The deprtement of Loir-et-Cher is located in the centre of France, on the Loire River. The area is known for its historic towns and castles, such as the famous grand Chateau de Chambord. Although towns in the region are located on the Loire River, the less famous Loir Valley in this region is a beautiful place for those who enjoy the great outdoors, with walking and biking routes to follow and historic settlements to visit.
Castles
The Chateau de Chambord is the largest and most visited of all the castles in the Loir-et-Cher region, and looking at its grandeur you would be amazed to know it was first built as a hunting lodge. The castle has 440 rooms, 84 staircases and a 20-mile wall around the grounds, so save plenty of time to visit. The highlight of the tour is the double-helix open staircase in the centre of the castle that is rumoured to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The Chateau Chaumont started as a defensive medieval fortress, but developed over the centuries into a beautiful royal palace. Located on a hill above the town of Chaumont, you can enjoy great views over the river and the surrounding countryside from the castle's towers.
Blois
The historic town of Blois is the capital of Loir-et-Cher and is located on the lower Loire River near the wooded Sologne area. Filled with paved squares, twisting cobbled streets and outdoor cafés in the summer, Blois is also famous for the castle in the centre of the town. The architectural styles of the castle date from the 13th to the 17th century, giving the building a rather haphazard and eccentric appearance. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the external spiral staircase in the Francois I wing. A museum dedicated to magic is also located on the Place du Chateau. The House of Magic not only features exhibits about the history of magic, but often has demonstrations and live shows too.
Sologne
The Sologne region to the south-east of the town of Blois is a wooded, marshy area that can appear dull in bad weather but is a great place to explore in the summer. There are a number of designated walking and cycling routes through the Sologne as well as horseback riding and organised nature spotting tours. If you are visiting the Sologne during the hunting season, between October and March, make sure you don't wander from the marked paths and out yourself in harm's way.
Castles
The Chateau de Chambord is the largest and most visited of all the castles in the Loir-et-Cher region, and looking at its grandeur you would be amazed to know it was first built as a hunting lodge. The castle has 440 rooms, 84 staircases and a 20-mile wall around the grounds, so save plenty of time to visit. The highlight of the tour is the double-helix open staircase in the centre of the castle that is rumoured to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. The Chateau Chaumont started as a defensive medieval fortress, but developed over the centuries into a beautiful royal palace. Located on a hill above the town of Chaumont, you can enjoy great views over the river and the surrounding countryside from the castle's towers.
Blois
The historic town of Blois is the capital of Loir-et-Cher and is located on the lower Loire River near the wooded Sologne area. Filled with paved squares, twisting cobbled streets and outdoor cafés in the summer, Blois is also famous for the castle in the centre of the town. The architectural styles of the castle date from the 13th to the 17th century, giving the building a rather haphazard and eccentric appearance. Perhaps the most impressive feature is the external spiral staircase in the Francois I wing. A museum dedicated to magic is also located on the Place du Chateau. The House of Magic not only features exhibits about the history of magic, but often has demonstrations and live shows too.
Sologne
The Sologne region to the south-east of the town of Blois is a wooded, marshy area that can appear dull in bad weather but is a great place to explore in the summer. There are a number of designated walking and cycling routes through the Sologne as well as horseback riding and organised nature spotting tours. If you are visiting the Sologne during the hunting season, between October and March, make sure you don't wander from the marked paths and out yourself in harm's way.
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