Who doesn’t fantasise about fairy tales that take place in magical castles full of beautiful princesses and brave princes? Anyone who is interested in medieval history knows that this period is especially associated with the building of fortified castles. They later develop into architecturally decorated and comfortable castles that were inhabited by real kings and queens. Noble families came to their castles scattered in the river valley mainly for entertainment whilst ​​the deep forests offered the entertainment of a successful hunt. 

THE HISTORY BEHIND…

Evening feasts were full of popular delicacies of the time such as pasties, smoked and fresh fish from the river or stewed venison from the local forests. High-quality cow and goat cheeses remain popular today, and the local vineyards, originally founded by the Romans, still provide excellent wine! But the nobility also excelled in the evening program that followed the feast – playing the mandolin, reciting ballads, and perhaps the most popular were masked balls.

LOCATION….

Around the longest French river, the Loire, less than 2 hours by car from Paris (the Pays de la Loire region), sprung up around 120 castles in the surrounding area. The region became listed as a cultural heritage on the UNESCO list.

Millions of tourists from all over the world head to this area every year to discover the secrets and backstory behind the local castles. And there is truly an infinite number of aspects to admire…

Each castle is gifted with its own unique story… But for now, let’s look at just a few, that I personally admire the most… 

Here are MY TOP 4!

• Chateau de CHAMBORD – a stunning Renaissance royal castle that is also the largest hunting castle in the world. Known for having over 400 rooms, over 70 staircases and 365 chimneys! Louis XIV went hunting there, and among his famous guests was the writer Molière! The current form and its uniqueness were certainly given to it by the personal care of King Francis I., who in 1519 began a reconstruction that lasted more than 30 years just to never finish. The largest park in Europe extends all around the castle making it extremely beautiful. Today the park is a nature reserve, where the current French president can go hunting with his dearly invited guests.

• Chateau d’AMBOISE – Everyone must admire it when they see it towering above them over the river! From the original medieval fortress it was built to serve, it truly became a Renaissance jewel much later. The original owners, from the Amboise family, lost the castle when the king confiscated the property. The castle was loved by kings, especially Francis I., who organized tournaments, balls, and fireworks here. Interestingly, at the invitation of the king, the famous Leonardo da Vinci worked here as an architect from 1516 where he also died and got buried in the local chapel of St. Hubert.

• Chateau de CHENONCEAU – the second most visited castle (after Versailles) in France! So, what makes it unique? A romantic location with a historical connection by the very 6 women who gave it its current form. Perhaps the most famous of them are Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici – the mistress and wife of King Henry II. The castle itself is built on bridge arches over the Cher River. Today, visitors from all over the world can admire not only the richly furnished Renaissance interiors with a collection of magnificent paintings, but also the period-equipped kitchen. Additionally, the two amazing gardens, planted with thousands of flowers, are also ideal for relaxation painting.

• Chateau de CHEVERNY – It is not the largest nor most famous castle on the Loire, yet its baroque architecture and well–preserved interiors should credit this castle with the recognition it deserves! The main attraction is the gorgeous and well-maintained French garden spanning over 100 hectares containing a large English park with a maze, a menagerie (or a forest theater), and a sheepfold that makes this castle suitable for every kind of visitor.

And after a tour of such a castle, where perhaps the entire system of castle cuisine has been preserved on Chambord, a small or large snack will always come in handy. For example, I really liked the homemade terrine and the wild boar sausage with potato purée. The fresh pike with grilled vegetables combined with white wine from the local vineyards was excellent too. And as a sweet ending, the sweet pickled pears smudged in hot chocolate is simply great.

Tourists and history lovers can gather to the beauty around the Loire River all year round, but spring is full of flowers, scents and colors in the beautiful gardens making it the most immersive season all year round.