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! Rich in a prestigious heritage that never ceases to reinvent itself, the cradle of the Renaissance in France and the birthplace of Leonardo da Vinci, it was here, over 500 years ago, that mankind made great strides in a wide range of fields, with boldness and curiosity. Here is a selection of 8 châteaux less than 1 hour from Tours to discover without delay!
The gardens and 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
Rivau's castle
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.
Loire castles map
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!
Half-day excursions
Full-day excursions
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:
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.
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More information on: ter.sncf.com/centre-val-de-loire