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Orly Airport - Castle in the Loire Valley
This Unesco world heritage is unmissable when visiting France. If you’re looking for a transfer service from Orly to one of this group of 42 castles, we are glad to offer you a professionnal vehicle transportation service
The history of the Loire Valley dates back to the Paleolithic. From this period, the men settled on the banks of the Loire. Initially hunters and gatherers, they begin to practice agriculture and livestock - partly thanks to the arrival of farmers from the Middle East, and settle down to the fourth millennium BC. They begin to structure themselves socially, in cities, to give later Gaul. The land of Carnutes, where the province of Orleans is now, was at that time the center. Many important sites are already erected at this time. There are, among others, the places devoted to the gathering of the Druids. Then comes the Roman invasion. The Gauls of the region have little or no resistance to Julius Caesar, except perhaps the Carnutes and Andecaves, who try to rise on his arrival. After the Roman invasion, the lifestyle of the Gauls is turned upside down. They get used to it quickly: growth in trade and various leisure activities (theaters, baths, forum) are quickly adopted in the already existing cities of Tours, Angers and Orleans especially. In these same cities, places of residence of bishops such as Martin de Tours, Christianity is developing rapidly and religious buildings will be built: monasteries of Fleury and Marmoutier, monastic schools under Charlemagne, abbeys.
The region is already rich in buildings. This must have attracted barbarians because around the eighth century, the Saracens come to try to invade the Valley, but to no avail. Unable to cross the Loire, they will eventually be repulsed by the troops of Charles Martel. The Vikings also try to sack the Val towards the 9th century. Thanks to their longship, they go up the Loire. Once arrived, they will ransack the cities and monasteries In the Middle Ages, the Val de Loire suffered tirelessly for five centuries (from the twelfth to the fifteenth century) the consequences of rivalries that sometimes proved very significant. Among others, there is the struggle for succession to the throne in England, then the conflict between the Plantagenets and the Capetians with regard to the Kingdom of France. The Hundred Years War also (1340 - 1453) took place there. The city of Orleans was delivered by the Maid, Joan of Arc, May 8, 1429, and still celebrates today this act of bravery at the Johannes celebrations. If you want to explore the Loire Valley, we offer car services on arrival at Orly airport. The War of Religions also marked the Val. Its end in 1450 will be for this one the beginning of a completely new era. At the mercy of the ravages long perpetrated during the various wars and looting of the barbarian invasions, the construction of the famous Chateaux de la Loire will be ordered by two French kings, Charles VII and Louis XI.
The Court of France begins to settle in the Val. Loire Valley begins to be most important in the Kingdom of France during the Renaissance, because it is permanently the center of royalty. Strongly Influenced by Italy and spotting innovations regarding the Italians art of living, the monarchs of the Val fell in love and decided to develop the art of French royal castles. They appeal to the most talented Italian craftsmen and artists, including Leonardo da Vinci. The construction of Châteaux de la Loire begins. New buildings are erected, like that of Montsoreau by John II of Chambes or the Castle of Chambord by François Ier, rather called "châteaux of court" intended for the pleasure. Ancient castles, already existing, are also renovated, such as the Royal Châteaux of Amboise and Blois. Chambord Castle, for example, was the subject of major works in 1519. Initiated by Francis I, these works were to make the castle the high place of his victory on the Battle of Marignan four years earlier. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Loire Valley strengthened its strategic position by becoming an axis of communication thanks to the construction of the canals of Orleans and Briare. The Loire is experiencing a brilliant development. The Revolution had no impact on this successful maritime activity. It was rather well accepted. It was the appearance of the railroad in the nineteenth century that ended it. The castles were also abandoned by their kings, who preferred to settle in Fontainebleau, the Louvre Palace, the Palace of Versailles or the castle of Rambouillet in the Yvelines. Retired or redeemed by private owners, by public entities, the castles can keep their splendor of yesteryear thanks to the care lavished by these. Villandry Castle, for example, was taken over by the Carvallo family and decorated with Spanish works. To make the tours of these castles, you can contact us to request a car service.
The main attraction of the Loire Valley, also called "Garden of France", is based on the numerous castles and gardens that distinguish it, each containing an important part of the History of France. There are no less than fifty castles on less than 100 kilometers in this cradle of the French Renaissance. This exceptional number has made the Loire Valley a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as a living cultural landscape. Each castle contains a story of French royalty, offering history lovers enough to lick their chops. The castle of Amboise was for example the place where Leonardo da Vinci surrendered his soul, the royal castle of Blois was the place of exile of Marie de Medici, the castle of Chambord served as a field hospital during the Franco-German war from 1870. There are many more that deserve a visit! You can even stay in one of these castles and discover the art of living of the castellans, while enjoying the best wines of the region and local gastronomy . The architectural heritage of the main cities of the Valley (Tours, Orleans, Angers) also makes it a place of "tourist pilgrimage", these famous cities along the Loire swarming with thousands of visitors a year. Indeed, besides the castles, sumptuous buildings worthy of detours still stand out for the pleasure of tourists. Examples include the Saint-Maurice cathedral in Angers, the house of Adam, the Sainte-Croix cathedral in Orleans, the statue of Joan of Arc in Orleans, the Saint-Gratien cathedral in Tours or the Vieux-Tours. The vineyards are also very popular. During the summer, different events are organized around wine. This is an opportunity for producers to share the treasures of their cellar with the general public and to make them taste their wines. The fruity and balanced white of Ambroise or the sparkling wines of Saumur, owners, cooperatives and independent producers will be delighted to make you drunk! Other activities are also offered to nature lovers: walking, horseback riding or biking , fishing, canoeing, discovery of crafts (earthenware, stained glass, basketry ...), etc. For you to enjoy, we can provide a day rental service.
Chambord Castle is one of the largest castles in the Loire. The castle has 420 rooms, 77 staircases, 282 fireplaces, 800 sculpted capitals and has no less than 2,000 works of art. It was to the glory of King Francis I that the castle was built. The Chambord estate represents François 1er's attachment to wilderness as well as his love for hunting.
Visit to the heart of nature
It took at least 40 years for Leonardo da Vinci to build the castle entirely according to the king's requirements, it was in 1519 until 1549. Besides, the castle celebrated its 500th anniversary in 2019. During the visit, the public will be able to discover the different royal apartments which belonged to King François I but also to King Louis XIV. Visitors will also discover the chapel and the terraces of the castle. The remarkable castle is nestled in the heart of a vast green and flowered domain of 5000 ha, an area enclosed by a wall of more than 30 km. For lovers of wilderness, it is even a park home to a splendid biodiversity comprising no less than 100 species so magnificent as each other.
On-site activities
Besides the visit of the castle and its vast green domain, there are many fun and cultural events which take place in Chambord throughout the year depending on the occasion: shows, concerts, orchestras, field, dance, painting and much more. still others. Visitors can also choose to hire bicycles, rosalies or boats to fully experience the adventure. Other activities are also offered to young and old alike such as carriage rides, cart rides, bicycle tours, etc. The Château de Chambord is surrounded by 5 other remarkable castles, after having spent a pleasant time in Chambord, many people decide to continue the adventure in the neighboring castles.
Located in the Loire, the Château de Chenonceau is both a historic site and an unmissable tourist spot in France. Every day, it welcomes vacationers, tourists or groups of visitors eager for culture and a change of scenery.
A medieval castle
Chenonceau Castle was built in the 12th and 13th century. It has also retained its medieval style over the years, despite some renovation and restoration work - something to amaze and delight fans of architecture. It not only seduces for its authentic exterior facade. It has also retained all of its inner beauty. The visit focuses in particular on the dungeons and the various rooms with their decoration. It is a real dive into the history of France.
Gardens conducive to relaxation
The Château de Chenonceau is also 12,000 m2 of perfectly maintained garden, which is ideal for relaxation. There's nothing like a stroll through the flowerbeds and ponds in the castle's outdoor park to get away from it all and forget your worries. Entertainment for flower lovers The Château de Chenonceau also offers entertainment that is sure to appeal to flower lovers. For 20 years, you have had flower arrangement workshops organized on site. You will then take advantage of the hundreds of m2 of vegetable garden available on site.