The Château de Meung-sur-Loire A bit of history Visiting the Château de Meung-sur-Loire is like diving into history. It was a significant site during the Hundred Years’ War, becoming an English fortress before being liberated by Joan of Arc. The poet François Villon was imprisoned in the château’s dungeon in 1461. Around 1706, Bishop Louis-Gaston …
The Château de Cheverny The Château de Cheverny is a Loire Valley castle located in Sologne and classified as a historical monument. It inspired Hergé to create his Château de Moulinsart. The Cheverny Estate belongs to the Hurault de Vibraye family. It was one of the first private châteaux to open to the public in …
This is just a small list of the Loire Valley castles; we’ve spent several stays there in our camper van, and each time it’s a real pleasure. The region is magnificent and well-suited for touring in a camper van; you’ll easily find day parking as well as overnight areas to park your camper van near …
A bit of history about Beauval Zoo The park was founded by Françoise Delord, driven by her deep passion for birds. It all started with her collecting birds in her Paris apartment, before eventually settling in Beauval, at Saint-Aignan-sur-Cher, with her two children, Delphine and Rodolphe. Together with her son, they decided to open an …
Here is a wonderful discovery: this castle is certainly one of the most beautiful we have visited among all the castles of the Loire Valley. It is a private castle, yet richly furnished and decorated with all sorts of objects and costumes, some period and some not—a true treasure trove! Every room is furnished, and …
After exploring Turquant and its Valley of Artisans, we decided to visit the castle of Anjou and its troglodyte underground: the Château de Brézé. It’s a very beautiful, well-preserved, and furnished castle, notable for its immense underground tunnels. Once you’ve completed the traditional tour of the castle, you descend beneath it to discover a second, …
Our road trip in the Loire begins with a visit to the Montbazon fortress. It’s a wonderful discovery where you can easily spend a good half-day. This is a medieval fortress in ruins, unfortunately, but don’t think you’ll be bored! The fortress is managed by an association that offers an entertaining guided tour to learn …
The Château de Langeais was built by order of Louis XI starting in 1465. The interiors are furnished and evoke the daily life of 15th-century lords. On December 6, 1491, the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany took place here. This wedding is reenacted in a room of the castle with numerous superbly …
The Château de Valençay was acquired by Robert II d’Estampes and features Renaissance and classical architecture. Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, a minister of Napoleon and a great French diplomat, contributed to the renovation of the castle. Valençay is a very beautiful château, perfectly furnished in Renaissance style. Besides the pleasant and well-commented interior visit thanks to …
The Château du Rivau is a medieval fortress dating back to 1420, conceived at the initiative of Pierre de Beauvau, the Grand Chamberlain of Charles VII, which sets it apart from the Renaissance castles in the Loire region. What a surprising visit! Art enthusiasts will love this castle. Others, however, might find it quite bewildering. …
