In Deep: A (Brief) Look at Loire Valley History

Dotted with châteaux (castles) and marked by war, the history of the <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/france/loire-valley">Loire Valley</a> is long and involved — too long and involved to do justice to in a single blog post. So, in the interest of brevity, we’ll focus our history lesson on the period when most of the region’s fortresses and châteaux were built.<h2>Loire Valley History:</h2><h3>The Dauphin and The Hundred Years’ War</h3>

In 1420, after <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/england-bespoke">England</a> had won some important battles during the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453) and gained control of most of northwest <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/france">France</a>, the English and French signed the Treaty of Troyes. This treaty would allow Henry V, King of England, to become king of France when Charles VI, the current king, died.Both Henry and Charles died at about the same time however, so Charles’ son, Charles VII, proclaimed himself king instead, although the French would not recognize him as king until he was crowned in the cathedral in Reims, which was then under English control. So the Dauphin (as the uncrowned heir to the throne was known) hid out in the Loire, where the population was loyal to him.<h4>The Garden of France</h4>Far from the constantly shifting borders between France and England, the Loire was safe for the Dauphin. It was also an easy place from which to run the country, as the Loire River was navigable 10 months of the year, and therefore a very important travel route at a time when roads in France consisted of uneven dirt tracks.Thanks to the trade that the river made possible, the Dauphin was able to enjoy the produce of his kingdom almost year-round: the blueberries of Orléans, the asparagus of Blois, the cabbage and plums of Touraine and the pears of Anjou.

The Dauphin also enjoyed living in the Loire because of the prevalence of excellent wine grown there. Thanks to the long-standing presence of royalty and aristocracy in the Loire Valley, it is said that the purest French is spoken in the Loire.<h4>Joan of Arc</h4>In 1428, the English laid siege to Orléans, a strategic city that controlled a large part of France’s north-south traffic. Joan of Arc (from a small village in Champagne) travelled to Chinon to persuade the Dauphin to support her with an army. The nationalist sentiment espoused by Joan of Arc was a novel idea at the time, and was instrumental in uniting the French. Joan was able to drive the English out of France and thanks to her, Charles VII was crowned in Reims.Thanks to the “unification” of the French under Joan of Arc, France was governed under Charles VII in a more centralized way, calming the infighting between members of the aristocracy. As a result, the fortified manors of the Middle Ages became unnecessary.<h4>From Fortress to Château</h4>After the unification of France, subsequent French kings — Charles VIII, Louis XII and Francis I — admired the aesthetic they saw in Italy during various military campaigns, and they imported Italian gardeners, architects and artisans to construct beautiful palaces in the Loire. Through them, the Italian Renaissance arrived in France.

The kings often paid for the loyalty of their noble subjects by offering them the expertise of the best <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/places-to-go/europe/italy">Italian</a> craftsmen to build their own palaces. The bourgeoisie grew richer by loaning money to the king, and they too poured money into Renaissance-style residences.Under Henry II of France however, the seat of power gradually shifted to Paris. As royal favour and money moved away from the Loire, there existed insufficient funds to destroy and rebuild the Renaissance châteaux in the “new” styles of the 17th or 18th centuries. Gems like Chenonceau and Azay-le-Rideau have been immaculately preserved as a result.&nbsp;In the <a href="https://www.butterfield.com/trip/bespoke/loire-valley-bespoke">Loire Valley</a>, a Butterfield &amp; Robinson trip will see you pedal through the lush countryside and sip vintages fit for kings. Prepare for the royal treatment.

Explore the history of the Loire Valley—from royal dynasties and Renaissance châteaux to the cultural legacy that shaped one of France’s most iconic regions.

Loire Valley History Lesson | Castles, Kings & French Heritage

In the valley of kings, we’ll roll out the red carpet for you. You’ll stay in grand châteaux. You’ll visit Touraine and think you’ve died and gone to epicurean heaven. You’ll join a red-robed fraternity of winegrowers and pay homage to the bacchanal. There are centuries of history here too, and we’ll take you straight to the heart of it. Prepare for the royal treatment.

From fairytale châteaux to scenic riverbanks

Cycle UNESCO châteaux and vineyard roads on small group or private bespoke trips through the Loire Valley, with castle stays and private wine cellars.

Loire Valley Bike Tours | Butterfield & Robinson

Poised on the left bank of the breathtaking Loire River, the Loire Valley is a fairy-tale come to life. Famously nicknamed the “Garden of France” for its abundant fresh produce—there’s a reason Parisians eat so well—and lush green countryside, the region is home to the greatest vineyards of the Old World.&nbsp;Explore brimming markets and opulent châteaux where kings and queens once reigned. Step back in time through medieval villages and meander impenetrable fortresses. From its sophisticated cities to adventure and treasured arts, your time will be extraordinary.

Historic Sites

Exceptional Wines

Unforgettable Experiences

In the Loire Valley, storybook castles, royal sleepovers and vineyard-laced hills are just the beginning. Pedal through lush countryside, raid lively markets and sip vintages fit for kings. Whether you're exploring châteaux or time-travelling through medieval villages, this is fairtyale France—with you as the main character.

Times stands still in the land of châteaux

A fairy-tale landscape where time stands still 

Bespoke travel lets you take our inspirational cues and craft them into your personalized, private adventure. Collaborate one-on-one with an Experience Designer to create your tailor-made trip.

Bike Loire châteaux and taste wines from cliff-carved cellars on a tailor-made itinerary. Private garden tours and estate access most visitors can't arrange.

Loire Valley Private Tours: Royal Châteaux & Cliff-Carved Wine Cellars

Not one but two castles await on this romantic ride through history. Domaine de la Tortiniere opens its Belle Époque doors to B&amp;R, and a private visit to Château du Rivau gives you something in common with Joan of Arc (Would you like to stay in her room? We're drawing straws). After this, slum it with the likes of Richard the Lionheart, Leonardo da Vinci and a locally lauded chef.

Luxurious Stays

Incredible Rides

Unique Gastronomy

Two castles, countless vineyards, and a dash of Joan of Arc (BYO armour). Pedal the Loire’s dreamy countryside from the art-forward forest sanctuary of Loire Valley Lodges to historic Château du Rivau (dibs on Joan’s room, anyone?). Sip top-tier wines, marvel at over-the-top architecture, and relish landscapes so romantic even cynics swoon.

The land of kings

The itinerary below is a sample and is subject to slight changes in routes, accommodations and activities. Please download the itinerary for your selected departure for precise details.

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Experience Designer

Not one but two castles await on this romantic ride through history. Domaine de la Tortiniere opens its Belle Époque doors to B&amp;R, and a private visit to Château du Rivau gives you something in common with Joan of Arc. (Would you like to stay in her room? We're drawing straws.) After this, slum it with the likes of Richard the Lionheart, Leonardo da Vinci, and a locally lauded chef.

Spend 5 nights cycling the Loire in a small group. Three royal châteaux, underground cliff-carved wine cellars and forest routes through France's garden valley.

In Deep: A (Brief) Look at Loire Valley History

By Jérôme Boré

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