This gallery gives an overview of 25 stunning châteaux in the Loire Valley of France, some very well known and others that deserve to be discovered. Some of these châteaux date back as far as the 11th century and served as strongholds and havens during the many conflicts of the period (Hundred Years' War, 1337-1453), but it was during the Renaissance that the region reached its apogee after the return from Italy of Francis I of France (r. 1515-1547), who was keen to bring back with him the breathtaking Italian architectural styles he had seen, as well as some illustrious artists such as Leonardo da Vinci (l. 1452-1519).
Fortresses, former hunting lodges, and luxurious residences, all of these styles blend together, giving us a glimpse of the evolution of centuries of architecture. Let's embark on a downstream journey along the 'royal river' of the Loire to discover these wonders that have wowed visitors for so many centuries.
