France is magical and romantic and has breathtaking buildings and architecture pretty much everywhere. But if you’re here for castles, or Chateaux as they are called (pronounced ‘sha-toe’), you have to go to the Loire Region. The Loire Region or Loire Valley is considered the Chateau Region because for centuries royalty and nobles would travel here to hunt and relax in the countryside and they wanted lovely places to rest their rich heads. While there are some mid-sized cities in this area, it’s full of little villages and beautiful sweeping countryside. Pretty much the definition of picturesque.
There are 42 official chateaux in the region, but there are three that are an absolute must-see. Believe us, we’ve been there and we’re telling you that you don’t want to miss them! We’re breaking down why you have to see them, where to stay, and even how to easily pronounce them and even some of the more boring things like parking and the best way to travel there.
Chateau Chambord
(Pronounced sha-toe Sham-bore)
The largest and arguably the most grand, Chambord has so much going for it.
- Amazing double helix staircase rumored to have been designed by Davinci.
- Exhibits showing how it would have been decorated in different eras
- Manicured gardens that usually display lovely modern sculptures and little houses and a chapel on the grounds
- Snacks and food are sold here and we can confirm that they are indeed delicious
- Solid fortress that housed the Mona Lisa during WWII
- Oh, and BREATHTAKING views from the roof and balconies
Parking- paid but plentiful with restrooms, food & gift shop on site. Recommended time: 2-4 hours. Best way to get there: Car
For more info on this chateau check out our Guide HERE
41250 Chambord, France. Tel: +33 (0) 2 5450 4000; www.chambord.org
Chateau Chenonceau
(Pronounced sha-toe Shuh-non-so)
Arguably the most beautiful place on earth, this castle feels like it’s out of a fairytale dream.
- Designed and lived in by mostly women throughout the ages- this alone makes it one of a kind
- Restored in full glory, every room feels as if you’re walking into another time
- Located on the river, you’ll get amazing pictures (after you’ve soaked it all in, of course)
- Once operated as the literal gateway to freedom for The Resistance and French Jews
- Gardens that are maybe only rivaled in loveliness by Versailles
- Forest that you can wander into and find a ‘secret garden’ and small folly
Parking- paid but plentiful with restrooms, restaurant & gift shop on site. Recommended time: 2-6 hours. Best way to get there: Car
For more info on this chateau check out our Guide HERE
37150 Chenonceau. Tel: +33 (0) 8 2020 9090; www.chenonceau.com
Chateau d’Azay le Rideau
(Pronounced sha-toe Dah-zay le Ree-dou)
Also located on the water, Château d’Azay le Rideau is lovely inside and out and tucked right into the quaintest village.
- Decorated with tapestries and insulated with period-correct reeds, you’ll see how it would have looked in the 16th century!
- Surrounded by a moat, go on a sunny day for amazing pictures of the castle
- Many of the rooms have animated art displays that bring modern sensibilities and the 1500’s together in a cool way
- Grounds replicate a ‘Kitchen Garden’ and a ‘Secret Rose Garden’
- Visiting the town shops and art galleries nearby is a must!
Parking- paid and somewhat limited with restrooms & gift shop on site. Recommended time: 2-4 hours (including little nearby shops). Best way to get there: Car
For more info on this chateau check out our Guide HERE
37190 Azay-le-Rideau, France. Tel: +33 (0) 2 4745 4204; website