News

The tallest castle in Europe is in the Loire Valley! Just outside Angers, in Maine-et-Loire, stands the intriguing Château de Brissac, considered the tallest castle in Europe! From its seven stories, its 204 rooms tell the story of nearly ten centuries of history… Let's discover it together! Like many castles in […]

Catherine de Medici in the Loire Valley On April 13, 1519, Lorenzo II de Medici and Madeleine de la Tour d'Auvergne welcomed a daughter, Catherine. At just 14 years old, the young woman's destiny changed dramatically; she was married to the young son of Francis I and became […]

Spring break at the Château de Chambord: Guided tours, equestrian show, creative workshops, exhibitions – for the spring break, scheduled from April 23 to May 10, 2026, a rich program awaits young and old at the Château de Chambord, one of the most famous in the Loire Valley! Chambord, history on horseback: an equestrian show […]

3 parks and gardens to discover in spring. The Loire Valley is obviously distinguished by the impressive number of châteaux it houses. Inhabited by some of the greatest figures in our history, some of them are known throughout the world. Far from the frenzy of these grand monuments, discovering the region also means […]

Loire Valley Castles and Literature: The line between historical heritage and literary history is sometimes thin. Through their architecture, their beauty, and the romantic adventures they have sometimes witnessed, the Loire Valley castles have considerably inspired the authors of some of the greatest stories. From Alexandre Dumas to Hergé, by way of the great Honoré de […]

Agnès Sorel: the first royal mistress! Agnès Sorel died on February 9, 1450. Only 27 years old, she died suddenly, a victim of a "fluid." Let's revisit the extraordinary life of this young woman who held the heart of King Charles VII and was for a long time […]

Amboise: one town, three castles! Amboise is undoubtedly one of the jewels of the Loire Valley: its shops, its narrow streets, and its direct view of the Loire River make this town one of the most popular destinations for visitors wishing to discover the treasures of our region! Discovering it means […]

Talcy Castle: While many castles enjoy a well-deserved break, others are open year-round, allowing visitors to continue exploring our heritage, even in winter! Owned by the Centre des Monuments Nationaux (National Monuments Centre), Talcy Castle is open every day! Located in the heart of the Loir-et-Cher region, this property […]

A MAGICAL ADVENTURE Inhabited for over 350 years, the Château de la Ferté-Saint-Aubin was built starting in 1625 by Henri I de la Ferté Senneterre. 50 years later, his son, who became Marshal of King Louis XIV, continued the work. Illustrious owners succeeded him, such as Ulrich Frédéric Woldemar, Count of Lowendal, a great […]

The Loire Valley Châteaux during the First World War. This November 11, 2025, we celebrate the 107th anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended the First World War, a particularly deadly conflict that cost the lives of more than a million French soldiers. When this first major international conflict broke out, the […]

October 17, 18 & 19: 7th Edition of the Night of the Castles! This year, the Loire Valley Castles Association is honored to be a partner of the Night of the Castles, an event that has become a must-see! On Friday the 17th, Saturday the 18th, and Sunday the 19th of October, in France and across Europe, around one hundred castles will open their doors to the public […]

The weekend of August 15th in the Loire Valley. This Friday, we celebrate the Assumption; the perfect opportunity, if you're not on holiday, to enjoy a long bank holiday weekend! In the Loire Valley, (re)discover the must-see attractions or explore some more unusual monuments; we offer a few suggestions! NUMEROUS EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES Château de […]

Spending a night in a Loire Valley château: a truly regal experience. Spend a night in one of the Loire Valley châteaux and immerse yourself in an enchanting setting where history, luxury, and heritage converge for an unforgettable experience. The Loire Valley, with its many majestic châteaux, is a dream destination for […]

Loire Valley Wines & Châteaux: A perfect marriage of history and terroir. Explore the Loire Valley châteaux region while tasting its exceptional wines for an unforgettable cultural and gastronomic experience. The Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is not only famous for its majestic châteaux, but also for […]

A family getaway to the heart of the Loire Valley castles. Explore the Loire Valley castles with your family and immerse yourselves in history while having fun! The Loire Valley, famous for its majestic castles, is the perfect playground for a family getaway. With a multitude of activities […]

Cycling the Loire Valley Castles: A Royal Adventure on Two Wheels. Discover the Loire Valley castles by bike and immerse yourself in a journey through history and nature! The Loire Valley is an ideal destination for cycling enthusiasts. With its […]

In 2023, an all-female trio will be at the head of the association: discover the prospects for the coming year!

Enjoy magical moments thanks to the programming of the many castles opening their doors at Christmas!

103 heritage sites and remarkable gardens, all linked by the Loire, the royal river. What are the association's objectives?