The Centre region has an outstanding architectural, historical and cultural heritage that is worth the trip. Along the river Loire, you will be invited to turn the pages of a full-scale history book: this is the place where kings of France built their castles. The most renowned of them are without any doubt Chambord, Blois and Azay-le-Rideau castles.
Chambord Castle:
Architectural work of art from the Renaissance period and François Ier’s dream, the legend tells that Leonardo Da Vinci would have drawn the castle. Chambord Castle stands in the heart of a vast 13500 acres forest, which offers nice walks, bike rides or even boat trips along river Cosson.
The forest and the castle are open every day.
Price: from 8,50€ to 9,50€. Free under 18 years old.
Blois Castle:
Not far from Chambord, at the heart of a town built like an amphitheatre on river Loire, Blois Castle combines four styles. Four castles around a courtyard where stands the famous staircase of the François Ier area. This royal castle keeps the memory of a scary story when penetrating Henri III’s bedroom where the Duke of Guise was murdered.
The castle is open every day.
Price: 8€. Light and Sound: 7€. Castle + Light and Sound: 13€
Azay-le-Rideau Castle:
Located in the Touraine area, Azay-le-Rideau is the symbol of architectural refinement during French Renaissance time. The castle combines both style of the traditional French castle and the greatness of Italian palaces. Built on an island, Azay-le-Rideau is a treasure surrounded with water, which offers a nice and calm setting to enjoy beautiful walks.
The castle is open all year round.
Price: 7,50€. Reduced: 4,80€. Free under 17 years old.
