Walk in the footsteps of François 1er and relive the Renaissance with panache!
Countless royal and private castles are listed in the Loire Valley, and yet each is unique. Each has its own history in the history of France and our culture.
We have selected for you what is for us the top 10 Castles to visit, either by our own experience or by the opinion of our guests to whom we listen with great interest. We have classified them from the closest to the Gîte Clair Matin to the farthest in order to facilitate your choice, without exceeding 1h / 1h15 by road.
A word of advice: the parks of the Castles are often as fascinating and pleasant as the Castles themselves. Take the time to stroll in each of them and they will open to you all their hidden secrets.
Château d’Amboise (15 mn) : a unique observation point over the Loire, this castle was the first royal building site making the turn from Middle Ages to the Renaissance style.
Villandry (35 mn): little brother of the Châteaux of the loire, the Château de Villandry is renowned for its park maintained with great care. Possibility to visit the parks alone or the whole area.
Azay-le-Rideau (35 nm) : one of the favorites of the visitors, this castle stands out from the other Loire Castles by its L-shaped architecture and the peacefulnes of its location.
Map of the Top 10 Loire Valley Castles :
Château de Blois (55 mn) : thanks to its majestic courtyard, one can distinguish multiple architectural styles ; Gothic, Renaissance, Classical, Middle Ages.
Château du Rivau and its fairy-tale gardens (1h05) : all the senses are awakened in this medieval castle thanks to its scented roses and its extraordinary vegetable garden, its treasure hunt and children’s costumes, or its tearoom and hammocks for adults.
We could have add many others Castles but it depends also of your length of stay or your Il y aurait beaucoup d’autres suggestions, mais selon la durée de votre séjour et votre appetite. And for sure, the Gîte Clair Matin will be your ally in your discover.