With its historic towns, architecture, and wines, the Loire Valley has a rich and long history. The fertile region has been fought over and influenced by many.

Here’s a few fun facts:

The oldest known Neanderthal engravings dating back to more than 57,000 years ago were found in a cave along the Loire.
600 BC: the Loire was already an important trading route between the Celts and the Greeks.
1 AD: the Romans planted the first vineyards.
5 AD: the wine of the Loire was noted in a publication by poet Sidonius Apollinaris.
1000 AD: the wines produced were known as being the most acclaimed in both England and France in the High Middle Ages.

While the fertile valley is known for its renowned wine production because of its location and climate, it’s also known for the significant amount of châteaux that we’re built throughout history.

The Loire River was vital for trade and was the dividing point between the north and south of the country. This natural divide was also a barrier between rival enemies. Châteaux, or castles, were first built as fortresses which helped armies withstand invaders like the 8th-century Umayyad forces or the 9th-century Vikings.

Fortresses in the valley were especially important during the Hundred Years War between the French and the English. For much of the war, Loire was the dividing line between the English in the north and the French in the south.

THE RENAISSANCE

The Renaissance is when French kings really became drawn to the Loire Valley by the mild climate, abundant deer and wild boar hunting grounds, excellent wine and food, and a safe haven away from the politics of Paris. Minor royals, aristocrats, and wealthy merchants followed suit to try to elevate their status by not wanting to be too far from the seat of power. Architects and artists, like Leonardo da Vinci, were also drawn to the area. Influenced by Italian art and architecture, glorious châteaux were built with elaborate gardens — built (or rebuilt) for grandeur rather than defense. The area became known as the Valley of Kings.

The arrival of kings and their courts made wine making in the Loire Valley flourish. Kings would have their favorite grapes planted near their castles, and winemakers would work hard to earn the right for their wines to be served at the royal table. Loire wines were also exported to England and the Netherlands, which only helped expand the vineyards and give the Loire Valley the wine recognition it has today.

THE FRENCH REVOLUTION & WORLD WARS

Unfortunately, the tides shift starting with the French Revolution. There were a few events that had a major effect on the Loire Valley, and therefore the châteaux.

During the French Revolution, many aristocrats, royalty, and royalist sympathizers fled their châteaux leaving them vacant — along with the vineyards. The castles were destroyed, ransacked, or demolished as their occupants were murdered.

Skip ahead to World War I and World War II, châteaux were commandeered as military headquarters or hospital wards during World War 1 and World War II. Today, many of the remaining 300 châteaux are either homes, tourist sites, hotels and bed and breakfasts, or owned by the state.

A Few Notable Chateaux

Château d'Amboise

The Château d'Amboise was built on a spur above the Loire river as a strategic fortress during medieval times. Charles VII seized it after its owner Louis d’Amboise was convicted of plotting against the monarchy. The castle became a favorite among many of France’s Kings — and where King Charles VIII died in 1498 after hitting his head on a door lintel.

One notable guest was Leonardo da Vinci who lived and worked at a nearby château (Clos Lucé) that was connected to the Amboise by an underground passage. Da Vinci is said to have possibly been buried in the chapel of Saint Hubert at Château d’Amboise.

Château de Chenonceau

The Château de Chenonceau is one of the best-known châteaux of the Loire Valley on the Cher river and is currently the second most visited château in France after the Palace of Versailles.

The current château was built with late Gothic and early Renaissance architectural styles in 1514 on the foundations of an old mill which later extended to span the river. Catherine de’ Medici lived here, threw elaborate parties, and spent a fortune on expanding the château and its gardens. After Catherine’s death, it passed to her daughter-in-law Louise of Lorraine, wife of King Henry III. When she learned of her husband’s assassination, she fell into a state of depression. Louise spent the next 11 years wandering aimlessly along the corridors of tapestries stitched with skulls and crossbones while dressed in morning clothes. Goth girl.

The château was saved during the French Revolution by being the only bridge across the river for many miles but was bombed during World War II by both the Germans and the Allies. The château was restored in 1951 by the Menier family, the current owners.

Château de Chambord

The Château de Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley and one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world because of it’s distinct French Renaissance architecture. It’s thought that Leonardo da Vinci may have influenced the design because of its double-spiral staircase. Building began in 1519 as a hunting lodge for King Francis I. However, he barely spent much time there as it was impractical to heat and there were no villages or estates in the surrounding area — meaning no other food for his large hunting troupe besides game meat. The château was completely unfurnished during this period and everything was brought specifically for each hunting trip (this is why furniture from this era was built to be disassembled for ease of transportation).

The castle sat abandoned for most of the time between when it was built and to present. Some of the artwork and furniture were sold or burned during the French Revolution, however the castle itself was relatively spared. It wasn’t until 1871 that Count of Chambord began to restore the château, and it eventually passed into the hands of the state. During WWII, artwork from the Louvre and Compiègne museums were moved to Château de Chambord for safe keeping — including the Mona Lisa.

This UNESCO world heritage château sits on 13,000 acres of land and is open to the public. While tapestry collections are showcased, ultimately the architecture itself is the work of art that is on display. See for yourself!

Château de Chinon

Built in the 10th century, the castle was built as a fortress with natural defenses on three sides and a ditch dug along the fourth. It was used intermittantly as a prison.

Charles VII, who would later become the King of France, held a nomadic court between the castles in the area but Chinon was his favorite. This castle is where seventeen year old Joan of Arc arrived to lead the French forces on an assault on the English-held city of Orleans.

Château de Villandry

Known for it’s stunning gardens, the Château de Villandry was built in the 16th century around a 14th-century keep. The original keep was the site where King Phillip II of France met Richard I of England to discuss peace.

It’s Renaissance style gardens include a water garden, ornamental flower gardens, and vegetable gardens — all lined with box hedges.

Château d’Ussé

Most notably, this château was the inspiration for “The Sleeping Beauty” by Charles Perrault who visited the castle often. Consequently, Walt Disney also drew inspiration from this castle.

Châteaux in the Loire Valley