Loire Valley, France: Best Places to Visit for Castles and Scenic Views
The Loire Valley in France is a picturesque region famous for its stunning chateaux, beautiful countryside, and rich history. The valley is home to over 300 chateaux, including the famous Chateau de Chambord and Chateau de Chenonceau. Visitors can explore the charming towns and villages, sample delicious local wines, and enjoy outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking. The Loire Valley is a must-visit destination for those interested in French history, architecture, and culture.
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57 places
Château de Chambord
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The Château de Chambord is a Renaissance castle located in the Loire Valley, about 2 hours south of Paris. It is famous for its unique architecture, featuring a double helix staircase and a stunning rooftop terrace. The castle also boasts a beautiful park and gardens, as well as a museum dedicated to the history and culture of the region. A visit to the Château de Chambord is a great way to experience the grandeur and beauty of Renaissance architecture.
Château de Chenonceau
2
Château de Chenonceau is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful architecture and gardens, it's a must-visit for history and art lovers.
Château de Villandry
3
Château de Villandry in Loire Valley, France is famous for its stunning Renaissance gardens, featuring intricate designs and vibrant colors. A must-visit for garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
Château Royal d'Amboise
4
Château d'Amboise in Loire Valley, France is a historic castle that was once home to French royalty. It offers stunning views of the Loire River and is a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Château Royal de Blois
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Château de Blois in the Loire Valley, France is a stunning Renaissance castle with rich history and architecture. It's famous for its royal connections and should be visited for its beautiful gardens and impressive interior.
Château de Cheverny
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Château de Cheverny is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful architecture, impressive gardens, and rich history, it's a must-visit destination for any traveler.
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau
7
Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is a stunning Renaissance castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its elegant architecture and picturesque setting, it's a must-visit for history and culture lovers.
37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France
Château de Saumur
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Château de Saumurin is a stunning castle located in the Loire Valley of France. Famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history, it's a must-visit destination for any tourist exploring the region.
Château de Chaumont
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Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful gardens and art exhibitions, it's a must-visit for any tourist.
Château de Langeais
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Château de Langeais is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its impressive architecture and rich history, it's a must-visit for anyone interested in French culture and heritage.
Château du Clos Lucé
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Nestled in Amboise, Château du Clos Lucé is the final residence of Leonardo da Vinci. This enchanting château showcases da Vinci's inventions and artworks, offering a fascinating glimpse into the mind of the Renaissance genius. Explore the beautiful grounds and step into the world where art and innovation converge.
Chartres Cathedral
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Chartres Cathedral is a stunning Gothic masterpiece located in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its intricate stained glass windows and impressive architecture, it is a must-visit for any history or art lover.
Château d'Angers
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Château d'Angers is a medieval fortress in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its 17 towers and tapestry collection, it's a must-visit for history and art lovers.
Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans
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Cathédrale Sainte-Croix d'Orléans is a stunning Gothic cathedral in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its intricate architecture and stained glass windows, it's a must-visit for history and art lovers.
Museum of Fine Arts, Tours
15
Musée des Beaux-Arts de Tours is a famous art museum in the Loire Valley, France. It houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts from the 14th to the 20th century. A must-visit for art lovers.
Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud
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Abbey of Fontevraud is a famous royal abbey in the Loire Valley, France. It is known for its stunning architecture, rich history, and as the final resting place of several Plantagenet kings and queens. A must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Mini Castle Park, Amboise
17
Parc des Mini-Châteaux in Loire Valley, France is a miniature park featuring over 40 replicas of famous châteaux from the region. It's a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Château d'Ussé
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Château de Ussein is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley of France, famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history. Visitors can explore the castle's grand halls and gardens, and learn about its fascinating past.
Château de Sully-sur-Loire
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Château de Sully-sur-Loire is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its impressive architecture and rich history, it's a must-visit for any tourist exploring the region.
Château de Brissac
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Château de Brissac is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its impressive architecture and beautiful gardens, it's a must-visit for history and nature lovers.
Forteresse Royale de Chinon
21
Château de Chinon in Loire Valley, France is a historic castle famous for its association with Joan of Arc. Visitors can explore the castle's towers and ramparts while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Château de Montsoreau - Museum of Contemporary Art
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Château de Montsoreau is a stunning Renaissance castle located in the Loire Valley, France. It is famous for its unique architecture and art exhibitions, making it a must-visit destination for art and history enthusiasts.
Château de Gizeux
23
Château de Gizeux is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful gardens, rich history, and impressive architecture, it's a must-visit for any tourist.
Musée Maurice Dufresne
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Musée Maurice Dufresne in Loire Valley, France is a unique museum showcasing a vast collection of vintage cars, planes, and machines. A must-visit for history and engineering enthusiasts.
Fougères-sur-Bièvre Castle
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Château de Fougeres-sur-Bievre is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history, it's a must-visit for any international tourist.
Château de Montpoupon
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Château de Montpoupon is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history, it's a must-visit for anyone interested in French culture and heritage.
Château de la Bourdaisière
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Château de La Bourdaisière is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France, famous for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture. A must-visit for any tourist interested in French history and culture.
Château de Valençay
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Château de Valencay is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its opulent interiors and beautiful gardens, it's a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Chateau de Serrant
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Château de Serrant is a stunning Renaissance castle located in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful architecture and extensive art collection, it's a must-visit for history and art lovers.
Castle of La Roche-Guyon
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Château de La Roche-Guyon is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture, it's a must-visit for any tourist.
Château de Bouges
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Château de Bouges is a stunning 18th-century chateau in the Loire Valley, known for its beautiful gardens and elegant interiors. A must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Château de Villesavin
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Château de Villesavin is a stunning Renaissance castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history, it's a must-visit for any tourist exploring the region.
Castle Chamerolles
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Château de Chamerolles is a beautiful castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its stunning gardens and historical significance, it's a must-visit for any tourist.
Château de Troussay
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Château de Troussay is a charming 18th-century castle in the Loire Valley, France. It is famous for its beautiful gardens, authentic furnishings, and rich history. A must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts.
Château de Montreuil-Bellay
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Château de Montreuil-Bellay is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its rich history and beautiful architecture, it's a must-visit for any tourist exploring the region.
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte
36
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte is a stunning 17th-century castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful gardens, grand architecture, and historical significance, it's a must-visit for any tourist.
Musée de la Marine de Loire
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Musée de la Marine de Loire in Loire Valley, France is a museum dedicated to the history of navigation on the Loire River. It is famous for its collection of boats and models and is a must-visit for those interested in maritime history.
Château de Selles sur Cher
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Château de Selles-sur-Cherin is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history, it's a must-visit for anyone interested in French culture and heritage.
Chateau De Jallanges
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Château de Jallanges is a stunning Renaissance castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful gardens and historic architecture, it's a must-visit for any tourist exploring the region.
Château de la Ferté Saint-Aubin
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Château de la Ferté-Saint-Aubin is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history, it's a must-visit for anyone interested in French culture and heritage.
Château de Meung-sur-Loire
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Château de Meung-sur-Loire is a historic castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its medieval architecture and beautiful gardens, it's a must-visit for history and nature lovers.
Parc Floral de la Source
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Parc Floral de la Source is a beautiful botanical garden in Loire Valley, France. Famous for its stunning floral displays, it's a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful escape.
Le Château de Marçay
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Château de Marcay is a historic castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its stunning architecture and beautiful gardens, it's a must-visit destination for history and nature lovers.
Château de Brou
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Château de Brouin is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful architecture and picturesque gardens, it's a must-visit for any tourist exploring the region.
Château de Brou, 37800 Noyant-de-Touraine, France
Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire
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Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire is a famous castle in the Loire Valley, France, known for its stunning gardens and art exhibitions. A must-visit for history and nature lovers.
Musée Rabelais
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Musée Rabelais in Loire Valley, France is a museum dedicated to the life and works of the famous French writer, François Rabelais. It is a must-visit for literature enthusiasts and those interested in French culture.
Château de La Motte Husson
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Chateau de La Motte Husson is a stunning castle in Pays de la Loire region. Famous for its appearance in TV show "Escape to the Chateau", it offers visitors a glimpse into the French chateau lifestyle with its beautiful gardens and unique architecture.
Château de Crazannes
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Château de Crazannes is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France, known for its beautiful architecture and rich history. Visitors can explore the castle's many rooms and gardens, and learn about its fascinating past.
Château de la Guerche
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Château de la Guerche is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history, it's a must-visit for anyone interested in French culture and heritage.
Musée des Blindés
50
Musee des Blindes in Loire-Valley, France is a must-visit for military history enthusiasts. It houses over 800 armored vehicles, including tanks and artillery, from various countries and eras.
Castle Museum of Gien
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Château de Gien is a stunning castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its beautiful architecture and rich history, it's a must-visit for anyone interested in French culture and heritage.
Les Machines de l'Île
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Les Machines de l'Île in Nantes (The Machines of the Isle of Nantes), is a unique attraction featuring giant mechanical animals and a carousel, including a giant elephant, inspired by the literary world of Jules Verne. It's famous for its creativity and innovation and is a must-visit for anyone interested in art and engineering.
Musée du Compagnonnage
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Musée du Compagnonnage in Loire Valley, France is a famous museum showcasing the history and traditions of French craftsmen. It's a must-visit for those interested in French culture and craftsmanship.
Château de l'Islette
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Château de l'Islette is a beautiful castle in the Loire Valley, France. Famous for its romantic history and stunning gardens, it's a must-visit for anyone exploring the region.
Guillaume and Mathieu PLOU
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Plou Et Fils is a renowned winery in the Loire Valley, France, known for producing exceptional wines using sustainable and organic methods. A must-visit for wine lovers.
Cave Monplaisir
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Cave Monplaisir in Loire Valley, France is a famous wine cellar that offers tours and tastings of their exceptional wines. A must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
Caves Louis de Grenelle
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Caves Louis de Grenelle in Loire Valley, France is famous for its sparkling wine production. Visitors can take a tour of the underground cellars and taste the delicious wines.
Sticky Notes
What is the best time to visit Loire Valley, France?
The best time to visit Loire Valley, France is from April to October when the weather is mild and the gardens and chateaux are in full bloom.
The best time to visit Loire Valley, France is from April to October when the weather is mild and the gardens and chateaux are in full bloom.
Is Loire Valley, France safe for tourists?
Yes, Loire Valley, France is generally safe for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
Yes, Loire Valley, France is generally safe for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take precautions and be aware of your surroundings.
How do I get around Loire Valley, France?
The best way to get around Loire Valley, France is by car. However, there are also trains and buses available for transportation.
The best way to get around Loire Valley, France is by car. However, there are also trains and buses available for transportation.
What currency is used in Loire Valley, France?
The currency used in the Loire Valley, France is the Euro (EUR).
The currency used in the Loire Valley, France is the Euro (EUR).
Are credit cards widely accepted in Loire Valley, France?
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Loire Valley, France. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash as well.
Yes, credit cards are widely accepted in Loire Valley, France. However, it is always advisable to carry some cash as well.
What is the tipping etiquette in Loire Valley, France?
Tipping is not mandatory in Loire Valley, France. However, it is customary to leave a small tip of 5-10% for good service.
Tipping is not mandatory in Loire Valley, France. However, it is customary to leave a small tip of 5-10% for good service.
What is the nightlife like in Loire Valley, France?
The nightlife in Loire Valley, France is relatively quiet. However, there are some bars and clubs in the larger towns and cities.
The nightlife in Loire Valley, France is relatively quiet. However, there are some bars and clubs in the larger towns and cities.
What is the local cuisine in Loire Valley, France?
The local cuisine in Loire Valley, France is known for its seafood, cheese, and wine. Some popular dishes include coq au vin, escargots, and tarte tatin.
The local cuisine in Loire Valley, France is known for its seafood, cheese, and wine. Some popular dishes include coq au vin, escargots, and tarte tatin.
Can I drink the tap water in Loire Valley France?
Yes, the tap water in Loire Valley, France is safe to drink.
Yes, the tap water in Loire Valley, France is safe to drink.
What are the traditional festivals and celebrations in Loire Valley, France?
Some traditional festivals and celebrations in Loire Valley, France include the Festival of the Loire, the Blois Chateau Festival, and the Tours International Film Festival.
Some traditional festivals and celebrations in Loire Valley, France include the Festival of the Loire, the Blois Chateau Festival, and the Tours International Film Festival.