Loire Valley Castles – Six of the Best Historic French Chataeux you should visit
The Loire Valley in France is a splendid area granted the status of world heritage due to its incredible castles. The kings and queens of France, seduced by the mild climate and forests full of game they built their castles incredible Loire Valley. They surrounded themselves with the greatest architects and artiests this time.
This is the country of thousand castles. Many chateaux and stately homes open the public: some are state owned, such as Chambord and Blois, while others are private, and still lived in a large proportion of running and light shows sound during the tourist season. Château de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chambord are incredibly popular.
Château de Chenonceau
Le Chateau des Dames built on a bridge over the River Cher is one of the most beautiful chateaux of the Loire, with graceful arches and towers and stately avenues bordered by plane trees. Is beauty is reflected in the river Cher.
Chenonceau owes much of its design and beauty to four women. Catherine of Briçonnet was largely responsible for its early Renaissance style. Catherine spent the castle to Henry II's mistress, Diane de Poitiers who was responsible for the gardens to the left of the castle as you approach, and construction of a bridge over the River Cher.
Unfortunately, Diane de Poitiers was forced to give up ownership of the castle to Catherine de Medici (wife of Henry II bitter) which was offered at the Chateau de Chaumont in exchange. Not exactly a fair exchange! Catherine de Medici built this gallery on the bridge. Later, the castle was inherited by Louise de Lorraine, the bereaved wife of Henri III favorite son of Catherine. She painted the ceiling of her bedroom and white black out of respect for her late husband.
CHATEAU Blois
Château de Blois is almost like 4 separate castles in one – so different are the current architectural styles. Renaissance architecture is the dominant style of Francisco 1 plane. Gaston wing be satisfied all the anxieties of classical architecture.
The heart medieval centers in the Salle des Etats Généraux, where the Court and based on the Council. Flamboyant Gothic style is evident in the wing of Louis XII. Rooms Catherine de Medici private track with a variety of poisons in the Francois 1 wing. This is where in 1588 the Duke of Guise was brutally murdered after thought I was planning a Catholic uprising against Henri III.
Chateau de Cheverney
Château de Cheverny is the most luxuriously decorated unmistakedly of all the castles of the Loire Valley. Built between 1604 and 1634 very little has changed. The current owner is a direct descendant of the original owners. The interior 1640 is one of the best in its class. Some of the masterpieces of the castle include paintings of old masters, tapestries from Paris and Holland plus Louis XIV's comfortable and unforgettable grandfather clock.
Tintin fans will note that Herge based the mythical Moulinsart Cheverny. There is an exhibition of Tintin opposite the castle. At the 2nd World War 18th century Orangerie served as a hiding place for the Mona Lisa.
Chateau du Chaumont
Chateau du Chaumont is located on the shore Loire River, about 20 minutes west of Blois originated in the eleventh century
In 1560 the castle became the property of Catherine de 'Medici who entertained many astrologers that even Nostradamus. On the death of her husband, King Henry II, Catherine used her power to take over the coveted Château de Chenonceau in her husband's mistress, Diane de Poitiers. She was forced to accept the castle of Chaumont in exchange for her beloved Chenonceau.
Each year, from April to October, the castle holds an international garden festival covering a different topic. Last year was the game. In 2007 the theme will be mobility.
Chateau du Clos Luce
Chateau du Clos Luce is where Leonardo da Vinci spent the last four years of his life. You can visit their classrooms, study, kitchen and bedrooms, the chapel and see the frescoes painted by his students. His paintings and drawings are set out in the garden of the castle with giant models of IBM sponsored by some of the more spectacular the machines invented along with the voice.
The Loire Valley is a beautiful region a great destination. Remember that you not be satisfied simply by visiting castles, which may indeed be in a castle. Many are now converted to hotels and Chambre d'hotes (bed and breakfast establishments). You can usually choose a private or hire the whole castle.
About the Author
Corina Clemence runs an exclusive luxury chateau ideal for a french holiday in the Loire Valley. Rent a castle in France http://www.loirechateau.com She also writes for http://www.articleaunty.com on writing articles for your website.
Antique French Gothic Clock Set by Louis Japy. French – Circa 1880
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55536 : UNIQUE FRENCH ANTIQUE GOTHIC HALL TREE $9,950.00 |
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FRENCH CARVED ANTIQUE NEO GOTHIC WALNUT CREDENZA BAR $8,200.00 |
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ANTIQUE FRENCH WALNUT NEO GOTHIC FIGURAL CABINET BUFFET $7,900.00 |
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NICE ANTIQUE GOTHIC FRENCH WALNUT CARVED SIDEBOARD $6,500.00 |
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SUPERB ANTIQUE FRENCH GOTHIC CREDENZA DISPLAY CABINET $4,750.00 |
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ANTIQUE FRENCH RENAISSANCE GOTHIC CARVED WALNUT BUFFET $4,340.00 |
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GOTHIC CARVED ANTIQUE FRENCH ORIGINAL SIDEBOARD 05BE425 $3,850.00 |
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ANTIQUE FRENCH GOTHIC BRASS TABLE CLOCK UNUSUAL C1870 $1,850.00 |
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WOW VINTAGE FRENCH GOTHIC OAK PARQUETRY REFECTORY TABLE $1,799.00 |
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French Gothic Side Chairs Circa 1850 $1,300.00 |
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French Gothic Candelabra $1,200.00 |
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2 Cast Iron Fleur de Lys Coat Hanger set $13.98 Great looking Fleur de lys coat hangers. Measure 6″ tall by 3 1/2″ wide. Each hanger has double hooks as can be seen in the photo. Perfect for hats, mittens, coats, …whatever needs hanging up! Plus they feature a fleur de lys which captures the feel of medieval times. Done in antique cast iron finish…. |
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FRENCH GOTHIC VICTORIAN SPANDRELS Fireplace Hearth Candelabra $115.00 Elegant & romantic, this Fireplace Candelabra is designed for a nice candlelit evening without having to start a roaring fire in the hearth. And with a Gothic motif, smooth Twists in the Frame, & gracefully Curled Tips, this will keep your fireplace properly ornamented during those times that there isn’t a blaze going! This Candelabra features 10 Discs to support candles up to 4″ in diameter & is … |
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Fleur de Lis Heavy Cast Iron Bookends $18.99 Beautiful new cast iron Fleur De Lis bookend set. They measure 6″ tall and 5″ long. About 2 1/2″ wide. They look great on any mantle, bookshelf or end table. A primitive antique looking addition to your decor…. |
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French Gothic Post Top $3.99 Appearance grade, white pine. CCA-Type C, mold inhibitor Life Guard, water repellent pressure treatment with WeatherGuard…. |
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Bram Stoker’s Dracula [Blu-ray] $8.00 Francis Ford Coppola returns to Stoker’s novel for this umpteenth take of the Transylvanian bloodsucker. Gary Oldman plays the vampire, Dracula, doomed to be a creature of the night after forsaking God but aroused by the image of a British woman (Winona Ryder) who resembles his own lost love. Oldman does well by the monster, even if he doesn’t register much personality in the process, and Anthony… |
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Rebecca $11.94 Rebecca is an ageless, timeless adult movie about a woman who marries a widower but fears she lives in the shadow of her predecessor. This was Hitchcock’s first American feature, and it garnered the Best Picture statue at the 1941 Academy Awards. In today’s films, most twists and surprises are ridiculous or just gratuitous, so it’s sobering to look back on this film where every revelation not only… |
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Interview with the Vampire $9.99 PSP INTERVIEW W/ VAMP (BM)… |
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FRENCH GOTHIC POST TOP … |
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Christmas With the Dale Warland Singers $11.99 The Dale Warland Singers make their debut on Gothic with a beautiful new Christmas CD, featuring imaginative arrangements of carols from around the world. The sound is incomparable!… |