getaway to the north of Loir-et-Cher

And what if we started this getaway with the most unmissable thing? Let's head to the Chambord Castle, the largest and most famous of Castles of Loire.

Built starting in 1519 at the request of Francis I, this Renaissance masterpiece It impresses with its size and bold architecture. Inside, discover its many rooms, its famous spiral staircase, a feat attributed to Leonardo da Vinci, before climbing up to the terraces to enjoy an exceptional panorama of the French-style gardens.

Choose the visit that suits you best: self-guided, with a guide, or interactive using the Histopad, for an immersive journey through time. But ChambordIt's not just a castle! It's also a forest estate of over 5,000 hectares, enclosed by a 32-kilometer-long wall. the largest enclosed park in Europe.

Here, there's no shortage of activities: strolls along the wooded paths, relaxation in the gardens, boat trips on the canals, or even playful exploration in an electric buggy or pedal car. Chambord is a life lived on a grand scale. Those with a thirst for discovery can also visit the new permaculture vegetable gardens and explore the estate's recently replanted vineyard. And finally, don't miss the equestrian and falconry showA powerful moment!

Le Loir-et-Cher castles tour Let's continue then, let's head south towards the Villesavin Castle, nicknamed "the Chambord construction site hut", built in the 16th century for Jean le Breton, minister to Francis I.

In addition to the castle, explore a wedding museum, another dedicated to horse-drawn carriages, and enjoy a family treasure hunt. Younger visitors will love the farm, populated with goats, sheep, rabbits, and many other feathered and furry animals.

In the afternoon, direction Blois, the capital of Loir-et-Cher, to discover its royal castle. Residence of seven kings and ten queens since the Renaissance, this iconic castle has witnessed significant events, such as the assassination of the Duke of Guise in 1588 or the escape of Marie de Medici in 1619.

Explore its sumptuous rooms and, in summer, don't miss the sound and light show "Thus Blois is told to you", which illuminates its facades at nightfall.

On this third day, treat yourself to a nature break at garden of Plessis Sasnièresa true haven of peace.

Created in the 19th century, this English garden It was restored by Rosamée Henrion, a botany enthusiast, who opened it to the public in 1996. Classified as a Remarkable Garden, it extends into a valley around a peaceful pond.

Take a stroll among the roses and perennials, which bloom throughout the season. We recommend climbing to the higher points of the park, along the magnolia-lined path, to enjoy an exceptional panoramic view of the garden.

Before leaving, enjoy the tea room or browse the shop, where you will find decorative items and gardening accessories to give as gifts or… to keep for yourself.

"Sweetheart, let's go see if the rose..." Do these words ring a bell? They are indeed the beginning of poem by Pierre de Ronsardborn right here in Loir-et-Cher.

Today, push open the door of the poet's birthplace : the Possonnière manor, in Couture-sur-Loir, in the west of the department. It was there that he was born in 1524 and grew up, in a setting that profoundly inspired his writings, with numerous allusions to it in his poems. Visit the manor house and its troglodytic outbuildings, adorned with sculptures and inscriptions from the Early Renaissance. Admire the monumental fireplace that dominates the main hall. The atmosphere subtly blends Middle Ages and RenaissanceIt's quite striking.

On the first floor, an exhibition retraces the life and work of Ronsard through portraits and explanatory panels. Outside, stroll through the gardens: rose garden, maze, vegetable garden and pergola for a relaxing walk. Fancy a bit more nature? Head out for a walk of about 30 minutes in the Gâtine forestpunctuated with educational panels and excerpts from the poems of the most famous poet of Loir-et-Cher!

It's time to join the Meslay castle ! This little-known gem offers a guided tour through its richly decorated rooms: the grand 18th-century drawing room with its paintings and objets d'art, the romantic dining room, the cozy winter lounge, and the billiard room, formerly Madame de la Porte's state bedroom. Also discover the impressive vaulted kitchens in the basement, covering nearly 400 m², housing more than 500 antique objects. Finally, there are the outbuildings, farmyard, dovecote, press room and the terrace offering a splendid view of the Loir, the park and the castle.

To conclude your getaway, make a stop at Talcy CastleHere, Cassandre Salviati, daughter of the first owner, inspired Ronsard's famous verse, "Mignonne, allons voir si la rose…". Located in the Beauce region, this authentic and romantic château has preserved its 18th-century layout, furnishings, and painted decorations. Outside, don't miss its domed well adorned with a rosebush, as well as its 16th-century circular dovecote.