The Loire Valley Castles, a Photo Essay

Posted on 19. Dec, 2011 by Marie in Destinations, Europe Travel, France, Photo Posts

Visiting and taking photos of the Loire Valley Castles was kind of a big thing for me – not only did I cross off yet another item off of my bucket list, but also because there are things you just have to have photos of. And few things are quite as iconic as these French Renaissance castles! I was blessed with a beautiful, warm autumn weekend when I visited and the magical atmosphere left me wonderful souvenirs, and amazing shots. Here’s a handful of my personal favorites!

Azay-le-Rideau

Azay-le-Rideau Castle

Azay-le-Rideau castle is also known as the “enchanted mirror”, because of its constant reflection in the river that surrounds it. Albeit a bit smaller than other castles of the Loire Valley, it is nonetheless very interesting – did you know it’s one of the first castles to boast dog-legged staircases, as opposed to spiral staircases in the towers?

And yes, I’m a crazy cat lady first.

King of Azay-le-Rideau

Before visiting Amboise castle, I had no idea Leonardo Da Vinci was buried there. I read through some pamphlets and realized he had a big implication in the architecture and design of a few castles of the Loire Valley.

Amboise Castle

Saint-Hubert Chapel at Amboise Castle

Chenonceau Castle is often nicknamed “The Ladies’ Castle”, because its history was largely influenced by many Renaissance ladies, like Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Médicis, favorites of King Henri II. Feminine touches are present throughout the castle, giving it an undeniably romantic feel.

Chenonceau Castle at sunset

Room of Gabrielle d'Estrées at Chenonceau Castle

A set of photos of Loire Valley castles wouldn’t be complete without a few detailed shots. It’s actually what I loved most during my trip: discovering all the quirky details, from the furniture to the windows to the doors and accessories. I found that Chambord, Chenonceau and Amboise were particularly ornate, making them that much more interesting.

It's all in the details.

And speaking of details, what better way to indulge than visiting the most famous gardens of the region, the gardens of Villandry Castle? While October isn’t the best month to visit, it was fun to have the gardens almost to myself.

Villandry Gardens

And of course, the conclusion to my trip: the majestic, out-of-this-world, Chambord Castle. I loved it so much, in fact, I wrote a special post about it!

Chambord Castle

Have you visited this region of France? Do you also have many photos of the Loire Valley Castles? Feel free to share them!

Related posts:

1. Tirol, Oetz Valley and Innsbruck, an Austrian Photo Essay
2. The Wonders of Chambord Castle
3. My Beautiful Auvergne, a Photo Essay
4. Autumn In and Around the Alps, a Photo Essay
5. The Surprising Architecture of Lausanne, a Photo Essay

Tags: architecture, castles, France, Loire, photography