Situated in the northern part of France along the Loire River, is home to an overwhelming quantity of châteaux. Angers, the city where I go to school, is located right at the heart of this cornucopia of magnificent manors, fantastic fortresses, and captivating castles, all of which are considered "châteaux" in the French language.
Château de Brissac (11th century) - France's tallest château
[June 4th, 2023]
There are hundreds of these scattered across the Loire Valley, but why is that?
For one thing, the weather in this area is temperate, so it doesn't get too awfully hot or cold. (quick sidenote: this has changed slightly due to climate change; 90°+ without an AC isn't the most fun😥) Regional rulers from across France would build their summer homes here to visit on the occasion, while other cities developed around more fortified châteaux, like the one found in Angers. The nearby river also allowed for easy transportation of food, goods, furnishings, and other comforts. Ground transportation at the time was not as efficient, so any way to utilize water transportation was a win.
Château d'Angers (13th century) - Houses the world's largest and oldest tapestry.
Click HERE for a cool video on said tapestry. Don't worry, it has English subtitles.
[June 17th, 2023]
In looking at the châteaux themselves, you can spot another reason why they are so prevalent. White "tuffeau" and blue "ardoise" are the featured building materials, as they are both abundantly found throughout the Loire Valley. Tuffeau is typically used as the main building material, as it is sturdy but can be effortlessly to cut into blocks and other more artistic endeavors. Ardoise is commonly found as roofing tiles. In fact, the local chocolate specialty "Quernons d'Ardoise", a toffee covered in uniquely colored white chocolate, is based on these ardoise tiles.
Château de Saumur (13th century)
[July 12th, 2023]
Today, many of them are open to guests for visits while others are privately owned or have been converted into hotels and Airbnbs. It's also worth looking in to seeing the events/actualities that are taking place since châteaux tend to host events year-round. Some even have their own wineries where you can purchase bottles manufactured at the château itself!
Château de Plessis-Bourré (13th century) - I attended a medieval festival here! (see video)
[September 3rd, 2023]
Château Médiéval d'Oudon (12th century) and Château de Serrant (14th century)
[October 28th, 2023]
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