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The must-see great castles of the Loire Valley

To discover while staying in Angers.
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The great Châteaux of the Loire Valley are the most emblematic monuments of the Loire Valley, famous for their architecture, their royal history and their international influence. Built between the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, they testify to the power of the Kings of France, the court lifestyle and the exceptional wealth of heritage in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

If you’re looking to discover the great Châteaux of the Loire Valley, a stay in Angers is a strategic choice. Situated to the west of the Loire Valley, the city offers easy access to all the major sites, as well as a pleasant, accessible and lively environment. Angers ensures an ideal balance between exceptional heritage tours and the area’s mild climate: all the ingredients for a successful cultural stay.

To help you organise your tours as best possible, take a look at our guide to the Châteaux of the Loire Valley around Angers, designed for easy day trips.

Château de Chambord, the Renaissance giant

Château de Chambord is one of the largest and most impressive Châteaux of the Loire Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its monumental architecture, double spiral staircase and vast forest estate.

Designed under the influence of the Italian Renaissance, Chambord embodies the architectural ambitions of the reign of Francis I. A visit to this castle will give you an idea of the scale of 16th-century royal plans and how the medieval castle evolved into a stately residence.

The Château de Chambord is particularly well-suited for a first visit to the great Châteaux of the Loire Valley, especially for visitors with little time to spare during a stay in Angers.

Getting here from Angers:

🚆 Train: around 2 hours 30 minutes (via Blois)
🚗 Car: around 2 hours 15 minutes

Château de Chenonceau, the Ladies' Castle

Built in the 16th century on the Cher River, the Château de Chenonceau is one of the most iconic jewels of the Loire Valley. Nicknamed the Ladies’ Castle, it owes its elegance and history to major female figures such as Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis.

With its galleries stretching out across the river, its refined lounges and perfectly tended gardens, this castle offers a unique visitor experience, combining architecture, history and nature. Château de Chenonceau is one of the most popular castles for couples to visit, thanks to its exceptional natural setting and elegant atmosphere.

Getting here from Angers

🚆 Train: about 1 hour 30 minutes
🚗 Car: about 1 hour 30 minutes

The Château Royal d'Amboise, at the peak of the Loire Valley

Overlooking the Loire, the Château Royal d’Amboise was one of the main residences of the Kings of France during the Renaissance. It offers a remarkable panoramic view of the river and the town, boldly testifying to royal presence in the Loire Valley.

The castle is also known for housing the tomb of Leonardo da Vinci in the Saint-Hubert Chapel. Close by, Le Clos Lucé rounds off the tour by immersing visitors in the world of this Italian genius.

The Château d’Amboise is a natural choice as part of any itinerary discovering the great Châteaux of the Loire Valley during a stay in Angers.

Getting here from Angers

🚆 Train : about 1 hour 30 minutes
🚗 Car: about 1 hour 45 minutes

Château de Cheverny, an elegant lifestyle

Château de Cheverny stands out for the elegance of its facades and the richness of its interiors, preserved very close to their original state. Still inhabited by the same family for several centuries, it offers a rare glimpse of the aristocratic life.

Cheverny is also famous for having inspired the Château de Moulinsart in the Adventures of Tintin. Its park, kennels and permanent exhibitions make it a particularly popular destination for families.

From Angers, Cheverny perfectly rounds off a discovery of the great Châteaux of the Loire Valley, combining heritage, culture and conviviality.

Getting here from Angers

🚆 Train: about 2 hours 40 minutes
🚗Car: about 2 hours

Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire, art and nature in harmony

The Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire stands out for its close links with contemporary art and landscape design. Every year, the International Garden Festival attracts visitors from all over the world, bringing together historic heritage and innovation.

Perched high above the Loire, the castle also offers remarkable panoramic views and contemporary art exhibitions, adding a new dimension to the visitor experience. Chaumont-sur-Loire is a particular favourite among curious visitors who love nature and artistic creation.

It adds a complementary cultural dimension to a stay in Angers devoted to the great Châteaux of the Loire Valley.

Getting here from Angers

🚆 Train: about 2 hours
🚗 Car: about 2 hours

  

No need to travel far, Anjou is a real gem for lovers of history and architecture. Our region boasts an exceptional concentration of historic monuments, including some of the most famous, such as the Château d’Angers, Saumur, Brézé, Montreuil Bellay, La Lorie, Serrant, Brissac, Plessis Bourré and Plessis-Macé.

Comparing

the great Châteaux of the Loire

Chambord

Period: Renaissance

Journey time by train from Angers: 2 hours 30 minutes

Ideal for: First visits

 

Chenonceau

Period: Renaissance

Journey time by train from Angers: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ideal for: Couples

Amboise

Period: Renaissance

Journey time by train from Angers: 1 hour 30 minutes

Ideal for: History

Cheverny

Period: Classic

Journey time by train from Angers: 2 hours 40 minutes

Ideal for: Families

Chaumont-sur-Loire

Period: Renaissance

Journey time by train from Angers: 2 hours

Ideal for: Art & gardens

Frequently asked questions about the great Châteaux of the Loire Valley
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    Looking to structure your plan?

    Discover our ideas for trips and outings from Angers.

    What makes Angers an excellent base camp for visiting the great Châteaux of the Loire Valley?

    Angers offers an ideal alternative to touring holidays. By choosing the city as your base, you’ll be able to enjoy stable accommodation, easy access by train and a delightful living environment after your day trips.

    The proximity of the Château d’Angers, a historic pillar of the Loire Valley, also offers visitors a better understanding of the development of the Châteaux of the Loire Valley, from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Angers is a strategic and well-balanced destination for exploring all the Châteaux of the Loire Valley.

    In a nutshell: exploring the great Châteaux of the Loire Valley from Angers

    Discovering the great Châteaux of the Loire Valley is an essential experience for understanding French history and its art of living. By staying in Angers, you’ll benefit from a central, accessible and pleasant starting point, making it easy to organise your trips while guaranteeing a quality stay.

    Angers is the ideal base from which to explore the great Châteaux of the Loire Valley, combining major heritage discoveries with the gentle Anjou way of life.

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