Without the Hundred Years' War, the valley would certainly not have looked the way it does today. Thanks to the English, the French royal family emigrated from Paris to the Loire Valley. It has become such a unique place due to the enormous concentration of architectural masterpieces that it has been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

This route is a route along rivers. Although the Loire castles are often discussed, you should remember that the tributaries also claim their place. So you will often drive along the water. Moreover, in the Middle Ages many towns were built along the water because people were strongly dependent on transport along and over the water. The landscape is therefore mainly flat, with meandering, well-paved roads with the emphasis on admiring the beautiful castles that alternate with picturesque old towns.

The tour starts in Chinon, which is located on the Vienne river. The Château de Chinon is of great importance in the history of France, because the exiled French king found refuge here. It was also here that Joan of Arc first met the future king of France Charles VII, from whom she asked for an army. The nobility and court life were closely linked at that time and it is therefore not surprising that all kinds of houses were built from here.

The next palace is not far away. If you cross from the Vienne to the Loire, you will reach the Indre river. You will follow this river to discover three gems. After a few kilometres, the Château d'Ussé from the 15th century appears. The architecture is original because it is based on a combination of medieval and Renaissance styles.
A little further on is the Château de l'Islette. Not royal, but certainly of a royal allure. Now you can have an apartment there. Camille Claudel and Auguste Rodin went before you.
A little further on, another gem presents itself: the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. It is built on an island in the middle of the Indre. Its architecture and French-Italian design make it an emblematic castle from the 16th century. The gardens, designed in the 19th century, give the location a more natural aspect.

You cross over to another tributary of the Loire: the Cher. There lies the Renaissance castle Château de Vallandry, famous above all for its gardens. In the past much rebuilt according to the spirit of the times, but eventually returned to its original state.

Just before Tours, you will pass the Priory of Saint Cosme. This mainly religious building (monks lived here as early as 1001!) became famous because it housed the poet Pierre de Ronsard. Since 2010, fourteen original stained glass windows by Zao Wou-Ki adorn the canons' refectory. In the beautiful garden of the priory, see the tomb of the famous French poet Ronsard and read lines from his remarkable verses: "quand vous serez bien vieille, au soir, à la chandelle...." (when you are an old man, in the evening by the fireside..)

After a few kilometres, Tours beckons. This town also has a long history, much of which can still be seen. The town is known to cycling enthusiasts as the arrival place of the cycling classic Paris – Tours, which is held every autumn. The town is full of old half-timbered houses and 15th-century buildings, especially on the main street of medieval Tours, the Rue Colbert. The beautiful Saint-Gaiten cathedral dates from the 12th century and is an important part of the cityscape due to its 2 impressive towers. So, a visit is a must, and also a moment for that much-needed coffee.

Amboise is a small town that is now known for its wine. Years ago, however, it was home to the French royal family. The castle of Amboise was bought by the royal family in the 15th century and after a major renovation it was one of the favorite residences of the French nobility. After the visit, you will return to the river Cher for the next castle.

On the way you will pass the Madurodam of the Val de Loire. If you have not had enough of, or just had enough of, all these castles, you can visit or take a photo shoot. The fact is that all the castles are together.

A castle that stands like a bridge over the Cher river will not be forgotten quickly: discover the Château de Chenonceau, a masterpiece of the Renaissance. In addition to a rich history and a beautiful interior, this castle also has beautiful gardens to offer. Only the old remains of the castle, the donjon, with the forecourt, still stand on the land. And even here there are moats around it. The elegant facades of the main building, the Logis Bohier, rise up from the Cher river. A magnificent Pont-Galerie with a length of 60 m was built between this square and the southern bank. You drive back to the Loire.

Halfway between the castles of Amboise and Blois, the castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire overlooks the village. From the terrace, the view of the park is phenomenal. The buildings have a certain feudal roughness, but this is tempered by the influences of the Renaissance.

At sunset, when the stars appear in the sky, experience the history of this royal region of France on the castle. Every summer evening, enjoy an enchanting light show on the walls of the Château de Blois and learn more about the history of this historic place.

King Francis I had good taste, and you can see that with this gigantic castle of Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley. There are no larger castles than that of Chambord on the Loire. It consists of a courtyard on which stands a 16th-century keep, surrounded on three sides by buildings. The gables and chimneys of the keep form an ornamental jungle, which you can enjoy during a tour of the roof terrace. You have already entered the real wonder of Chambord. This double spiral staircase is constructed in such a way that the ascending and descending public do not meet.

Apparently the largest castle after Chambord: with 131 rooms, the next castle is Château de Meung. Also called Château au Deux Visages (castle with two faces) because of its medieval and classical facades, this castle has hosted great names from the history of France: important guests such as Kings Francis I and Louis XI and Joan of Arc.

You are now approaching the large city of Orléans. It has historically been a very important city, especially because of its strategic position at the northern end of the Loire. It was one of the few cities with a bridge over the river and quickly became one of the richest cities in France thanks to the income from tolls. The heroine of the Hundred Years' War, Joan of Arc, is celebrated everywhere in Orléans. You can't really miss her.

The town of Châteauneuf-sur-Loire has a large and pleasant park with trees. The museum of the Loire fleet, housed in the former stables of the castle, is definitely worth a visit.

One of the highlights of a completely different order is undoubtedly a visit to the Fleury Abbey in Saint-Benoît-sur-Loire. This was one of the most important Benedictine abbeys in France. The abbey was founded around the year 630, but it gained great importance after the monks transferred the relics of Benedict to this place in 672. The basilica of the abbey in Romanesque style contains the relics of Benedict in the crypt.

You are now approaching the final destination of this exciting route. In Sully-sur-Loire. This charming town on the banks of the Loire, labelled as a City of Art and History, dates back to the Gallo-Roman period. But with the construction of the castle at the beginning of the 12th century. by the Duke of Sully, it gained prestige.