Châteaux of the Loire Valley
Historic grand residences in a part of France / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The châteaux of the Loire Valley (French: châteaux de la Loire) are part of the architectural heritage of the historic towns of Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Montsoreau, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours along the river Loire in France. They illustrate Renaissance ideals of design in France.[1]
Châteaux of the Loire Valley | |
---|---|
Location | France (Centre, Pays de la Loire) |
Built | Renaissance period |
Architectural style(s) | French Renaissance architecture |
Type | Cultural |
Designated | 2000 |
Part of | The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes |
Reference no. | 933 |
Country | France |
Region | Europe and North America |
The châteaux of the Loire Valley number over three hundred,[2] ranging from practical fortified castles from the 10th century to splendid residences built half a millennium later. When the French kings began constructing their huge châteaux in the Loire Valley, the nobility, drawn to the seat of power, followed suit, attracting the finest architects and landscape designers. The châteaux and their surrounding gardens are cultural monuments which embody the ideals of the Renaissance and Enlightenment. Many of the châteaux were built on hilltops, such as the Château d'Amboise, while the only one built in the riverbed is the Château de Montsoreau. Many had exquisite churches on the grounds or within the château.