Chateaux de la Loire

Last Thursday we drove down to the Loire Valley in France to see the gorgeous chateaux the Valley boasts. We saw SO MANY incredible chateaux (there are over 300 in the Valley), so for the sake of space (and not getting boring) I'm going to just highlight the 4 we spent the most time admiring. We got home late Sunday night.

Chenonceau

This was the one I was most excited to visit, and it was gorgeous! In July and August they rent boats you can row under the arches; but the still May water made for a great photo! Below is the other side of the castle.

Catherine de Medici ruled France from Chenonceau after the death of her husband King Henri II.

Villandry

Villandry is famous for its extensive and amazing gardens. Above are the vegetable gardens, and below are just some of the ornamental gardens. These photos only represent a fraction of Villandry's gardens!

Chambord

Chambord is the largest and most famous of the Loire Valley chateaux. It was built by Francois I (in the 1500s) more as a symbol of his power than as a residence, and it's impressive! Below is a photo of the famous double helix staircase in the center of the castle keep. It was reputedly devised by Leonardo da Vinci, who was friends with Francois I.

We got to explore the elaborate roof on Chambord, which was really cool. I think it makes the castle look really top-heavy, but it's beautiful.

d'Azay-le-Rideau

Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau is in the family of Loire Valley chateaux that are fairy tale-like. It must be the pointed turrets. We really liked this chateau.