Accueil The Mag The Loire Châteaux not to be missed in autumn
The leaves are dressed in golden hues, the soft autumn sun illuminates the facades of the châteaux of the Loire, and cucurbits are the queens of the gardens… Take a stroll!
A stroll around the château de Sully-sur-Loire
A lovely walk awaits you at the Château de Sully-sur-Loire. With its high crenellated towers and moat still filled with water, the residence of the Duke of Sully, minister to King Henry IV, boasts comfortable Renaissance interiors. On the second floor, the late 14th-century barrel vaulted roof structure is impressive, as is its covered walkway and the view it affords of the surrounding countryside! At this time of year, you’ll particularly enjoy taking a stroll in its vast grounds. With the beautiful autumn colours of its tall trees as a backdrop, you’ll be able to enjoy a unique view of the château.
A trip to the Château de Cheverny
You’ll be seduced by the beautiful white facades of Château de Cheverny. Inhabited since time immemorial, this Loire château has belonged to the same family for over six centuries. From room to room, you’ll appreciate the warm atmosphere and magnificent furnishings. Before discovering the permanent exhibition ‘The Secrets of Moulinsart’, where Tintin and his companions await you, explore the vast park. The forest section can be explored on an electric boat and car ride that will allow you to admire the magnificent plant life formed by the cedars, sequoias and lime trees. Extend your stroll in the château’s colourful vegetable and cucumber garden.
A trip to the château de Chambord
Set against a backdrop of 5,440 hectares of wooded parkland enclosed by walls, the Château de Chambord glows in the autumn colours! Stroll through its many rooms and take the famous double spiral staircase, which can be climbed from either side without ever crossing! This will take you to the terraces and the incredible panoramic views they offer over the estate and the formal gardens that stretch out at its feet. Then take a stroll through the park. Fifteen kilometres of cycle paths and numerous footpaths take you close to the estate’s flora and fauna. Stop off at one of the many observatories. With a little patience and silence, you might just catch a glimpse of one of the many animals living in the forest.
A trip to the château de Chaumont-sur-Loire
In autumn, the vast grounds of the Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire are decked out in the colours of autumn. The leaves of the tall trees offer a colourful tableau of vegetation, with reds, yellows and oranges blazing in the autumn sunshine. This is also the time to take advantage of the International Garden Festival. Stroll through the thirty or so gardens created each year on a different theme. The château, grounds and outbuildings also play host to works by guest artists as part of the Domaine’s Art Season.
A walk in the gardens of the château de Villandry
At this time of year, the colours of the cucurbits and seasonal vegetables take centre stage in the famous decorative kitchen garden of the Villandry gardens. The vegetables blend harmoniously with a multitude of autumn flowers. You’ll love the sight of the nine identical squares. A real feast for the eyes! The two lounges in the ornamental garden, the water garden, the sun garden and the simple garden will take you on a voyage of discovery of other beautiful and colourful flowers. Before visiting the château, head for the belvedere in the woods above the garden. Here you can enjoy a different view of the gardens.
A trip to the château du Clos Lucé
The beautiful Château du Clos Lucé was home to Leonardo da Vinci for the last three years of his life. Invited by Francis I, it was here that the Italian genius worked on numerous projects for the king until his death on 2 May 1519. The tour will take you on a journey of discovery through his many inventions. 3D animations and models show the full extent of the Master’s research. His perfectly restored workshops reveal the studious atmosphere in which Leonardo da Vinci worked throughout the day. In the vast park, you can operate the giant machines – an aerial screw, a tank, a squirrel wheel… – made from his drawings.
A trip to the Château de Langeais
On the town side, the Château de Langeais looks like a medieval fortress. You can still get there by crossing its drawbridge, which is still in perfect working order! Its high walls, machicolations and sentry walk reinforce its austere appearance. On the courtyard side, on the other hand, you will discover an elegant facade adorned with mullioned windows. This château on the Loire witnessed the marriage of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany, which marked the joining of Brittany to the kingdom of France. In the grounds, Foulques Nerra’s stone keep is one of the oldest in France. Scaffolding and lifting equipment give you an insight into the construction methods used by the builders of the Middle Ages.
Thematics