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Transfer Castle in Loire Valley - Orly Airport
Castle in the Loire Valley - Orly Airport
Do you plan on getting directly to Orly airport after having visited the Loire Valley region ? We provide private chauffered car service with at a flat rates. You can reserve your ride online and enjoy a high-quality transfer experience
Private shuttle transfer service from the Loire Valley to Orly Airport
- History of the Castles of the Loire Valley and its surroundings
- What can we visit around the Châteaux de la Vallée de la Loire ?
- Are the hotels around the Castles of the Loire Valley convenient and charming ?
- What to discover in the Château de Villandry ?
- Château de Chenonceau: what to see ?
- How to get from Loire Valley to Orly Aiport by private shuttle ?
History of the Castles of the Loire Valley and its surroundings
The expression Castles of the Loire designates a set of castles located along the Loire Valley, in the center of France and established on the Loiret, Loir-et-Cher, Indre-et-Loire and Maine-et-Loire regions. Castles exist there from the medieval period. But it was with the triumph of Francis I that the region began to change, the latter becoming a crossroads for the exchange of goods. The Loire served the "Renaissance" ambitions of the French royal authorities. Here is a list of the castles showing these ambitions: Amboise, Angers, Azay-le-Rideau de Blois, Chambord, Château des Ducs, Bretagne, Chenonceau, Langeais, Saumur, Sully-sur-Loire, Villandry, Loches.
These monuments testify to the greatness of the sovereigns who came to settle here during the exercise of their functions. Thus, many castles of the Loire result from conflicts around the possession of the territory during the eleventh century. Nevertheless, most of the monuments were erected during the Renaissance. The expression ‘Château de Loire’ is used in tourism to describe this region where dozens of castles are arranged next to vineyards. The banks of the Loire are occupied since the Paleolithic, people settling on the banks of the Loire and the numerous rivers of the region. For 6,000 years, the hunter-gatherers abandon the nomadic life and settle down in order to arrive at the territorial organization of the Gallic peoples.
The sites of all the important cities were built before the Roman occupation. Julius Caesar found very little resistance when he arrived in this region. Orleans, Tours, Angers have built a forum, a theater and thermal baths. The Gallo-Roman period saw an important development of production and trade. The region is becoming more and more important thanks to the creation of canals. In the 19th century, the appearance of the railway introduced radical changes in the Loire landscape, eliminating navigation on the river, as well as the activity of the ports of the Loire. In the year 2000, the Loire Valley became the largest site in France in relation to the UNESCO World Heritage in terms of living cultural landscapes.
What can we visit around the Châteaux de la Vallée de la Loire ?
Amboise Castle
Royal Castle of Amboise has seen the birth of King Charles VIII in 1470. Amboise became his main residence. François I invited the inventor Leonardo DA Vinci before the latter invests the Château du Clos-Lucé. During the visit of this castle you can reach the towers of the medieval fortress located under the Renaissance Royal Quarters, but this visit is reserved for people in good physical condition aged 7 years at least.
Chambord Castle
The largest among the Loire Castles, with its 365chimneys, 440 rooms and 128 meters of façade, the castle of Chambord is an artistic marvel, witness of the architectural Renaissance in France. The castle is located in the center of a park of 5,500 hectares, it was the hunting meeting place for the counts of Blois. Chambord is listed on the World Heritage List as a living cultural landscape.
Blois Castle
With its gallery of portraits, the castle of Blois offers a summary of European history from the 14th to the 17th century, from the kings Philippe VI to Louis XIII. A visit to this castle is a great way to get to know all these stories of European and French royalties once and for all. Blois hosts The Rendezvous of History, an yearly event with many debates and conferences in the heart of the city.
Are the hotels around the Castles of the Loire Valley convenient and charming ?
B&B Hotel Blois
The B & B Hotel of Blois offers very attractive prices, compared to the rest of the Val-de-Loire establishments. Its rooms with bunk beds will be perfectly adapted to the needs of tourists coming to several. Located 8 km from Blois Castle, 5 km from Saint-Louis Cathedral and the Beaux-Arts Museum, this hotel offers bright, minimalist rooms with a flat-screen TV, free Wi-Fi and satellite channels. Pets are allowed and the parking is free.
Hotel Ibis Budget Amboise
For more than a decade, this hotel has gathered the best reviews in the travel forums. This 2-star hotel is located 2 km from the Chateau du Clos Lucé, 14 km from Chenonceau Castle and was built in the 16th century. The very affordable rooms decorated in casual ways can accommodate up to 3 people. They all include bunk beds, a work desk, free Wi-Fi and a flat-screen TV. The hotel offers access for people with limited mobility, pets are allowed and children will be comfortable here.
Hotel Chaptal
A two-star hotel with convivial rooms, it stands among the traditional buildings in the center of the village. Set 5 minutes from the Castle of Amboise, a 6-minute walk from the Loire, the decoration and colors of the rooms make Hotel Chaptal a great find. The rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi access. A buffet breakfast is available for a daily fee.
What to discover in the Château de Villandry ?
Château de Villandry is a magnificent chateau which is an intimately interwoven set of architecture and gardens. It was restored at the beginning of the 20th century by Joachim Carvallo and had brought a final touch to the research of the First French Renaissance. It has exceptional gardens in harmony with the architecture of the building. The entire castle and its gardens have been included in the list of historic monuments since September 4, 1927. The sober elegance of its architecture makes this area one of the jewels of UNESCO's world heritage.
The charm of the gardens of Château de Villandry
The remarkable gardens of the French Renaissance were designed in an Italian style. Thanks to its gardens which are currently French, the castle is nicknamed "garden of France". You can walk the aisles for hours. A harmonious and colorful journey through the six gardens on four terraces of the Jardins de Villandry. The first, the decorative vegetable garden which consists of 9 squares and which are decorated with different patterns. The second where you can admire the water garden. The third, the garden of the sun which will invite you to dream and escape. The fourth where two rooms are deployed and are separated by the canal. The fifth, the garden of the simple which will reveal you its medicinal, aromatic and condiment plants. And the sixth, the labyrinth garden which symbolizes the spiritual journey of man to God.
Château de Villandry, an exceptional monument
Adorned by its remarkable gardens, the architecture of the castle is also a pleasure for the eyes. About fifteen rooms furnished and decorated with care. Going through the dining room, the kitchens, the living room and the bedrooms you will be amazed by every detail of its decoration which was made by Joachim Carvallo. An art lover who acquired the castle to present an extraordinary collection of 17th century Spanish paintings.
Château de Chenonceau: what to see ?
The Château de Chenonceau is one of the greatest prides of the Loire. This beautiful historic monument has kept its place and its authenticity over time. It's a must see when you're in the area.
A historical visit
The visit to the Château de Chenonceau is above all historical. You will be able to stroll through the different rooms of the building and appreciate the works of art as well as the exhibition of the different decorations of the past. The guide will explain the importance and history of the different pieces. Something to help you perfect your general culture.
The castle gardens
When you are passing through this site, do not miss to take a walk in the gardens laid out in a Renaissance style. Still perfectly maintained, they are absolutely beautiful and provide you with a total change of scenery. In these 12,000 m² flowerbeds, you have plenty to enjoy the fresh air and relax.
Themed activities
The Château de Chenonceau also offers a busy schedule of events and activities. Throughout the year, you have different themed presentations. This is the case, for example, of the oenological walk for fans of great wines, art exhibitions, flower bouquet making courses, etc. In any case, be aware that you must book before enjoying the Château de Chenonceau and all these activities.