Discover the treasures of the Châteaux de la Loire

Nestling in the heart of France, the Loire Valley is a veritable historical and cultural gem. Famous for its majestic châteaux, this region offers a journey back in time through centuries of history, architecture and legends. Here’s an overview of the exciting things to do when you visit this fascinating region.

The Château de Chambord

The Châteaux of the Loire are one of the region’s main attractions. Each castle has its own character and history, offering visitors a remarkable diversity. Among the most iconic is the Château de Chambord, with its spectacular Renaissance architecture and extensive formal gardens. Commissioned by Francis I, who was only too happy to show off his former rival Charles V, it took 28 years to build. Described as a “diamond hidden in the woods”, its primary function is as a hunting lodge, which covers an area of 50km2. As Otis would say in a film you all know, “It’s already a fine palace”! The architects were neither Edifis nor Amonbofils, but Pierre Nepveu and Jacques Sourdeau. However, as the Chambord archives have completely disappeared, there are questions about the architectural origins of Chambord. Some historians believe that it could be the work of Leonardo da Vinci, who was invited by Francis I between 1516 and 1519, just before construction of the château began. Chambord castle is 30km from our house.

The Château de Cheverny

A visit to the Château de Cheverny is less than 15 minutes away. Designed by Jacques Bouvier, architect of part of the Château de Blois, it was built between 1624 and 1634 and has remained the home of the Marquis de Vibraye ever since.

Hergé drew inspiration from this castle to design the Château de Moulinsart. The park covers more than 100 hectares and includes a formal garden, an English garden, a kitchen garden and a main avenue almost 6 km long. The château’s 18-hole golf course blends in perfectly with its natural surroundings. It is much appreciated by golfers for both its course and its scenery.

Chenonceau Castle

Chenonceau Castle, a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture, is nicknamed the “Ladies’ Castle”, in reference to the large number of women who have been in charge of it. It was built from 1513 onwards. It became famous when Henry II gave it to Diane de Poitiers, who had the 5-arched bridge built over the Cher. It was later enlarged by Catherine de Médicis, and became a retreat for Louise de Lorraine, nicknamed the White Queen after she wore a white veil to honour her murdered husband Henri III. She inherited the château from her mother-in-law Catherine de Médicis. She stayed there for 11 years. Next came Louise Dupin, famous for her beauty and her image as a woman of wit, who set up a literary salon in Chenonceau. She died there in 1799. A little anecdote: her secretary was a certain Jean-Jacques Rousseau and she was George Sand’s great-grandmother. Funny, isn’t it? Finally, Madame Pelouze, who owned the château from 1864 to 1888, turned it into an academy of arts and letters. Chenonceau, 30 minutes from Au Détour des Châteaux, has been owned by the Menier family since 1913.

The Château de Blois

The Château de Blois, with its unique blend of architectural styles, offers a fascinating glimpse into over 1,000 years of French history. It became a royal residence in the 16th century when Francis I decided to make it his main residence. A less than charming anecdote: after the death of her husband Henry II, Catherine de Médicis was imprisoned here by her son Francis II and his wife Mary Stuart. Not one to hold a grudge, she made it her rear base when she was regent of France for her minor sons.

I’ll come back to this later.

Until then, see you soon.