France - Loire Valley Castles (part two)

Loire Valley, known as "the Garden of France", was the favorite residence of Kings of France during the Renaissance period .They made this peaceful countryside the setting for their dreams. It is worth driving at random in Loire Valley , Touraine , Sologne ,Poitou,Berry and discover castles. Some of this castles are for rent.

Langeais - Castle built in 1465 - 1469 by King Louis XI and untouched since.

Montreuil Bellay - a "dream" medieval castle being mirrored by romantic Thouet river. The "Chateau Neuf" dates from the 15th century.



Angers -fortress built by Famous King St Louis in 13C ,with 17 round towers made of dark schist and white stone, houses the oldest and largest tapestry in the world : The Apocalypse Tapestry.

Luynes - medieval castle dating from the 11C and 15C

Brissac - unusual castle, from the 15C fortress remains only two towers juxtaposed to the 17C unfinished castle which was intended to replace the older one. Nicknamed the "Giant of the Loire Valley”: with its seven stories it is taller than all the Royal Castles of Loire Valley.

Valençay - built in 1540. A wing was added in the 17 C. Charles Maurice Talleyrand-Périgord Foreign Affairs Minister of Napoleon, bought this castle in 1803  at the request of the Emperor to receive important visitors.

Gue Pean -This is a simply elegant 16C and 17C country house, built on the plan of a feudal castle. Dream castle lost in a valley in the middle of woods

Chateau du Moulin - in the heart of Sologne, was built end of 15C early 16C, on the square plan of the fortresses, but with many windows and walls made of brick and stone, it  was a residential and not military building. This private castle is furnished, inhabited and  can be visited by the public.

Rivau -linked to family of Beauvau which was related to the counts of Anjou.

Dissay in Poitou - imposing castle raises high above the right bank of the Clain River. Built in the 15th century by Pierre d'Amboise, bishop of Poitiers, the château was then enlarged in the 18th century.

Poce sur Cisse -15th century Château de Pocé is set in the commune of Pocé-sur-Cisse, on the north bank of the Loire. This is where Anne Chainier cultivates her 35 hectares of vines, producing red, white and rosé wines.

Chambonneau -beautiful 13C fortress in Poitou