The Châteaux of the Loire Valley
The châteaux, numbering more than three hundred, represent a nation of builders starting with the necessary castle fortifications in the 10th century to the splendor of those built half a millennium later. When the French kings began constructing their huge châteaux here, the nobility, not wanting or even daring to be far from the seat of power, followed suit. Their presence in the lush, fertile valley began attracting the very best landscape designers. In addition to its many châteaux, the cultural monuments illustrate to an exceptional degree the ideals of the Renaissance and the Age of the Enlightenment on western European thought and design.
Amboise
Azay le Ridau
Azay le Ridau
Azay le Ridau
Chambord
Chambord
Chenonceaux
Villandry
Villandry
Villandry
Villandry
Villandry
Villandry
Villandry
