Château de la Loire

Map of Châteaux de la Loire

Visit a map of the Loire castles,  the main Loire Valley châteaux to visit in a few days.

How many châteaux bear the name "Loire château"?

There is no precise, exact list of the number of so-called a Loire château. However, their number can be estimated at around 3,000.

If we count only the best-known, the royal residences and the most important noble castles, then we can estimate their number at around one hundred.

What's so special about a Loire château?

A Loire château - and most Loire châteaux - have the particularity of having been remodeled in the course of the 15th and 16th centuries, when the court of the Kings of France was established in the Loire Valley region. Charles VII and Louis XI made Tours the capital of the Kingdom of France.
It is also built in Uronian tufa, or in brick with tufa tie beams.

Finally a Loire château is usually a listed historic monument. Some were even listed as historic monuments as early as 1840, under the impetus of Prosper Mérimée.

What types of châteaux are there in the Loire Valley?

According to Wikipedia, there are three main categories for classifying a Loire château : royal castles, noble castles of architectural or historical importance or renown, and other noble castlesof lesser historical or architectural importance.

List of all Loire castles by category

Royal castles and residences

Royal castles include Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chambord, Chenonceau, Chinon, Château-Gaillard, Langeais, Loches, Plessi-léz-Tours, Saumur and Tours.

First-rate noble castles

The most important noble châteaux are : Azay-le-Rideau, Beauregard, Brézé, Brissace, Chanteloup, Chateaudun, Chaumont sur Loire, Cheverny, Clos-lucé, Duc-de-Bretagne, Gien, Jacques Cœur, LeLude, Meillant, Montsoreau, Nevers, Richelieu, Sully-sur-Loire, Ussé, Valençay, Villandry.

Other noble castles

Other noble châteaux include Argy, Azay-le-Ferron, Baugé, Beaugency, Boisgibault, Boumois, Briare, Candé, Chamerolles, Châteauneuf-sur-Loire, Chémery, Chissay, Courtalain, Dampierre-en-Burly, Fougères-sur-Bièvre, Gizeux, Goulaine, Gué-Péan, La Bourdaisière, La Bussière, La Farinière, La Ferté-Saint-Aubin, La Possonnière, Lavardin, Le Moulin, Le Plessis-Bourré, Le Rivau, Le Roujoux, Les Réaux, L'Islette Cheillé, Luynes, Menars, Meung-sur-Loire, Montgeoffroy, Montigny-le-Gannelon, Montpoupon, Montrésor, Montreuil-Bellay, Montrichard, Saché, Saint-Aignan, Saint-Brisson, Selles-sur-Cher, Serran, Talcy, Troussay, Valmer, Vendôme, Villesavin

Château de la Loire - list of main estates

1. Royal residences

Amboise

The castle ofAmboise is a former royal residence in Amboise, Indre-et-Loire. It was the residence of Charles VIII, Louis XII and François I. It was listed as a historic monument in 1840. It was partially destroyed during the French Revolution, but parts of the château still remain, notably the royal dwelling, the Saint-Hubert chapel, the terraces and certain towers (the cavalier towers). The Château d'Amboise is believed to be the final resting place of Leonardo da Vinci.

In 1434, the Amboise estate was confiscated from the Seigneur d'Amboise and thus became part of the royal patrimony. Louis XI placed his son, who later became Charles VIII, on the estate, and he took up permanent residence there. In fact, it was Charles VIII who transformed Amboise into a palace, building the elements essential to royal life. He also added a wing to the château to house the royal lodgings. Louis XII had a second wing built.

This is François 1^er who gradually abandoned Amboise for other famous residences, such as the Château de Chambord and the Château de Fontainebleau. Leonardo da Vinci did, however, stay there at the request of François 1.^er.

Angers

The castle ofAngers is located in Angers, in the Maine-et-Loire department. It is also often referred to as the Château des Ducs d'Anjou. It stands on a promontory overlooking part of the city of Angers and the Maine River. Its location was strategic.

It's with Louis 1^er Duc D'Anjou that the place became famous. He undertook improvements to the château. Louis II built the royal dwelling. Yolande d'Aragon restored the castle's defensive capabilities, brought in the relic of the true Anjou cross, and gave birth to her son René. He would have the missing elements built. The château was also used as a prison by Nicolas Fouquet for a few weeks, at the request of Louis XIV, who suspected him of embezzling money.

As the history of Angers and Anjou evolved, so did its destination.

Today, the château is one of the most visited in the Loire Valley, and features the Apocalypse hanging. It is managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux.

Blois

The castle of Blois is a former royal residence - chateau de la loire, located in Blois, Loir-et-Cher. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1840 and belongs to the town of Blois. It can be visited and comprises three wings: the Louis XII wing, the Gaston d'Orléans wing and the François 1 wing.^er. The Louis XII wing houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Blois.

It was under Louis XII that the Château de Blois became a royal residence. He made it his principal residence. He also undertook major reconstruction work. Francis 1^er had a wing built, but abandoned the château in favor of the Château de Fontainebleau, where he transferred the royal library. However, the château remained the principal residence of the kings of France: François II, Charles IX, Henri III, and was occupied for a few stays by Henri IV. Later, the château was occupied by Louis XIII's brother, before being abandoned and handed over to servants by Louis XIV. Napoleon 1^er ceded the château to the town of Blois in 1810, which then became a place to visit for writers in search of inspiration, such as Alexandre Dumas. Balzac and Victor Hugo.

Once the château was listed as a historic monument in 1840, it was partially restored, before the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Blois moved in in 1850.

Chambord

Château de Chambord - chateau de la loire - is located in Chambord, in the Loir-et-Cher region, not far from the town of Blois. The the biggest of the Loire castles. It is set in a forest park and surrounded by a wall more than 30km long. It has been a Unesco World Heritage site since 1981, a historic monument since 1840, and is part of the network of European royal residences.

It is open to the public and has been home to the Comte de Chambord Museum and the Hunting and Nature Museum since 1971. The historic monument regularly hosts temporary exhibitions.

In 1498, Chambord became part of the patrimony of the kings of France with the accession to power of Louis XII; but it was François 1^er who decided to transform the château into a palace following his victory at the Battle of Marignan. The work was intended to turn it into a grand hunting residence, in honor of François 1.^er construction of a square keep with 4 towers and two wings. The work was partially completed in 1539 to welcome Charles V. Despite all this work, Francis 1^er stayed there for just over 40 days in all.

As the hunting residence was too far from the royal court, Chambord was neglected, and it was only Louis XIV who showed an interest in Chambord, staying there several times and completing the work begun by François 1.^er.

King Louis XV arranged for his father-in-law, the exiled King of Poland, to stay there, then gave it to the Maréchal de Saxe, who became its Governor. Throughout the 19th century, the château's history was a turbulent one, as it passed from hand to hand in the wake of inheritance and French history. It was purchased by the French state in 1930.

Chenonceau

Chenonceau castle is located in the municipality in Chenonceaux, Indre-et-Loire. It is nicknamed the "Ladies' Castle". because numerous female personalities played a key role in its construction and renown. The château has been listed as a historic monument since 1840, and part of it has belonged to the Menier family since 1913.

The first château dates back to the 12th century, but there is no bridge over the Cher. The castle belonged to the Marques family. In the 15th century, a château was rebuilt, this time on the banks of the Cher.

At the end of the 10th century, the château was bought by a bourgeois family from Tours, more precisely by Thomas Bohier, a statesman close to the royal power. Thomas Bohier and his wife, Katherine Briçonnet, undertook a major restoration project, demolishing the old château and building the monument as it stands today.

After the death of the owners, Chenonceau was ceded to the King. But François 1^er did not carry out any work at Chenonceau. Things changed during the reign of his son Henri II, who offered Chenonceau to his favorite Diane de Poitiers in 1547.

In 1556, Diane de Poitiers decided to build a bridge across the Cher River to the gardens and forest. The work was completed in 1559. Following the intervention of Catherine de Médicis, Chenonceau was returned to the French crown.

A few years later, she undertook the development of the château and its gardens, and organized festivities at the château. Finally, in 1576, she undertook the construction of the galleries, which were built over the Pont de Diane, giving Chenonceau its present-day appearance, unique in the world. Catherine de Médicis died in 1598, leaving many debts and unfinished work.

Louise de Lorraine, widow of King Henri III of France, assassinated in 1598, became owner of the château and 'dressed' it in black, to match the grief that overwhelmed her. Thus Louise de Lorraine became known as "the white lady of Chenonceau". After financial setbacks, the château became the property of César de Vendôme and Françoise de Lorraine on the death of Louise de Lorraine.

After further formalities, Chenonceau fell to the Duchess of Mercoeur, Marie de Luxembourg, who commissioned renovation work in 1603. She died in 1623. From then on, several owners succeeded one another, before Louis-Henri de Bourbon Condé sold the estate to farmer-general Claude Dupin in 1733.

Claude Dupin married Louise de Fontaine, who ran a literary salon at the château de Chenonceau, where she entertained Enlightenment personalities such as Rousseau, Montesquieu and Voltaire. In addition, the Dupin couple undertook extensive restoration work, restoring Chenonceau to its former prestige.

Chenonceau underwent major changes in the 19th century under the direction of architect Félix Roguet, at the request of new owner Marguerite Wilson, wife of Pelouze. She also installed the Académie des Arts et des Lettres. But after a great deal of work and debt, the château became the property of the Credit Financier, who then sold it to the Terry family, before auctioning it off in 1913 to the Menier family. During the First World War, the estate was used as a military hospital, before being damaged in the Second World War.

Today, the château is still run by the Menier family, and in 2009, major restoration work was undertaken.

The royal fortress of Chinon

The Château de Chinon, also known as the royal fortress of Chinon is located in Chinon, in the Indre-et-Loire region of France. It is actually made up of 3 monuments: the château du milieu, the fort du Coudray, and the fort Saint-Georges, which together measure over 300 m in length. Its location overlooks part of the town of Chinon, the river Vienne and the surrounding countryside.

Major work was carried out in the 10th century by the Counts of Blois, who created an enclosure around what is now Fort du Coudray. In 1044, Geoffroy Martel, Count of Anjou, took possession of the Château de Chinon, before the castle reverted to his nephew Foulques IV, who completed the enclosure.

In the 10th century, Henry II of Plantagenet undertook major works (Fort Saint Georges and its palace), then had Eleanor of Aquitaine imprisoned in Château de Chinon, before dying there. Richard the Lionheart became owner of the fortress, followed by John Lackland, who strengthened the castle's defenses. When Philippe Auguste took possession of the fortress in 1205, he undertook further defense work.

In 1370, Duke Louis 1^er d'Anjou decided to renovate the dwellings. Charles VII gave the dwellings their current form. It was during his reign that Joan of Arc was granted an audience with the King in February 1429. Gradually, the fortress was abandoned and sold to private owners. It was listed as a historic monument in 1840. Since 2003, the royal fortress has been undergoing restoration work at the instigation of the département.

Château-Gaillard

Château-Gaillard is located in Amboise, Indre-et-Loire. It was listed as a historic monument in 1963, even though it was one of the first to include an orangery, an acclimatization garden and a renaissance garden. It is now open to visitors.

It was under Charles VIII, on his return from Italy, that the château was built on a rocky spur in 1496.

The château features a troglodytic chapel, numerous outbuildings and extensive grounds.

Langeais

The Château de Langeais is located Langeaisin the Indre-et-Loire department. It was listed as a historic monument in 1922, and stands on a rocky outcrop.

In the 10th century, Foulques Nerra took over the estate and built a fortification, then a square tower, surrounded by a fortified wall. Richard the Lionheart enlarged the château, which was later destroyed by the English. Louis XI decided to rebuild the monument. Charles VIII celebrated his marriage to Anne de Bretagne in this castle in 1491.

Gradually abandoned, Langeais was purchased and restored by Christophe Baron in 1839. In 1886, the château was bought by Jacques Siegfried, who undertook restoration work, before selling it to the Institut de France in 1904.

Today, the castle comprises the royal fortress and the 15th-century château built below.

Loches

Loches is a castle located in Loches in the Indre-et-Loire department. It is built on a rocky promontoryand right in the heart of the town. It has been classified as a historic monument in several stages (19th century).

Foulques Nerra undertook the construction of the keep in the 10th century. In the 12th century, Henry II of Plantagenet undertook further work, building the ramparts. The Plantagenets then built further towers.

In the 13th century, an enclosure was built, followed by the royal dwelling in the 14th century. From the 15th century onwards, Loches became a prison, and remained so until 1926. Restoration work began in 1806.

Plessis-lèz-Tours

Château de Plessis-lèz-Tours or Château de Montils-les-Tours is a castle located in La Riche, in the Indre-et-Loire department. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1927. All that remains of this monument is the main building.

The first fortress was built in the 11th century. Charles VII then acquired the estate and had the fortress embellished. Louis XI made it his main residence, with a number of improvements. Louis XII also stayed here, as did the Estates General.

Little by little, the château fell into disrepair, before some work was carried out in the 17th century. The château was then occupied in various ways before being restored by Doctor Chaumier in the 20th century. Today, it is occupied by a theater company.

Saumur

The Château de Saumur is a Loire Valley chateau located in Saumur, Maine-et-Loire. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1862. Since 1912, it has housed a museum, now a Musée de France.

Saumur was founded in the 10th century, with the first fortress built by Thibault 1.^er the cheat. The result was a wall over a kilometer long, known as the "Wall of Boile".

But it was only under Philippe Auguste that the keep and its buttresses made their appearance. Saint Louis undertook further work in the 13th century. The towers were replaced in the 14th century under Louis 1.^er d'Anjou. The château was made more comfortable by René d'Anjou. In the 16th century, the château was reinforced for defensive purposes (ramparts were added), then became a prison in 1810, after which Louis XVIII turned it into an arms and munitions depot.

Tours City

The Château de Tours is located in Tours, in the Indre-et-Loire department of France. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1913 and 1973.

The first keep was built in the 11th century, certainly on the initiative of Geoffroy Martel. This keep - known as the château comtal - was improved, probably under Henry II of Plantagenet. The castle was partially damaged in the 12th century, as was the nearby cathedral. Saint Louis enlarged the château comtal and added a surrounding wall in the 13th century. It was almost totally destroyed in the 18th century. The château was used as a prison, arsenal and beggar's depot. Having fallen into disrepair, it was dismantled and the stones salvaged. Two towers were preserved, and part of the old building connecting them was converted into barracks.

In 1815, the city of Tours bought the monument, which was transformed into a large barracks, then returned to the city of Tours in 1968.

2. The noblest châteaux in the Loire Valley

Azay-le-Rideau

The castle ofAzay-le-Rideau is a Loire chateau located in the commune of Azay-le-Rideau in the Indre-et-Loire department. It was classified as a historic monument in 1840, and in 1914 became the property of the French government, managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. It is one of the best-known châteaux in the Loire Valley.

Azay's first château was built in the 12th century. Work was undertaken by the local lord Rideau d'Azay. Azay was then ceded to the Marmande family before being destroyed by fire by Charles VII in 1418. For a long time, the town was known as Azay-le-Brûlé.

The château as we know it today was built on the initiative of Gilles Berthelot, then Mayor of Tours, in the 16th century. Today, it is considered one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance.

Then, little by little, this chateau on the Loire was abandoned before being sold in 1791 to the de Biencourt family, who kept it in their possession until 1899, during which time they carried out alterations and restorations. In 1905, Azay-le-Rideau was acquired by the French state.

Beauregard

Château de Beauregard is a listed Loire château located in the commune of Celletes in the Loire-et-Cher department, near the Russy forest.. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1840, or 1864 depending on the source. Today, the château is orivated and belongs to the de Gosselin family. It features a portrait gallery, known as the "Galerie des Illustres".

In the 15th century, the Doulcet family built a manor house on the site of the current monument. Then, in the 16th century, the château was donated by King François 1.^er to René de Savoie. But it was in 1545, when Jean du Thier acquired the château, that it was expanded: he built the gallery linking the two existing buildings.

In 1617, Paul Ardier became the owner and added two identical wings to the main body of the building, building up a collection of portraits to represent French history.

Later, after being listed as a historic monument, new owner Louis Thillier set about restoring the château.

Brézé

Château de Brézé is a Loire chateau located in Brézé in the Maine-et-Loire department. It was listed as a historic monument in 1979. Today, it is a private estate belonging to the Colbert family. The monument is built in a U-shape, with three wings. It also features troglodytic caves beneath the château, with 4 km of underground passageways. It also features a dovecote and an orangery.

In 1148, the castle was extended with the construction of fortifications and moats. In the 16th century, the château was rebuilt in the Italian Renaissance style. In the 19th century, the château's style was transformed into Neo-Gothic.

Brissac

Château de Brissac is located in the commune of Brissac Loire Aubance in the Maine-et-Loire department. It was listed as a historic monument in 1966. It is privately owned by the de Brissac family. It is the highest castle in France. It is open to the public for visits, and regularly hosts events.

In the 11th century, Foulques Nerra built a fortified castle on this estate. After Pierre de Brézé acquired the castle, Brissac was rebuilt. This chateau on the Loire was besieged by Henri IV during the Wars of Religion, and was almost completely demolished. It was rebuilt in the 16th century to take its present form. It was restored in 1844, after the events of the French Revolution, when the château was requisitioned. In 1890, a theater was inaugurated in the château. During the Second World War, it was used as a shelter for various art collections.

Chanteloup Castle

Chateau de Chanteloup is a Loire chateau located in Amboise, in the Indre-et-Loire department. The estate has been listed as a historic monument since 1996. This late listing is due to the fact that most of the château's buildings were dismantled, leaving only the pagoda, pavilions and gardener's house.

The château was built in the 18th century at the request of the Princesse des Ursins. Etienne-François de Choiseul enlarged the château in 1761. The gardens at Chanteloup are considered to be comparable to those at Versailles.

The estate was later sold to the Duc de Penthièvre, and became national property on his death in 1793. Jean-Antoine Chaptal became owner of the estate in 1802.

Unfortunately, in the mid-19th century, Chanteloup was sold to the so-called "black gang", who dismantled it and sold off its parts and materials. The pagoda was saved as a property acquired by Duke Luis-Philippe d'Orléans, along with over 200 hectares of forest.

Châteaudun

The Château de Châteaudun is a chateau in the Loire Valley located in Châteaudun, on a rocky promontory overlooking the River Loir, in the Eure-et-Loir département. It has been listed as a historic monument since..., and is managed by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux. It comprises a main building and two wings, a 42 m-high keep and the Sainte-Chapelle. It also includes a collection of tapestries, some of which are classified as historic monuments, as well as seven pieces of the Old Testament hanging.

The first fortification dates back to the 10th century, when Thibault le Tricheur established a fortress. In the 12th century, a keep was built on the initiative of Thibault V. Later, Jean de Dunois, comrade-in-arms of Joan of Arc, inherited the château and had a chapel and the corps de Logis built in the 15th century. In the 16th century, a wing was added to the château.

Chateaudun gradually fell into disrepair, surviving the destructive fire of 1723. After the French Revolution, the château was almost in ruins, and it wasn't until 1866 that the Duc de Luynes undertook the restoration of the monument.

The château became state property in 1938, continuing the restoration work previously undertaken by the Duc de Luynes.

Chaumont-sur-Loire castle

The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is located in the commune of Chaumont-sur-Loire, in the department of Loir-et-Cher. It overlooks the Loire. It was first listed as a historic monument in 1840, then again in 1955. It has also been awarded the "Jardin remarquable" label. It is one of the most visited Loire castles in the Loir-et-Cher region.

The history of this Loire chateau began in the 10th century when Eudes 1^er built a fortress there. The château then belonged to the d'Amboise family, which led to its destruction at the request of Louis XI. Rebuilding of the château began in the 15th century on the initiative of Charles 1.^er d'Amboise. Two wings were built, one of which still stands, as well as two round towers.

The chateau de la Loire was subsequently acquired by Catherine de Médicis in 1550, then exchanged for the château de Chenonceau with Diane de Poitiers less than 10 years later. Under the Duc de Beauvilliers, and after several successive owners, the château regained some of its former glory. But it was Nicolas Bertin de Vaugyen who made major changes to the château, opening it up to the Loire.

Later, in the 18th century, the château housed a ceramics factory, followed by a farm in the 19th century. In 1834, however, the château was bought by a count who began restoration work. At the end of the 19th century, Marie Say, then owner of the château, built stables and an English garden. In 1938, the château was acquired by the French state.

Château de Cheverny

Château de Cheverny is a Loire Valley chateau located in Cheverny, in the Loir-et-Cher department. It has been listed as a historic monument since ... It is famous for having inspired Hergé and the Château de Moulinsart in Tintin. It is one of the most visited châteaux in the Loire Valley. The first fortifications at Cheverny date back to the 16th century and were granted by François 1.^er to Raoult II Hurault. After a series of legal setbacks, the château fell into the hands of Diane de Poitiers, who bought it in 1551, only to have to return it a few years later due to a procedural error in the inheritance deeds.

According to tradition, Marguerite Gaillard de la Morinière, the new wife of the Duc de Cheverny, led the reconstruction in the 15th century, which resulted in the destruction of the old château. After a period of splendor in the second half of the 17th century, the château changed owners several times, before being purchased by the Marquis de Vibraye, who opened it to the public in 1922.

3. Other noble Loire châteaux

Frequently Asked Questions about the Loire Castles

Which Château de la Loire visit?

The choice depends on your tastes and the time you have available. For a first visit, give preference to :

• Chambordfor its majestic architecture.
• Chenonceaufor its elegance and fascinating history.
• Villandryfor its magnificent gardens.
• Amboisefor its link with Leonardo da Vinci.
• Azay-le-Rideaufor its romantic charm.

How many châteaux are there in the Loire Valley?

More than 300 castles in the Loire Valley, including one open to the public.

What's the most beautiful Château de la Loire?

It depends on the criteria:

• Chambord is often considered the most impressive.
• Chenonceau is one of the most elegant and photogenic.
• Villandry is famous for its exceptional gardens.
• Cheverny is renowned for its sumptuous, well-preserved interior.

Which châteaux in the Loire Valley are a must-see?

If you need to make a selection, here's how the must-haves :

1. Chambord Castle - The largest and most spectacular.
2. Chenonceau Castle - Nicknamed the Ladies' Castle.
3. Villandry Castle - For its incredible gardens.
4. Château d'Amboise - With the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci.
5. Château de Cheverny - The inspiration for Moulinsart in Tintin.
6. Château d'Azay-le-Rideau - A Renaissance gem.
7. Château de Blois - A journey through French history.
8. Château de Saumur - Overlooking the Loire with its enchanting silhouette.

Why are there so many châteaux in the Loire Valley?

The Loire Valley was a strategic and sought-after region by the kings of France and the nobility between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The region's pleasant climate, proximity to the Loire (facilitating travel and trade) and fertile soils made it ideal for the construction of sumptuous châteaux.

What Château de la Loire visit with children?

Some châteaux offer family-friendly activities :

• Chambord Castle Equestrian shows, children's workshops, treasure hunt.
• Château de Cheverny Moulinsart inspiration, children's park and playground.
• Château d'Ussé Inspired by Sleeping Beauty's castle.
• Villandry Castle Plant maze and play gardens.
• Château de Brézé An underground castle to explore.

Which Loire château to visit first?

If you have little time, give preference to Chambord and Chenonceauwhich are the most emblematic and spectacular. If you love gardens, Villandry is a must. For a more intimate, romantic château, Azay-le-Rideau is a good choice.

Which castles are closest to each other?

Some châteaux are located short distanceThis makes it possible to combine several visits in one day:

• Blois - Chambord - Cheverny (less than 20 km between them).
• Amboise - Clos Lucé - Chenonceau (about 15 km apart).
• Villandry - Azay-le-Rideau - Langeais (within a 15 km radius).

For a optimized routingIn order to maximize your visiting time, it's best to group castles together.

If you would like to find out more about the Loire Valley and its castlesconsult your local tourist office or the Châteaux de la Loire official website.