In the Loire Valley, you’ll discover an endless array of romantic castles nestled amidst charming villages and vast vineyards and orchards. This region is home to some of the most beautiful French châteaux! Particularly in and around the Touraine region, castle enthusiasts will find themselves in paradise.
For centuries, this river valley south of Paris was the favored location for French nobility, royalty, and the elite to build their luxurious castles, manor houses, and palaces. While you might typically think of a castle as a fortress built for defense, the structures along the Loire are from a different era. These castles were designed for luxury and comfort, featuring magnificent ballrooms, extravagant reception halls, and vibrant ornamental gardens. In short, the Loire châteaux are all about opulence and grandeur!
I’ve spent three vacations in the French Loire region, with my latest trip in 2024 visiting the most beautiful Loire castles with my two small children. Despite their indifference towards royal history and architecture, they still managed to enjoy themselves. Naturally, we have some useful tips to share for visiting these sites with kids!
So, prepare yourself for a vacation filled with splendor and magnificence! Immerse yourself in the royal grandeur and extravagant wealth of bygone eras with our overview of the 12 most stunning Loire châteaux.
Why Are There So Many Castles in the Loire Region?
The Loire Valley is renowned for its abundance of castles, but why are they all located here? The strategic location of the Loire Valley is the primary reason behind the proliferation of these castles.
During the early Middle Ages, conflicts like the Hundred Years’ War between France and England turned this valley into a strategic frontline. This led to the construction of numerous forts, defensive structures, and fortifications along the river. The river provided natural defense and ensured that the castles had access to transport routes for troops and supplies.
After the Hundred Years’ War, during the Renaissance, French nobles and kings transformed these fortresses into lavish pleasure palaces. The fertile land and pleasant climate of the valley made it an ideal location for hunting and recreation, attracting the aristocracy. This period saw a boom in the construction of extravagant residences inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture. These castles reflected the status and power of their owners and had little to do with their original defensive purposes.
Adding to this, even the king was enamored with the region! The French nobility stayed close to royal power due to the presence of the king and his family in the Loire Valley. Until the late 16th century, the royal family and court resided in this area before permanently moving to Paris. The proximity of the court encouraged the construction of even more stately castles.
Over the centuries, many Loire castles have been beautifully preserved. Many owners, often of noble lineage, recognized the importance of maintaining these historic buildings and invested in their upkeep. The French government designated the castles as historical monuments and provided subsidies for restoration projects. Additionally, international recognition, including the UNESCO World Heritage status of the Loire Valley as a whole, has contributed to the protection and preservation of these castles.
All these factors combined have made the Loire one of the most prominent regions for castle architecture in Europe.
How Many Castles Are There in the Loire Valley?
Finding the exact number of castles in the Loire Valley can be tricky because it depends on what you count. Do you include every ruin? How far does the Loire region stretch?
Generally, people say there are more than 300 castles in the Loire region. Many of these castles have been restored and are open to the public. About 100 castles can be visited, while others have been turned into hotels or are still private homes. This means there are plenty of castles to explore on multiple vacations.
We recommend visiting no more than two castles per day. While you could technically visit three if they’re close to each other, two is usually enough, especially with kids. If you’re traveling with children, like us, one castle per day is even more ideal. You can combine your visit with a leisurely stroll, playtime in the gardens, or a picnic in a nearby village.
Best Loire Castles Map
13 Best Loire Castles to Visit with Kids
#1 Château de Chambord
Château de Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire and attracts thousands of visitors each year. With its fairytale-like façade and impressive size (156 meters long and 117 meters wide), it boasts 440 rooms. There are numerous turrets and spires, 85 staircases, and enough chimneys for a different fireplace every day of the year.
One of the highlights is the famous double helix staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. From the top floor, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the extensive grounds and forests. Originally, Chambord was designed as a hunting lodge, not a permanent residence. The surrounding park is perfect for walks and picnics, with both landscaped gardens and wild forests.
Chambord is one of the few Loire castles where you can visit the estate without an entrance ticket. Admission is only required for the castle itself, and we personally think the interior is not worth the cost. Apart from the Da Vinci staircase, it is rather sparse. Parking around Chambord is paid and quite expensive, but there are many free spots in the forest area for visitors and cyclists.
Fun with Kids: Kids will love exploring the huge double helix staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci and spotting the countless chimneys and turrets. The surrounding park offers plenty of space for outdoor activities, picnics, and the Horse and Bird of Prey Show.
#2 Château Royal de Blois
Château de Blois is one of the most interesting castles in the Loire Valley. Located in the charming town of Blois, the castle is a delightful place to visit. It is known for its unique architecture, which combines different styles from various periods, making it look like a collection of castles in one.
The history of Château de Blois stretches back to the Middle Ages and spans several centuries. Various kings and counts who lived here expanded the castle in the style of their time. Notable figures such as King Louis XII, Francis I, and Gaston of Orléans have left their mark, resulting in a mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Classical styles.
When visiting Château de Blois, you can explore its different wings, each with its own character. The Gothic wing of Louis XII features an impressive red brick façade, while the Renaissance wing of Francis I is known for its openwork spiral staircase. The Classical wing of Gaston of Orléans offers a contrasting style with clean lines.
Inside the castle, you will find opulent halls, historic rooms, and an impressive collection of artworks. Each year, the castle attracts many visitors who come to admire its diverse architecture and rich history. Blois is not only an architectural wonder but also a fascinating place for history lovers.
Fun with Kids: The unique architecture of Château Royal de Blois is like exploring multiple castles in one, and kids will enjoy searching for the emblems of King Charles VIII and Queen Anne of Brittany. Also, kids will love visiting the Maison de la Magie with its magic collection.
#3 Château de Cheverny
Château de Cheverny, along with Chambord and Chenonceau, is one of the most popular castles in the region, drawing over 350,000 visitors annually. Cheverny has several unique features. For instance, it is one of the few châteaux still inhabited by French nobility. The Hurault de Vibraye family has opened part of the château to the public since 1922, while still living in another part.
Did you know that Cheverny served as the model for Marlinspike Hall in the Tintin comics? An interactive exhibition, Les Secrets de Moulinsart, immerses visitors in Tintin’s world with lifelike sets and animations. Separate tickets are required for this experience.
The history of the château dates back to the seventeenth century, having been built between 1624 and 1630. It was designed by architect Jacques Bougier, who was inspired by the famous Luxembourg Palace in Paris. Visitors can tour the lavishly decorated rooms, such as the Grand Salon, the dining room, and the Trophy Room. Here, you’ll find treasures like an original travel chest belonging to Henry IV and a painting of Cosimo de Medici by Titian.
In addition to the château, the gardens and hunting grounds are accessible and perhaps even more impressive. There are vegetable gardens, ornamental gardens, an English landscape park with sequoias and cedars, boats, and a maze. From April to November, electric boat and car rides are available.
And what about the kennel with dozens of hunting dogs? These dogs, a mix of English foxhounds and French Poitevins, are fed daily in the presence of château visitors. This is a popular part of a visit to Cheverny, so be sure to check the feeding schedule in advance.
Fun with Kids: Kids will be fascinated by the connection to Tintin and the interactive Tintin exhibition. The beautiful gardens, maze, and the daily feeding of the hunting dogs add extra fun for the little ones.
#4 Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, nestled between Blois and Amboise, sits beautifully on a hill overlooking the river. Built in the 10th century by the Count of Blois, the castle has changed hands many times and expanded over the centuries. In 1560, it came into the possession of Queen Catherine de’ Medici. After her husband, the king, died, she traded it for Château de Chenonceau, which the king had controversially given to his mistress.
The castle changed owners many times until 1875 when it was bought by the wealthy Marie Say. After marrying, Marie gained the title of princess and transformed the castle into a residence fit for royalty. She brought in luxurious furniture and decorations from all over Europe to revive Chaumont. Unfortunately, due to her second husband’s extravagant spending, she eventually had to sell part of the estate and, in 1938, the castle itself.
Now owned by the French state, the castle is part of the Domaine de Chaumont-sur-Loire. Since 1992, it has hosted the annual Festival International des Jardins, from April to November. This festival attracts landscape designers from around the world who create innovative gardens based on a yearly theme. The gardens in the Park du Goualoup are open year-round and feature modern and contemporary designs.
Fun with Kids: The Festival International des Jardins offers imaginative and creative garden designs that captivate children. The castle’s scenic location and wide-open spaces are perfect for running around and playing.
#5 Château Royal d’Amboise
Château Royal d’Amboise towers above the charming town of Amboise and has housed many French kings. The castle is rich in historical details, like the emblems of King Charles VIII and his wife, Anne of Brittany. Kids will enjoy the fun game of finding the flaming sword (Charles) and the ermine tail (Anne) symbols throughout the castle. Charles VIII also built massive towers with no steps, so riders could enter on horseback.
Expanded in the 15th century in the flamboyant Gothic style, the castle was a favorite of King Francis I. He invited the famous artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci to live in the nearby Clos Lucé. Da Vinci spent his final years here, died in Amboise, and was buried in the Saint-Hubert Chapel of the castle.
Fun with Kids: The search for historical emblems throughout the castle makes for a fun game, and the connection to Leonardo da Vinci adds an element of wonder. The panoramic views from the towers and the open spaces around the castle are great for kids.
#6 Château du Clos Lucé
Just 500 meters from Château Royal d’Amboise is another famous castle, Château du Clos Lucé. This castle is best known as the last residence of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived here from 1516 until his death in 1519, invited by King Francis I. Originally built in 1471 by Hugues d’Amboise, it was purchased by Charles VIII in 1490 and turned into a summer residence for the French kings.
Today, Château du Clos Lucé is a museum focusing on Leonardo da Vinci’s life and work. Inside, you can visit his bedroom, salons, and kitchen. The basement showcases models of his inventions, like a helicopter and a machine gun, created from his drawings.
The extensive gardens are a highlight, featuring large reproductions of Da Vinci’s paintings and installations of his designs, such as a double bridge and a water mill. There is also a museum with an exhibition on Da Vinci’s work as an inventor on the first floor. The ground floor has a room filled with moving video projections of Da Vinci’s art.
The gardens include play areas, walking paths, and quiet spots for relaxing or picnicking, making it a perfect place for families with kids. During our visit, we even saw several school groups enjoying the grounds.
Fun with Kids: The models of Leonardo da Vinci’s inventions in the castle basement and the interactive exhibits in the gardens bring history and science to life. The large gardens with replicas of Da Vinci’s works are perfect for exploration and play.
#7 Château de Chenonceau
One of the most visited and celebrated castles in France, Château de Chenonceau, is a favorite for many visitors to the Loire. The castle is famous for its elegant gallery spanning the river, beautifully furnished rooms, royal intrigues of the past, and lovely gardens.
Reading Tip: Check out our tips for visiting Château de Chenonceau.
The most notable residents of Chenonceau were Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de’ Medici, the mistress and queen of King Henry II. Diane received the château as a gift from the king and built the bridge connecting both sides of the river. She also created the grand ornamental garden in front of the castle.
When the king died, the jealous queen Catherine seized the opportunity to oust Diane and took over the château. She expanded it, added more splendid gardens, and built a two-story gallery over Diane’s bridge. Together, they gave Chenonceau its iconic appearance, making it so famous today.
The estate offers more than just the castle. Children especially will enjoy the animals and the maze. You can also visit ornamental gardens, an old farm, historic carriages, a wine cellar, a beautiful apothecary room, a vegetable garden, and a flower garden. The extensive grounds are perfect for strolling before and after exploring the historic rooms inside, making it ideal for families with young children.
Fun with Kids: The castle’s fascinating history with royal intrigue will captivate older kids, while the maze, gardens, and animal farm offer plenty of fun for younger children. The river gallery adds a unique element to explore.
#8 Château de Montrésor
Château de Montrésor is a beautiful castle located in one of France’s prettiest villages, Montrésor. The castle stands at the heart of the village on a hill. Originally built as a medieval fortress, it was transformed into an elegant Renaissance home in 1493. In 1849, it was restored by the Polish Count Xavier Branicki, who furnished it with rich furniture and artworks, including a collection of Polish historical artifacts.
The castle is fully furnished, offering a glimpse into the life of 19th-century nobility. Visitors can explore various rooms, including the dining room, study, and Italian boudoir.
The village of Montrésor is charming and picturesque, with medieval houses and a scenic river running through it. It has been named one of the most beautiful villages in France. Be sure to stop by the medieval covered market hall, Halles des Cardeux. On the first floor, you can see a free exhibition of modern glass art.
Fun with Kids: The castle’s small size and charming, furnished rooms make it an easy and interesting visit for families. The picturesque village and nearby river provide additional areas for kids to explore.
#9 Château de Villandry
One of our top picks for families in the Loire Valley is Château de Villandry. While kids might not be as fascinated by the history and furnished rooms of a castle, they will love the gardens. Villandry is known for its breathtaking gardens, making it a hit with children.
Château de Villandry was built in the early 16th century by Jean Le Breton, making it the last major Renaissance castle in the Loire Valley. The château is famous for its stunning gardens, which cover an impressive 9 hectares. The gardens are divided into six different sections: a water garden, an ornamental garden, a large decorative vegetable garden, a sun garden, an herb garden, and a maze. There’s even a fun playground for kids.
The vegetable garden is perhaps the most impressive part. Instead of neat rows of vegetables, you’ll find a beautiful ornamental garden. This decorative vegetable garden is a perfect mix of shapes and colors, with carefully planted vegetables like beets, leeks, and cabbages arranged in patterns. The gardeners plant twice a year and grow more than 40 types of vegetables, creating a stunning visual display.
The château itself is decorated in an 18th-century style with a beautiful staircase, elaborate rooms, and a hall with an impressive Moorish ceiling from a Spanish castle. A literal highlight is the view over the gardens from the castle tower. If you’ve seen enough castles, you can buy a ticket just for the gardens.
Fun with Kids: The extensive and beautifully designed gardens, including a maze and a playground, offer endless opportunities for fun and exploration. The decorative vegetable garden is a visual treat that children will find fascinating.
#10 Château de Langeais
Château de Langeais is an impressive castle surrounded by a charming French village. Originally built in 992, it was later rebuilt in the 15th century by a minister of the French king. The castle is known for its strong medieval architecture with high walls, battlements, and towers, making it one of the best-preserved examples of Gothic style in the region.
Inside, 15 rooms are furnished in the style of the 15th century, complete with beautiful tapestries, large fireplaces, and historic furniture. One of the most notable events here was the marriage of King Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany in 1491, which sealed the union between Brittany and France. This wedding is recreated in one of the castle’s rooms.
The gardens of Château de Langeais are relatively small but well-maintained, featuring a mix of French and medieval styles. After your visit, take some time to stroll through the village. Don’t miss the viewpoint over the town, accessible via this staircase in Langeais.
Fun with Kids: The medieval architecture and the reconstructed wedding scene provide a glimpse into history that can captivate kids. The small but well-kept gardens and the charming village are perfect for family walks.
#11 Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau is one of the most fairytale-like castles in the Loire Valley. Situated on an island in the Indre River, the castle appears to float on water. Its elegant turrets, perfectly proportioned windows, and delicate stonework showcase the charm of Renaissance architecture.
Inside, you can admire beautifully furnished rooms with fireplaces, paintings, and furniture from different periods. One of the most striking features is the richly decorated staircase with views of the courtyard. The attic, made of wood from the Chinon forest in 1517, is also an impressive space to visit.
Surrounding the castle is a 19th-century landscape park and lovely woodlands, making it a wonderful place for a family walk.
Fun with Kids: The castle’s fairytale-like appearance and beautiful setting on an island make it a magical place for kids to explore. The surrounding park and woodlands are great for outdoor adventures.
#12 Château d’Ussé
Château d’Ussé, located along the Indre River, is one of the few privately owned Loire châteaux. It is still owned by the Duke of Blacas and his family, who have opened their castle to the public.
With its fairytale appearance and numerous turrets, it’s no wonder that the French writer Charles Perrault is said to have based his story “Sleeping Beauty” on this castle. One tower and wing of the château are dedicated to rooms with life-sized figures in historical costumes depicting the tale of Sleeping Beauty.
The castle was built in the 15th century on the foundations of an 11th-century fortress. The gardens were designed much later, in the 17th century, by André Le Nôtre, the famous landscape architect of Versailles.
Inside the château, you can explore beautifully furnished rooms. Notable rooms include the Guard Room with a marble-effect ceiling and a gallery with 18th-century tapestries. Although there are fewer furnished rooms compared to other castles, Ussé offers some unique features.
You can explore troglodyte caves now used for wine storage, visit old castle dungeons, and see carriages in the stables. The attic is particularly unique, allowing you to walk directly under the roof and closely observe the castle’s beam structure.
Fun with Kids: Known as the “Sleeping Beauty Castle”, it brings the fairy tale to life with rooms depicting the story of Sleeping Beauty. The troglodyte caves, dungeons, and carriages add a sense of adventure for young visitors.
#13 Forteresse Royale de Chinon
Forteresse Royale de Chinon sits on a high plateau above the Vienne River in the town of Chinon. This impressive medieval fortress has a long history dating back to the 10th century. It played a significant role during the Hundred Years’ War when Joan of Arc met the French King Charles VII here in 1429 to persuade him to defeat the English.
The fortress consists of three parts: Fort Saint-Georges, Château du Milieu, and Fort du Coudray. Many sections remain preserved, like the Tour de l’Horloge, which you can climb for a stunning view of the valley. Other parts feature exhibits highlighting the castle’s history and its famous residents.
The grounds around the castle include well-preserved defensive works, old moats, and towers designed for both defense and living. For our toddler, it was a delightful place to explore, with stairs leading up to beautiful views and down into dark dungeons. Kids will love using a HistoPad, an interactive tablet that brings the history of Chinon Fortress to life, showing what the castle once looked like.
Fun with Kids: The HistoPad interactive tablets make history come alive, allowing kids to see the castle as it was in the past. The fortress’s towers, dungeons, and extensive grounds provide plenty of space for exploration and play.
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