The Loire Valley is home to a countless amount of chateaus.  Choosing between the many castles may be quite the task, but it is worth it.  It is recommended to only plan two or three castles in a day, and not to try to cram too many stops within one excursion.  These beautiful fields are crossed by rivers and covered in castles, ranging from the Medieval to the Renaissance.  In Medieval times, many castles were important during the hundred years’ war, when France and England battled throughout the 14th and 15th centuries.  In Renaissance times, palaces were built rather than castles, and were fashionable among the rich and royal.  This area is also home to many good wines.  You will spot many “Degustation” (or “tasting”) signs that will lead you to many wineries.  Many tourist centers will give you information on winery tours and tasting details, and the towns of Vouvray and Chinon have many hospitable family wineries.  It would take forever to name and describe all the chateaus in the Valley, so here is an outline of the 3 most interesting.

 The first is Chenonceau.  This 15-century Renaissance palace arches over the Cher River, and was home to Henry II.  It was femininely designed by Diane de Poiters, mistress of Henry II, and Catherine de Medici, the wife of Henry II.  Diane added the arched bridge that stretched across the river, but after Henry’s death, she was kicked out by Catherine, into the nearby chateau of Chaumont.  Catherine later added a three-story structure atop the bridge, and turned this palace into the popular meeting place to be seen.

 Second is the large Chambord.  This castle is surrounded by a lush park, which is filled with wild deer and bore.  Originally built as a hunting lodge, after Francois I brought in 1,800 workmen over 15 years, it became his weekend retreat.  Many highlights include the second-floor vaulted ceilings, enormous towers on all the corners, 100-foot-tall lantern, 365 fireplaces, and 440 rooms (though only 80 are open to the public), also, if you look, you will see Francois’s signature salamander integrated throughout the castle.  And one of the most noted attractions here is the Leonardo da Vinci designed huge double-spiral staircase.  He spent his last years as part of the king’s court and lived nearby (a museum can be toured in his home in nearby Loire in Amboise).

 And last is the palace of Cheverny.  This hunting palace was built in 1634, and has been in the same family for nearly seven centuries.  The family shows their pride in the palace through its flawless preservation and intimate feel.  The family still lives on the third floor, and it is apparent that hunting is still a large part of their life.  It is easy to see their dedication to hunting by simply visiting their kennel of 70 hounds, or the trophy room, which houses 2,000 stag antlers.