Loire Valley

The Loire Valley earned its nickname "Garden of France" through centuries of royal patronage. When French kings abandoned their Parisian palaces for the countryside, they created a concentration of architectural magnificence unmatched anywhere in Europe.

Château de Chambord stands as the most ambitious of these royal projects. François I commissioned a palace of 440 rooms, dominated by a famous double-helix staircase possibly designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The scale defies description — this was ostentation as state policy, designed to impress visiting dignitaries with the power of the French crown.

Château de Chenonceau offers a more intimate elegance. Built spanning the River Cher, this "Ladies' Château" passed through the hands of remarkable women who each left their mark. The gallery stretching across the river served as a hospital in World War I, and the contrast between grand architecture and human stories makes Chenonceau particularly moving.

The châteaux continue in seemingly endless variety. Villandry is famous for its geometric gardens, recreating Renaissance horticultural ideals. Azay-le-Rideau appears to float on its moat. Chaumont hosts an annual garden festival that draws landscape designers from around the world.

Beyond the châteaux, the Loire Valley offers charming towns that served these royal estates. Amboise, where Leonardo spent his final years, overlooks the river from its castle heights. Tours provides a proper city base with excellent restaurants and lively markets. Blois presents a château whose different wings span four centuries of French architecture.

The wines of the Loire deserve attention alongside its architecture. Vouvray produces both still and sparkling wines from Chenin Blanc. Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé create elegant Sauvignon Blancs on the eastern edge of the region. The light reds of Chinon and Bourgueil pair beautifully with the local cuisine.

Planning a Loire trip involves choosing which châteaux to prioritize, as visiting every one would take months. We help identify the mix that matches your interests — Renaissance art, gardens, lived-in estates, or less-visited gems — and create an itinerary that avoids château fatigue.