Castles of the Loire Valley

Traveling through the Loire Valley feels like stepping into a children's storybook, with its turreted fairy-tale castles dotting a lush landscape of dense woodlands and gently flowing rivers. Known as the "Garden of France," this entire region is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Loire's castles range from medieval fortresses perched on hilltops and encircled by ramparts to opulent Renaissance palaces designed for pleasure and leisure, extending court life beyond Paris. The Château de Chambord, commissioned by King Francis I, stands as the most magnificent of these châteaux. The Château de Chenonceau is celebrated for its elegant, feminine design, while the Château de Cheverny boasts a Neoclassical manor house complete with a Tintin exhibition, English gardens, and a surrounding forest. In addition to the châteaux, the region offers other historical treasures. The UNESCO-listed cathedrals of Chartres and Bourges are architectural marvels, and the city of Orléans is notable for Joan of Arc's pivotal role in defeating the English army in 1429. The Château Royal d'Amboise, once a residence for French kings for five centuries, is also a must-visit. #francetrip