Top 20 most beautiful castles and palaces in Centre - Val de Loire2026 ranking

It is not my favorite Loire Valley castle, but it is definitely worth the trip and has the advantage of being a little less crowded. I was not able to take a guided tour. However, the HistoPad, which is free with the admission ticket, provides a lot of information and lets you dive into the atmosphere of the era. I particularly liked the Council Room, which has sumptuous decor. Plan on two hours for the visit if you want to enjoy the gardens as well. If the weather is nice, the Naples terrace is very pleasant.

I discovered the Château de Chambord during a bike trip on the Loire à Vélo route. I didn't visit the inside of the château, but I really enjoyed biking around the park. It lets you take advantage of the wide open spaces and admire some beautiful views of the château. It is also possible to rent pedal carts on site, a fun way to get around that will please both kids and adults. A must do!

For me, this is the Loire Valley castle with the most impressive architecture. Its dimensions are truly colossal. I love looking at the roof, the capitals, and the countless chimneys. The interior is just as masterful. The double-helix staircase, the richness of the decor in the royal apartments, and the interactive tablet transported me right into the middle of the 16th century. Plan on two to three hours for the castle tour, and a good full day if you also want to take a walk through the grounds and catch some medieval shows.

For me, this is the Loire Valley castle that stays with you the most. It is also the most romantic! Recognizable by its magnificent arches over the water, Chenonceau can be visited fairly quickly and houses sumptuous rooms like the grand gallery and the chapel. The floral decoration is very well cared for. The park also offers some beautiful walks. Plan on a half day to visit everything at a leisurely pace.

The interior of the Château d'Amboise and the gardens are really well maintained, and it is clearly one of the most beautiful chateaus in the Loire Valley. I was pretty moved to discover Leonardo da Vinci's tomb in a small chapel, as I did not know he was buried here. The chateau is located on high ground and also offers us a magnificent view of the town of Amboise. I highly recommend this visit!

Unlike Chambord, the Château de Chenonceau gives much more of an impression of a place where people lived, making the visit all the more enjoyable. Even before going, I thought it was the most beautiful of the Loire Valley castles. Well, that was confirmed once I was there. If you are lucky enough to go on a sunny day, you will see the arches reflected in the water of the Cher. A real marvel!

Without a doubt, the Château de Chambord is the star of the Loire Valley castles. Everyone has their own taste when it comes to this, but it is a must-see if you are passing through the region. However, to me, it is the most austere of the royal residences dating from the Renaissance. The rooms are beautifully decorated, the staircase (which was supposedly designed by Leonardo da Vinci) is a little architectural gem, and the whole place really gives an impression of majesty.

When you think of the Loire Valley castles, you usually think of Chambord or Chenonceau first. But the Château d'Ussé, located in Azay-le-Rideau, is truly sublime. It is smaller than the others, but it remains magnificent, with rooms that are very well preserved. The walk through the English-style garden surrounding it is just as bucolic, especially in the fall. Note the presence of a huge Cedar of Lebanon, under which it is lovely to take a break. Add it to your list of castles to visit!

Even though it is not very well known, the Sully-sur-Loire Castle is really worth the trip. I discovered it a bit by chance and I was charmed. It has a prime location right on the water. The interior tour is rich with plenty of explanations. There are also far fewer people here than at Chambord or Chenonceau.

I really liked the Chaumont Castle, which deserves to be better known. It has nothing to envy the other Loire Valley castles for, quite the contrary. The interior is nicely furnished in a period style. I especially loved the gardens, which are really well maintained in two different styles. You will spend most of your visit wandering through them.