5 Magical French Château That Will Transport You into a Fairy Tale

Central France's Loire Valley is enchantingly beautiful. Rolling vineyards, bubbling rivers, and fairy tale villages are hallmarks of this fertile valley. Forty-two magnificent châteaux dot the green countryside, making this one of France's most alluring places to visit. Once home to France's royals and nobles, the Loire Valley châteaux are now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make plans to see these 7 when you are in the Loire Valley.

Château de Chambord

Constructed by King Francis I in the early 16th century, Château de Chambord is one of the most recognizable châteaux in the world and the largest in the Loire Valley.

The king, an enthusiast of hunting and the arts, built the residence as a hunting lodge. Though it features a keep and corner towers surrounded by a moat, the chateau showcased wealth and power rather than serving as a defensive structure.

A blend of classical Renaissance and French medieval design, Chambord's most notable characteristics include its magnificent roofscape and unique double helix staircase, said to be inspired by Leonardo da Vinci. During World War 2, the castle housed the Mona Lisa and other prized national treasures.

Château de Chenonceau

Perched atop an arched bridge that spans the River Cher, Château de Chenonceau is a masterpiece of Renaissance architecture. Its elegant white walls, rounded turrets, and exquisite gardens are only a part of the chateau's fascinating history.

Known as Le Château des Dames or "ladies' château," Chenonceau was shaped, protected, and restored by a succession of powerful women. France seized the castle in 1535 to settle a debt, and King Henry gifted it to his mistress, Diane de Poitiers.

Within a couple of decades, it was under the control of Queen Catherine de Medici, followed by a series of exceptional women, including Louise Dupin. She wrote the first Code of Women's Rights in the 18th century.

The highlight of Chenonceau's opulent is the Grande Galerie, scene of elegant parties throughout the centuries and home to artistic masterpieces by Rubens, Tintoretto, Primaticcio, and others.

Château de Cheverny

Henri Hurault built Château de Cheverny in the 17th century, and it has remained in the same family ever since. For this reason, the castle is uniquely free from the influences of Renassaince design. Instead, its rigid symmetry reflects Louis XIII's classical style, softened by the use of domes and bell towers.

The magnificently furnished château first opened to the public in 1922. Philippe de Vibraye, the current owner's great uncle, opened Cheverny with the condition that it would remain closed on Tuesdays, the day his mother had tea with her friends.

In addition to its English park and gardens, Cheverny the national center for hunting dogs. Nearly a hundred beagles live in the kennels on the grounds, and feeding time is a remarkable event, open to the public.

Château d'Amboise

Set on a bluff high above the Loire River in the town of Amboise, Château d' Amboise can be seen from a good distance. Built on the foundation of an ancient fortress, the castle's strategic position provides exceptional views over the river and town.

Charles VII confiscated the structure in the mid-1400s after its owner was accused of plotting against the monarchy. Joan of Arc passed through Amboise in 1429 on her way to battle the English at Orleans, and King Charles VIII spent his childhood here.

In 1516, King Francis I invited Leonardo da Vinci to stay in nearby Clos Lucé with the promise of a pension. The Italian spent the last three years of his life there, working on projects for the king. An underground passage between the castles allowed the king and artist to converse frequently. The Italian master is buried in the Saint-Hubert chapel, next to the château.

Château d'Ussé

This straight-from-a-fairy tale castle is believed to have inspired Charles Perrault to write Sleeping Beauty. Château d'Usse sits on the edge of the Chinon forest, which may contribute to its tranquil history.

The château has changed hands many times over the years. In 1885, the Count de Blacas purchased d'Usse and his descendant, the Marquis de Blacas, lives there today. The beautiful St. Anne d'Usse chapel was created with the same fine attention to architectural details and holds many items from the 15-17th centuries.

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