Typically built in the 16th-17th centuries, the splendid Renaissance castles along the heritage site of the Loire Valley west of Paris are very popular with visitors, and are among the most beautiful castles in France.
Many lack a defensive function, or have incorporated earlier fortifications into a 'residential' type castle, with the focus on luxury, grandeur and carefully manicured French style gardens, such as Villandry.
Many lack a defensive function, or have incorporated earlier fortifications into a 'residential' type castle, with the focus on luxury, grandeur and carefully manicured French style gardens, such as Villandry.