Environment
article | Reading time2 min
The Loire Valley, an exceptional area classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Welcome to the Valley of the Kings!
An exceptional region
Royal the val de Loire
Azay-le-Rideau, Chambord, Montsoreau, Chenonceau, Ussé: the Loire Valley boasts an exceptional array of châteaux built or remodeled during the Renaissance. The Anjou, Touraine and Orléanais regions were favored by the itinerant French Court.
While Chambord and Blois were royal residences, other architectural gems of the early 16th century were built for the crown's great financiers, such as Gilles Berthelot, who commissioned the Château d'Azay-le-Rideau.
Enriched under the reigns of Louis XII and Francis I, these financiers and advisors sought to establish their social status by owning a château and lands. Through the magnificence of their homes, they wished to demonstrate their success.
ADT Touraine - Francis Matteo
Italian influences
These new buildings incorporated Italian architectural innovations. During their military campaigns in Italy, the French were influenced by the art and culture of the Alps. Drawing on their contacts, they recruited Italian artists who introduced new building practices, such as the regular, symmetrical plan and the straight-flight staircase.
These architects, sculptors and painters - the best-known of whom was Leonardo da Vinci, who chose the Château d'Amboise as his final resting place - also brought an antiquarian vocabulary to the table. Innovations from Italy are combined or superimposed on contemporary French architectural and ornamental traditions.
Renowned for the beauty of its natural setting and the richness of its historical heritage, the Loire Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO on November 30, 2000. The Loire castles, including Azay-le-Rideau, are one of the region's finest treasures.
FSL - Léonard de Serres
The Loire Valley in pictures
ADT 37 - Léonard de Serres
ADT 37 - Jean-Christophe Coutand
ADT 37 - Renaud Whoisreno Loeuillet
ADT 37 - Jean-Christophe Coutand
ADT 37 - Jean-Christophe Coutand