Not just great wine: an overview of the Loire châteaux
If the diversity of high quality wines isn’t enough of a draw to the region, the Loire Valley is also home to a number of historic châteaux, or castles – more than 300 in total. Nearly every town in the Loire Valley boasts its own châteaux.
Château de Chinon
Some of the oldest of the region’s châteaux were built in the 12th to 14th centuries, the earliest as forts to provide protection against invaders. At the time the Loire Valley was France’s political center of power and the châteaux built during this time were meant to serve as fortified defenses rather than luxurious accommodations.
In the 15th century, châteaux became more conducive to residence than military functioning. The best architects of the era were employed to build magnificent châteaux for the kings and the wealthiest of the nobility throughout the Renaissance. Château de Chambord, the largest of the Loire châteaux, was built during this time.
Château de Chenonceau
In the 17th century the capital was moved to Paris, but the upper class continued to renovate already existing châteaux or build new ones in the Loire Valley, where the royals would spend their summers. Many of these later châteaux are even more extravagant than their earlier predecessors, with lush, fertile gardens cultivated by talented landscape designers.
Today, while some châteaux remain private residences, a number are open to visitors. Top off a day of wine tasting in Chinon or Saumur with the medieval-era châteaux in each town. Discover the impressive architecture of the 15th century in the Touraine at Château d’Amboise, the most Italian-influenced of the Loire Valley châteaux. Experience the Renaissance at Château de Chenonceau and the extravagance of the 17th century at Château de Cheverny. It’s a beautiful way to tour the region – and you’ll never be far from a good glass of Loire Valley wine.