Loire Valley France Travel Guide - A Vagabond Life
The Loire Valley sits on the Loire River in north western France. The Loaire Valley is famous for vineyards, cherry orchards and more that grow along the river banks.
The Loire Valley is perhaps most famous for the grand chateaux that ar found trhoughour the region.
Chateaux of the Loire Valley Travel Guide
There are over 300 Chateaux of the Loire Valley that were built mainly in the 17th and 18th century for French Royalty and Nobility. Unlike the defensive fortified chateaux in other parts of France, the Chateaux of the Loire, built in safer times, are fairytale castles of architectural elegance.
There are so many beautiful Chateaux to visit but here are my favourites;
Chateau Chambord - Loire Valley Travel Guide
Chateau Chambord
Chateau Chambord is simply breathtaking and a stunning example of renaissance architecture, construction started 1519 at the order of Francois 1 and was completed 30 years later. Ironically Francois 1 only stayed in the chateau for 42 days during his entire reign finding it too drafty. The chateau features a double helix staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci.
Chateau Chenonceau - Loire Valley Travel Guide
Chateau Chenonceau
Chateau Chenonceau spans the Cher River with graceful arches and is one of the Loire Valleys loveliest chateau. Legend is that the Grand Gallery was used by refugees escaping the Nazi occupation.
Chateau de Cheverny - Loire Valley Travel Guide
Chateau de Cheverny
Chateau de Cheverny is a lovely example of French classical architecture and has survived the passing centuries with little or no alterations while being merticulously maintained. The chateau was the inspiration for Marlinspike Hall in the Tintin comics.
Chateau du Blois
Chateau du Blois
Chateau du Blois has three different types of architecture that comprise the castle and the rooms are representative of the time periods so the interior tour can take a while.
Chateau d’Azay-le Rideau
Chateau d’Azay-le Rideau
Chateau d’Azay-le Rideau is on an island in the middle of the Indre River. The chateau features both French and Italian style architecture and was built between 1518 and 1527. Corner turrets, a walking path around the external wall, and the water surrounding the chateau give it a medieval or fairytale castle feeling.
World Destination Guide
There are 195 countries in the world stretching across seven continents – so there is an awful lot to see. Where to begin? Many people are inspired by a movie they have seen or a story they have heard, or a desire to see the land of their ancestors.
Use the drop-down on the right to explore the world.