Châteaux (pronounced SHa’tōs, plural for château) are large French country homes or palaces, with or without fortifications. In the Loire Valley region of France, there are more than 300 Châteaux, and we were lucky to have visited three of them.

The Château de Chenonceau:

This magnificent Renaissance-style château was constructed between 1514 and 1522 on the site of an old mill and was later extended across the River Cher. The château has a unique succession of strong women (i.e. wives and mistresses) who designed, governed, protected, and restored it, including Catherine Briconnet, Diane de Poitiers, and Catherine de’ Medici. It was de’ Medici who had the two-story gallery built on top of the bridge spanning the river. The château was passed down through the centuries amid lavish parties, intrigue and scandal, and is now the most visited private château in France. From stunning floral arrangements designed in the garden workshop, to elegant wall-coverings and art, Chenonceau was my favorite!

The Château de Chambord:

While the Château de Chenonceau was associated with women, the Château de Chambord includes many illustrious men in its history such as Francis, the King of France, Leonardo da Vinci, and French playwright Molière. Chambord is the largest château in the Loire Valley and one of the most recognizable due to its French Renaissance architecture, which is a blend of medieval and classic Renaissance. Leonardo Da Vinci may have influenced the unique design. It was built as a hunting lodge for King Francis I between 1519 and 1547. Chambord was abandoned for a time after the French Revolution. Because of its fortification, artwork from the Louvre in Paris was hidden here during WWII.

The Château d’Amboise:

Sitting high above the town of Amboise, this fortified château was built on the foundation of an old fortress that overlooks the Loire River, giving it a solid defensive position. In the mid 1400’s, it was confiscated by the monarchy and became one of the favorite sites for the Kings of France, especially Charles VIII and Francis I. Many of the intellectual and scientific thinkers of the time stayed here, along with Leonardo da Vinci, who is buried in the Château Chapel. The château has an exceptional collection of Gothic and Renaissance furniture, and beautiful panoramic gardens which look out over the city and the river valley.

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