Best Loire Valley Castles to visit: List, itineraries & must-sees

A journey along The Route des Châteaux de la Loire is a must-do while visiting France; additionally, it boasts some of the country’s most opulent wineries that will be delighted to offer you an exquisite moment sharing their passion around winemaking. Visiting Loire Valley from Paris is quite easy to do since the first city of the iconic French wine region can be accessed at only 2 hours by train.

Discover Winalist’s selection of must-sees to visit Loire Valley Castles but also some of the best Loire Valley wineries and wine tours.

Useful tips

• Loire Valley Chateaux are located all over the wine region and are better accessed by car. We recommend you to rent a car
• If you plan on staying 5-7 days in the Loire Valley region, we recommend to stay in Blois, Tours, Saumur or Angers.
• Import our interactive map on your cellphone and benefit from having the best the POIs directly while driving around
• To save time (and money), consider getting a Pass’ Châteaux de la Loire, your key to visiting the most beautiful monuments in the region.

Visit Loire Valley Castles in 2-3 days: Best itinerary

Before we start, it’s important to mention that a trip to Loire Valley doesn’t need to be long to be unforgettable. For a spectacular weekend getaway, take your family or friends to explore the incredible Loire Valley.

By car, it’s quite possible to visit some of these majestic châteaux within 2 days; we’ve crafted for you a the perfect itinerary to tour the best ones!

Step 1 : Chambord & Blois

Our journey begins with the visit of Château de Chambord located at 45 minutes driving-distance from Orléans.

Info: Entrance to the Château de Chambord is free for those under 26 and costs €16 for adults. You also have access to all of the gardens.

Then head to the town of Blois which is really pleasant to visit. A typical city center, a cathedral, the castle with its imposing staircase and some viewpoints not to be missed. Take advantage of your first day in the region to book a wine tour and tasting in Blois.

Step 2: Onward to Chenonceau

From Blois, follow the Loire river to the city of Chaumont-sur-Loire to discover its iconic Castle, built above the Cher river. Continue your visit by heading to the following castle, one of the most famous one, the Château de Chenonceau. Finish your day by reaching the beautiful village of Amboise, ideal location for diner and to stay.

Step 3: Château de Villandry & Azay-le-Rideau

Heading east for this penultimate step of your Loire Castles discovery route, pass through the city of Tours, (discover our guide on the best things to do in Tours) an essential village on the Loire castle route and continue towards the Castle of Vilandry for a few hours visit.

Continue towards the amazing castle of Azay-le-Rideau, located a stone’s throw away, if it isn’t on your list, it’s one of the best one to visit.

End you day in Chinon, a former fortress of the Kingdom of France. You will discover its castle, as well as very beautiful views of the Vienne which crosses the city. Discover our guide on the best things to do in Chinon and take advantage of your time there to book a Chinon wine tour.

Final step: Saumur

Our journey finally ends in the town of Saumur, charming and surrounded by vineyards and its beautiful castle. You’ll discover that there’s a lot of great things to do in Saumur. Take advantage of your last day to explore the winegrowers of the Loire Valley during a Saumur wine tour and tasting.

This sums up our tailor-made itinerary to discover some of the best Loire Valley Castle in a few days along some of the most iconic cities of the wine region. If you prefer a more wine-oriented itinerary, discover our dedicated guide to the Loire Valley wine route.

TOP 10 Best Loire Valley Castles to visit

With so many magnificent castles in the Loire Valley, it can be hard to know which ones to visit. To make your choice easier, we’ve hand-picked the five most stunning for you!

As well as being rich with incredible architecture and monuments, this region is even listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Site list – how impressive!

When traveling around these routes of wonderment, why not do something more unique? Try exploring by bike, car or motorhome – or why not take a hot air balloon ride? There really are no limits when discovering the magic of France’s Loire Valley.

1. Chenonceau Castle

Laden with remarkable architecture, the Château de Chenonceau has been nicknamed “the Château des Dames” due to its formation in part by highly influential women like Katherine Briçonnet, Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis. Constructed in 1513, it is currently the most popular castle throughout France.

What to see at the Château de Chenonceau:

• Its gallery passing over the Cher river
• The chamber of five queens
• Its magnificent gardens and its park

2. Royal Castle of Amboise

Home and eternal resting place to the late great Master Leonardo Da Vinci and a former residence of the King of France, Château d’Amboise is a stunning marvel located in the majestic Loire that has been recognized by UNESCO as an exquisite World Heritage Site. Its idyllic medieval cityscape at the heart of Amboise will take your breath away!

What to see at Château d’Amboise?

• The historical show “La prophétie d’Amboise”, every summer
• Its Italian-style gardens, designed by master gardener Dom Pacello da Mercogliano
• The tomb of Leonardo da Vinci, in the Chapel of the Castle

3. The Royal Fortress of Chinon

Chinon is a medieval village located in the heart of the Loire Châteaux region. Between the vineyards and the Vienne, this city is home to one of the monuments of French history: The Royal Fortress, where eminent figures in our history have written some important pages of French grandeur (Jeanne d’Arc of course, but also Henri II, or Eleanor of Aquitaine).

The activities offered at the Royal Fortress:

• Temporary or permanent exhibitions;
• Wine Thursdays, from July 8 to August 28
• an escape game, for young and old!

4. Chambord Castle

Chambord Castle stands as a testament to the power of France’s Kings and is one of the most grandiose castles from Renaissance times. Built by François 1er in 1519, this castle has incomparable architecture that blends with its stunning French gardens for an unforgettable experience.

Don’t miss out on your chance to visit Chambord Castle while taking part in the Route des Châteaux de la Loire!

Some numbers :

• The estate extends over an area equivalent to intramural Paris;
• it is home to 160 hectares of game meadows;
• its enclosed forest park (50km²) is the largest in Europe.

5. Cheverny Castle

If you know the Belgian comic book “Tintin” you might recognise the castle at a glance. The Château de Cheverny, owned by the De Vibraye family for 6 generations, indeed inspired the designer Hergé who created the fictitious Château de Moulinsart. Classical in style, it is classified on the list of historical monuments of France, as well as its park.

Original activities at the Château de Cheverny:

• The permanent exhibition “Les secrets de Moulinsart”;
• its gardens and labyrinth;
• soup given to dogs

6. Azay le Rideau Castle

The Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is an architectural masterpiece from the 16th century. Its majestic silhouette is gracefully reflected in the waters of the Indre, offering a breathtaking spectacle. Upon entering its doors, one immediately plunges into the history of the French Renaissance. The richly decorated rooms, wall frescoes and magnificent French gardens bear witness to the elegance and refinement of the period. Wandering through the different rooms, notably the king’s bedroom, the square tower or the guard room, allows you to relive the era of the nobility. Architecture lovers will also be seduced by the meticulous details of its facade, mixing Gothic and Renaissance styles. A visit to the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is truly a journey through time that will not fail to amaze young and old alike.

7. Château de Blois

Nestled in the heart of the city of Blois, France, this castle fascinates with its rich history and varied architectural styles. By visiting this remarkable place, you can delve into the history of the French monarchy, as it served as the residence of several kings and queens of France. With every step in the castle, you will be amazed by the magnificent facades, majestic towers and sumptuously decorated rooms. Additionally, the castle also houses a museum that exhibits art pieces and historical artifacts, providing a unique cultural experience. Whether you are a fan of medieval history, an architecture enthusiast or simply curious to discover this exceptional heritage, the Château de Blois is an unmissable destination.

8. Chaumont-sur-Loire Castle

Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, the castle stands majestically on the banks of the river. Its remarkable architecture, mixing medieval and Renaissance styles, is a true testimony to the history of the region. In addition, the castle is home to a magnificent 32-hectare landscaped park, where there are impressive French gardens as well as an international garden festival. Visitors can get lost in the flowery avenues, admire the sculptures, and stroll through the tropical greenhouses. With its contemporary art exhibitions and varied cultural programming, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is a unique place that will delight lovers of history, art and nature.

9. Château du Rivau

The Château du Rivau is an enchanting place that deserves a visit for several reasons. First of all, its well-preserved medieval architecture offers a journey back in time, allowing visitors to discover the elegance and grandeur of the castles of the era. Additionally, the castle is surrounded by sumptuous gardens, where one can stroll and appreciate the beauty of flowers, fountains and sculptures. These gardens are also populated with animals, such as peacocks and donkeys, adding a touch of charm and life to this magical place. Finally, the castle regularly organizes cultural events, exhibitions and shows, allowing visitors to delve even more into the history and culture of the place. In short, the Château du Rivau is a true jewel of French heritage, offering a unique and immersive experience for all those who visit it.

10. Vilandry Castle

If you are a lover of architecture, history or simply like French gardens, the Château de Villandry will charm you. Located in the Loire Valley of France, this impressive castle is famous for its magnificent terraced gardens. You can stroll along paths lined with trimmed boxwood and admire colorful flower beds, fountains and ponds. In addition to its gardens, the castle itself is also a true architectural gem, with its Renaissance architecture and richly decorated interiors.

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