History of the Loire Valley

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.