CHÂTEAUX OF THE LOIRE VALLEY
PLAYGROUND OF THE FRENCH ROYAL FAMILIES.
Within half an hour's drive from Saint Chartres you will reach the valley of the mighty river Loire. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers an unbelievable legacy of spectacular châteaux, gardens and parks.
The historic towns of Montsoreau, Fontevraud, Saumur and Chinon with their chateaux are within an hour's drive from Saint Chartres and you will love strolling through their ancient streets. Those of Azay-le-Rideau, Ussé, Langeais, Rivau and Villandry are equally just an hour's drive away. The châteaux of Chenonceau, Chambord, Amboise, Chaumont, Blois and Cheverny are located a little further from here and you should set off early for a full day visit. Driving France's uncrowded open roads is however a pleasure and you will really love the scenery along your route!
But it's not all about the likes of Chambord, Chaumont and Chenonceau. The countless beautiful 'petits châteaux' in our area may not be able to compete with their elders but are equally worth a visit. Many are still in private ownership and are impeccably maintained, for example the châteaux of Montreuil-Bellay, St. Loup-Lamairé, Oiron and Brezé.
And then there are places of haunting beauty like the Château de la Mothe Chandeniers, a unique, mysterious and romantic remnant of a building. Throughout its history, La Mothe Chandeniers has seen sumptuous glory, abandonment, bold reconstruction, dramatic fire and astonishing survival. Recently saved from ruin by a global fundraising effort, it is now owned by thousands of enthusiasts around the world.
CHÂTEAUX OF THE LOIRE VALLEY
