El Loire Valley It is a valley located along the Loire River in central France. It is well known for its beautiful castles, its famous white wines, and its historic towns. In this valley you can do great routes to enjoy the landscapes and the incredible castles. We will give you some ideas about what is essential on a route through the valley.
From the main cities to those castles must-see, the trip through the Loire Valley is an unforgettable experience. But before venturing we must have well thought out what we want to see, because there are a large number of castles and cities. A trip of at least five days is a must in this valley.
Main cities of the Loire
When visiting the beautiful Loire Valley you will have to go through some major cities, which must also be seen on the way on the route of the castles. We are going to see some of the main ones, where you have to stop to see certain places.
Orleans
Orleans can be a good start to the journey. In this city we will see the great importance that the figure of Joan of Arc had. Although there are those who believe that she lived here, the truth is that she only spent 10 days, in the famous battle of the Hundred Years War. However, in the city you can visit its equestrian statue and also the House of Joan of Arc, which is a reproduction of its original house. Another of the things to see in the city is the Cathedral of the Holy Cross, in the Gothic style. In the historic center you can see the typical half-timbered houses.
Blois
In Blois we can enjoy its beautiful castle and a historic town on the banks of the Loire. In the Castle of Blois resided the kings of France. In it you can distinguish various styles, from Gothic to Flamboyant Gothic or Renaissance. In front of the castle you can visit the Robert-Houdin House of Magic dedicated to illusionism and magic, a place suitable for children and adults.
Tours
Tours Cathedral is one of its main sites, with an imposing façade and the vast majority of original stained glass windows. Near the cathedral is the Colbert street, a place of leisure with restaurants and premises. Another leisure area is the so-called guinguettes, on the banks of the Loire, with stalls and bars to have a drink. In the city there is also a Museum of Fine Arts and a Center for Contemporary Creation.
Angers
The historic center of Angers is a quiet area, and it is where the cathedral and the castle of the city are located. The Plaza de Ralliement is its most commercial area, where the Great Theater is. In this city also stand out the beautiful medieval-style houses with a half-timbered, very well preserved. The Castle of Angers is very beautiful, with a robust wall and many buildings forming the whole. Angers Cathedral dates from the XNUMXth century and was built in the Gothic style of the region.
Main castles of the Loire
La castle route through the Loire Valley it is something that should be done at least once in a lifetime. There are many, many castles that were built in this area, where the French royalty wanted to have rest residences. We show you some of the main ones.
Castle of Sully-sur-Loire
This is a XNUMXth century castle that represents very well what we expect to find when we go to the Loire Valley. A castle that was defensive, surrounded by a moat and with walls. It is still a beautiful castle but it has a certain defensive flair that other Loire castles lack.
Chambord castle
This is one of the most famous castles. It is among the largest and most spectacular, so your visit will be essential. It is located between Orleans and Blois, closer to Blois. It can be seen that the architecture had a great influence Renaissance and classical details.
Chenonceau Castle
This castle is also known as the castle of the ladies and dates from the XNUMXth century. It is a castle that is currently privately owned and has extensive gardens, a park and a wine plantation. Do not forget that very famous wines are grown in this region. Only the Tour des Marques remains of the old pre-Renaissance castle. One of his most famous images is that of the arcades of the Diana Bridge, on which a gallery was built. The garden of Diana de Poitiers with an amazing and careful design is a must.
Cheverny Castle
This castle shows a clear renaissance style. Inside it houses a museum, which makes it an even more interesting visit. Where much of the interest about this castle resides is inside, as it is elegantly and luxuriously furnished, with careful decoration.
Castle of Langeais
This is another castle to mention, since it is one of the least restored castle. It therefore shows one of the buildings best preserved in the Loire Valley. It has the Tower of Foulques, which is the oldest keep in France.