Top 9: Which Loire Valley châteaux should you absolutely visit

Best visits Loire Valley châteaux:  Book your tickets now.

• Loire Valley Châteaux Pass (3 must-see châteaux)
• Château de Chenonceau ticket 
• Château de Chambord ticket
• Royal Château d'Amboise ticket

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Nicknamed the "garden of France", this region is home to an impressive concentration of royal châteaux bearing witness to the rich and fascinating history of the French monarchy. These châteaux, often magnificent and steeped in mystery, are key monuments for any visitor discovering the region. 

1. Château de Chenonceau, our favourite

The Château de Chenonceau is one of the most famous in the region, notably because of its unique architecture, rising majestically over the Cher. Built by Katherine Briçonnet in 1513, then enhanced by Diane de Poitiers from 1547 after she received it as a gift from Henri II, it was finally enlarged under Catherine de Médicis before becoming the refuge of Louise of Lorraine, the white queen and widow of Henri III. Today the Château is one of the 3 must-see Loire châteaux not to be missed. 

How long does it take to visit the Château de Chenonceau? Allow 2 to 4 hours to visit the whole estate. You will be amazed by the château gallery, a covered bridge crossing the Cher, offering a spectacular view and built on the foundations of the old mill. It was also a central place for the château's historical events.

Not to miss during this visit: 

• the French-style gardens designed by Catherine de Médicis and Diane de Poitiers
• the salon of Catherine de Médicis, an intimate and refined place that immerses you in the atmosphere of the 16th-century royal court. 
• the Chenonceau museum, where you will discover an impressive collection of artworks and objects that belonged to the great historical figures of the château.

See its location on the map 

2. The sumptuous Château de Chambord

Among the Loire châteaux you absolutely must visit, there is of course the Château de Chambord. A true masterpiece of the Renaissance, it is a symbol of the power of King Francis I.

Not to miss during your visit: 

• the unmissable double-helix staircase, a true architectural wonder, often said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
• the terrace, which offers an unbeatable view over the Chambord forest, one of the largest in Europe. 
• the guardroom, decorated with ancient tapestries
• the king's bedchamber, where you will discover the importance of Chambord as a royal residence. 
• Finally, if you have time, a carriage ride through the forest estate is an excellent way to soak up the natural beauty of the place.

See its location on the map 

3. Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, a must-see

The Château d'Azay-le-Rideau is one of the most romantic in the region, built on an island in the middle of the Indre. Its slender shape and diamond-shaped windows make this château a must-see.

From 1791 to 1899, the château belonged to the Marquis de Biencourt. It was Armand François de Biencourt who undertook the first major restoration of the building, giving the château unity in a Renaissance style.

Not to miss during your visit: 

• the gardens that surround the château and offer a lovely reflection of the building in the water
• the dining room
• the bedroom of Gilles Berthelot, the founder of the château, a must to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Renaissance. 
• If you get the chance, attend a concert or cultural event, which often take place on the estate.

See its location on the map 

4. Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

Built in 1884 by Henri Duchêne, a great French landscape architect of the 19th century, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is as famous for its International Garden Festival as for its medieval architecture. It is ideal for lovers of nature and design. As a bit of history, the Count of Blois, called Odo I, had a fortress built as early as the 10th century to protect Blois from attacks by the Count of Anjou. As a thank-you, Chaumont was given to the Norman knight Gelduin the Younger.

Not to miss during your visit: 

• the park and its themed gardens, notably the contemporary gardens created every year by landscape designers from around the world. 
• the château's frescoes room is also a must, with wall paintings dating from the 16th century. 
• Finally, the panoramic view from the terrace over the River Loire and the surrounding countryside is breathtaking.

Allow about 3 hours to visit the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire. 

See its location on the map 

5. Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci's residence

If you are wondering which Loire châteaux you absolutely must visit, here is Clos Lucé to add to your list. Built in the 15th century, the Château du Clos Lucé is an essential stop for history and science enthusiasts, located in Amboise, in the Loire. This château is famous for having been the residence of Leonardo da Vinci during his last years in France, invited by King Francis I. You can discover his apartment, where he lived from 1516 to 1519, as well as several reconstructions of his inventions and drawings. As a bit of history, it was here that Leonardo da Vinci died, leaving an immense legacy in the fields of art and science.

Not to miss during your visit:

• The museum of Leonardo da Vinci's inventions, with models of his famous machines,
  
  
• The Renaissance garden, which presents a fine collection of medicinal plants and vegetables grown in Leonardo's time,
  
  
• The château chapel, where he is buried, and the interior of Leonardo's apartment, faithful to the period.

Allow about 2 hours to visit the Château du Clos Lucé.

See its location on the map 

6. Château de Blois, a medieval fortress

The Royal Château de Blois reflects the many architectural influences that have marked the history of France. The château courtyard, home to the remarkable Renaissance spiral staircase, is a central point of the building. 

Many kings of France lived here, such as Louis XII, Francis I or Marie de Médicis. As a bit of history, the château was the scene of several major events, such as the assassination in December 1588 of Henri de Lorraine, leader of the Catholic League and 3^rd Duke of Guise. The tower's mission was to defend the south-west corner of the château in the Middle Ages, as well as the Foix gate, nestled at the foot of the rocky spur.

Not to miss during your visit: 

• the Saint-Hubert chapel, an intimate space where Louis XII and Francis I made their mark on the history of France. 
• the Estates General assembly hall, a key historical place where members of the French government met at different times. 
• the panoramic view over the town, Blois and its Saint-Nicolas church.
• Finally, attend the sound and light show that brings the château to life every evening, a magical way to discover its history.

See its location on the map 

7. Château du Rivau and its gardens

The Château du Rivau is a real hidden treasure, with its magnificent gardens and its many architectural details. It is also the oldest château of all the Loire Valley châteaux. Located near Chinon and built in the 15th century, this is where King Charles VII of France lived. The château has a medieval character that contrasts with its fairytale-inspired gardens.

Not to miss during your visit: 

• the 14 themed gardens that create a magical atmosphere. 
• the labyrinth garden or the witches' garden, a marvel to see. 
• the knights' hall, adorned with medieval frescoes, letting you imagine life in the Middle Ages.

See its location on the map 

8. Château de Brézé

Listed as a "Grand Site of the Loire Valley", the Château de Brézé is unique thanks to its impressive network of underground passages and moats. This very well-preserved 16th-century medieval château has a remarkable fortified basement, carved into the rock.

Not to miss during your visit: 

• the tour of the cellars and moats, where you can explore the former fortifications and underground installations, used for defence and storage. 
• the knights' hall area with its exposed-beam ceiling and medieval atmosphere. 
• Don't miss a walk around the park to enjoy the calm and the surrounding nature.

See its location on the map 

9. The Royal Château d'Amboise

The Royal Château d'Amboise, a place steeped in history, was home to several kings of France, notably Charles VIII and Francis I. This is where the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci lies, placed in the chapel in the mid-19th century, after he lived there for 3 years from 1519. 

Not to miss during your visit: 

• the Saint-Hubert chapel, where Leonardo da Vinci lies, a truly fascinating place of contemplation. 
• the spiral staircase, which gives access to the upper floors of the château, another highlight of the visit. 
• Don't miss a stroll in the hanging gardens, from where you can admire an unbeatable view of the town of Amboise and the Loire.

See its location on the map 

FAQ Which Loire châteaux to visit

Here are our answers to your most frequent questions. 

Which Loire château should you visit first?

The Château de Chenonceau is a must that we strongly recommend, thanks to its unique architecture over the Cher and its magnificent gardens. It is often considered the most emblematic of the region, offering an immersive experience in the history of the French Renaissance. Followed by the Château de Chambord if you are only staying for a weekend. 

Which Loire châteaux are currently open?

All the major Loire châteaux, such as Chenonceau, Chambord, Blois and Azay-le-Rideau, are open to visitors throughout the year, with opening hours varying by season. Each château offers guided tours and themed events, letting you discover their history and architectural features. It is advisable to check opening hours online before planning your visit.

What route to take to visit the Loire châteaux?

If you want to do a complete circuit, start in Orléans to explore the Château de Sully-sur-Loire, then head to the Château de Chambord to admire its imposing architecture. Next, visit the Château de Chenonceau, famous for its gallery crossing the Cher, before continuing to Amboise to discover the Royal Château and the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci. Finally, finish with the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau and its magnificent gardens. This circuit will let you discover the most emblematic châteaux of the valley, while enjoying the exceptional landscapes of the Loire.

What is the most beautiful part of the Loire?

The Loire Valley is known for its varied landscapes, but the section between Tours and Amboise is particularly spectacular, with its châteaux perched on hills and its green vineyards. This stretch is ideal for exploring by bike or car, offering superb panoramic views of the river and its banks. This is where the most famous châteaux are found.

Which Loire châteaux to visit in 2 days?

If you only have two days, we recommend visiting the Château de Chenonceau and the Château de Chambord. Start with Chenonceau for its spectacular architecture and gardens, then head to Chambord to explore its imposing estate and forest. These two châteaux offer a complete immersion in the history of the French Renaissance, with easy access by car between the sites.

What is the capital of the Loire châteaux?

The capital is Blois and has nearly 46,000 inhabitants. It is part of Loir-et-Cher, where you can discover the Château de Chambord, the Château de Cheverny and the Royal Château de Blois.

Where to stay to visit the Loire châteaux?

Two options are available: Blois is ideal for visiting the Loire châteaux as it is close to Chambord and Cheverny. Another possibility is to sleep in Amboise, which is easier if you want to visit the Château de Chenonceau or the Clos Lucé.

Where is the Sleeping Beauty château in the Loire?

It is the famous Château d'Ussé, located on the banks of the Indre, not far from the châteaux of Azay-le-Rideau, Villandry and Langeais.

That's it, our article "Which Loire châteaux to visit" ends here. Much more than simple historic monuments, they immerse you in their fascinating stories. An immersive experience like an open door onto a prestigious past. We wish you a great stay in the Loire Valley (Indre-et-Loire), a magnificent region of France.