarval purchased the Bouges grounds. This ironmaster and manager of the woollen cloth royal manufacture in Châteauroux had the château erected in freestone. The building, attributed to Jacques-Ange Gabriel, singularly resembles the Petit Trianon in Versailles. The most significant part of the castle's charm resides in its "inhabited" aspect.
Bouquets from the adjoining garden welcome the visitors all year round. Most of the seats and furniture date back to the 18th century, the golden age of French furniture. This particular feature is due to the improvement works mainly carried out by Henri Viguier, chairman and managing director of the Bazar de l'Hôtel de Ville and his wife. They bought the château in 1917 and bequeathed it in 1968 to the National Fund for Historical Monuments and Sites. The formal garden in the French style and 80-ha grounds stretch out around the château. The old "farmyard" is surrounded on both sides by buildings which are topped up by high, Mansard style, slate roofs. They accommodate beautiful stables, two tack rooms and a horse-drawn carts museum.

Château de Blois

2006-08-31T01:28:00.000-07:00

The first castle in Blois was built in the 10th century, but the oldest remains date back to the 13th century. The Salle des Etats was constructed by the Chatillon family. Most of what you see now is from the 16th century, when Louis XII and Francois I built the north-east and north-west wings. The south-west wing was built in 1635.

Dominating the Loire River, the royal castle of Blois is not only one of the most prestigious Renaissance monuments in France but also a brilliant illustration of the evolution of the French architecture from the Middle ages to the 17th century.
Recorded before the Middle Ages, Blois then became the centre of an important feudal power. On the site of the old castle, King Louis XII (1498-1515) and his wife, Anne of Brittany (1491-1514) embarked on the construction of a vast Renaissance palace. Behind its walls some of the most traumatic pages of French history were written. Blois History is rather bloody. Henri III murdered here the Duke Henri de Guise on 23rd December 1588. Catherine de Medici died in the castle a few days later. However, Blois was not only the scene of bloody France History. The famous poet Pierre de Ronsard met first Cassandre when attending a ball in the castle.

However, the castle at Blois is not only a great place to study the influence of the Renaissance, but to see the complete transition from medieval to classical in the building’s four distinct parts. The Foix Tower and Hall of the Estates-General are excellent examples of the Romanesque period when a castle’s main purpose was defense. The Flamboyant Gothic style of the Louis XII Wing illustrates a more peaceful time with its openness, decorative gardens and colorful façade. The enormous open staircase and symbolic carvings on the Francis I Wing are intended to impress; Renaissance design has obscured function. Finally, the Gaston d’Orleans Wing reflects a more refined classical style.

Château de Beauregard

2006-08-31T01:19:00.000-07:00

This elegant nineteenth century bourgeois mansion, two minutes by foot from the town centre, is situated on 2.5 hectares of grounds. It has recently been fully restored with taste and refinement.
Beauregard has a spectacular portrait gallery - the largest in Europe - with Delft paved earthenware floor, a rare 16th century kitchen and a collection of furniture and objects from the 16th and 17th century. Its has a landscaped park and a herbaceous garden designed by Gilles Clément.
The well-named Beauregard has reputed roots such as Jean du Thiers, secretary of state of Henry 2nd who was himself the constructor and first Lord of Beauregard. The castle shelters the famous Galerie des Illustres which displays the paintingportrays of 320 great figures of the court and high-ranking foreign characters gathered around the two portrays of the King and the Queen. This long room has kept its beautiful old Delft tiles and its ceiling painted with lapis-lazuli powder.

Château d'Azay-le-Rideau

2006-08-31T01:06:00.000-07:00

With the Middle Ages, the lords of Tours build a castle on an island in the medium of the Indre river to protect the passage from the road carrying out of Tours to Chinon.
Azay-le-Rideau is a small castle, charming and romantic. It is located in the Loire Valley, 15 miles southwest of Tours (and about 150 miles southwest of Paris). The strangely named castle of Azay-le-Rideau ("Azay-the-Curtain") represents one of the most successful examples of Italianate architecture in the Touraine region. Its unrivaled elegance and the richness of its furniture alone are worth the visit.

The elegant lines of Azay-le-Rideau, reflected in its wide moat, have been seen around the world, attracting millions of visitors. A masterpiece of the first French Renaissance period, Azay is, from some points of view, symbolically reminiscent of late 15th century medieval fortresses. The long low proportions and the sculptural decorations of Azay are Italianate, in the new antique taste, but the bastion corners capped by pointed cones, the vertical stacks of grouped windows separated by emphatic horizontal string courses, and the high sloped slate roof are unmistakably French. The playful fortifications and the medieval donjon towers gave an air of traditional nobility to the king's newly-ennobled treasurer.
The famous Renaissance castle is built on an island in the Loire tributary Indre. Azay-Le-Rideau was built by Gilles Berthelot (Treasurer of François I) between 1518 and 1527. Suspected of embezzlement by King François I, Gilles Berthelot was forced to flee from Azay-Le-Rideau, leaving the castle uncompleted behind him forever. He died a few years later whereas he was still in exile.

Château d'Azay-le-Ferron

2006-08-31T00:52:00.000-07:00

The castle consists of four parts built at various times: the tower Frotier (end of 15th century), the wing of Humières (middle of 17th century), the house of François I (16th century), and the Breteuil house (18th century). The common areas, known as the Cingé wing, are from the 17th century. They are connected to the castle by a gallery inspired by that of the castle of Valençay and built in 1926.
The castle of AZAY-le-FERRON looks like a typical example of the beautiful Loire castles. AZAY-le-FERRON belongs to the Barony de Preuilly on Claise, and was located in the province of Touraine. Today it is located at the edge of Brenne.
Several great families were owners of AZAY-le-FERRON, in particular Gregoire Michel, banker for Napoleon’s armies. In the 19th century the castle was sold in life annuity to the Luzarche family, a family of master blacksmiths. In 1950, Mrs. Hersent, daughter of Mrs. Luzarche, bequeathed the castle and the grounds to the town of Tours.

7 days bike tour

2006-08-29T02:17:00.000-07:00

The climate in the Loire Valley is temperate and ideal for cycling, with few extremes during summer months. Daytime temperatures generally between 25-32 C. Although this region of France typically records the lowest amount of annual rainfall, some showers are a possibility during any month of the year making adequate raingear a necessity.

The Loire is the longest river in France, rising in the Massif Central and flowing over 1000km to the Atlantic Ocean. Along its lower reaches, the hunting grounds and lodges of kings and noblemen have grown into extraordinarily ornate chateaux. In addition to these fine buildings, the Loire valley is famous for its wine, with flourishing vineyards set amidst the leafy forests, green valleys and charming villages - ideal for undemanding cycling. Collectively they are known as vins de Touraine. Vineyards thrive on the fertile soil around the river and its tributaries, and many producers are well-prepared to receive visitors and are more than happy for them to try a glass or two. The historic market town of Amboise, nestled under its fortified chateau, makes a perfect starting point from where we wend our way between the Loire and Cher rivers, visiting some of the prettiest chateaux along the way. With the vast majority of the riding on easy tarmac roads with few hills this is not Le Tour de France but a pleasant pedal through one of the most beautiful corners of France.

This trip is rated as Easy to Moderate and novice cyclists will have no problems. All participants should be comfortable riding a bike for approximately 4 hours per day and have a basic familiarity with shifting gears. The terrain in the Loire Valley is relatively flat, however we will sporadically encounter some gradually rolling hills.

Day 1: Start Amboise.

Day 2: Cycle to Montrichard.
The first grand building of the trip is one of the best: the chateau of Chenonceaux on the river Cher – or rather, in the river Cher: its moat is part of the river and its arches reach across to the far bank.

Day 3: Cycle to Cour Cheverny.
Having passed a 16th century castle, follow the Cher valley east through a landscape of farmland and villages to moated castle of Chemery before completing the day's ride.

Day 4: Free day.
Today is free to relax in the village, visit the beautiful chateau in Cour Cheverny or cycle through the forests to the Chateau de Chambord - an extraordinary collection of turrets and spires, and famous for its double spiral staircase.

Day 5: Cycle to Chaumont-sur-Loire.
Return to the Loire valley and there is a number of options today. For the more energetic an excursion to the mediaeval town of Blois provides a historical diversion or alternatively take the more direct route to the hotel.

Day 6: Free day.
Today is free to visit the chateau in town standing high above the river, cycle along the riverbank to Blois or explore the villages to the south on optional rides.

Day 7: Cycle to Amboise.
The final day in the saddle and cycle across open, rolling countryside to Amboise. There should be plenty of time to visit the Clos Luce, last home of Leonardo da Vinci, and the castle itself in this pretty riverside town.

Château d'Apremont

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In 1468, Apremont castle was besieged by 3,000 Bretons who wanted to free prisoners that were being held there. Once they had achieved their aim, the Bretons lifted the siege and devastated the surrounding country as far as Saint Gilles, on the coast.
The French king Louis XIII stayed at the Castle on the night of April 17, 1622, after a battle at nearby Riez, where he had defeated the Prince de SOUBISE and his Protestant troops.

The Castle, property of the Municipality, is one of the most beautiful examples of Vendeen architecture. Renovation work on the courtyards and inside the castle began in 1978 and continues year by year.

It is financed by the State, the Regional Council and the County Council.
The Municipality uses entry money to help pay for the expenses of renovation.
Thank you for visiting. I hope that in a few years' time you will see the progress to which you have contributed.
From the 11th century an impregnable fortified town existed on the right bank of the Vie, approachable only from the north. The front entrance on the north side still exists, guarded by its two towers - though the drawbridge has disappeared. The south side was bounded by the river, the east and west by two very deep natural depressions in the land.

Château d'Angers

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Angers, the capital of the historic province of Anjou, is considered one of the most beautiful cities in France. Foremost among its many notable structures is the magnificent twin-spiraled Cathedral of Saint Maurice (12th-13th century) and the massive Castle of Angers (early 13th century), with its moat and soaring towers. Angers was once inhabited by fierce Celtic people who tenaciously opposed the Roman penetration.
The fortress of Angers, on a rocky ridge overhanging the river Maine, was one of the sites inhabited by the Romans because of its strategic defensive location.
In the 9th century the fortress came under the authority of the powerful Counts of Anjou, becoming part of the Angevin empire of the Plantagenet Kings of England during the 12th century. In 1204, the region was conquered by King Philippe II and an enormous château was built by his grandson, King Louis IX ("Saint Louis") in the early part of the 13th century.
The Château d’Angers, construction of which began in 1230 under (Saint) Louis IX, remained the visible seat of power for the Angevin kings throughout the medieval era. Although the English never beseiged the structure, it nevertheless functioned as a place of retreat during the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453). Two entrances, complete with draw-bridges, allow for access. With the advent of seige cannon and similar technology châteaux like this one became unnecessary.
The religious wars later led to the decline of the castle and Henry III ordered it to be demolished in 1585. The cylindrical towers of the pentagonal stronghold began to be torn down and the conical roof and the upper part were dismantled. When Henry IV came to the throne the destruction came to a halt and Angers was the scene of the engagement of Cesar of Vendome with Francoise of Lorraine. It was restores in 1950.

In 1373, the King of France, Charles V, lent his brother Louis I, Duke of Anjou, the manuscrpt of an "Apocalypse in French fully illustrated and historiated: This inspired the Duke to commission "large tapestries of the story of the Apocalypse.

Today the castle of Angers houses a tapestry museum that includes the famous Apocalypse series of Nicholas Bataille who did the weaving and Hennequin de Bruges did the painting. It is 140 meters long.
Still a part of the French military, the chateau was severely damaged during World War II by the Nazis when a munitions storage dump inside the château exploded. Today, owned by the City of Angers, the massive, austere château has been converted to a museum housing the oldest and largest collection of medieval tapestries in the world, with the 14th century "Apocalypse Tapestry" as one of its priceless treasures.

Château d'Amboise

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The Chateau is accessible on foot by going over a long ramp from the pedestrian streets in Amboise. These narrow and lively streets, like the one under the clock tower, protect visitors from the noisy commotion of automobile traffic, which one cannot avoid on the boulevard that borders the Loire. But this is not the way we chose to get a view of the chateau.
Built on a promontory overlooking the Loire River to control a strategic ford replaced in the middle ages by a bridge, the château began its life in the eleventh century, when the notorious Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou, rebuilt the stronghold in stone. Expanded and improved over time, in the mid 1400’s, it was seized (4 September 1434) by King Charles VII, after its owner, Louis d'Amboise was convicted of plotting against Louis XI and executed in 1431. Once in royal hands, the château became a favourite of French kings; Charles decided to rebuild it extensively, beginning in 1492 at first in the French late Gothic Flamboyant style and then after 1495 employing two Italian mason poopay builders, Domenico da Cortona and Fra Giocondo, who provided at Amboise some of the first Renaissance decorative motifs seen in French architecture. The names of three French builders are preserved in the documents: Colin Biart, Guillaume Senault and Louis Armangeart.
This castle provides an invitating opportunity to view an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furnishings. After visiting the royal lodgings, be sure to take a pleasant stroll through the beautiful panoramic gardens planted with Mediterranean plants. In the Saint-Hubert chapel, the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci has recently been the object of a tastefull restoration.

getting there

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The Loire Valley is an outstanding cultural landscape of great beauty, containing historic towns and villages, great architectural monuments (the châteaux), and cultivated lands formed by many centuries of interaction between their population and the physical environment, primarily the river Loire itself.

The past is everywhere, and culture is its main legacy. Writers such as Rabelais, Balzac, Alexandre Dumas, Maurice Genevoix and Charles Péguy will guide you through an inspirational landscape. Leonardo da Vinci, Ronsard, Du Bellay … a visit to their homes gives you the feeling of sharing, for a moment, in the source of their artistic inspiration. The cultural life of the area also includes events throughout the year which showcase the Loire and its artists.

transport

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Loire Valley Airports

• Angers
Aeroport Angers - Marce Located 20 km Northeast of Angers.
Address: . Marce Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire France 49190
+33 2 41 33 50 00

• Bouguenais
Aeroport International Nantes - Atlantique Located 10 km Southwest of Nantes.
Address: . Bouguenais Loire-Atlantique Pays de la Loire France 44346
+33 2 40 84 80 00

• Bourges
Aeroport de Bourges
Address: Esplanade de l’Aeroport BP 54 Bourges Centre France 18001
+33 2 48 50 37 11

• Chateauroux
Aeroport Marcel Dassault - Chateauroux - Deols
Address: RN 20 Deols Indre Centre France 36130
+33 2 54 60 53 53

• Cholet
Aerodrome Roland Garros de Cholet
Address: . Cholet Pays de la Loire France 49300
+33 2 41 65 73 65

• Deols
Aeroport Marcel Dassault - Chateauroux - Deols
Address: RN 20 Deols Indre Centre France 36130
+33 2 54 60 53 53

• Entrammes
Aeroport Laval - Entrammes
Located 4 km Southeast of Laval.
Address: . Entrammes Mayenne Pays de la Loire France 53260
+33 2 43 53 71 30

• Ile d'Yeu
Aerodrome Ile d'Yeu - Grand Phare
Address: Quai Vernier - BP 437 Ile d'Yeu Vendée Pays de la Loire France 85350
+33 2 51 58 38 22

• La Baule
Aerodrome La Baule
Address: . La Baule France 44500
+33 6 82 73 54 49

• La Baule-Escoublac
Aerodrome La Baule
Address: . La Baule France 44500
+33 6 82 73 54 49

• Laval
Aeroport Laval - Entrammes
Located 4 km Southeast of Laval.
Address: . Entrammes Mayenne Pays de la Loire France 53260
+33 2 43 53 71 30

• Le Mans
Aerodrome Le Mans-Arnage
Address: Route d'Angers Le Mans Pays de la Loire France 72100
+33 2 43 84 00 43

• Marce
Aeroport Angers - Marce Located 20 km Northeast of Angers.
Address: . Marce Maine-et-Loire, Pays de la Loire France 49190
+33 2 41 33 50 00

• Montoir-de-Bretagne
Aeroport Saint-Nazaire - Montoir
Located 5 km southeast of Saint-Nazaire.
Address: . Montoir-de-Bretagne Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire France 44550
+33 2 40 17 13 00

• Nantes
Aeroport International Nantes - Atlantique
Located 10 km Southwest of Nantes.
Address: . Bouguenais Loire-Atlantique Pays de la Loire France 44346
+33 2 40 84 80 00
Aerodrome Ile d'Yeu - Grand Phare
Address: Quai Vernier - BP 437 Ile d'Yeu Vendée Pays de la Loire France 85350
+33 2 51 58 38 22

• Orleans
Aeroport Orleans - Bricy
Address: Base aérienne 123 Orléans Ile de France France 45037
+33 2 38 43 23 60

• Saint-Nazaire
Aeroport Saint-Nazaire - Montoir
Located 5 km southeast of Saint-Nazaire.
Address: . Montoir-de-Bretagne Loire-Atlantique, Pays de la Loire France 44550
+33 2 40 17 13 00

• Tours
Aeroport Tours - Val-de-Loire
Located 6 km Northeast of Tours.
Address: 40, rue de l'aéroport Tours Loire Valley France 37100
+33 2 47 49 37 00

bike tours

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Grouped together around a Quality Charter, accommodation units open their doors to cycle tourists and offer good facilities: a locked, secure area for bicycles, a parking space or garage for their vehicle, repair and maintenance equipment, bike hire on the premises or from hire or repair companies, the transport of luggage to the next accommodation unit, suitable cooking, weather information, advice so that tourists can enjoy their stay, and other services.

By the summer of 2006, the « Loire à Vélo » network will represent more than 250 km of secure cycling routes along the Loire, the majority of which are in the Loire Valley, listed as World Heritage by UNESCO. In the long term, more than 800 km of itineraries will be open between Cuffy (Cher) and St Brévin-les-Pins (Loire Atlantique). On the European level, the “Loire à Vélo” is part of the future “European Rivers Cycle Route” between Nantes and Budapest (2400 km).

Safe and sound

Along the route, the car-free cycle trait links up with quiet back roads, with little traffi c. This ensures that you have easy access to all the important sites along the way. The trait is well marked, so all you have to do is to follow the arrows! “La Loire à Vélo” handbook
A special «carnet de route» (handbook) has been produced, detailing itineraries, accommodation and support services specifi cally for cyclists on holidays. This ensures that you get the very best quality and service during your trip.

7 days bike tour

national parks

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Nature knows no boundaries in the Centre region. The 3 Regional Natural Parks, the Orléans forest and the Sologne region are just some of the well-preserved wide-open spaces that are such a pleasure to discover.

Little valleys, sunken ways, orchards in blossom and vast forests: the Perche area is full of charm. Hills and plateaux, hedgerows and lakes - discover the Regional Natural Park just an hour away from Paris.

In the heart of the Loire, part of the World's Heritage, between Angers and Tours, the Loire-Anjou-Touraine Regional Natural Park boasts landscapes and natural habitats of great value. Bocage, moorland and forests are accessible from the Park facilities along signposted tracks. Who knows, perhaps you will spot a beaver or a black stork?

On the edge of the Berry region, Brenne is renowned for the international significance of its waterbird population. The Regional Natural Park is home to a whole host of wild plants and animals: 300 species of bird and 59 of mammals, not to forget the 36 species of orchid.Try an excursion with a nature guide and keep your eyes peeled to discover the many facets of the "Land of a Thousand Lakes".

With more extensive forests than the Brenne area, Sologne is dotted with over 3,000 lakes! Rivers, meadows, moorlands and peat bogs are just some of the bucolic landscapes in which waterbirds such as the black-necked grebe frolic and a huge variety of plantlife thrives. The best way of appreciating the area is on foot on one of its footpaths.

Divided into 3 parts, the Forest of Orléans covers 34,700 ha and boasts exceptional flora and fauna, including no less than three species of eagle. Go to one of the observation points that have been set up and you might just see one.

castles

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The châteaux of the Loire Valley (Val de Loire) number more than 300. They represent a nation of builders starting with the necessary castle fortifications in the 10th century to the splendor of those built a thousand years later. When the French kings began constructing their huge châteaux here, the nobility, not wanting or even daring to be far from the seat of power, followed suit. Their presence in the lush, fertile valley with its moderate climate, began attracting the very best landscape designers. Before long, and to this day, the valley of the Loire is known as the "Garden of France".

vineyards

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Great Loire Valley week-end with Famous tables and intimate inns that invite you to try their delicious specialities. Don’t miss our goat’s cheeses. And the loire valley wine tour give pride of place to the wines of the Loire Valley, from Sancerre, Reuilly, Quincy, Vouvray to Bourguei.

The Loire Valley has intrinsic beauty, both in its natural landscape as well as those features, the many fine chateaux, churches and monasteries, that are the result of man's labours. The great architectural heritage and plethora of historic towns and villages are evidence of millennia of interaction between humans and their environment, and reflect the importance of the region during the Renaissance, and its relevance to the development of modern culture. It was these characteristics that resulted in the Loire Valley, specifically the section from Sully-sur-Loire to Chalonnes, being designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.

On a more personal level, the Loire Valley is a very special place. It is the source of a varied selection of wines of interest, many of which I experienced first hand on my first ever dedicated wine trip, travelling from Angers to Sancerre, stopping off at most of the significant appellations along the way. Not only did I learn a lot about the wine and the people that brought it into being, but I laid down many great memories, sufficient stimulus for me to return several times since. I hope this direct contact with the wine region and the vignerons, and years of tasting experience, comes through in this new, more detailed wine guide.

This wine region is extremely large, and the seventy-plus appellations (perhaps too many?) meld into a blur of green, red and orange when presented in such a manner. The region is simply too expansive, the appellations too diverse, for the Loire to be considered as a quick and convenient whole. For this reason my guide is divided up into several pages, moving from the Nantais on the Atlantic border, to the famous appellations of the Central Vineyards; but although I deal with each in turn, it is certainly worth considering some aspects of the Loire Valley - its history, and climate - as a whole.

The Loire has been a site of viticulture since Roman times, although the region has no doubt changed immeasurably since then. Viticultural regions have shrunk and expanded, new grapes have been introduced in the vineyard, new practices in the winery. Like many of Europe's long-established wine regions, religious orders have played their part here, financing and tending vineyards through the ages. The Abbot at Bourgueil is credited with the introduction of Cabernet Franc to the region in 1089, and in the centuries that followed noble men of the cloth popularised the wines of Orléans and Anjou at the French court. During the Middle Ages, wine was exported west to Nantes, and then by sea onto England, the rest of Europe and even the West Indies; otherwise it was exported east to the home market, principally Paris. The town bisecting the Loire was Ingrandes; those wines heading downstream for the sea were subject to heavy taxation in this town, and so for vignerons upstream of Ingrandes it was far more lucrative to transport their wines east, to quench the thirst of the capital city.

The Loire has traditionally been regarded as the northern limit of viticulture, but with global warming this view may quickly become outdated. The climate in the early years of the 21st Century has certainly been very favourable for viticulture here, and although some acid freaks may complain that their Vins de Touraine is not quite as rasping as it used to be, there have been more and more excellent wines produced as a result, even in heatwave vintages like 2003. This intimate relationship of quality and climate determines where the Loire's greatest vineyards are to be found, almost exclusively on south-facing slopes to capture every last inkling of the sun's rays. Such vineyards may be located on the right bank of the Loire, as at Vouvray and Savennières (the Clos de la Coulée Serrant, pictured, being a prime example), but the majority of the vineyards are found on the left bank, often where a tributary joins the great river, such as at Coteaux du Layon (the flow of which generates an almost unbroken run of southerly slopes, from Passavant-sur-Layon down to Chalonnes) and Sèvre-et-Maine.

Today, despite the ravages of Phylloxera, which entered the region in 1880, the Loire remains a vibrant and pulsating wine region which throws forth a plethora of whites in all styles, ranging from crisp and refreshing, rich and oak-influenced, fine and mineral, sweet, hedonistic and botrytised, as well as reds ranging from fine infusions of raspberry fruit just perfect for summer drinking, to structured wines that demand years in the cellar in order to show their true worth. And there are sparklers too. Without doubt this infinite variety owes much to the region's history, but the soils, peppered with tuffeau (limestone of which many of the local chateaux are built), quartz, schist, phthanites, sandstone and more must also play a role. The grapes are also key; Muscadet is almost unique to the region, Chenin Blanc thrives here like nowhere else, and Cabernet Franc excels in isolation, whereas most (but not all) Bordeaux properties include only a tiny percentage in the final blend. And finally, although of equal importance, come the vignerons; men and women dedicated to the vine and wine; the Loire has them in spades.

restaurants

2006-08-11T03:06:00.000-07:00

here you can post about restaurants.

leisure

2006-08-11T02:51:00.000-07:00

here you can post about leisure in this area

events

2006-08-11T02:47:00.000-07:00

here you can post about events in this area

touristic routes

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1. From “Grandiose” Maintenon Castle to “Petite” Picassiette House
This itinerary runs from Beauce toPerche, and you can find big cats, acathedral, and even Proust, on the way!

2. From Castles to Caves
This trip through the Loir Valley is anarchitectural delight. You can visit theamazing troglodyte caves – authentichomes carved out of rock-faces, and thengo on to visit glorious hillside châteaux.

3. From the night time tours of Bourgesto the Witchcraft of Concressault Museum
This itinerary is fired by the flames ofpotters’ kilns and witches cauldrons –you will also warm to the cuisine on theway.

4. From the sumptuous residence of Sully-sur-Loire to the Exotic Butterflies of the La Source Floral Park
This itinerary uncovers the many facetsof the Loire - modern in Briare, historicin Sully, and artistic in Gien.

5. From Chambord to Poaching, see them both in a new light
On this trail, you will find man and natureworking in perfect harmony, with unusualresults.

6. From Villandry’s Renaissance gardens to the towering Pagoda of Chanteloup
Sharks, fairy-tale châteaux, and an Italiangenius: expect the unexpected on theseLoire riverbanks!

7. From Rabelaisian Chinon Castle to the utopian town of Richelieu
From a charming village to Gargantuanvegetable gardens, from a quadrilaterallyplannedtown to the fortress of a medievalking: welcome to Rabelais country!

8. From Azay-le-Rideau Castle to George Sand’s Home
Combine a history lesson with a tourthrough hunting country.

9. From the Brenne Natural Regional Park to the Haute-Touche Nature Reserve
From the land of a thousand lakes to theSecrets of the Red Sea, this itinerarytakes you through the Brenne NaturalRegional Park.

10. From the “Chateau des Dames” in Chenonceau to Notre Dame of Orsan Priory
Straight to the heart of the Cher Valley,with its hidden treasures of stunningarchitecture and beautiful gardens.

accommodation

2006-08-11T02:45:00.000-07:00

Here you can post about accommodation in the zone

partner links

2006-08-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

chb44.com - french property for sale in and around the town of Chateaubriant, in the Loire Atlantique, Western France .

Travel Links Directory - Hotels Flights Destinations Directory of travel related web sites with links to – flights hotels vacations destination guides travel agents agencies and travel information.

T.E.N. Tours Egypt Cairo Vacation &Dream Holiday - T.E.N Tours Egypt Cairo vacations & holiday ,the attractive web site for Egyptian travel, tours, vacations and holidays with information on all Egypt.

Savannah Getaways - Savannah Getaways is a consortium of absentee property owners who rent these upscale historic district homes out to vacation and business travelers to this coastal Georgia destination at highly competitive rates by the day, week or month.

Loire Valley

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Renowned for its somptuous châteaux, the relics of royal days gone by, the glorious valley of the Loire is rich in both history and architecture. Like the river Loire, this vast region runs through the heart of French life. Its sophisticated cities, luxuriant landscape and magnificent food and wine add up to a bourgeois paradise.

Loire Valley (French: Vallée de la Loire) is known as the Garden of France and the Cradle of the French Language. It is also noteworthy for the quality of its architectural heritage, in its historic towns such as Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours, but in particular for its world-famous castles, such as the Châteaux Amboise, Château de Villandry, Chambord and Chenonceau.

Loire Valley, known as "the Garden of France", was the favorite residence of Kings of France during the Renaissance period .They made this peaceful countryside the setting for their dreams. Thus was born the Renaissance in France .The kings surrounded themselves with the greatest artists and architects of this era. This is the "country of thousand castles" : not only Royal Castles and Renaissance Palaces ,National Museum and Large magnificent Châteaux , but also : Manors ,Middle Age‘s Castles and Fortresses , small "Fairy tales" Manors ,mansions , Private Castles ,Châteaux Hotels ,"Self Catering" Castles , luxurious old houses , medieval cities, towers ,bastions ,fortified farms and churches ,abbeys ,cathedrals.It is worth driving at random in Loire Valley , Touraine ,Sologne ,Poitou,Berry and discover castles.

The landscape of the Loire Valley, and more particularly its many cultural monuments, illustrate to an exceptional degree the ideals of the Renaissance and the Age of the Enlightenment on western European thought and design. The Loire Valley is an outstanding cultural landscape of great beauty, containing historic towns and villages, great architectural monuments, its many châteaux, and fine wines.

On December 2, 2000, UNESCO named the central part of the Loire River valley, between Maine and Sully-sur-Loire, to its prestigious list of World Heritage Sites. In choosing this area that includes the French départements of Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire, and Maine-et-Loire, the committee said that the Loire Valley is: "an exceptional cultural landscape, of great beauty, comprised of historic cities and villages, great architectural monuments - the Châteaux - and lands that have been cultivated and shaped by centuries of interaction between local populations and their physical environment, in particular the Loire itself."