Destination
Type of Activity
Editors Pick
Read MoreAmboise
The sophisticated town of Amboise on the banks of the Loire is famous for its grand castle, Château d'Amboise (37400 Amboise). Quintessential castle views are best appreciated over a sundown cocktail at Le Shaker (3 Quai François Tissard) on the other...
Courtesy Stevens FremontRead MoreBourgueil Vineyards
Just a few miles north of Chinon, the intimate Bourgueil vineyards boasts peaceful country roads and gorgeous vine-covered hills. Cabernet Franc is the star wine here, although young vintners are experimenting with other types as well (unlike in Bordeaux, there’s...
Read MoreChambord
The most monumental of the Loire Valley castles (and the closest to Paris, only two hours away by car), the royal castle of Chambord is like Macchu Picchu or the Great Pyramids of Giza: a massive stone testament to architectural ingenuity....
Read MoreChâteau de Beauregard
Near Chambord, the Château de Beauregard began as a Renaissance-era hunting estate and now invites visitors to explore the property’s inviting grounds through the arboretum and English-style gardens. Inside, on the second floor, the castle is noted for its portrait...
Read MoreChâteau de Chenonceau
Built in the early 16th century, this fairytale château is one of France’s most famous with its Gothic-era spires, elegant Renaissance interiors and picturesque location across the River Cher. Once home to a host of royal families, the château and...
Read MoreChâteau Gaillard
Château Gaillard, which was purchased and renovated by an erudite French luxury goods executive, opened to the public in 2016. A true labor of love, the crumbling manor is now glowing after careful restoration. But the gardens and the orangerie...
Read MoreChaumont
Originally a fortress, this Renaissance castle is today a world renowned center for landscape architecture that is a must for gardeners and modern art enthusiasts. The estate hosts the annual International Garden Festival with a different theme each year (which lasts several...
Read MoreCheverny
A classic beauty among the Loire castles, Cheverny has been owned by the same family for over six centuries. In fact, the hand-drawn family tree encompasses an entire wall on the ground floor. A showcase for French decorative arts and...
Read MoreChinon Wineries
Although local restaurants and bistros have yet to achieve their true potential, especially given the wealth of local bounty, the Loire Valley vineyards are some of France’s undiscovered gems. Especially around Chinon and Bourgueil (specifically, at Domaine de Noiré), younger...
Read MoreClos Luce
Clos Luce château is where Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked for the last years of his life. All ages will marvel at the replicas of da Vinci’s 40 ‘flying machines’ in the basement. The outdoor café is a popular spot in the...
Read MoreDomaine de la Chevalerie
To get a feel for the quality and breadth of wines, stop at Domaine de la Chevalerie outside of Bourgueil. Although the winery has been in the same family since 1640, the new generation has thrived to create excellent and...
Read MoreDomaine de Noiré
The best Chinon winery in terms of service and activities is the Domaine de Noiré. Second-generation owner Jean Max Manceau is known as a force of nature among local wine makers. He was one of the first to realize the...
Read MoreMontpoupon
Perhaps the most interesting and well-developed of the smaller castles, Montpoupon is also one of the most picturesque, located in a forest at the confluence of four valleys where hunting parties have gathered for centuries. Even the hunting-averse will find themselves...
Read MoreVillandry
Although many of the Loire Valley’s castles offer stunning gardens and beautifully decorated apartments, Villandry elevates both landscaping and décor to pure perfection. Wandering through the sun-drenched rooms with French windows framing the world-famous gardens below is a highlight of...
