Planning to drive the Loire valley for 2 days and look at chateaux. We like exteriors best but would like to do 1 , maybe 2, interior tours. Not afficianadoes of period furnishings, just looking for interesting and attractive. Would also like to do 1 garden. Again, style isn't important, just pretty. I am sure it's very subjective, but which interiors and gardens are your favorite?
Posted by
Savannah, GA
1336 posts
Chenonceau is genereally the JEWEL of the Loire valley. Everything about it is special.
You'll hear that a lot.
Posted by
105 posts
We loved Cheverny. Get there in time to see the feeding of the hunting dogs for an unusual experience. The best gardens imho was Villandry (check out online pictures).
Posted by
Reno, NV, USA
2427 posts
Villandry has the best garden. Chenonceau is the most unique as it straddles a river. Chambord for the interior.
Posted by
Atlanta
2469 posts
I agree with Chenonceau being the JEWEL! Beautiful gardens there as well.
I also enjoyed Chambord, a massive place with 365 spires and formal gardens. It is near the town of Bourges.
Also, I enjoyed Clos Luce, Leonardo da Vinci's last home built by King Francois I. IBM has installed a number of models of his inventions which are scattered in the chateau and on the lovely grounds. It is near the town of Amboise.
Touring the Loire Valley will be delightful!
Best,
Judy B
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
671 posts
I vote for Chambord! I, too, don't particularly care about furnishings, and although Chambord has some, much of the interior is not furnished. I loved just walking around the huge spaces and seeing the fascinating architecture. Also the rooftop was TOPS on my list. We didn't walk around gardens there. We did enjoy the gardens at Chenonceau and Cheverny (where my husband really enjoyed the Feeding of the Hounds).
Posted by
Florida
482 posts
Villandry gets my vote for best garden - four levels, each a treat in itself and together very impressive.
Chenonceau is the jewel, not just because it straddles a river but also because it feels livable. Some chateaus are so huge that it takes an act of imagination to picture yourself living there. At Chenonceau, you could imagine moving in tomorrow. Possibly that's because its design and construction were primarily directed by women.
Chaumont sur Loire is also worth consideration. Its exterior is very picturesque and it hosts an International Garden Festival every summer, which was varied and interesting when we were there. It was not just flowers, topiary and such, more like artists expressing themselves through "gardens" (in the broadest sense of the word).
Posted by
California
745 posts
Another vote for Chenonceau! We enjoyed comparing Diane de Poitiers garden to Catherine de Médicis and choosing our favorite!
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
23 posts
Another vote for Chenonceaux and the gardens at Villandry
Posted by
Brisbane, Australia
7175 posts
Chambord and Chenonceau are probably the two most photographed you see in guide books. Similarly Villandry is usually the first mentioned when it comes to gardens.
This is a great overview with map.
http://frenchmoments.eu/top-10-most-beautiful-chateaux-of-the-loire-valley/
Posted by
Kelowna, Canada
118 posts
Chenonceau is fabulous - would recommend that above others
For gardens the ones at Chaumont sur Loire are incredible with several different types of garden
Posted by
Ohio
2132 posts
Hi Carolyn, great topic. Here are my votes:
Villandry - best gardens (ever)
Chenonceau - prettiest furnishings, beautiful fresh flower arrangements in every room
Chambord - great architecture (inside and out), great view from the roof top
Clos Luce - best historical/educational experience
Have a great time in France!