The 6 Best Castles to Visit in Loire Valley
Loire Valley is a land of chateaux, fine wines and spectacular scenery, that will fuel your romantic imagination. An area full of astonishing history and heritage, previously inhabited by the Kings of France, today the valley is popular with tourists. Visitors come to discover its famous Renaissance castles and charming villages. Hundreds of France’s most beautiful aristocratic residences are positioned along the banks of the famous Loire river. In this article, we selected the highlights of the Loire Valley & the best 6 castles to visit.
- Château Chambord
- Le Château de Chaumont
- Château de Villandry
- Le Château de Chenonceau
- Château d’Amboise
- Le Château de Cheverny
1. Château Chambord
Château Chambord is the largest and most impressive castle located in the Loire Valley. This gigantic estate was built in the 15th century by King Francois I. The white-limestone masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, served as a hunting residence.
INTERESTING FACT
Due to the castle position far away from the nearest village, the residence was not visited often. Any escapades or hunting tournaments required weeks long preparation, during which a group of around 2000 people would be sent to the nearest village to bring back furniture, food and amenities necessary for the king visit. Because of this, the interior of the chateau is nearly empty, most of the chambers were not furnished or decorated.
Practical info
Opening hours
March 28 to October 25: 9AM – 6PM
January 2 to March 27: 9AM – 5PM
October 26 to December 31 : 9AM – 5PM
IMPORTANT
The last entry to the chateau is 30 min before closing time. However remember that 30 min is not enough to visit the whole site.
Entrance fee
Full rate: 14,50 EUR
Reduced rate : 12 EUR (18-25 non-European Union resident on presentation of proof of age)
Free entrance : kids 18 years old, long-term EU residents aged 18 to 25, disabled person + 1 accompanying person.
↬ TIP : The area around Chateau de Chambord is accessible during any time of the day and free of charge. There is a beautiful picnic area just in front of the castle. That’s why, for us, this is one of the best castles of the Loire Valley.
2. Château de Chaumont
The renaissance architecture of chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire is most resembling to a Disney castle. The domain stands on a hill just behind the Chaumont village. From here it towers over the houses along the riverside. The chateau was built in the 15th-16th centuries on the site of a much older castle.
Make sure to visit not only the richly decorated interior, but also the stables that house some old carriages and modern art installations. Château de Chaumont has a unique vibe that makes it one of the best castles of the Loire Valley.
Practical info
Opening hours
| Opening | Closure | |
| 02/01 > 31/01 | 10:15 | 17:30 |
| 01/02 > 31/03 | 10:00 | 18:00 |
| 01/04 > 22/04 | 10:00 | 19:00 |
| 23/04 > 31/08 | 10:00 | 20:00 |
| 01/09 > 30/09 | 10:00 | 19:30 |
| 01/10 > 24/10 | 10:00 | 19:00 |
| 25/10> 14/11 | 10:00 | 18:00 |
| 15/11 > 31/12 | 10:15 | 17:30 |
IMPORTANT
The last entry to the chateau is 1h before closing time. However, remember that it might not enough to visit the whole site.
Entrance fee
Full rate : 19 EUR (summer months) 14 EUR (winter months)
Reduced rate : 12 EUR (summer months) 8 EUR (winter months) (kids 12-18 years old, students upon presentation of an appropriate identification and one person accompanying disabled visitors)
Reduces rate : 6 EUR (summer months) 4 EUR (winter months) (kids 6-11 years old)
↬ TIP : Each spring the chateau is home to the International Garden Festival.
3. Château de Villandry
The best of the Loire Valley castles is le Château de Villandry. It’s especially known for its magnificent gardens. The jardins à la française provide an enchanting setting for the last Loire château built during the Renaissance. Trust us : even if you are aware of the beauty of those gardens you will still be blown away by this amazing scenery.
There are six picturesque French formal gardens framed by a series of terraces. Each built according to a different theme and layout. Without doubt they are most impressive when seen from above. Make sure to climb the ramp on the side for a bird-eye view.
↬ Read : 2 Days Itinerary Guide to the Castles of the Loire Valley
Opening hours
- January Gardens : 9 AM to 5.30 PM, Chateau : 1 to 5 january : 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM, 6 to 31 january : closed
- February Gardens : 1 to 7 february : 9 AM to 5 PM, 8 to 29 february : 9 AM to 5.30 PM, Chateau 1 to 7 february : closed, 8 to 29 february : 9 AM to 5.00 PM
- March Gardens : 9 AM to 6 PM, Chateau 9 AM to 5.30 PM
- April, May, June Gardens : 9 AM to 7 PM, Chateau 9AM to 6 PM
- July, August Gardens : 9 AM to 7 PM, Chateau 9 AM to 6.30 PM
- September Gardens 9 AM to 7 PM, Chateau 9 AM to 6 PM
- October Gardens 1 to 24 october : 9 AM to 6.30 PM, 25 to 31 october : 9 AM to 5.30 PM, Chateau 1 to 24 october : 9 AM to 6 PM, 25 to 31 october : 9 AM to 5.30 PM
- November Gardens : 1 to 15 november : 9 AM to 5.30 PM, 16 to 30 november : 9 AM to 5 PM, Chateau 1 november : 9 AM to 5.30 PM, 2 to 15 november : 9 AM to 5 PM, 16 to 30 november : closed
- December Gardens 1 to 31 december : 9 AM to 5.30 PM, Chateau 1 to 4 december : closed, 5 to 18 december : 9.30 AM to 5 PM, 19 to 31 december : 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM
Tickets are sold until 30 min before closing time.
IMPORTANT
As on June 2020 the chateau remains closed due to coronavirus. However the gardens are open. The last entry to the site was 6 PM.
Entrance fee
Full rate: 12 EUR chateau and gardens, 7,5 EUR gardens only
Reduced rate : 7 EUR chateau and gardens, 5 EUR gardens only (kids 8 to 18 years and students under 26 years with valid student card)
Free entrance : kids under 8 years old
↬ TIP : When we visited in June 2020, we were informed at site that the gardens do not have a closing time. It means that you can stay to admire the golden light shine at the impressive garden labyrinths. However, we are not sure if it’s only practice post coronavirus or if this is every year.
4. Château de Chenonceau
The château de Chenonceau is an exceptional site. Unique architecture, built over the Cher river, original design and the richness of its collections make it one of the best castles to visit in Loire Valley. An interesting and unusual fact is that this castle have been owned, administered and protected by a number of extraordinary women, who made their mark on history. This feminine influence is present everywhere, preserving the château from conflict and war.
From the water
One of the best parts of visiting this chateau is that you can kayak around (& under) it. There is a kayak, canoe or motor boat rental just 15 min walking from the castle, just by the river. It’s a fun activity for anyone.
We rented a kayak for 15 EUR pp from the small business Kayak Family and can heartily recommend this place. The owner was very friendly. And we love supporting family businesses!
Practical info
Opening hours
- 1 January – 5 January 9:30 to 17:00
- 6 January – 3 April 9:30 to 16:30
- 4 April – 29 May 9:00 to 17:30
- 30 May – 3 July 9:00 to 18:00
- 4 July – 21 August 9:00 to 19: 00
- 22 August – 27 September 9:00 to 18:30
- 28 September – 1st November 9:00 to 17:30
- 2 November – 18 December 9:30 to 16:30
- 19 – 31 December 9:30 to 17:30
IMPORTANT
Until the 3rd of July 2020 due to COVID the castle is opened only during weekends from Friday to Sunday from 10:00 to 17:00
The last entry to the chateau is 30 min before closing time. However remember that 30 min is not enough to visit the whole site.
Entrance fee
Full rate: 15 EUR
Reduced rate : 12 EUR (kids 7-18 years old and students between 18-27 years old upon presentation of Matriculation Card)
Free entrance : kids under 7 years old and people with disabilities
5. Royal Château of Amboise
Amboise is a historic city dominated by the royal castle. The Royal Chateau of Amboise served as residence for the French kings from the 15th to the 19th centuries. This site is renowned for the influence of Leonardo Da Vinci, who arrived to Amboise in 1516, at the invitation of King François I. He passed away three years later and was buried, following his wishes, within the royal château. His tomb is placed in Saint-Hubert’s Chapel, on site.
The beautiful panorama stretches far along the Loire Valley and can be admired from the castles walls. Also the gardens do not disappoint with their unique design and Arabic influence.
Practical info
Opening hours
- 1 January – 5 January 9 AM – 4.45 PM
- 6 January – 3 April 9 AM – 12.30 PM, 2PM – 4.45 PM
- February 9 AM – 12.30 PM, 1.30 PM – 5 PM
- March 9 AM- 5.30 PM
- 1 April- 31 May 9 AM- 6.30 PM
- 1 June until 10 July 10 AM – 6.30 PM
- 11 July – 23 August 9 AM – 7 PM
- 24 August – 31 August 9 AM – 6.30 PM
- 1 September – 1 November 9 AM – 6 PM
- 2 November – 15 November 9 AM – 5.30 PM
- 16 November – 24 December 9 AM – 12.30 PM, 2 PM – 4.45 PM
- 26 December – 31 December 9 AM – 4.45 PM
IMPORTANT
The last entry to the chateau is 45 min before closing time. However remember that 45 min is very little to visit the whole site.
Entrance fee
Full rate: 13,10 EUR
Reduced rate : 11,30 EUR students, 9 EUR kids 7-18 years old, 10,6 EUR disabled visitors
Free entrance : kids under 7 years old
6. Château Cheverny
This majestic property built in the 17th has been in the same family for more than six centuries. Château de Cheverny is famous for its richly furnished interior and classical French architecture: a perfect blend of symmetry, geometry and aesthetic order.
Behind the main château is the 18th-century orangerie which today is a lovely tea room. Don’t forget to wander the gardens of one of the best castles in the Loire Valley. For wine connoisseurs this place has a special treat. The vineyards located at the center of the grounds produce high quality grapes that are turned into local vine.
By the way, this castle was the inspiration for the famous Hergé’s “Tintin and the Marlinspike Hall”. If any of you read Tintin as a child like I did, leave us a comment down below 🥰
↬ TIP : Stop to get a (free) taste of the local wines just next to the parking lot. (Don’t drink and drive ! 🥴)
Practical info
Opening hours
1 March – 31 March and 1 October – 31 December : 10 AM – 5 PM
01 April – 30 September : 10 AM – 5.30 PM
IMPORTANT
The last entry to the chateau is 30 min before closing time. However remember that 30 min is very little to visit the whole site.
Entrance fee
Chateau & Gardens :
Full rate: 12,50 EUR
Reduced rate : 9 EUR students until 25 years old, kids 7-14 years old,
Free entrance : kids under 7 years old and disabled visitors
