The Loire Valley is chateau central. The accident of geography, battles between armies and the patronage of royal families brought fantastic castles into the area of the Loire Valley. …
How many chateaus are in the Loire?
The Loire isn’t the only place in France with chateaux (castles) but it does have the densest collection. There are some 300 in the 175-mile stretch of the river known as the Loire Valley. Some of the earliest chateaux still impress, like the ruined Chateau de Lavardin, built at the start of the 11th century.
Which chateaux is best in the Loire Valley? Château of Chambord Considered to be one the best chateaux in Loire Valley, this UNESCO site offers tours of its interior where you can view its intricate architecture and impressive tapestry collection.
Why does France have so many chateaus?
Early on, they served as strongholds for a nobleman to control and protect his land holdings. Later, as the threat of banditry reduced, they became country homes. There are many chateaus because any large noble estate would have one, and France has a lot of nobility and a lot of farmland.
Which region of France has the most chateaux?
Burgundy and Normandy, he adds, are among the regions where you can find some of them. In Burgundy, most châteaux are situated in the stretch of countryside to the east of the Loire and on either side of the Saône.
What is the Loire Valley best known for?
The Loire Valley, in central France’s Loire River, is known for its abundant produce, famed wine industry, vibrant culture and stunning châteaux.
Are Loire Valley castles open?
Castles in capital letters are open all year round. These castles may be closed on the 25th of December , the 1st of January, 1st of Mai , 1st and 11th of November and in Winter from 12 pm to 14 pm. The other châteaux are sometimes closed in winter.
How many days do you need in Loire Valley?
I would recommend a minimum of 3 full days to visit the Loire Valley chateaux, but ideally 5-6.
What is the most famous castle in Loire River Valley?
Why it’s a must-see The castle isn’t just a work of a Renaissance architectural genius, it’s also an important historical center where French history unfolded. With more than 700,000 visitors a year, the Château de Chambord is the biggest and most visited castle in the Loire Valley.
Which chateau was actually never completed so it has a distinctive L shape?
| Château de Chambord | |
|---|---|
| State Party | France |
| Region | Europe |
How much did they pay for the chateau in escape to the chateau?
How much did they pay for Château de la Motte-Husson? The Strawbridge’s paid £280,000 when they bought the ruined property 2015. The immense chateau has 45 bedrooms, 78 windows, 12 acres and one moat.
Why are chateaus so cheap in France?
It’s no secret that one of the reasons why there are so many ‘bargain’ châteaux are the exorbitant renovation costs and the relentless maintenance required. Structurally renovating a château could set you back an average of €1,000 per square metre. … A medium-sized château can cost around €80,000 a year to maintain.
Why are so many castles abandoned in France?
Ancestors abandoned castles for their military inefficiency due to weapon evolution. They didn’t offer the comfort of living as a new lavish palace could. Today, the most common reason is the high cost of maintaining a castle or a palace forced the owners to abandon them.
What is the most beautiful palace in France?
- Château de Versailles.
- Château de Chambord.
- Château de Chenonceau.
- Château de Fontainebleau.
- Château de Cheverny.
- Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte.
- Château de Chantilly.
- Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg.
Why is a château called a château?
The French word château denotes buildings as diverse as a medieval fortress, a Renaissance palace and a fine 19th-century country house. … The term hôtel particulier is used in French for an urban “private house” of a grand sort.
Is a château the same as a castle?
Although the French word for ‘château’ is generally translated as castle it is more likely to mean a country house or a manor house. … Named “The Valley of the Kings” due to its former residents some of these Chateaux have been lovingly restored for you to enjoy their original features and become king of your own castle.