Top 5 Châteaux to Visit near Les Bordes Estate
Loire Valley is world famous for its châteaux, with over 300 in the region. Kings, Queens, dukes and aristocrats travelled here to build them from as early as the 9th century – that’s why the area is sprinkled with some of France’s most opulent estates. With many of these just a stone’s throw away from Les Bordes Estate, guests can explore off-site for a day steeped in rich history and fine French gastronomy.
1. Château de Chambord
Half a millennium of French history can be explored by visiting the Château de Chambord just 10 minutes from Les Bordes – one of the most recognised châteaux in the world. Built in 1519 by Francois I, it features stunning French Renaissance architecture and beautiful tapestry colllections to be marvelled in. Onsite you can take a carriage ride in the grounds, pedalo or boat around the river, ride horses and visit former stables as well as the usual historical and guided private sightseeing tours. Keep an eye out throughout the year as various musical and cultural events are hosted here and are well worth a visit!
2. Château du Clos Lucé
Located in the town of Amboise, Château du Clos Lucé was built by Hugues d'Amboise in 1471. The palace has known several famous owners such as the French king Charles VIII and Leonardo Da Vinci; it was his final home until his death in 1519. You can learn about his last years in a well presented indoor and outdoor exhibition. Clos Lucé is 500 metres from the royal Châtea d’Amboise, to which it is connected by an underground passageway.
3. Château d’Azay-le-Rideau
The château stands on an island over the Indre River with a famous ‘water mirror’, and was built during the reign of King Francis I. It’s blend of French tradition with Italian décor made it an icon of the art of buildings in the 16th century. Charles de Biencourt, a botany enthusiast, bought the castle in 1791 and wanted to transform the regular garden into a landscaped park. The gardens, known as "English", with their irregular plots, various forms of plants and the terrain features created, reflected a natural and uncontrolled conception of nature. The park is now home to sixty species of dragonfly (including some endangered species), as well as a rare and protected colony of Great Mouse-Eared bats who live in the attic of the castle.
4. Château de Chenonceau
Château de Chenonceau is open all year round, and is the embodiment of 16th century Renaissance elegance, being one of the most majestic châteaux in Loire Valley. Each room is decorated with beautiful hand-picked bouquets, for many, the single excuse to visit. Here, you can browse the various Renaissance French gardens and try to find your way in the maze planted with 2,000 yew trees. For over 20 years, the Château has been home to a unique Floral Workshop, with the two flower experts in charge of the 1-hectare flower garden every day of the year. The onsite Restaurant L’Orangerie serves refined dishes perfect for breakfast and lunch, and the historic wine cellar welcomes guests for à la carte tastings under a superb 16th-Century vaulted ceiling.
5. Château de Villandry
Open every day of the year, Chateau de Villandry houses the best gardens of the entire region – combining six distinct gardens that cover a combined nine-hectares of land. The chateau of Villandry has been inhabited since the Renaissance. Each owner, including Jean Le Breton, minister of Francis I, the Marquis de Castellane, ambassador of Louis XV, Jerome Bonaparte, brother of Napoleon I, Joachim Carvallo, helped to make Villandry one of the most beautiful chateaux of the Loire. Each year, events and exhibitions take place in the Château and gardens: exhibitions of paintings and sculptures, Rendez-vous aux Jardins, European Heritage Days, Potager Days, Easter and Christmas activities.