Visit the castle of the Loire: A Journey To The Valley Of The Kings French
The name of the Loire inspires images of romantic fairy-tale castles, the stories of the Plantagenets and the Medici and royal intrigue, and green valleys and vineyards rivers of the region.
Known as the Valley of the Kings , Royalty French built their houses here, creating a region of unique historic architecture and beautiful.
But this is not only the impressive castles (which are the attraction, the fascinating stories of people who lived in the are quite convincing.
Below are the main castles of the Loire .
Most of these castles were built along the Loire River Royal ", and are often built on medieval or even Neolithic sites.
Many are from local tuff, a white limestone adds to the elegance of style castles.
Some are still private homes, some have been converted into museums, and some have their own vineyards and wine tasting offer.
Castles in the French department (county) of Maine-et-Loire
Angers
More than 1000 years, this giant tuff and slate overlooking the River Maine is typical of castles encountered on Crusades in the Holy Land.
Built on the Gallo-Roman buildings, in turn, standing on a Neolithic site dating from 4500 – 4000 BC, the castle of the Counts of Anjou is surrounded a fortress built by St. Louis.
With walls 30 feet high and 17 laps, he was key in the defense of Anjou and the largest castle in France.
The End of the World beautiful gardens to enhance your visit to the castle.
The castle houses the famous Apocalypse Tapestry – The largest medieval tapestry in the world – commissioned by the Duke Louis I of Anjou in the mid-1370's.
Montsoreau
In this picturesque small town character, Montsoreau is one of the most romantic of all the castles of the Loire.
Much of his fame is based People on the Alexandre Dumas novel "La Dame Montsoreau" written in 1860, and the castle, you can learn more about this beautiful Lady Montsoreau.
Towering above the Loire river and Vienna, the castle gives three historical provinces: Anjou, Touraine and Poitou.
Unlike other castles the Loire, Montsoreau was built near the River.
A combination of the castle and the large residence, the castle is part of the "spectacular Stories of the Loire, which honors the royal river.
Le Plessis-Bourre
Le Plessis-Bourre castle is so beautiful, it is used as a set of many French films.
Built between 1468 and 1473 by Jean Bourre, this castle is defensive tufa stone, has completed a wide water ditches, double drawbridge, fortified gates and towers and parapets. But beyond the gate, Le Plessis ceases to be a fortress and becomes a country house.
A large courtyard surrounded by arcades and dominated by mullioned windows carefully drove home filled with rich furnished.
Once a covered walkway leading to the chapel, the library is 36 meters long and contains over 3000 volumes.
The intriguing Room Guard has a ceiling painted to depict strange allegorical figures whose presence and meaning is a mystery.
Brissac
Seven floors, Brissac is the largest castle in France and is called "The Giant of the Loire Valley.
It was the home of the Dukes of Brissac since 1502 and is now the residence of the 13th Duke of Brissac.
Century fortress home of the 15th, there are two medieval towers and ancient cellars wine (wine tasting available).
Chateau de Brissac has 203 rooms lavishly decorated, exceptional 19th century Belle Epoque theater ceilings decorated with gold leaf, Flemish tapestries and Goblins, and a magnificent 70-hectare park.
In 1620, Louis XIII and his court remained in Brissac to sign a peace treaty for his mother, Marie de Medici, who was exiled to Angers.
This castle owners and have been attractive considerable importance and the future Henry II of France said: "If I was not a dolphin, I want to be a Brissac.
Breze
A castle in a castle, Breze is a rare example of a troglodyte castle, with miles of underground passages medieval offering the largest manor house underground in Europe. Above ground, two Breze Castle 16th and 19th century ramparts and a dry moat 18 meters depth – the deepest in Europe.
Once owned by the Prince of Conde, this castle has been enormous in Dreux Brezer family for 400 years and is currently the home of Count and Countess of Colbert.
Breze is surrounded by vineyards – wines made here since the 15th century – and you can visit the wine cellars, the press, and the mill.
Montreuil-Bellay
Originally a medieval fortress built in the 11th century Fulk Nerra by the infamous (The Black Falcon), Montreuil-Bellay castle had added a stately home in the 15th century.
The town of Montreuil-Bellay was built on a rocky outcrop, is the last surviving walled city on the 32 that once stood in Anjou. Surrounded by vineyards, the charming city kept a medieval atmosphere.
The medieval castle has a beautiful kitchen, a collegiate church, and was one of the places Important for hunting with falcons in the 13th century.
The chateau produces AOC wines – red, white, pink, and sparkling.
The grapes are harvested hand and the wine is bottled at the chateau. Sale and tasting of wine are available.
Gritting
Architects, builders, and artists have made Pressing the prince among the castles of Anjou. Lived in the same family since the 18th century, this Renaissance castle is one of the most finest private collections of furniture in France – the firms are truly exceptional. There is also a beautiful library with 12,000 volumes, magnificent tapestries, objects art and furniture of the Belle Epoque.
Evenings in July and August have costumed guides Belle Epoque – entry by reservation only.
The Plessis-Macé
With outer defenses dating from the 12th century, this fortified house has fantastic views over the Loire.
Le Plessis-Mace is a pell-mell Appeal of styles and materials combined use of shale and tuff.
Louis de Beaumont was the largest of the lords of Le Plessis-Macé 15th century.
A Knight of the Order of St. Michael's chapel is dedicated to the dragon-slaying saint
Once home, the castle home theater presentation of Anjou Festival each summer.
Saumur
Overlooking the Loire, the Chateau de Saumur is a feast for the eyes. Built, destroyed by the invaders, and rebuilt several times between ages 9 and 14, the castle was a key defense in protecting the approach of the East in Anjou.
Towers and walls of the 1360s have survived and have a beautiful view over the countryside. Castle served as a barracks and prison – the Marquis de Sade was held in captivity for some time.
The city bought in 1906 and began renovations, and now houses the Museum of the Arts and the Museum decorated horse.
Montgeoffroy
Montgeoffroy Castle is a place where time stops – nothing has changed since Contades Marshal, Governor of Strasbourg, was constructed and furnished between 1772 and 1775.
It has been home to the same family since then. The marshal asked Nicolas Barre, a Parisian architect, to design it around a beautiful chapel and two laps remaining from an ancient castle. Inside, the rooms have retained their original charm and good taste: master paintings old, original furniture, and kitchen shelves of gleaming brass that looks as good today as when they made.
With its white stone facade softened by a slate roof and tall chimneys rose Montgeoffroy is one of the finest works remarkable architecture of the 18th century French.
Tel: 02 41 80 60 02.
Wallow
Historically, a jewel in the crown for zone Baugeois – the castle was the favorite residence of Good King Rene – the importance of the castle of Bauge increased with the large number of lodges and outbuildings in the rich region. The many small towers pop up on the trees beside the little river Loir.
Inside Witness the castle with its collections of porcelain, weapons, and furniture.
There is also a former chemist who is considered one of the finest collections in France.
Durtal
Rising from the waters of the Loire up to six storeys to hover over the city below Castle Durtal was the envy of many great historical figures, including Henry II of France, Charles X, Catherine de Medici and Louis XIII.
Rights held in enjoy the beautiful life offered by the castle.
Visitors are invited to explore the castle from top to bottom, as in the trophy room, kitchens, and dungeons.
The walkway provides a beautiful view of the region.
The Lorie
Chateau de la Lorie was the epitome of graceful living with his sculpture park, architecture, magnificent library, and an orangery when the region first cultivated pineapple.
Castle has a magnificent marble room, which the British royal family is known to have a great admiration when they stayed here as guests.
There are also remnants of a stud.
Castles in the French department (county) of the Sarthe
Laval
Built on a rocky outcrop in the 11th century and rebuilt in the 16th century, the castle dominates the Laval River and offers superb views of the old city.
Inside is the Museum of Naive Art, one of the finest museums of folk art with a collection of some of the most Masters of International Naive Art painting.
There is also a reproduction of the workshop by local artist Henri Rousseau.
Tourist Tel: 02 43 49 46 46.
Lude
Originally built as a medieval castle, the Château du Lude is one of the most examples of early Renaissance castles in France.
There is a beautiful long terrace on the south facade overlooking the vast gardens and parks that stretch on the banks of the little river Loir.
The original fortress was built between the 10th and 11th centuries to defend Anjou cons invaders.
The richness and variety of styles that characterize the castle are echoed in the interior decoration and furniture.
In the hands of the same family for 250 years, Le Lude property of the Earl and Countess Louis-Jean de Nicolay, who focused on the restoration and decoration.
Castles in the French department (county) Loire-Atlantique
Nantes
The Chateau des Ducs de Bretagne (Castle of the Dukes of Britain) is a massive fortified castle which served as the center of the historical province of Brittany until 1941, when the regions and departments have been restructured. It was the residence of the Dukes of Brittany from the 13th to 16th centuries, then became the residence of the French monarchy.
Monument History of the French Ministry of Culture since 1862, recently restored castle now houses also the history of Nantes Museum.
The castle and the museum offers a modern vision in presenting the past, present and future of the city.
A walk on the high wall offers a view views over the castle, courtyards, and the city.
At night, the lighting, which won the Creator of Light Trophy Lumiville 2007 shows a dramatic architectural complexity.
Goulaine
Castle Goulaine was in the family since the Marquis de Goulaine more than 1000 years.
A fortress in the middle ages, Goulaine was completely rebuilt during the Renaissance period in the style of the great houses Loire Valley.
Although the outside looks like a castle back Breton, is inside a land of butterflies and biscuits.
The castle has a remarkable collection of antiquities, tropical butterfly farm and the Chamber of butterflies fluttering freely in April to November.
The castle also has a collection of memorabilia, including posters of the bakery business Lu
The castle is currently the house of the writer Robert Goulaine, who will gladly autograph his books for you.
Castle in the French department (county) from the Vendée
Newfoundland
Newfoundland Castle is a treasure of a castle in the beautiful architecture and a park.
An excellent example of the elegance of the Renaissance, stone fireplaces are carved inside, the ceilings to develop, antiques and paintings. Built on a hill in Fontenay-le-Comte in 1580, Newfoundland was occupied as a residence since.
Chateau in the French department (county) of Mayenne
Ste-Suzanne
The dungeon of the castle of St. Suzanne and the ramparts of the 14th century and 15 have changed little over the centuries.
Located in this small town character with its cobbled streets and medieval buildings, the castle has a walkway with views over the surrounding countryside Coëvrons.
About the Author
David Morrison is a journalist with FrenchEntree Loire (http://www.frenchentree.com/france-pays-de-la-loire), the leading English-language website for anyone interested in this stunning part of France. Visit the site for details on property, tourism and more.
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