Loire Valley Castles

Explore Chambord, the Loire Valley’s largest and grandest château.

See over 60 lavish rooms, the iconic double-helix staircase, rooftop terraces, and a vaulted chapel.

Learn about the château’s royal symbolism and history with a free visitor guide and a multilingual film.

Wander through 16 acres of beautifully restored formal French gardens at your own pace.

Enhance your visit with a Histopad—explore the château through 3D re-creations, immersive audio tours, and interactive treasure hunts.

Step into the Ladies’ Castle of the Loire Valley—a legacy shaped by powerful women like Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers.

Use the free multilingual brochure as your guide through opulent rooms, from royal chambers and a private chapel to a state-of-the-art kitchen complex.

Wander the formal gardens with tree-lined paths, vibrant flower beds, and an Italian maze planted with 2,000 yew trees.

Don’t miss the Domes and Carriage Galleries—featuring a 16th-century vaulted wine cellar and a striking display of historical coaches.

Visit the Amboise Royal Castle, a magnificent palace on the banks of the Loire, a UNESCO World Heritage river.

Discover the latest HistoPad technology with 3D reconstructions of the Logis and learn about the castle's history as well as the lives of royalty that once called it home.

Admire the late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture of the castle, as well as an extensive collection of furniture representing the pinnacle of French luxury.

You also get to visit the tomb of Leonarda da Vinci in the castle's chapel.

Did you know? The Amboise Royal Castle is linked to King Charles VIII. He was born there in 1470 and died there in 1498 after hitting his head on the top of a door of a gallery of the castle.

Discover the Loire Valley on a full-day small-group e-bike tour, with round-trip minivan transfers from Tours or Amboise, two popular bases for visitors to stay overnight in the valley.

Pedal through the scenic Chambord Forest, a UNESCO-listed site, and admire the stunning French Renaissance architecture of the Chambord Castle in the background.

Visit the lesser-known Villesavin Castle, a privately owned castle open to visitors. It features a museum with wedding-themed exhibits, including a collection of bridal headdresses.

Enjoy your complementary flavorful snack under the shade of the Linden Tree, and unwind with (paid) afternoon tea served in the lush gardens of Villesavin Castle.

Learn about the region’s royal history, architecture, and culture from a knowledgeable guide who brings captivating stories to life on your ride.

Explore the home of Leonardo da Vinci, the stunning Clos Lucé Castle in the Loire Valley.

Breeze through 800 years of Amboise history and wander the ornate rooms and lush gardens in which the great Renaissance genius lived and worked during his twilight years.

See meticulously reconstructed replicas of some of da Vinci's most well-known inventions, as well as objects from his lifetime, student paintings, and much more.

Fun fact: Although Leonardo is responsible for some of the most innovative inventions and ideas of all time, he never actually went to school.

Witness an outdoor light and sound spectacle in the medieval courtyard beneath the stars at the venerable Royal Blois Castle, dating back to 854.

With skip-the-line entry to the palace, step into the Residence of French Kings, Including Louis XII and Francis I.

Delight as monumental projections and special effects unveil historical events like Catherine de’ Medici's reign and love stories.

Learn about "The Story of Blois" and marvel at the narration by renowned French actors in a unique 360° show, complemented by an audio guide in 10 languages.

Fun fact: The castle is famous for hosting Joan of Arc in 1429, where the Archbishop of Reims blessed her before leading the French army to victory against the English.