Discover the ultimate European Roadtrip
Châteaux of the Loire
Nantes - Paris
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 1: Machines of the Isle of Nantes 1/14
Kick off your trip in the stunning city of Nantes. Visit the Machines of the Isle of Nantes (Machines de l'île Nantes), an interactive industrial experience the whole family will enjoy, filled with incredible machinery and fairground-inspired attractions. Look out in particular for the life-sized mechanical elephant that stomps the grounds. The Castle of the Dukes of Brittany (Château des Ducs de Bretagne) is a good place to start on the château trail. This 16th-century beauty served as the center of the historical province of Brittany until 1941.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 2: Château d’Angers 2/14
This historic town is an architectural delight, featuring a wealth of timber-framed buildings and medieval structures. Built in the 13th century, Château d’Angers is a true citadel, punctuated by no fewer than 17 towers. On a warm day, its sprawling grounds are a joy to behold, featuring manicured lawns and ornate topiary. If you love gardens, Terra Botanica is a popular destination on the outskirts of the town. This plant-themed park features rides, bountiful gardens and animal enclosures for all the family to enjoy.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 3: Parc Loire Anjou Touraine 3/14
Once you’ve admired the charming village of Montsoreau – one of the most beautiful in the whole of France – head for the natural splendor of Parc Loire Anjou Touraine. Situated between Angers and Tours, it’s perfect for parking up and setting out on some stunning walks. You’ll find everything from dense forest areas tucked beneath a canopy of green to serene strolls on the banks of a rolling river. Set aside a night to camp under the stars at one of the many sites throughout the park, and be sure to look out for the resident beavers, wild birds and bats that call the area home.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 4: Château d’Ussé 4/14
French author Charles Perrault was the man behind a string of classic fairy tales including the likes of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Puss in Boots. For another of his famous works, Sleeping Beauty, he’s said to have taken inspiration from the lavish Château d’Ussé. The site of a stronghold for the past 1,000 years and backing on to the beautiful Chinon Forest, the castle retells the Sleeping Beauty story through mannequins dressed in period garb and positioned throughout its elegant rooms.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 5: Château de Villandry 5/14
The last of the Loire châteaux to be built during the Renaissance, Villandry may be a grand castle in its own right but it’s best known for its incredible gardens. Open all year round, they’re maintained by a team of 10 gardeners who keep them looking spectacular whatever the season. There are no fewer than five to explore – including a water garden, medicinal garden and maze – while within the 16th-century castle itself you’ll find a collection of antique paintings and elegant Spanish furniture.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 6: Tours Cathedral 6/14
The university town of Tours serves up a succession of stunning medieval treasures – not least its grand cathedral, the Cathédrale Saint-Gatien. The castle – Château de Tours – is another highlight, featuring regular art and historical exhibitions to enjoy in a beautiful building. Home to a vibrant restaurant and bar scene, it’s worth stopping over in Tours to sample the local dishes, including rillettes – a delicious pork spread best enjoyed on sliced bread. After nightfall, take a wander to the cathedral to enjoy the evening show that sees it bathed in a glow of color.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 7: Château de Chenonceau 7/14
From Tours, head to the Royal Château of Amboise, the former home of King François I. Leonardo da Vinci arrived here in 1516 and was buried in the chapel three years later. Next, it’s on to another big hitter among the Loire Valley châteaux. Chenonceau is dubbed the ‘Château des Dames’ as it’s women who have shaped the castle you see today – starting with Katherine Briçonnet, whose husband bought it in the 16th century, through to heiress Marguerite Pelouze, who went bankrupt restoring it in the 1800s. Spanning the Cher River in spectacular fashion, the result of their labors is dreamlike in its beauty.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 8: Château de Blois 8/14
The former residence of a succession of French monarchs, Chateau de Blois is packed with history. Famously, this is where Joan of Arc came in 1429 to be blessed by the Archbishop of Reims before helping to lift the English siege of Orléans. The influence of its various royal incumbents can be seen in the mix of architectural styles, ranging from medieval to Renaissance. Look out too for the salamander and porcupine motifs sprinkled liberally inside and out – emblems of François I and Lous XII respectively. Return after dusk for a sound and light show that brings the rich history of the castle to life.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 9: Château de Chambord 9/14
The largest and most-visited chateau in the Loire Valley, Chambord is the epitome of French renaissance architecture. Originally a hunting lodge for Francis I, it boasts an elaborate roofline and picture-perfect grounds to explore. From the incredible entrance and its enchanting double-spiral staircase to the 60 rooms open for the public to discover, there’s so much to do. You can jump in a horse-drawn carriage, take in a medieval battle re-enactment, head off on a walking trail or enjoy a boat trip on the canal at the foot of the castle.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 10: Château de Sully-sur-Loire 10/14
A lesser known castle it may be, but its stunning setting alone makes Château de Sully a great stopping off point on your Loire Valley road trip. The former home of Maximilien de Béthune, the Duke of Sully, this fairy-tale castle was originally built to guard an important crossing over the Loire. Sympathetically extended and restored over the centuries, stroll the picturesque grounds before heading inside for an informative guided tour that lifts the lid on its colorful past.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 11: Orléans 11/14
The capital of the Centre-Val de Loire region, the elegant city of Orléans is a magnet for history lovers. It is, of course, most famous for its links to Joan of Arc, the teenage peasant girl who liberated it from the English during the Hundred Years’ War. Orléans dedicates an annual festival to her at the end of April and it’s well worth planning your tour around this. Visit her monument and then walk up the magnificent road named in her honor to the cathedral of Sainte-Croix.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 12: Chartres Cathedral 12/14
This Gothic cathedral is considered one of the best examples of its architectural style in France, and is a well-preserved UNESCO World Heritage site. Enjoy the cathedral’s original stained-glass windows – incredibly, it has retained 80 per cent of them since they were first installed – and marvel at the intricate work throughout this proud landmark. Chartres itself is renowned for its stained glass, so be sure to look out for any workshops taking place to try your hand at creating one of these masterpieces yourself.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 13: Versailles 13/14
The very epitome of grandeur, the Château de Versailles is a truly majestic stop off on your way to Paris. Built by King Louis XIV, this palace is the very definition of regal, featuring ornate sculptures, gold embellishments and incredibly detailed artwork on walls and ceilings. The Hall of Mirrors is a favorite with many, while the sprawling gardens serve up a magnificent spectacle. Exhibitions, operatic performances and equestrian shows take place throughout the year, so check what’s on before your visit.
Châteaux of the Loire
Stop 14: Paris 14/14
The romantic capital of the world, where better than Paris to end your France road trip? Visit the iconic sights such as the Louvre, Sacré-Cœur and the Eiffel Tower but make time for the lesser-known locations too. Indulge in beef fondue at hip Le Refuge des Fondus, or book in for breakfast at Angelina, renowned for its dreamy hot chocolate. Paris is a capital of fashion too, with Boulevard Saint Germain and Rue du Commerce popular shopping spots away from the iconic Champs-Élysées.
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