The 12 Best Loire Valley Châteaux to Visit in 2025
The Loire Valley, often referred to as the ‘Garden of France,’ is best known as a wine region, having produced wine for over 2,500 years. The Loire Valley is characterized by its expansive vineyards, charming villages, and, of course, its stunning châteaux. All along the Loire River, this region is home to over 300 châteaux, ranging from functional medieval fortresses to elegant Renaissance palaces. Each château tells a story—of kings and queens, artists and architects, and the dramatic history of the region.
Today at Civitatis, we’re looking at some of our favorites, so that you don’t miss the most interesting in the region. So, strap in, pour yourself a glass of Chardonnay or Cabernet Franc, and enjoy! On y va!
1. Château de Chambord
Chambord is the largest and one of the most recognizable châteaux in the Loire Valley, built in the 16th century by King Francis I as a hunting lodge. The building’s design is inspired by architectural styles of the Italian Renaissance, especially that of Leonardo da Vinci. In fact, some scholars even suggest that da Vinci may have designed Chambord himself!
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chambord has a rich history, hosting the Sun King Louis XIV on multiple occasions. During the Second World War, it was also used to safeguard priceless artworks, protecting them from potential damage or theft. Today, Chambord, featuring 400 rooms, a double-helix staircase, and an iconic silhouette featuring multiple towers and chimneys, stands as a symbol of French Renaissance architecture and a testament to centuries of art, culture, and history.
How to visit the Château de Chambord
2. Château de Chenonceau
Sitting right on the River Cher, Chenonceau is one of the most visited châteaux in France. It is often referred to as the ‘Château des Dames‘ (Ladies’ Château), for the noblewomen who shaped its history—Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers, who were involved in a love triangle with the French king of the time. The story goes that King Henry II married Catherine de’ Medici when they were 14 years old in 1533. The following year, Henry became romantically involved with a 35-year-old widow Diane de Poitiers, to whom he would gift the castle. When Henry died, de’ Medici deposed Diane and took control of Chenonceau. Both women left important marks on the castle which remain to this day.
The best part of visiting the château de Chenonceau is standing on its double story gallery: the Medici Gallery, which was built under instruction from the King’s wife. From here you can look out over the river from a truly unique perspective! Also walk the beautiful gardens which were built by de Poitiers, especially its stunning, recently restored fountain,
How to visit the Château de Chenonceau
3. Château de Villandry
Built in the 16th century, Villandry is best known for its magnificent Renaissance gardens, laid out in wonderfully intricate patterns. This château was built over the site of an ancient fortress, which had been known as Columbine until the 1600s, when a senior official under King Francis I constructed a new château around an original 14th-century keep.
The crown jewel of this château is its ornamental Kitchen Garden, a fusion of functional agriculture and phenomenal artistic design, which changes beautifully with the seasons!
How to visit the Châteaux de Villandry
4. Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
Perched on an island in the Indre River, Azay-le-Rideau is a perfect example of early French Renaissance architecture, blending Italian influence with French style. This unique château was also built under Francis I, for the king’s financier, Gilles Berthelot, who was also mayor of Tours. However, Berthelot would flee the country in fear of persecution over financial misdemeanors and died before the château was complete.
Built out onto the Indre River, admire the the Château d’Azay-le-Rideau and its mirror-like reflection in the river beneath it! Inside, check out such rooms as the Biencourt salon, which has been set up to reflect how it would have been in the 19th century, under the ownership of Marquis de Biencourt. Its imposing fireplace, elegant furniture, and stately decoration create an incredible atmosphere that make you feel like you’re stepping back in time.
How to visit the Château Azay-le-Rideau
5. Château de Blois
Next up on our list is the unmissable Château de Blois, a monument that tells a story of four major epochs of France and French architecture between the Middle ages and the 17th century: the 13th century medieval fortress, the Louis XII Gothic Wing from the 15th century, the François I Renaissance Wing from the 16th century, and the classic Gaston, Duke of Orléans wing.
This château has hosted a variety of kings and queens (seven kings and ten queens!), and was the site of various fascinating historical events, including the assassination of Henry I in 1588. Today, the château is also home to a massive art collection, totaling over 35,000 works.
Another reason to visit this château is its sound & light show, during which it is lit up with fantastic projections that tell its history and give new life to the 600+ year structure.
How to visit the Château de Blois
6. Château d’Amboise
The town of Amboise actually boasts 3 châteaux, the Clos Lucé, the Gaillard, and the Château Royal, or Château d’Amboise. This château was once home to King Charles VIII, Anne de Bretagne, and François I. However, it’s probably best known as being the burial site of Leonardo da Vinci, who died in 1519, having spent the last years of his life in the nearby Clos Lucé, which was then connected to the Château d’Amboise by underground tunnels.
Inside, you’ll be able to explore its medieval basement, the Garçonnet Tower, the Hall of Liliesm and much more. What’s more, perched 130 feet (40 meters) above the Loire River, this château provides beautiful views of the surrounding area.
How to visit the Château d’Amboise
7. Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
With sweeping views along the Loire, the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is a fascinating blend of medieval and Renaissance architecture. Originally founded in the 10th century by Odo I as a fortress, it was later destroyed by order of Louis XI after an unsuccessful rebellion by the then lord Pierra d’Amboise. Rebuilt in the 15th century, the château gained particular notoriety through its association with two of France’s most powerful women: the aforementioned Queen Catherine de’ Medici and Diane de Poitiers! After Henry died, de’ Medici couldn’t bear seeing de Poitiers in posession of Chenonceau, and forced her rival to exchange it for this Chaumont-sur-Loire in order to take her prized château back into her posession.
Inside, explore the legendary Catherine de Medici room, where the queen mother once plotted court intrigue, and discover the renowned Gallery of portraits, decorated in the 17th century with 327 portraits of notable figures.Diane de Poitiers’ bedchamber, which still maintains the refined décor befitting France’s most powerful mistress. If you’re interested in this famous feud, a visit to Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire is a must!
How to visit the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
8. Château d’Angers
Originally built in the 10th century, this château was originally constriucted to defend the region of Anjou from Norman invaders. However, this site had been used as a fortress as far back as the Romans, due to its unique strategic location. In the 13th century this vast fortress recieved 17 imposing towers creating an impenetrable fortress above the Maine River.
The castle houses the legendary Apocalypse Tapestry, woven in the late 14th century. This massive set of tapestries featured 90 scenes from the Book of Revelations, and stretched a staggering 460 feet (140 meters). Though part of the tapestry was destroyed during the French Revoluion, the majority of the tapestry has been incredibly preserved, surviving nearly 650 years… Check it out!
How to visit the Château d’Angers
9. Château de Chinon
Like many others, the Château de Chinon is a reflection of the history of France, servign as an important defensive location since Gallo-Roman times. The first castle was constructed here in the 10th century, by Theobold I, Count of Blois in 954. In the 12th century, this fortress began to resemble its current form, and became the primary residence for Henry II of England in the 12th century, but gained its greatest fame as the stage for one of history’s most legendary encounters, when Joan of Arc came to aid a struggling Charles VII, and whose propesy ultimately did allow him to be crowned, changing the course of French history.
Admire the fortress’s authentic medieval architecture with its massive walls and stunning Tour de l’Horloge (Clock Tower), whose 15th-century clock has told the time for centuries! Inside, explore the Grand Logis (royal lodgings) where Charles VII held court, and visit the reconstructed great hall where Joan convinced the skeptical king to grant her an army to lift the siege of Orléans.
How to visit the Château d’Angers
10. Château de Loches
Built 1,600 feet (500 meters) above the Indre River, the 9th century Château de Loches stands as one of the largest châteaux in the Loire Valley, and an impressive example of French medieval architecture. The massive fortress is dominated by its massive keep, the oldest extant section of the castle, built between 1013 and 1035 by Fulk III, Count of Anjou. Today, it is considered one of the finest and best-preserved Romanesque keeps in Europe.
Beyond its formidable walls, visitors can also descend into the castle’s eerie dungeons. Along narrow corridors you’ll see cramped, dark cells, where various significant figures have been held throughout history. Included among such figures is Joan of Arc, who was briefly detained here after her fateful capture in 1430.
How to visit the Château de Loches
11. Château de Châteaudun
Rising about 200 feet (60 meters) above the Loir Valley, the Château de Châteaudun began in the late 12th century when Theobald V, Count of Blois, built its massive circular keep around 1170. Over the next four centuries, the fortress expanded into one of France’s most architecturally diverse castles, blending medieval, Gothic, and early Renaissance styles. Its most famous transformation came in the 15th century under Jean de Dunois and companion of Joan of Arc, who converted the stronghold into a princely residence. He added the grand Dunois Wing in an extravegent Gothic style and and commissioned the Sainte-Chapelle a jewel of beautiful stonework and vaulted ceilings.
Inside, visitors can admire the château’s double open staircases, the two-level Gothic chapel decorated with saintly statues and a frescoe depicting the biblical Last Judgement. The Renaissance-era Longueville Wing, built by Dunois’s descendants in the early 16th century, completes this striking ensemble. Today, the Château de Châteaudun stands as the first château on the road from Paris to the Loire Valley, a place where fortress and palace meet in a vivid journey through French history.
How to visit the Château de Châteaudun
12. Château de Villesavin
Château de Villesavin was built between 1527 and 1537 by Jean le Breton as a residence for the nobles and skilled craftsmen working on the nearby Château de Chambord. This charming manor served as both lodging and administrative headquarters for the ambitious royal project just an hour’s ride (about 6 miles / 9 km) away. Designed with the expertise of French and Italian artisans, the château reflects the refined Renaissance techniques of Chambord on a smaller, more intimate scale, combining practicality and elegance to house the architects, supervisors, and craftsmen responsible for one of France’s greatest building projects.
Visitors today can admire its fairy-tale moats, harmonious proportions, and peaceful water features that mirror the Renaissance façade. Inside, the residential quarters are beautifully preserved, including a painted chapel adorned with period frescoes. The property’s impressive dovecote, with hundreds of nesting holes, and its collection of horse-drawn carriages offer a glimpse into the château’s working past. With its blend of practical luxury and artistic detail, Villesavin provides a unique window into the daily life of Renaissance artisans, where functionality and beauty existed side by side.
How to visit the Château de Villesavin
What is a Château?
Okay, since it causes some confusion, let’s clarify first what exactly we mean by ‘château’. Very simply, ‘château’ is the French word for ‘castle’, though many French châteaux are not fortified structures like castles; they are more like manor houses or palaces.
Is it ‘Château’ or ‘Châteaux’?
Châteaux is the plural form of Château. They are pronounced the same way: sha-toe.
There you have it for our list of the best Loire Valley chateaux to visit. Your options are endless, and no matter which you end up visiting, you’re sure to have a wonderful time. If you’re continuing your travels through the hexagon, be sure to check out more activities in France with Civitatis!
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