French castles are oh so magical. There’s just something so special about being in a place where so much history and countless stories have taken place, never mind a place that has inspired so many stories. Visiting the chateaux of the Loire Valley made us feel like we were walking in a real life fairy tale. Each castle was just spectacular and filled with so much fairy tale charm. It sounds cliche to say, but we were truly awe inspired the whole time we were there. There are 42 castles in the Loire Valley, which makes this UNESCO World Heritage Site a must visit for every castle lover. You would need several weeks to visit them all, but we only had 2 days. We chose to visit the ones that inspired Disney castles, since I am a huge Disney freak. Read on as we share where to stay in the Loire Valley to be central to the chateaux we visited, which Loire Valley castles we visited, which Disney castles they inspired, tips on visiting the region, and of course, TONS of photos.
3 Chateaux of the Loire Valley that Inspired Disney Castles
Where to Stay + Things to Do in Amboise
We chose to stay in Amboise as we felt it was central to all the castles we wanted to visit. We were really happy with this decision as Amboise turned out to be such a cute town. It’s one of the only villages that has a castle and lots of others things to see, do, and eat. We wished we had more time to explore the town, but our time was limited and we wanted to spend it all seeing the castles. If you have more time than we did, spend a few hours just wandering the main square, visiting all the shops, and eating in the cafes.
- Chateau d’Amboise – located in the heart of the town. We didn’t have time to go in, but the outside fortress was stunning
- Visit the local wineries – we just stopped at any we found along the way. If you’re driving, keep your eyes peeled as they can be easy to miss. You’ll see the signs on the roads, follow those signs even if it seems like they aren’t leading anywhere at all. We visited a winery that was located in what seemed to be an abandoned house. At first glance we thought there was no way a winery was located there, but it turned out to be the cutest place; full of rustic charm and super cheap bottles of wine. I mean super cheap. We bought bottles for $5! Good thing we brought a wine suitcase!
- Eat at L’Alliance – the food is SO good, it’s reasonably priced for what you get, and the cheese cart was one of the best ones we experienced our whole trip!
- Stay at Hotel Au Charme Rabelaisien – the hotel is converted from an old home. You get all the old charm, with modern and spacious rooms. We didn’t have a hotel booked and we found it while driving. It was walking distance from the main part of the town and lots of dining! Our room was around $100/night, but we went off-season. Check prices for your dates HERE
Pretty home we passed on our drive
Tips on Visiting the Castles of the Loire Valley
A few tips for successful castle hopping. (My favorite kind of hopping we’ve done so far. Seriously. Bar hopping has NOTHING on castle hopping)
- If you plan on visiting several châteaux, we recommend purchasing the Châteaux Pass. It gives you a small discount for each castle and lets you skip the lines
- If you want to be able to photograph the castles without too many people in the way, visit the castles early in the morning or around closing time. We were the only ones there at both castles we visited around closing time. It also adds to the magic to be able to experience the castles without crowds
- If possible, rent a car. It is easiest to get around with a car as the castles are not too close to each other
- If a car is a not an option, you can find several tours. If you prefer to go solo, as we do, you can also do a combination of trains, bikes, and walking. Almost all the castles are located relatively close to a train station so you can walk from there. If it’s not walking distance, you can rent a bike from any tourism office
- Loire Valley is just a few hours from Paris. While you can visit in just a day, we highly recommend spending at least 2 days so you can see multiple castles, try the local wines, eat delicious food, and soak up the magical atmosphere of this beautiful French region
- Each castle is located in a small little village. If you have time we highly recommend walking around the village and soaking it all in. It’s a very quaint and unique experience, with lots of off the beaten path finds as most tourists who come to visit the castles do not venture into the villages
View of the village near Le Chateau d’Usse
3 Castles That Inspired Disney Castles
While there are SO many castles to choose from, here are the three we visited.
Chateau d’ Usse
Inspired Sleeping Beauty’s Castle and Story
Chateau d’Usse is a fairy-tale like castle that dates back to the Viking Age. The castle inspired not only the Disney castle version of Sleeping Beauty, but also the story itself, written by Charles Perrault. I was surprised to learn the castle is privately owned and the family still lives there. Visitors can tour the ground floor, the attic, and the garden. The garden felt just magical to walk through. It is so fragrant and full of oranges and limes. The ground floor houses 16th century wallpaper, furniture, and clothing and is like taking a trip back in time. I did feel the interior was a bit unremarkable. The attic is where all the magic is. I truly felt like I was walking in a fairy tale and had to take several minutes to soak it all in and remind myself that this is all real. I could completely see why the castle inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty. I had so much fun looking out from what would have been her tower if she had existed. The views of the garden, lake, and village from the tower are all so incredibly beautiful. As you walk through the attic, there’s a panorama of the story, as written by Charles Perrault. The castle grounds is also home to a winery that produces bubbly white wine that you can purchase.
Things to Know:
- Tickets are € 14 for adults
- Closed in December and January
- Hours are typically 10am-6pm (they close at 7pm March – September)
- Plan to spend around two hours (unless you take a ton of photos)
- Last admission is an hour before closing
- Dogs allowed
- Ample parking
Chateau de Chaumont
Inspired Cinderella’s Castle
Founded in the 10th century, Chateau de Chaumont was my favorite of the castles we visited! I just thought it was so incredibly beautiful and even though it’s a large property, it still has a very cozy feel. We visited in the fall and there were pumpkins all over. Since rumor says that Chateau du Chaumont inspired Walt Disney’s design of Cinderella’s castle, the pumpkins seemed extra magical to me as they are part of Cinderella’s story. You need ample time here to explore the castle, the multiple gardens, greenhouse, and historic stables. We didn’t have much time and we were sad to have the rush through. There are no ropes throughout the castle to separate visitors from the exhibits, just a small step barrier, so it really feels like you are right in the magic. I really loved that throughout the castle there are art installations from The Center for Arts and Nature. Bassam didn’t really like this because he felt it detracted from the history of the place, but I felt it was so fun and unique. It really enhanced the experience for me.
Things to Know:
- Adult tickets are € 18 or € 12 depending on time of the year
- The chateau is open year around, except for on Christmas and New Year’s Day
- Dogs are allowed in the garden but not inside the castle
- During the summer you can visit the gardens by night when the castle grounds are illuminated by over 2,000 castles (I really want to go back for this!)
- Ample parking
Magical art installation in the church
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- Art installation in the indoor riding arena transformed into a nest. The nest is made of quartz geodes from Morocco.
Art installation in the stables
Chateau de Chambord
Inspired Beast’s Castle from Beauty and the Beast
Chateau de Chambord is the largest castle in the Loire Valley and one of the most recognizable due to its distinctive French Renaissance architecture. Rumor has it that Chambord was the inspiration for the Beast’s Castle from Beauty and the Beast. The resemblance was uncanny to me and I kept imaging that scene from the movie when the townspeople storm the castle. There was even a clock that reminded me of Cogsworth!
Chambord has been the source of much mystery over the years as there is a total absence of archival information pertaining to the construction site and the architect is unknown. Mysterious or not, Chambord is an absolutely spectacular castle. It’s incredibly detailed and ornate. We were stunned and in awe the entire visit. Our favorite part was the dual staircase, which led to spectacular views of the property and the red and white village nearby. While we loved the beauty of the castle, it wasn’t our favorite as it was the most crowded of the castles we visited. It wasn’t until almost closing time when we went up to the very top of the castle that we were able to get away from the crowds and enjoy a private moment to soak it all in. We took that opportunity to play our first dance song and dance in that gorgeous space. It truly felt like a fairy tale.
Things to Know:
- Adult tickets are € 13
- The chateau is open year-around except for 11/26, 12/25, 1/1
- Opening hours are 9am-6pm during peak season and 9am-5pm during off season
- The garden close 30 minutes before the chateau
- Last entry is 30 minutes before closing
- Parking is available for € 6
- Cafes and shops are available in the Chambord village square, situated just between the parking lot and the chateau
- Dogs are allowed in the park but not inside the chateau or in the gardens
What a beautiful post! So detailed and the pictures are like a fairytale themselves!! I’ll definitely be highlighting this post for when I plan a visit!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Andele! It was such a magical trip. I hope you get to go soon!
Beautiful pictures!!! This is really making want to go like right now!
You SHOULD go right now and you should take me with you!! LET’S GO!!
Oh, this truly does look like a fairytale come to life. I would love to visit! Is it easy to visit if you don’t speak French?
Yes, so easy! All the signs are in English and people are happy to speak to you in English as long as you Ask in French first “do you speak English?”
I love castles and this post is making me want to cry! The pictures are so beautiful! I will show this to my husband and hopefully he will surprise me for a trip to this place.
You know what, I almost did cry while we were there! I had to keep reminding myself it was real life! Send it to him with a note saying: WHAT I WANT FOR MY BIRTHDAY. Haha
Oh my gosh! These places are absolutely stunning! I had no idea that these places inspired Disney castles!
Isn’t that so cool!? The Sleeping Beauty castle even inspired the actual story!
What gorgeous pictures! I’ve driven past it many times but never stopped- guess I need to!!!
Oh you should! It’s such a beautiful area!
I absolutely love your photos. Having spent loads of family holidays in France when I was younger it hadn’t been high on my list to return. It is now though, looks stunning!
France is my absolute favorite! Which part did your family holiday in?
My goodness your photos are absolutely pretty!!!!
Aw, thank you so much!
Wow, 42 castles!! And they look so magical. I love the subtle, soft colours of your photos..
Isn’t that insane?! It would take so long to visit them all! And thank you!
I’ve never been to a French castle but they are so so beautiful!! Need to add it to my bucketlist!
We loved them! Highly recommend adding to your bucket list!
What a stunning area! I just love your photos and I would love to visit the Loire Valley. All three of the castles you visited are amazing. Thanks for all the great tips, I pinned for future reference.
It was such an amazing trip! Let us know if you end up going. We’d love to hear what you think! Thank you for pinning!
Your photos are gorgeous! France is one of my favourite countries, but I haven’t been to the Loire Valley yet. I can’t wait to go and see these castles! So beautiful 🙂
France is our favorite country too! We can go again and again. There’s just so much to do, see, and most importantly, EAT! Haha. I hope you love the Loire Valley when you go! You’ll have to let us know!
Um, you look like you’re IN AN ACTUAL FAIRYTALE. I love this. Your photos are beautiful too! Would love to hear your photography tips. xo
Aw thank you! You are so sweet! Photography is a skill we learned for the blog and are constantly trying to improve. I’m happy to share any tips. Is there anything specific you want to know?
Castle hopping sounds like my actual dream! Also, so interested you noted one of these castles inspired the Sleeping Beauty castle, because when I was in Neuschwanstein in Germany they said the same thing. I wonder which one is telling the truth or if both of them are?! Haha!
I want to go to Neuschwanstein SO BADLY! So I’ve heard Neuschwanstein inspired Cinderella. The Cinderella castle was both inspired by Neuschwanstein and Chateau de Chaumont. Chateau d’Usse is supposedly verified to have inspired Sleeping Beauty, because it inspired the author himself! It’s all so interesting! I can’t imagine it’s ever just one castle, as inspiration comes from so many different forms, even if you don’t consciously realize you’re being inspired!
It is crazy to have so many in one place… and $5 wine?! I’m in!! These pictures are stunning. I am absolutely adding this to my wish list.
RIGHT?! It would take so long to visit them all, but that’s a challenge I’m willing to accept! And yes, $5 wine! Just a dream!
I always wanted to visit the castles on the Loire Valley. It’s on my bucket list. And you’re not making it easier 😀 Your pictures look absolutely like a dream. Loved it!
Oh I highly encourage you to go! I hope you love it as much as we did! It would a total dream!
All these pictures look straight out of a fairytale. Awesome post!
It truly felt like a fairy tale! So happy to hear you enjoyed it!
The pictures are so pretty! And now I’m planning a road trip to see the castles!
One thing though, that is the castle that inspired the writer of sleeping beauty qhen he wrote the story but the actual castle that inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle was Neuschwastein castle in Germany.
It’s interesting to know that there are 2 castles that inspired the story and then the one at the Disney park and the movie.
That makes me so happy to hear! It’s such a great road trip!
As far as the information I’ve seen, Neuschwastein inspired Cinderella’s castle and the Disney World castle which is Cinderella. That being said, I’ve also seen reports that multiple castles inspired each of Disney’s castles (Chaumont and Neuschwastein for Cinderella), which totally makes sense! Inspiration comes from so many different forms, I’d be surprised if it’s ever just one thing! Wish we could get confirmation from the man himself!
I’m so impressed, your photos are just so amazing. And funny how I discover these castle on your blog while I live in France and love visiting castles but never these ones. I think I will go there soon.
Thank you so much, Elodie! I really appreciate the sweet comment. I’m so incredibly jealous you live in France; that’s my dream! I hope you enjoy these castles and hope you get to visit them soon.
Those are some beautiful shots, especially with the soft light. I really like the pictures of Château de Chaumont.
I believe some of those castles inspired Disney, not Disneyland, but the actual movie castles! The Disneyland Sleeping Beauty castle is mostly inspired by Neuschwanstein, except they changed the building inside by rotating it, so it looks a bit different – it has a tiered look which Neuschwanstein doesn’t, as Neuschwanstein only has the Disney look when seen from the entrance. The second Disney castle from Disney World was inspired by many castles and even cathedrals and monasteries. I believe there’s some of the Loire castles in that design. Both the Disneyland and Disney World castles look very different from the animated movie castles.
The original cartoons were partially inspired by a book called Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry, they are drawn in a similar style but exaggerated, more lofty and with more towers. The original images have a bit of a cartoony style to them, as you can see here:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tr%C3%A8s_Riches_Heures_du_Duc_de_Berry#/media/File:Les_Tr%C3%A8s_Riches_Heures_du_duc_de_Berry_aout.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/13/Folio_161v_-_The_Temptation_of_Christ.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/72/Les_Tr%C3%A8s_Riches_Heures_du_duc_de_Berry_septembre.jpg
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d9/Fr%C3%A8res_Limbourg_-_Tr%C3%A8s_Riches_Heures_du_duc_de_Berry_-_mois_de_mai_-_Google_Art_Project.jpg
Hi Kurt! I’m so glad you liked the photos and thank you for sharing the original images! Yes, to the Disney movies and not Disneyland! It’s so fun to see all the different versions. Neuschwanstein is so high on my list to go visit! Thanks for dropping by and sharing with us!
This is an absolutely stunning post! I am going in October for my 10 year anniversary with my hubby! I’m using all of these tips! Do you know if there are any photographers in the area by chance? We would like to get some professional photos for our anniversary. Thank you for sharing!
Hi Corina! How incredibly exciting! We hope you have an AMAZING time! I’m not aware of any photographers in Loire Valley, but I would imagine there are a lot! I hope you have an incredible anniversary trip! You’ll have to let us know how it goes! If you have time, try to visit Provence as well! It’s absolutely magical!