Region Description
This region, which runs along the Loire River, one of France’s four major rivers, is famous for its many castles. Each region has its own characteristics and many attractions, such as the Château de Chambord, built by François I, and the Château de Chenonceau, which has been ruled by women for generations. There are also many places associated with Joan of Arc, such as the Liberation of Orléans and the audience with Charles VII, and there is also a city where Leonardo da Vinci spent his later years.
Check out other local specialties here! !
Cities in Loire Valley
①Orléans
②Chambord
③Blois
④Beauregard
⑤Cheverny
⑥Chaumont-sur-Loire
⑦Amboise
⑧Chenonceau
⑨Loches
⑩Tours
⑪Langeais
⑫Azay-le-Rideau
⑬Chinon
⑭Saumur
⑮Angers
⑯Nantes
①Orléans
The city is famous for being liberated by Joan of Arc from the British army. In the city you can see a statue of Joan of Arc, festivals, museums and more.
【Overall rating】
★★★☆☆
【Time required】
4h30
②Chambord
It is one of the most popular castles in the Loire region. This palace was built by Francis I for hunting purposes, and is one of the largest in the Loire. A spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci is located in the center of the castle.
【Overall rating】
★★★★★
【Time required】
3h30
③Blois
The Château de Blois was built over several eras, so it is a valuable place where you can see a variety of architectural styles all in one place. Buses that go to other castles operate only during spring and summer.
【Overall rating】
★★★★☆
【Time required】
5h30
④Beauregard
This castle can be reached by bus from Blois. Inside the building, which is more like a mansion than a castle, there is a room decorated with hundreds of portraits.
【Overall rating】
★★★☆☆
【Time required】
1h30
⑤Cheverny
It is a castle where aristocrats still live. It is a homely place where you can see the interior while sightseeing, and get the best sense of life through the children’s rooms and family photos. It is also famous for appearing in the Belgian cartoon “Tintin”.
【Overall rating】
★★★★★
【Time required】
3h
⑥Chaumont-sur-Loire
This castle has a very beautiful garden. The International Garden Festival is held every year. Inside the castle, you can see exhibits depicting the noble and luxurious lifestyle.
【Overall rating】
★★★☆☆
【Time required】
3h
⑦Amboise
Amboise is where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. His grave is in the chapel on the castle grounds, and in the suburbs is the mansion where he spent his later years.
【Overall rating】
★★★☆☆
【Time required】
4h30
⑧Chenonceau
Chateau de Chenonceau, one of the most popular castles in the Loire, is unique in that the successive owners of the castle were women. The structure is also unique, with the building straddling the Loire River and a gallery inside.
【Overall rating】
★★★★★
【Time required】
2h30
⑨Loches
It is a fortified city where Agnes Soler, who was said to be an unparalleled beauty, lived. There is a castle where she lived, a chapel, a dungeon, and a clock tower watches over the castle town.
【Overall rating】
★★★☆☆
【Time required】
4h30
⑩Tours
It is the central city of the Loire region and a base for sightseeing. It was once the capital of France, and the old town is lined with half-timbered houses.
【Overall rating】
★★★☆☆
【Time required】
4h30
⑪Langeais
This castle is the oldest remaining fortress in France. You can climb up the fortress and look through the hole. Inside the castle, you can see beautiful tapestries and historical exhibits.
【Overall rating】
★★★☆☆
【Time required】
2h30
⑫Azay-le-Rideau
The unique L-shaped castle of Azay-le-Rideau is notable for its exterior. It is built surrounded by water, and the reflection on the water’s surface is very beautiful.
【Overall rating】
★★★☆☆
【Time required】
2h30
⑬Chinon
This castle is also famous for being where Joan of Arc went to have an audience with Charles VII. A distinctive feature of the castle is the elongated clock tower at the entrance. The city is also known for its wine production, and there is also a wine museum in the city.
【Overall rating】
★★★★☆
【Time required】
5h30
⑭Saumur
The Chateau de Saumur, located on a small hill, offers panoramic views of the Loire River and the city. The city is also famous for equestrianism, and there are equestrian schools on the outskirts of the city.
【Overall rating】
★★★☆☆
【Time required】
3h30
⑮Angers
The Chateau de Angers, with its black exterior walls, is home to some of the world’s largest tapestries. The parfait sweets that originated in this town are also famous.
【Overall rating】
★★★★☆
【Time required】
4h
⑯Nantes
Nantes is located on the western edge of the Loire region. It is a large city, and the castle where the Edict of Nantes was issued is located near the city center. There is also a theme park where you can touch mechanical statues and animals.
【Overall rating】
★★★★★
【Time required】
9h
Specialty of Loire Valley
The most famous feature of this region is the castle, but there are other specialties as well. Tarte Tatin, which is famous among sweets lovers, is also produced in this region. Check here to see what else is available.
Useful Links for Travel
【Hotel Reservations】
ExpediaThere is a lot of great hotel deals listed, and you can read comments from people from all over the world. You can also book these together with your flight.
Hotels.comThere is also a lot of hotel information here. Another great thing is that many of them offer no cancellation fees.
This world-famous hotel booking site has a huge number of listings, so you can find the hotel you like. If you become a member and stay many times, you can get discounts and get even better deals.
【Flight Reservations】
ExpediaIt is a world-famous travel site. It is convenient because you can also purchase domestic air tickets.
【Attractions and Tours】
klookThis is a convenient site where you can book tickets and tours to tourist spots around the world. Be sure to check it out as they sometimes offer discounts.
Information about Your Best Trip
コメント