Fed up with the delights of the French capital, travelers usually add variety to their tour by visiting the Loire castles. Paris and its many travel agencies offer excursions to one of the most beautiful river valleys in the world, where more than 70 old buildings are concentrated, included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Some of the castles were built in the XII-XIII centuries and are almost not preserved, but the main buildings date back to the magnificent Renaissance era.
First, but not the only one
The legendary Sully opens the historical region of castles on the Loire. From the moment of its construction in the XIV century until the middle of the XX century, it belonged to the Betyun family. The defensive significance of the castle on the Loire in Paris was well understood, and people of noble blood, fleeing popular revolts, often found refuge in it. Anne of Austria and Cardinal Mazarin stayed here for anti-government troubles, and in the 18th century Voltaire fled persecution in Sully for his satirical works.
In the name of great love
Chambord was built by King Francis I, who longed to be often with his beloved, the Countess of Turi. Her family lived nearby, and it was the castle on the Loire, not Paris, that became the permanent residence of the loving monarch.
The foundation stone of Chambord was laid in 1519, and it is believed that Leonardo da Vinci himself designed the magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. More than 150 meters of the facade, 420 rooms, almost 80 stairs and 280 fireplaces are just some of the figures that give an idea of the power and grandeur of the building, where the king and his beloved could meet.
The castle is surrounded by a magnificent garden with an area of more than five and a half thousand hectares, which has no equal in all of Europe. The wall separating the park from the surrounding forests stretches for 32 kilometers, and a hundred species of birds living in it make the castle park a truly paradise.
Useful little things
- A trip to the Loire castles from Paris is best planned in early spring or mid-autumn. At this time, there are fewer tourists than in summer, and the weather allows you to enjoy walks without hindrance.
- The cost of visiting each castle on the Loire ranges from 10 euros for an adult. For children, entrance tickets will cost half the price.
- Comfortable shoes are required for the excursion - the format of the trip involves long walks.
