Top 8 Castles around Saint-Claude-De-Diray

The Royal Château of Blois was the residence of queens, kings, and princes for more than four centuries. It was the preferred residence of Duke Charles of Orléans, the birthplace of Louis XII, who lived here with his wife Anne of Brittany, the first building constructed by the king and architect Francis I, the deathbed of Catherine de' Medici, and the home of Marie de' Medici in exile.

A worthwhile castle with its four construction periods. Make sure you take the time to visit.

It is the largest Renaissance hunting lodge on the Loire. A visit is highly recommended. There is a paid parking lot. The park is 55 hectares in size. Chambord Castle impresses with its architecture, the beautifully furnished rooms and art. It is recommended to rent a Histopad for 6.5 euros. From the terrace you have great views of the landscaped garden and the extensive park.

In the heart of Sologne, the Château de Chambord has continued to dazzle its visitors for five hundred years. A true architectural work, Chambord is the emblem of the French Renaissance throughout the world. An affirmation of royal power, but also an evocation of an ideal city, the monument remains an enigma that has not yet finished revealing all its secrets. The unique and magical atmosphere is felt upon arrival, after crossing the forest, when you find yourself facing this castle with its extraordinary architecture imagined by François I and on which floats the spirit of Leonardo da Vinci. Built from 1519 at the request of François I, a lover of the arts and hunting, the Château de Chambord is a palace that the king liked to show to sovereigns and ambassadors as a symbol of his power inscribed in stone. Built in the heart of the marshy lands of Sologne, Chambord represents a true architectural feat. The plan of the castle and its decorations were designed around a central axis: the famous double-revolution staircase, inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. The castle was completed under the reign of Louis XIV. In the 18th century, work was undertaken to develop the interior of the castle. The need to bring warmth and comfort to the building prompted the various occupants to furnish the castle permanently. By visiting the Château Chambord, you travel through 500 years of French history in a few hours. Stairs, galleries, terraces, large rooms and small offices are all solicitations to wander for pleasure. Chambord is not a castle like the others. Visiting Chambord is accessing a world apart, filled with mystery, which opens the doors to the genius of the Renaissance. The Château de Chambord has been dedicated to the arts from the outset. Molière's Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme was performed there for the first time, in front of Louis XIV in 1670. True to this tradition, the estate has set up a quality cultural program since 2010 (music festival, exhibitions, readings, shows, etc.). The Château de Chambord cannot be dissociated from its natural state, the forest. With its 5,440 hectares and 32 kilometers of surrounding walls, the national estate of Chambord is the largest enclosed park in Europe. Coming to Chambord also means exploring kilometers of hidden paths, admiring preserved landscapes, having the chance to come across wild animals or discovering the magnificent French gardens designed under Louis XIV and completely restored in 2017. Chambord offers many nature activities in the park: equestrian show, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits to the reserve in 4x4, boat trips, on foot or by bike. For lovers of the terroir, come and discover the Chambord vineyards and taste the 500-year-old vintage. Also, don't miss a visit to the vegetable gardens, inspired by permaculture, in the former stables of the château. An opportunity to discover the world of market gardeners and the benefits of this agriculture. In Chambord, everyone can build their day according to their desires.

Largest portrait collection in Europe

You can cycle through the castle park

Beautiful viewpoint of Chambord Castle.

The Château de Beauregard is a Renaissance castle which was once the hunting lodge of François I and a residence for the kings' ministers in the 16th and 17th centuries. You can enjoy the 40-hectare landscaped park, which includes a portrait garden designed by the famous landscape architect Gilles Clément. A great way to discover a jewel of the Loire Valley and immerse yourself in history and nature.