The Best Châteaux in the Loire Valley

In a recent article, I talked about some of the best campsites in the Loire Valley. Loire camping is amongst some of the best in France. The region has an abundance of attractions - especially if you are interested in the majestic and fascinating châteaux which are doted throughout the region. If you're camping in France's Loire Valley, these beautiful castles should definitely be on your list of places to visit:

Château de Cheverny

In 1914 Château de Cheverny became one of the first castles to become open to the public. The castle's magnificent inner rooms, furniture, tapestries and art are matched by its magnificent gardens. The well maintained grounds are a delight to wander around, whilst taking in the various flowers, fruits, herbs and other flora that grows in the garden.

The castle also has a permanent Tintin exhibit. Rumour has it that this is because the château inspired Hergé, the cartoon's creator, when he drew Marlinspike Hall as the home of his fictional character. Fans of the comic will note that while Marlinspike Hall lacks the two outermost wings of the actual structure, the remaining central tower and wings are virtually identical to the ones in the castle. If you have any Tintin fans in your party, this is well worth leaving your Loire campsite for!

Château de Chenonceau

Nestled peacefully upon the river Cher, the calm nature of the current castle doesn't begin to betray the exciting history the structure has enjoyed. The original manor was burned to the ground by royal troops in 1411 to punish the owner, Jean Marques, for an act of sedition. He rebuilt a castle in its place in the 1430s, and it was to change hands many times before its heroic role in the wars of the 20th century. During the Great War, the gallery was used as a hospital ward, while during the Second World War; the whole castle was used as a means of escape from the Nazis, with an occupied zone on one side of the river Cher, and the 'free' Vichy area on the opposite bank!

Nowadays, the castle is a charming mixture of late Gothic and early Renaissance architecture, with delightful gardens maintained in a traditional French style (plenty of small sculpted shrubs). It's a wonderfully picturesque sight, and no Loire camping trip should pass up on the chance to see such a historic, picturesque site.

Château de Cambord

It seems a little unlikely that the largest château in the Loire Valley was originally built as a hunting lodge, but this is how Château de Cambord came about. King Francois I who owned the building kept Château de Blois and Château d'Amboise for residential purposes instead. The castle's frequently edited design was by Domenico da Cortona, although it was rumoured that Leonardo da Vinci (a frequent guest of the King) was also involved. Featuring 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases, it really is an amazing symbol of decadence.

The château is surrounded by 13,000 acres of game reserve and parkland, and is very welcoming of visitors. Children are also welcome, and the castle often puts on puppet shows and the like. Ideal for families camping in France's Loire Valley.

Château de Villandry

If you're a plant lover, you can stop hunting: you've found the château for you. Considered by many to be the best example of Renaissance garden design in the whole country, with water, ornamental, vegetable and flower gardens, the grounds of the castle have something for everyone -its immaculately maintained and a delight to the senses. The insides of the châteaux have been restored in the 19th century in a Renaissance style and makes it a delightful way to spend an afternoon away from your campsite in the Loire Valley.

Château d'Ussé

If the Château d'Ussé feels like it's out of a fairy-tale, then you may be having exactly the same thoughts as Charles Perrault who wrote Sleeping Beauty in the 17th century. It's well known that the author spent some time here as a guest of the Count of Saumur, and it is rumoured that his inspiration came from the picturesque castle. Its charmed existence is reflected in its history - or rather, it's lack of! There were no bloodbaths, no conflicts and no political intrigue. Surprisingly, even the French Revolution seems to have ignored the splendid castle. There is a full tour available, and there are even rooms full of waxwork figures illustrating the tale of Sleeping Beauty, which is sure to capture the children's' imagination.

There are plenty of other things to do if châteaux aren't for you, whilst you are camping in France's Loire Valley.