The Iconic Chateaux Route of the Loire Valley Best Western Experience | Travel Zone by Best Western

The Iconic Chateaux Route of the Loire Valley

By Best Western
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The Loire Valley is renowned for its magnificent châteaux, which bear witness to the region’s history and architecture. Dozens of châteaux can be found along the Loire and Cher rivers, offering a unique experience. To help you organize your getaway, check out our selection of the most beautiful châteaux near our hotels-

The unmissable Château de Chambord, an architectural and historical gem 

We simply have to start this selection with the iconic Château de Chambord!  

This monument, known throughout the world, is the must-visit château. Based on an estate of some 13,500 acres which is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora, this is one of the largest and most prestigious French Renaissance châteaux. It is located in the Centre-Val de Loire region in the department of Loir-et-Cher, about a 2-hour drive from Paris. This historic building is renowned for its spectacular architecture, combining Renaissance, Gothic and medieval styles. Visitors come to see the interior and exterior decoration, in the form of sculptures, frescoes, and fine ornamentation. Inside the château, you can visit the royal apartments, the tapestry gallery, Louis XIV’s bedchamber, the chapel, and many other extraordinary rooms. Furthermore, the surrounding gardens, avenues and ponds offer spectacular views of this truly impressive monument. 

The Best Western Hotel Blois Château invites you to explore its splendid grounds! Just 20 minutes by car from the château, you will love the modern and comfortable environment of this welcoming hotel. Located in the center of Blois, the Best Western Hotel Blois Château is the ideal starting point for visiting the châteaux of the Loire, all located within a 10-mile radius: between the châteaux of Blois and Cheverny, there is so much to see!
And when visiting the Château de Chambord, admission is free for those under 26. 

The Château des Dames 

The Best Western Premier Hotel de la Cité Royale in Loches will allow you to live like a king while discovering the famous Château de Chenonceau.  

You will adore the top-of-the-range services offered by our 4-star establishment: indoor heated pool, hammam, massage rooms, and a high-quality, award-winning restaurant. Nestled in the heart of the former Courthouse of Loches, this historic building immediately immerses the visitor in a very special atmosphere.  

The delightful gardens of Château de Chenonceau are just a close 30-minute drive.. With its astonishing Renaissance-style architecture and its arches reflected on the river Cher, it is truly exemplary of French majesty and elegance. Much more than an exceptional château, this is also a place with a fascinating history, located in the Loire Valley, about 25 miles from Tours, in the department of Indre-et-Loire. On the exterior of the château, visitors can admire its elegant turrets, mullioned windows, and its brick and stone banding. The interior is equally charming, with numerous rooms to visit, including the Diane de Poitiers gallery and the guard room. The grounds around the château are another highlight, with a terraced garden and square vegetable patch offering fabulous views of the river. 

This château is one of the most visited in France, and is a must for all lovers of history, art and gardens. 

The architects’ favorite château 

The Château d’Azay-le-Rideau, built during the reign of Francis I , may not have Chambord’s size or Chenonceau’s visitor numbers, but its beauty is every bit as breathtaking! 

Set in the heart of the Loire Valley and built in the 16th century on an island in the river Indre, this château has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2000, and offers a wonderful visitor experience. Its unique architecture blends both Gothic and Renaissance styles. It is known for its French-style gardens which offer an ideal setting in which to stroll and relax. Visitors can enjoy a guided tour to learn all about the château’s rich history.  

The village and its surrounding area have lots to offer, too: discover a historic center full of charm, with authentic shops, a church and a mill. And what could be better than resting in a cozy little bed before visiting all these sites?  

Recently renovated, the Best Western Plus l’Artist Hotel offers a warm welcome in an ideally located establishment, on a quiet street in the center of Tours. Staying here is the perfect way to discover this beautiful medieval city. A 15-minute walk from the hotel you will find the Hôtel Goüin museum, a magnificent historical monument featuring Renaissance architecture. And a little further along is the Basilica of Saint Martin of Tours, with its restored statues and vaults.  

Something extra: Visit the Château de Plessis-lès-Tours, less than 15 minutes away by car, and you will immediately understand why it was Louis XI’s favorite residence. 

 Now is the perfect moment to embark on a trip back in time by staying at one of our hotels in the Loire Valley.