In Tours, castles are at the bottom of the garden

Welcome to Tours, capital of the Loire Valley! It's the ideal starting point for exploring the region's famous châteaux. Every year, our region welcomes thousands of travellers from all over the world to discover the châteaux of Chenonceau, Chambord, Amboise, Azay-le-Rideau and the gardens of Villandry! \nHere is a selection of 8 châteaux less than 1 hour from Tours to discover without delay!

Château de Villandry
  • Les jardins & château de Villandry

    The gardens and château of Villandry

    1 - The gardens & château of Villandry

    Villandry stands out for its 20th-century gardens, inspired by the Renaissance and designed by Joachim Carvallo. Jardin de l'Amour andalou, formal gardens, ornamental ponds... it's well worth the detour! You'll also be tempted by a visit to the château, where the French art of living is characterized by period furniture and creativity.

  • Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

    Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

    2 - Château d’Azay-le-Rideau

    Built in the centre of Touraine during the reign of Francis I, Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is famed for its mirror moat, which reflects the Renaissance castle. A masterpiece of 16th-century architecture, it stands on an island in the middle of the River Indre, surrounded by 8 hectares of 19th-century parkland. Its interior retraces over five centuries of history.

  • Château de Chenonceau

    Château de Chenonceau

    3 - Château de Chenonceau

    Nicknamed the “ladies’ castle”, this architectural gem is known for its arches elegantly spanning the River Cher and as a bone of contention between Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de' Medici. On the death of Henry II, Catherine de' Medici took back Château de Chenonceau, giving Diane de Poitiers the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire.

  • Château de Langeais

    Château de Langeais

    4 - Château de Langeais

    The castle, its moat, drawbridge and towers stand in the centre of the town of Langeais. Built by Louis XI during the 15th century, the castle hosted the wedding of Anne de Bretagne and Charles VIII. Make sure to take a stroll through the gardens and climb up to the vast treehouse for a stunning view of the castle!

  • Château Royal d’Amboise

    Château Royal d’Amboise

    5 - Château Royal d’Amboise

    Imagine a palace delicately positioned above the River Loire with gardens hanging between the heavens and the earth... It is no wonder that Amboise was a favourite among the kings of France! Charles VIII, Francis I, Leonardo da Vinci and the iconic Queen Anne de Bretagne were familiar faces in these parts. Discover the 360° views of the landscapes of the Loire, listed as an outstanding cultural landscape by UNESCO.

  • Le Clos Lucé

    Le Clos Lucé

    6 - Clos Lucé

    The last home of Florentine genius Leonardo da Vinci, Clos Lucé invites you to discover 17 of his inventions via a fun exhibition in the castle and its grounds as part of a veritable open-air museum.

  • La Forteresse Royale de Chinon

    La Forteresse Royale de Chinon

    7 - Forteresse Royale de Chinon

    King Henry II of England, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Charles VII and Joan of Arc all stayed within the thousand-year-old walls of this medieval fortress beside the River Vienne. The secrets of the “three castles” that make up the royal fortress are now divulged through reenactments, immersive tours and a range of other activities within its ramparts.

  • Cité Royale de Loches

    Cité Royale de Loches

    8 - Cité Royale de Loches

    This medieval fortified city and its 37-metre keep overlook the pretty town of Loches. The main building housed significant historical figures such as Joan of Arc, Agnès Sorel and Anne de Bretagne.

  • Château du Rivau

    Rivau's castle

    But that’s not all…

    There are dozens of castles in the Loire Valley, each with its own distinctive feature. Budding knights will love an introductory workshop to medieval trades at the Forteresse de Montbazon, while lovers can smooch like Rodin and Camille Claudel during a boat trip at the Château de l’Islette or while admiring the Indre Valley at the Domaine de Candé, which hosted the wedding of the Duke of Windsorand Wallis Simpson.

    Contemporary art fans won’t be left out with exhibitions in the gardens of the Château du Rivau, the International Garden Festival at the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire and the Street Art Parc at the Château de Candes.

    Contemporary art lovers won't be left out, with exhibitions in the gardens of Château du Rivau, during the Festival International des Jardins at Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire or in the street art park at Château de Candes.

  • Carte des châteaux de la Loire

    Loire castles map

  • Let yourself be carried away by organised excursions

    For half a day or a full day, take a trip to discover the jewels of the Renaissance. There's no need to hire a car or comb through guidebooks to get organised. Choose the castles you want to explore and the formula that suits you: with or without transport, with or without tickets, with or without lunch!

  • Excursions à la demi-journée

    Half-day excursions

    Excursions à la journée

    Full-day excursions

  • Loire castles by train

    If you want to visit the châteaux of the Loire Valley with your family while limiting your carbon footprint, opt for the train! Here is a selection of the main castles accessible by train from Tours:

    • Amboise chateau: 20 min by train, then 20 min on foot (3 secure bike parks at the station)
    • Azay-le-Rideau chateau: 25 min by train, then 25 min on foot
    • Chenonceau chateau: 30 min by train, then 4 min on foot
    • Langeais chateau: 20 min by train, then 5 min on foot
    • The Cité Royale of Loches: 1 hour by train, then 15 minutes on foot
    • Islette chateau: 25 min by train, then 20 min on foot
    • Montbazon fortress: 18 min by train, then 20 min on foot
    • Chinon Royal Fortress: 48 min by train, then 25 min on foot

    All Rémi regional trains accept bicycles (reservation required on weekends and public holidays between April 29 and October 1, €1/bike). Reduced entrance fees for certain châteaux on presentation of your ticket.

    GOOD DEALS

    1. REMI Unlimited Transport Discovery Pass: €45/2 days or €60/3 days for 5 people.
    2. Unlimited train passes from Paris from €95/2 days for 1 to 5 people.

    More information on: ter.sncf.com/centre-val-de-loire