Tour of the castles of the Loire

The Château d'Amboise – its silhouette is visible from afar: austere towers and ramparts. A harmonious blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles. The castle reached its peak during the Renaissance, when the French kings made it not only one of their main residences but also the political center of France in the 16th century. Francis I invited Leonardo da Vinci to the castle, where he spent the last years of his life. After his death in 1519, he was buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert on the castle grounds.

Chenonosseau is one of France's most graceful and romantic castles, seemingly floating above the waters of the Cher River. It's known as the "ladies' castle." The castle's history is the story of strong women: Diane de Poitiers and Catherine de Medici. It was their taste and ambition that transformed the austere fortress into a refined Renaissance palace. Here we'll talk not only about architecture, but also about love, jealousy, politics, and influence. This is a castle you'll definitely remember: it has character.

Chambord is unmistakable. It's vast, theatrical, and looks like the fantasy of an architect who decided to push the envelope. Towers and spires create a silhouette reminiscent of a fairytale city. Inside is the famous double spiral staircase, often associated with the aforementioned Leonardo da Vinci. Chambord is astounding in its scale: 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, and 80 staircases. Chambord was never permanently inhabited. It was primarily used as a hunting lodge and a symbol of royal power. Surrounded by endless forest, hunting is still practiced there today.