5 Jaw-Dropping Castles in the Loire Valley You Have to See to Believe

The Loire Valley is home to more than 300 castles! However, only a few leave you truly awestruck. They are royal residences that stand out for their beauty, history, and architectural wonders.

Here's a look at some of the most stunning castles you can visit in the region.

1. Château de Chambord

Photo: Benh LIEU SONG (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Château de Chambord is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture with its dramatic silhouette and sprawling grounds. Its double-helix staircase, thought to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci, is an engineering marvel where two people can ascend without crossing paths. The castle’s façade is adorned with hundreds of chimneys, turrets, and towers, which gives it an almost fairy-tale appearance.

Photo: Elementerre ( edited by Atoma and Sir Gawain)

Set within Europe’s largest enclosed forest park, Chambord is a symbol of royal ambition and artistic innovation. Its sheer size and design make it unlike any other in the Loire Valley.

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