the castles of Loir-et-Cher

Why not start your getaway to Loir-et-Cher by one of its most iconic jewels: the Chaumont-sur-Loire estate ?

Overlooking the LoireThis majestic castle rises in the heart of a 32-hectare landscaped park. Inside, you will discover superbly furnished rooms, testaments to a rich aristocratic past. old stables are also worth a visit. And to complete your visit, don't miss the International Garden Festival, which transforms the estate into a veritable laboratory of plant creation every year.

Much more than a castle, the Chaumont-sur-Loire estate is also a Arts and Nature CenterThroughout your visit, you will discover a selection of exhibitions installed in different parts of the site.

Nature lovers will be captivated by the facilities of the International Garden FestivalAs with every season, the creations compete in originality and poetry to offer a true botanical journey. Between the stables, the park and the spectacular views of the LoireThe area is full of treasures to explore… and to photograph!

For this second day, we head east, south of Blois, to explore two more secluded gems of Loir-et-Cher: theBeauregard castlesandTroussay.

A few kilometers from Cheverny, the Château de Beauregard held at the time the Europe's largest collection of portraitsThat's all! In the old days hunting lodge of Francis ILater the residence of influential ministers in the 16th and 17th centuries, the castle now offers a a rich overview of French historyThe visit, whether self-guided or with a guide, will immerse you in this fascinating past. Don't miss the majestic Gallery of Illustrious Figures with its 327 portraits, as well as the park and its unique portrait garden.

When we talk about the little ones Castles of Loire, impossible not to mention the Troussay Castle, your next step. Nicknamed the smallest castle in the LoireIts modest size is captivating, giving it a captivating charm!

A little Renaissance treasure Nestled in a verdant setting, the Château de Troussay welcomes you for a peaceful visit. While the park can be explored freely, the interior of the château can only be discovered on a guided tour. Every afternoon, tasting tours are offered: a great opportunity to enjoy local wines accompanied by regional specialties.

For this third stage, let's head towards... one of the most famous castles in Loir-et-Cher : the Cheverny castleYou may have noticed a certain resemblance to another famous castle? Indeed, Cheverny inspired Hergé's... Moulinsart castle for the adventures of Tintin The superbly furnished castle holds many surprises. Start by visiting its elegantly decorated rooms, then the six themed gardens :

• the flower and vegetable garden, rich in vegetables and flowers
• the apprentices' garden, offering an incredible view of the castle
• the garden of love, adorned with six monumental sculptures by Gudmar Olovson
• the tulip garden, which blooms every spring with 250,000 flowers
• The maze, perfect for challenge lovers
• and finally, the sugar garden, a French-style orchard
  
  

Don't miss the vast English park which surrounds the castle, which you can explore if you wish, either by electric buggy or boat trip. You can also discover the kennel where 120 tricolor Anglo-French dogs live. Finally, the permanent exhibition "The Secrets of Moulinsart" will immerse you in a fun and intergenerational world, perfect for the whole family and Tintin enthusiasts.

It's time to explore a less frequented site: the Fougères-sur-Bièvre castle !

Upon your arrival, the defensive aspect of his fortress will not leave you unmoved. Admire its architecture, both simple and imposing, and imagine yourself, in the 16th century, arriving on horseback to pass through the gates of the fortified castle… After contemplating its architecture, its entrance curtain wall with machicolations, and its rampart walk, the visit will lead you to the impressive timber frame of the castle and the garden, inspired by the Middle AgesIdeal for a sunny break. If you can, stay until nightfall to enjoy the light show.

Have you ever heard of the Gué-Péan castle This charming estate, still inhabited and beautifully furnished, opens its doors to you in the heart of a green setting! Discover this little-known treasure which is well worth a visit, with its imperial tower, its chapel where the lady of Gué-Péan and the marquis of Valençay were united in 1684, as well as its elegant salons and its library.

To conclude this stay, go to Selles-sur-Cher castle, a medieval castle nestled in the heart of a 2-hectare park.

History enthusiasts will be captivated by the site, which still stands despite numerous destructions and reconstructions. A vibrant place, the castle regularly hosts festivals and events, making it an essential stop for families to discover in the Loir-et-Cher.