le Chateau, 41250, Chambord France

Chambord is the emblem of the French Renaissance through Europe and the world. The Domain of Chambord is made up of the château, a village, farms and a wooded area. The domain of Chambord is completely enclosed within a wall, all 5,440 hectares of it. That’s the equivalent of the city of Paris! It is the largest enclosed forest in Europe. The entire site has been the property of the state since 1930; when the public estate was created, article 230 of the law dated 23 February 2005 stated that the possessions making up the domain were given over to it without restriction or exceptions.

2 rue du clos Luce, 37400, Amboise France

At the invitation of Francis I, Leonardo da Vinci came to live at the Château du Clos Lucé and stayed here for the last three years of his life, devoting himself to perfecting his inventions. Leonardo was prolific and inspired, working as an engineer, architect and theatrical director, organising lavish festivities for the Court. At his residence 300 metres from the Château Royal, he drew up plans for a model château for Francis I in Romorantin and designed the double-helix open staircase in the Château de Chambord.The Château du Clos Lucé is dedicated to showing and explaining to the public the great knowledge acquired by the Italian Maestro.

Montee de l'Emir Abd El Kader Montée de l'Emir Abd-el-Kader, 37400, Amboise France

With the dawning of the Renaissance, the mighty medieval fortress of Amboise gave way to a royal residence, during the reigns of the Kings of France Charles VIII and François I. The Court, a large number of men and women of letters and European artists, stayed here on invitation from the sovereigns, one example being Leonardo da Vinci who lies here in peace in the Château’s Chapel.This place of high renown in the History of France boasts an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture illustrating the artistic finery of the first French Renaissance. After a visit of the Royal House and the impressive Cavalry Towers, the walk continues in the magnificent panoramic gardens overlooking the Loire river.

3 rue Principale, 37510 Villandry France

A monumental countryside villa surrounded by world-famous gardens, organized in the classic French Renaissance style.

Rue Balzac, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau France

The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, masterpiece of the Renaissance. The Château of Azay-le-Rideau, built at the heart of Touraine under the patronage of François Ier, has all the charm of the Renaissance. Masterpiece of the 16th century architecture, it rises up on an island designed by the river Indre and is surrounded by a romantic 19th century park. The château has some prestigious historical decorations telling about its 4 centuries of history. It also has some sumptuous collections of items, tapestries and furniture. To be discovered : - On the ground floor : restoration of the 19th century decoration and atmosphere. - On the first floor : an immersion at the heart of the Renaissance, the great hall and its period furniture, as well as the restoration of a Renaissance chamber, whose walls are fully made of bullrushes braids. - The Pressoir (former press room), an interpretation center reachable by everyone in order to know more about the château. - The romantic park of 8ha with many points of view on the château and its water mirrors.

41150 Chaumont-sur-Loire France

Less than 200 kilometres south of Paris, nestling between the cities of Tours and Blois, is a haven of poetry. A natural oasis, a headland stretching out 40 metres above the wild Loire, the Domain of Chaumont-sur-Loire, owned by the Centre Region, welcomes the public all year round to its chateau and park and, from April to the end of October, the unmissable International Garden Festival. Whatever the season, the chateau - once the home of Catherine de Medici, Diane de Poitiers and Princess de Broglie - beckons you indoors to admire its welcoming and lavishly furnished interiors. The International Garden Festival has been providing a unique panorama of landscape design all over the world since 1992. At the same time a source of ideas and a nursery for talent, the Festival gives an extra boost to the art of gardens and gains the interest of both the public and those in the trade by displaying new flower arrangements, new materials, new ideas and new approaches.

Rue Saint-Jean de l'Habit, 49590 Fontevraud-l'Abbaye France

Founded in 1101 on the border of the provinces of Poitou, Anjou and Touraine, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is the largest monastic city inherited from the Middle Ages. It owes its power in part to the Plantagenets and to its close ties with Eleanor of Aquitaine. The effigy of the queen of France and then of England remains at the heart of the Abbey church alongside those of Henry II and Richard the Lionheart. The Abbey is a « very particular foundation » run by an abbess, although it houses both men and women. Cherished by kings, it was home to distinguished nuns and nobility for seven centuries before the Revolution drove out all the monks and nuns. Napoleon transformed the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud into one of the toughest prisons in France, while it remained a prison until 1963. Initiated by the Pays de la Loire Region, the Royal Abbey of Fontevraud is today a radiant and creative Centre Culturel de Rencontre. Free for minors and students under 25 all year round.

Place de la Cathedrale, 37000, Tours France

Pl. Ste-Croix Place Sainte-Croix, 45000, Orleans France

49400, Saumur France

A symbol of the town of Saumur, the château is an old fortress that was converted into a palace by the Dukes of Anjou (14th and 15th centuries), including King René. It then became the residence of the town’s governors, a prison, then a depot for arms and munitions. In 1906, the town bought the château from the State to house its municipal museum, which has since earned the Musée de France label. A rich collection of decorative arts currently occupies the first floor of the north and east wings. Part of the horse collection, featuring objects from Antiquity to the early 20th century, is on display in the old abbey church. The château gardens offer exceptional panoramic views of the Loire and the town. In the summer, there are activities for all the family. Forbidden to pets.

37420 Rigny-Usse France

See the inspiration for the fairy-tale castle in Sleeping Beauty: Charles Perrault, the author of the popular tale, was so impressed he decided on this castle as the setting of his story.

Place Plumereau, 37000, Tours France

1043 route de Fontevraud, 49400, Saumur France

Place Pierre de Brosse, 37130 Langeais France

Open every day of the year ! The medieval fortress dominates the village with its austere facade. But don't be daunted: the open drawbridge is an invitation to enter into the refined lodgings of a great lord. It is the most fully furnished castle of the Loire Valley. The hushed ambiance of the rooms and the splendor of the great reception halls will plunge you into the daily life of a 15th century prince. You will relive the event that distinguished the history of the locale: the wedding of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, recreated with strikingly realistic wax figures.In the park, you will discover the recreated construction site of France's oldest keep. The promenade, punctuated with playgrounds and the tree house, can be followed through cedars and sequoias to the gazebo overlooking the Loire.

170 Avenue du Cadre Noir, 49400, Saumur France