Chateau Amboise

On the banks of the Cher, Amboise is probably one of the least spectacular of the local chateau in terms of interiors and gardens, but it is surrounded by the town of Amboise itself, which is very pretty with plenty of nice places to eat and interesting shops to look in. The chateau is famous for its links with Leonardo da Vinci, and copies of some of his early inventions are to be found in the gardens.

Distance from house: approx 45 mins.

Chateau Azay le Rideau

The château of Azay-le-Rideau was built from 1515 to 1527, one of the earliest French Renaissance châteaux.

Built on an island in the Indre River, its foundations rise straight out of the water.

Over the centuries, it changed hands several times until the early part of the twentieth century, when it was purchased by the French government and restored. The interior was completely refurbished with a collection of Renaissance pieces. Today, the château is open to public visits, and is operated by the Centre des monuments nationaux.

Chateau Blois

The chateau itself is perhaps not as exciting as some of the others, but the shopping in the town is good and there is a wide selection of lovely places to eat with views out over the Loire. For children, in 2007 there was a very good magic show at the “Maison de la Magic” opposite the chateau (see leaflet in folder in hall). Note: It is rather frustrating getting in and out of the town due to an unnecessary number of traffic lights! Patience required.

Distance from house: approx 1 hr.

Chateau Chambord

This is the largest and most spectacular Chateau in the Loire which should not be missed from your chateaux route itinerary. You definitely need to set aside a whole day as there is so much to see. It’s famous for the Leonardi da Vinci inspired double staircase. The views from the top of the building are amazing. They sometimes have horse dressage displays in the grounds; the one we went to was brilliant for children to watch. Also, the restaurant in the chateau serves good food at reasonable prices.

Distance from house: approx 1hr.

Chateau Chaumont

The Château de Chaumont is a French castle at Chaumont-sur-Loire.

The first château-fort on this site between Blois and Amboise was a primitive fortress built by Eudes II, Count of Blois, in the 10th century with the purpose of protecting Blois from attacks from his feudal rivals. On his behalf the Norman Gelduin received it, improved it and held it as his own. The château passed to the family of Amboise for 5 centuries and was burned to the ground in 1465 in accordance with Louis XI's orders and was later rebuilt by Charles I d'Amboise from 1465-1475 and finished by Charles II d'Amboise de Chaumont from 1498-1510.

Chateau Chenonceau

The Château de Chenonceau is a castle near the small village of Chenonceaux. It was built on the site of an old mill on the River Cher, sometime before its first mention in writing in the 11th century. The current manor was designed by the French Renaissance architect Philibert Delorme.

An architectural mixture of late Gothic and early Renaissance, Château de Chenonceau and its gardens are open to the public. Other than the Royal Palace of Versailles, Chenonceau is the most visited château in France.

Chateau Cheverny

The lands were purchased by Henri Hurault, comte de Cheverny, a lieutenant-general and military treasurer for Louis XI, whose descendent the marquis de Vibraye is the present owner.

In 1914, the owner opened the chateau to the public, one of the first to do so. The family still operates it, and Château Cheverny remains a top tourist attraction to this day, renowned for magnificent interiors and its collection of furniture, tapestries, and objets d'art. A pack of some seventy dogs are also kept on the grounds and are taken out for hunts twice weekly.

Chateau Valencay

This is probably the nearest major chateau to visit, with lovely hill-top views. The rooms have been beautifully restored and the hand-held personal commentary is very good and included in the entrance price. Outside there are pretty gardens and a good restaurant. This is an ideal chateau to take children along to: There’s a fun maze, farm animals, children’s play area with outside eating/picnic area.

Distance from house: approx 35 mins.