Many Chateaux and stately homes are open to the public, some are state owned such as Chambord and Blois, others are private and still lived in. A number of them run "son-et-lumiere" shows during the summer season. Chateau de Chenonceau and the Chateau de Chambord are definitively worth a visit. Our resident concierge will develop an itinerary with you to discover this amazing architectural past of French architecture and Royalty.

Chateau de Chenonceau

Built on a bridge across the river Cher, "The Chateau des Dames" is one of the most romantic chateaux of the Loire Valley, with elegant turrets, arches and stately avenues bordered by plane trees. It's romantic feeling is further heightened by the fact that its stylized and symmetrical structure is reflected in the waters of the Cher river. Chenonceau owes much of its design and beauty to four women in particular. It was Catherine de Briconnet who first started the trend and was responsible for its early Renaissance style. Diane de Poitier (mistress of Henri II) was responsible for the formal French Gardens to the left of the chateau. Diane de Poitier was forced to relinquish ownership to Catherine de Medici (the embittered wife of Henri II). Latter on the chateau was inherited by Louise de Lorraine the wife of Henri III, Catherine's favorite son. At his death, Louise de Lorraine painted her bedroom ceiling black and white out of respect for her late husband. 

Chateau de Chenonceau: 30 minutes from Blois 

Chateaux de Chambord

Chambord is truly royal in it's great scale and its indifference to common consideration. It combined the dream of King Francois I with the imagination of Leonardo de Vinci. The result is a real "Mathematisation" of architecture, a grandiose creation: 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and a fabulous double winding staircase and a unique roof terrace. 

Chateau de Chambord: 15 minutes east of Blois. 

Chateau de Blois

Chateau de Blois is almost like four different chateaux rolled into one, so diverse are the architectural styles at play. The Medieval hart is centered around the "Sale des Etats Generaux" which is where the French Court and the council were based. Flamboyant Gothic style is evident in the Louis XII wing whereas Renaissance architecture is the dominant style in the Francois I wing. It is in the Francois I wing that you will find Catherine de Medici's private rooms, complete with array of poisons. This is also where the Duc de Guise was brutally murdered in 1588 after he was thought to be planning a Catholic uprising against Henri III. Apparently, it was Henri III himself who carried out the deed only to be murdered a year later by a monk. Lastly, the Gaston d'Orleans wing will enchant any cravings for Classical architecture. Evenings are a particularly wonderful time to visit the Chateau de Blois especially if you wish to make reservations to enjoy the "son-et-lumiere" shows that recount the chateau's turbulent and historical past. 

Chateau de Blois Place du Chateau, Blois. 

Chateau de Cheverny

The Chateau de Cheverny is undoubtedly the most lavishly furnished of all the Loire Chateaux. Built between 1604 and 1634 very little has changed. Its present owner is a direct descendant of the original owner. Some of the chateau's masterpieces include paintings by old masters, tapestries from Paris and Holland and Louis XiV' furnishings. The 1640 interior decoration consisting of wood paneling, painted ceilings, fireplaces and painting by Jean Monnier is among the finest of its kind. A little historical fact: the 18th century "Orangerie" served as a hiding place for the Mona Lisa during World War II. From here you will be able to take in the majesty of the park and it's canals. The chateau is open to the public from April to November. 

Chateau de Cherverny: 30 minutes from Blois. 

Chateau Azay le Rideau

The Azay le Rideau chateau, one of the purest creation of the Renaissance, was built on a small island on the Indre river, an ideal setting for an architectural jewel. The "son-et-lumiere" events held in the park during the summer tell the history of the chateau and are not to be missed.

Chateau de Villandry

Villandry was one of the last of the majestic chateaux built around 1536 in the Loire Valley during the Renaissance. It houses some very interesting and very valuable antiques and furnishings but is probably best known for its Italian Renaissance gardens created by Dr. Carvallo.

Chateau du Clos Luce

Chateau du Clos Luce is where Leonardo de Vinci spent the last years of his life. You can visit the chateau and the chapel and discover frescoes painted there by his pupils. His drawings and paintings are set out in the park of the chateau with giant models of his most spectacular machines. Chateau du Clos Luce: 30 minutes from the Estate.