Excursion to the Castles of the Loire
With a visit to five castles (Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau, Amboise and Blois)
general information
Description of the excursion to the Castles of the Loire
with a visit to 5 castles (Chambord, Cheverny, Chenonceau, Amboise and Blois)
Excursion through the most beautiful royal residences of the 13th-15th centuries in the Loire Valley. To the Gothic castle of Blois and the medieval castle of Amboise. To the elegant Chateau de Chambord, the private castle of Cheverny and the main pearl of the Loire - the Chateau de Chenonceau with a wonderful park and a unique yew labyrinth, decorated with sculptures of caryatids.
1 - First stop inexcursion to one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles of the Loire - Chambord, surpassing all other castles in its splendor, symbolizes the heyday of the Italian Renaissance in France under King Francis l. The appearance of Chambord combines elements of Italian and French Renaissance architecture. The solution to the roof is interesting: it represents a whole city of various turrets, stairs and passages, and was once called “the outline of Constantinople in one building.” The central staircase of the castle with a double spiral rises to all floors up to the roof, built according to the drawings of the great Leonardo da Vinci,
2 - After visiting the royal castle of Chambord, we move to the private castle of Cheverny, one of the most famous castles of the Loire, boasts not only its exquisite decoration, but also its enviable consistency - for almost eight centuries, although with some interruptions, the same family lived here - Huro de Vibro.
Cheverny has very well preserved rich furnishings, including furniture, tapestries, a collection of weapons and armor and many paintings, including the great masters François Clouet and Raphael and his school. There is a beautifully furnished children's room, several bedrooms, a living room, an office, and a dining room. There are beautiful household items and antiques everywhere, but they are not dead, and it seems as if they are still in use. In a word, the castle is alive, it breathes and lives a completely modern life, carefully preserving its history.
In addition, Cheverny is a famous hunting lodge. The team participating in the hound hunt travels 2 times a week from October to the end of March to their nearest property for a real hunt according to all the rules of the Middle Ages! There are about a hundred tricolor French dogs in the kennel; the right side of each dog is decorated with a specially cut emblem in the form of a victorious letter V - the first letter of the surname of the owners of the house - Vibraye. A very impressive trophy room has also been preserved here, where more than 2,000 deer antlers are displayed.
3 - Having visited Cheveny, we will proceed further to the beautiful and elegant Chenonceau. Thanks to non-standard architectural solutions, a visual feeling is created that the castle stands on the water. Today, Chenonceau Castle is one of the most visited castles in France - the main pearl of the Loire Valley. Unofficially called the “Castle of the Dames” - in memory of its mistresses, who left a very significant mark not only in the history of this magnificent estate, but also in the history of the entire French state. The castle has preserved interior items, paintings, and furniture from the 16th-17th centuries. The castle is surrounded by magnificent gardens of Queen Catherine de' Medici and King Henry II's favorite lady, Diane de Poitiers. Get lost in their plant labyrinth and indulge yourself
4 - Next, transfer to the castle of Amboise. The castle was built on the rocky bank of the Loire River and dominates the city of Amboise with its grandeur. Having ceased to be exclusively a fortification, the castle of Amboise in the 15th century. turned into the royal residence of Charles VIII. The king orders to rebuild the residence, which had become cramped and seemed wretched. The Florentine ambassador, having seen the drawings of the future castle, exclaimed: “He wants to make a city out of his castle!” The castle has additional charm and lives up to its name - the Garden of France. It is certainly worth visiting the chapel of Saint-Hubert, where the ashes of Leonardo da Vinci, who spent his last years of his life in the castle of Clos Luce, located a kilometer from Amboise, rest. The walls of the ancient castle hide many mysteries; to this day, the solution to the mystery that Leonardo told King Francis I about the materialization formula before his death is unknown.
5 - Latest stop at royal Blois, the favorite residence of Kings Louis Xll and Francis l. The castle holds one of the first places in France in terms of the number of high-profile historical events per square meter. The Duke of Guise was killed in the corridors of the castle, and a couple of weeks later the mother of Queen Catherine de Medici died here. It is said that she kept her famous poisons in secret places built into the baseboards behind some of the 237 narrow wooden panels covered with carvings.
Peculiarities. The architecture of the Château de Blois is very eclectic. Somewhere there are details inherent in the architecture of the Renaissance; baroque and classicism predominate in the interior decoration.
The main entrance of the castle is decorated with a statue of Louis XII sitting on a horse. If you go through the arch, you will find yourself in the courtyard. The castle buildings located in it are architectural heritage of several historical eras.
The interior of the castle is very impressive. Pay attention to the Hall of the States General, where the king administered justice. Along the edges there are antique sculptures decorating it. On the second floor you can visit the private chambers that once belonged to Louis XII, Catherine de Medici, Mary Stuart, Francis I and Francis II. All of them are richly decorated with beautiful stained glass windows, tapestries, luxurious furniture and fireplaces.
The beauty of the Blois Castle in France is not the main thing, although it is undoubtedly beautiful. The main thing is how the atmosphere of history is conveyed here, as if you are somehow involved in it.
We guarantee a high level of professionalism of our guide and a huge amount of interesting information that will be conveyed to you in an easy way with a dose of healthy humor.
At seven o'clock in the evening we leave for Paris.
That's all, we wish you a pleasant stay and impressions
The Loire River crosses France from southeast to northwest; European rulers and influential nobles began to build castles in its valley in the Middle Ages. Now this area is called the Valley of Castles because of several dozen chateaus, which were built in different styles. The concentration of attractions here is so great that the entire valley was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
It was here that the destinies of European states were decided, intrigues were woven and the future rulers of France were brought up. Alexandre Dumas, Victor Hugo, Honoré de Balzac, Stendhal and other writers drew inspiration here.
Each of the castles occupies a strategically advantageous position and represents an amazing architectural ensemble, successfully integrated into the landscape. It is almost impossible to see all the castles at once. Travelers admit that after seeing several chateaus, they will definitely want to come back here and visit the rest. It is advisable to purchase the Passeport Val de Loire, which costs approximately 25 euros. It gives you the right to visit 10 attractions throughout the year. If you visit castles in the summer, you are guaranteed to see many colorful shows, performances and exhibitions that are held in each chateau. When planning a trip in the fall, you can be sure that there will be no heat and no crowds of tourists.
Castles of the Loire Valley
One of the most recognizable chateaus, Chambord, was built in the 16th century by order of the King of France, Francis I. He wanted to settle here to be closer to his lady love, Countess Touri. The walls of the castle are still decorated with the coat of arms of this noble lady. The name of the architect has not survived to this day, but numerous studies show that Leonardo da Vinci, who worked at the court of Francis I, took part in the design. During construction, it was even planned to change the course of the Loire so that it flowed directly in front of the castle, but this idea was later abandoned .
The Palace of Blois was the favorite residence of kings Francis I and Louis XII, and is now the largest castle in the Loire Valley. In the 16th century, truly dramatic events took place here. King Henry III lured his enemy Henry of Guise and his brother-cardinal here and ordered them killed. A few weeks later, the king's mother, Catherine de' Medici, died here.
Amboise Castle in its modern form was built in the 15th century, when it was owned by the powerful Amboise family. Later, the owner of the castle was accused of conspiracy against the king, and the estate was confiscated for the benefit of the treasury. Amboise was connected by an underground passage to the Cloux estate, where the house-museum of Leonardo da Vinci is now located. It is believed that he worked on La Gioconda here and died here in 1519. This artist, scientist and inventor is buried in the castle chapel of St. Hubert.
Not far from the ancient city of Chenonceau there is a castle of the same name, which is nicknamed “the ladies’ castle”. This chateau is one of the most visited in France, although it is privately owned. The construction began at the beginning of the 16th century, almost completely destroying the ancient fortress that was located on this site. In 1580, a wing was added to the bridge over the river. At various times Francis I, Henry II, Catherine de Medici, Francis II and Mary Stuart, Henry III and Louis XIV lived here. Later, the castle was abandoned for some time, and subsequently given over to the Capuchin monastery. During the First World War there was a hospital here, and after the occupation of northern France by Nazi Germany, the castle served as a contact point for local partisans.
One of the most prominent representatives of the Renaissance is the Villandry Palace. It is distinguished from all others by its magnificent multi-level gardens, the most famous of which are the Gardens of Love - a real work of art. At the beginning of the 20th century, this castle was acquired by a married couple - Dr. Joaquim Carvalho and Anna Coleman; now the estate belongs to their great-grandson.
The oldest surviving stone fortress in France is the Castle of Langeais. It was founded in the 10th century by order of the founder of the ruling Plantagenet dynasty, Fulk the Black, and was later expanded by Richard the Lionheart. During the Hundred Years' War with the British, the castle was partially destroyed, leaving only the main tower, which can be seen now. The rest of the castle was built later - in the 15th century.
Each of the dozens of castles in the Loire Valley has its own amazing history, in which intrigue, war, love and the thirst for power are intertwined. Palaces built in the Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic styles have kept the secrets of their owners for several centuries, but are ready to lift the veil for travelers interested in the rich heritage of France.
Holidays in the Loire Valley
There are many ways to get around France's Valley of the Castles, depending on the traveler's individual preferences. Some people prefer to travel as part of an excursion group on a tourist bus, while others prefer to use public transport. The most convenient way is to rent a car; in this case, you should stock up on maps or a reliable navigator in advance - it is not so easy to understand the intricacy of rural roads. Some people like the wind in their hair and the most environmentally friendly transport - a bicycle. Such travelers are advised to explore the paths of the Loire a Velo cycling route, but it is worth keeping in mind that to explore the maximum number of castles you will have to travel more than 200 kilometers.
You can rent a room in a small hotel or rent a room from local residents in almost every village. Convenient starting points for trips around the valley are the cities of Tours and Blois. It is better to book accommodation in advance, especially if the trip is planned for the summer - at this time there are many people here who want to look at the wonders of French architecture with their own eyes.
The best of the best
Among all the royal residences located on the Loire, the Chambord Castle is considered the most magnificent, ready to compete even with Versailles. At first, Francis I planned to build just a small hunting lodge, but then he remembered that any royal building should testify to the power of the monarch. He spared no expense and as a result the house turned into a snow-white castle. There are many unique corners in Chambord, but the greatest miracle is the staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci himself. People go up and down it without meeting each other. While staying at the castle, it is worth taking a walk along the paths of the surrounding park - a real nature reserve with amazingly beautiful nature.
Gardens in French
Centuries-old cedars grown on a rocky shore hide from prying eyes a pearl of architecture - the chateau-palace of Chaumont-sur-Loire. Over the course of its history, it has seen many famous personalities, but the capricious and unpredictable Princess de Broglie furnished the castle in the most elegant and sophisticated way. Every year, the famous International Garden Festival takes place on the grounds of the castle: gardeners, landscape designers and artists create dozens of colorful garden forms on a specific theme. In addition, until the end of the summer, Chaumont-sur-Loire organizes night performances: stewards light 2,500 candles, and guests enjoy the silhouette of the castle and stroll through the night festival gardens.
Da Vinci's final resting place
In the town of Amboise, a castle of the same name, built in the 11th century, rises above the Loire. In its lifetime, it has seen everything: it has experienced periods of prosperity and decline, was an impregnable fortress, a royal residence, a button factory, a prison, a haven for spies, conspirators and cultural figures. Humanists, philosophers, artists and sculptors from all over Europe visited here. The most famous is Leonardo da Vinci, buried here in one of the chapels. There is never a dull moment in Amboise. All day long, tour groups wander along the spiral ramp, once intended for horsemen, view cavalry towers and royal chambers, admire unique collectible furniture, and then stroll through panoramic gardens along the Loire.
In the abode of genius
Not as colorful as the others, the castle of Clos Lucé is also associated with the great artist. Leonardo lived the last years of his life here and devoted them entirely to working on new inventions and paintings. Among them is the world famous La Gioconda. In the castle you can see the kitchen, the study and the hall in which the master received guests. A walk through the alleys of Leonardo’s Garden, where every tree preserves the memory of a great man, will also help you get closer to the world of genius.
Ladies' lands and men's men
Chenonceau Castle is particularly unique. Not only was it built exclusively for women, but also by women's hands. Its splendor was created by several famous representatives of the fair sex: Catherine de Medici, Diana de Poitiers, Louise Dupin and others. At first glance, it seems that this elegant structure is simply hanging in the air. In fact, the castle is supported by piles installed on the river bottom, and the high arches give it the effect of lightness and airiness. If there are beautiful ladies, then men will definitely appear. This happened with Chenonceau. At various times, the hostesses invited outstanding thinkers, artists and musicians to live in the castle, and they never refused. Flaubert, Chopin and Rousseau spent happy years here. A huge collection of paintings by masters, delightful Flemish tapestries, an impressive wax museum representing the history of the castle and all its inhabitants - all this awaits guests within the walls of Chenonceau.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Excursion days: any day of the week
Start: 9:00 am
Meeting point for mini groups: Monceau metro station, line 2 ()
Duration: 12 hours
Transport: comfortable minivans for 8 passengers
Included in the price: driver-guide services, transport, toll roads and parking, wine tasting
Not included in the price: entrance fees, meals (), personal expenses.
Cost in a mini group up to 8 people: 100€ per person
Cost of an individual excursion:
1-4 people: 650€ per group
5-6 people: 700€ per group
7-8 people: 750€ per group
DESCRIPTION OF THE EXCURSION:
Chambord
The first stop at around 11:15 is a unique “hunting lodge” of truly royal proportions, founded in 1519 by the greatest French king Francis the First according to the design of the brilliant Florentine Leonardo da Vinci.
The driver-guide will tell you the history of the castle and help you purchase tickets to visit Chambord.
In total, you will have about 2 hours to explore Chambord.
For a subsequent visit, all the other Loire castles are selected as close as possible; you will spend no more than 20 minutes on the road from castle to castle.
Chenonceau
Paris/Chambord/Blois/Amboise/Clos Lucé/Tours
Departure from Paris to the south, where 180 km from the city there is one of the most beautiful and monumental buildings of the Renaissance - Chambord castle(built between 1519 and 1547). This architectural masterpiece was conceived by the French king Francis I for official receptions and grand celebrations. The name of the architect is not known for certain, but many researchers are sure that Leonardo da Vinci himself, who was at that time an architect at the king’s court, participated in the project.
Visit Blois castle, well known to us from the novels of Alexandre Dumas. This largest architectural structure on the Loire became one of the most favorite places of the French kings Louis XII and Francis I. The next place to visit on the Loire is Amboise castle, an example of Gothic architecture, located on the high bank of the Loire, offering a beautiful view of the city of Amboise and the entire Loire Valley. Built in the Middle Ages, the castle was rebuilt several times and witnessed many historical events. Nearby there is another interesting architectural monument - a medieval Castle of Clos Luce. The castle is famous for the fact that the famous Italian painter, sculptor and scientist Leonardo da Vinci spent the last years of his life here. Today here you can visit the Museum of Genius, where a collection of machine models built according to the drawings of the great artist is presented. Transfer to the main city of the Loire Valley - Tour, which in the past was temporarily the residence of a number of French kings: Charles VII, Louis XI, Francis I.
Check in hotel. Overnight at a hotel in Tours.
Day 2
Tours/Chenonceau/Loches/Chinon/Tours
Breakfast in the hotel.
Visit Chenonceau Castle, popularly known as the Ladies' Castle, since the fates of several French queens and famous court ladies are connected with this place. Moving to Losches Castle, the oldest architectural monument in the Loire Valley from the beginning of the 9th century.
Next destination - Chinon Castle. The castle is located in the town of the same name, 48 km from Tours. The castle is notable for the fact that it was here in 1429 that the future King of France Charles VII met with Joan of Arc.
Return to Tours. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 3
Tours/Usset/Azay-le-Rideau/Villandry/Paris
Breakfast in the hotel.
Visit to the medieval Castle of Usse(15th–16th centuries). It houses a fine collection of weapons and Flemish tapestries, and among the numerous works of art one can highlight a 15th-century Italian triptych by Luca de la Robia.
Next stop - Castle of Azay-le-Rideau, which marks the transition from Gothic to Renaissance and is the embodiment of the sophistication characteristic of buildings of the early Renaissance.
Moving towards Villandry Castle. This early Renaissance castle is famous for its unique three-level ornamental gardens.
Additionally: visit to the winery with tasting - +20€ per person.
Return to Paris.