In existence since the Middle Ages, Chambord was renovated in a typical Renaissance style by King François I. It was constructed on the foundation of a fortified château that was decorated in a gothic style while its structure was that of a Greek cross. Chambord welcomed Charles Quint in 1539 and was then fortified by Charles IX in 1566.

Chateau de Chenonceau is the most visited and photographed chateau of the Loire Valley in France. It is often described as ‘the ladies chateau’ as throughout its history it is they who have most influenced its design and its destiny. The “Château of Ladies” reffers to the different female owners who would mark its history. In collaboration with architect Philippe Delorme, Diane de Poitiers would redo the castle and add an arched bridge that crossed the Cher River, as well as gardens that bear her name. When Catherine de Medici took over the château following the death of Henri II, a series of improvements were made on the edifice and in the gardens. Louise de Lorraine, Madame de la Pelouze and Laure Menier were all leading figures in the renovation and reorganizing that occurred at Chenonceau.

The dominant renaissance style of Château d'Amboise in the Loire Valley, France, is there for all to see well before you even enter the town as its position high above the Loire river makes it obvious from quite a distance as you drive along the approach roads on the river bank. The Lords of Amboise set up home in their château during the 12th century, thus taking control over the grounds.

A former home, the Cheverny château was enlarged during the reign of François I with the backing of Jean Hurault. In the 1630s, the edifice was almost entirely demolished. Henri Hurault initiated the construction of a new château with the aid of known artisans like Jean Mosnier for interior paintings and Gilles Guérin for French-style garden sculptures. Guérin would later be in charge of decorative elements at Versailles. It was Cheverny that inspired Belgian cartoonist Hergé to create the Château de Moulinsart in the world-famous Adventures of Tintin and Milou.

A manor constructed in 1500, Clos Lucé is where Leonardo da Vinci lived between 1516 and 1519. He was invited by King François I at the age of 64. In his travel bags was a painting that da Vinci gave to the King...you guessed it, the Mona Lisa. Clos Lucé is also where da Vinci passed away on May 2, 1519.

Villandry was constructed by Jean le Breton, Minister of Finances under François I. It was completed in 1536, except for some work inside and the courtyard which were finished in the 18th century. The château contains a feudal dungeon that dates from the 12th century as well as a Renaissance château.

Resting on an island in the river Indre,chateau Azay-le-Rideau is one of the loveliest and most visited chateau of the Loire Valley. It was built during the reign of François I in the Renaissance style by Gilles Berthelot on the site of a former small fortified castle, its turreted façade is reflected in the still waters of the river making time itself appear to stand still.

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