France's Loire Valley has the grandest selection of 15th and sixteenth century chateaux. With fifty to sixty "must see" chateaux scattered on both sides of a 100-mile sweep of the Loire River, the first-time visitor can feel overwhelmed. Details of five of the best-known chateaux are below. Chateau Clos Luce Not more than a half mile from the village centre is Chateau Le Clos Luce, a castle built and designed by Leonardo da Vinci. He lived the last three years of his life here under Francois I's sponsorship. The rooms are filled with 40 models of Leonardo's inventions so you can marvel at his foresight and impressive mental powers 500 years earlier. Chateau Chambord King Francois I was not content with just the chateaux at Amboise and Chenonceau. He acquired over 10,000 acres of hunting grounds and decided to build the world's most incredible "hunting lodge." Chambord was built over many decades by Francois and his successors, Charles IX and Henri II in the sixteenth century. Fully restored now and totally resplendent, Chambord stands as the most extravagant and most excessive of all the Loire chateaux - 500 feet wide with 440 rooms and 365 fireplaces. The central grand staircase was supposedly designed by the Italian great, Leonardo da Vinci. It has double spirals which enable two parties of people to ascend and descend simultaneously without meeting. Chambord will reward any visit with its grandeur and extravagance. Chateau Amboise The narrow cobbled streets of Amboise encircle the base of the large. Although only 25% of the original castle survives, the walls of the fortress with flying banners look down on the village and neighboring river. It was here that King Francois I hit his head on a low arch, bringing an early end to his life. Chateau Chenonceau Chenonceau Chateau stuns you with its two-story, 260-foot Great Gallery spanning across the River Cher. Originally "acquired" by King Francois I, it then passed to his successor, Henri II, who gifted it in 1547 to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers. Diane extended the castle and built a bridge across the river. When Henri II died, Catherine de Medici, his wife, took revenge on her rival by forcing Diane to exchange Chateau Chenonceau for nearby Chateau Chaumont. Catherine then instructed the construction of the bridge gallery. Incredibly extravagant galas were hosted here until Catherine's son, Henry III, was assassinated. His wife, Louise de Savoie, placed the castle in mourning, furnishing it completely in black and white. History leaps out as you tour the rooms and the gardens. In WWI the Great Gallery was converted to a hospital. In WWII the castle marked the boundary between Nazi-occupied and free France and became the site of prisoner exchanges. Today the gardens and the castle are maintained at their height as if they were still at under Catherine de Medici. Chateau Chaumont-sur-Loire Constructed in the 15th century by Lord Amboise on the site of a 10th century feudal fortress, Chaumont commands beautiful views of the Loire River Valley. It was later the home of both Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers of Chateau Chenonceau fame. Enjoy this castle for its tapestry, furnishings, fortress feeling, drawbridge, and incredible vistas. Whilst castle hopping remember to take the time to happen upon some local wine cellars, for tasting or "degustation". Take the time to relax and enjoy your holiday.
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France's Loire Valley has the grandest selection of 15th and sixteenth century chateaux. With fifty to sixty "must see" chateaux scattered on both sides of a 100-mile sweep of the Loire River, the first-time visitor can feel overwhelmed. Details of five of the best-known chateaux are below.
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