Château de Beauregard, Loire Valley 🇫🇷

Set in the scenic Loire Valley near Blois and bordering the Russy Forest, Château de Beauregard offers an intimate glimpse into French history. Though still a private residence today, this Renaissance château welcomes you to explore its remarkable architecture and world-famous artistic treasures. Originally developed around 1545 by Jean du Thiers, Secretary of State to Henri II, and later expanded by Paul Ardier in 1617, the estate captures centuries of French heritage.

When you visit, the undeniable centerpiece is the breathtaking Gallery of Portraits (Galerie des Illustres). As the largest surviving gallery of its kind in Europe, this 26-meter-long hall features 327 portraits of famous European figures spanning from 1328 to 1643. You will walk across a magnificent floor paved with 5,500 Delftware tiles and look up at a rich blue ceiling decorated by Jean Mosnier using precious lapis lazuli.

Beyond the portrait gallery, make sure to admire the Italian-style fireplace, the intricate woodwork in the Cabinet of Bells created by Francisque Scibec Carpi, and the quiet park containing the stone ruins of a pre-fifteenth-century chapel marked with pilgrim shells.

What to see at Château de Beauregard, Loire Valley

• The Gallery of Portraits featuring 327 historical portraits
• A hall paved with 5,500 Delftware tiles and a lapis lazuli ceiling
• Carved woodwork in the Cabinet of Bells by Francisque Scibec Carpi
• Pre-15th-century chapel ruins displaying pilgrim shells in the park

Visiting tips

Be sure to examine the portrait gallery's fireplace to spot the large equestrian portrait of King Henri IV.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning

How to get there & what’s nearby

Château de Beauregard, Loire Valley is easy to reach on Blois’s public transport. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Blois travel guide.