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Published: June 28th 2013
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The Loire Valley is a stretch of land that runs along the Loire river. It has cute towns and villages,but whats really special about it is the chateaus. A château is a castle, and these chateaus were originally built for french kings, even though some of them never ended residing there, and instead used them for hunting cottages. Yes, just the summer home they visit once in a while. Some not at all. in the 1500, Britain was trying to conquer France which led the french to start setting up shop in the middle of the country as Britain was taking its boarders. Interesting fact I learned, it was Joan of arc who was 17 that led the french army to conquer and chase the Brittish army out. A while later, French royalty went to take over Italy, where they ended up adopting the Italian style, thus renassaince was born into french architecture and style.
So yes after that quick history lesson, it might help bring to light when you see the pctures. I have been wanting to visit here for a while a decided before I left to book a tour that would take me to 3 of the
Chateaus. The bus was leaving at 7:15. Somehow with mixed communication and thinking I had to BE there at 7:15, I almost missed it. One of the employees thankfully took me to where to bus was loaded and waiting for me. When I say take, I mean she looked at me and said," are you sportif? ( french for sporty not a typo) I looked back at her, thankfully with my running shoes on( the second time Ive worn them, when not running...) wearing a skirt and leggings, camera bag secured on my back, purse crossed on my body, and my lunch in a paper shopping bag. Hmmm. "Oui"I say, thinking , I did just run a half marathon. But that did not help my cause, running towards the Louvre, all my bags swinging in opposite drection, holding my lunch bag up while swinging my other arm. I looked like an idiot. What was even worse was running up to the FULL double decker bus, all heads bobbing in the windows turn slightly to watch me. Im out of breath, sweaty and have so much stuff with me, it was not a graceful entrance stomping up to the second level
and squeezing myself thru the rows, my paper bag smacking into the seats,trying to find an empty Space. I have my orthotics in my shoes and they dont fit so they squeak every step I take . There were only single seats left where I would have to sit next to someone. Finally out of just giving up I picked the seat near the back next to this lady who started shifting in her seat as I approached. She looked over to the seats opposite of her, to where I assumed her husband was sitting, and she decided to not sit next to me,( shock!) and sit next to her husband. I sighed and flopped down and threw my stuff onto the empty seat and peeled my jacket off. I looked down and saw a white tag sticking out if my shirt. I then realized that my shirt was inside out. Great, its going to be one of those days.
The bus ride took about 2 hours to the first Château, Chambord. This château was commissioned by King Francis I who had gone to conquer Italy and came back inspired by the style of renaissance. The outside still has
more medieval touches. This was intended to be a hunting lodge, a hunting lodge with 426 rooms. Not the average summer home. Unfortunately he only spent 72 days there and never saw it completed before his death. His sons later completed the project. I think the grand scale of this chateau makes it really interesting to walk about. in the centre there is a double staircase which I think is amazing and for its time, innovative architechture. it had a lot of blackened out fire places, which i could see as necessary because it was so vast with high ceilings and stone walls,it seemed cold. But back then they would also hang tapestry on the walls To retain heat. Well if I lived there that would be the least of my concerns. I loved this Chateau for the grandeur of it.
Next was Château Chenonceau. This was the ladies domain, as it passed from one woman to another. First was Diane de Poitiers, who received it as a gift from her "lover" king Henri II. Then it was taken over by Catherine de Medici, who redid everything and made it her own. The castle passed thru 4 other women.
This castle was smaller and simpler than the first and had a more feminine touch with its surrounding gardens. I think the best thing about this chateau would be the kitchen. Located in lower levels, the kitchen was huge and for its time, amazing. A huge fire pit area where big pots would hang to boil water, bread oven, a separate room for the larger oven, its own butchering room, and if course staff quarters. If it wasn't so crammed with people it would have been nice to wander around for a bit. I think the decor and set up of the bedrooms wins me over with this one.
Onto the last, but not least, Chateau Cheverny. this castle had a more country home feel. I think because this chateau is privately owned and is still inhabited by the owners. When you walk in there is a family photograph of the owners today, looking like an ordinary family. Who happen to live in a castle. The area you are allowed to visit are all decorated in the original furnishings. Its pretty amazing to see the furniture and tapestries. It also has its own arms room, which is the largest
room in the castle. And of course, what chateau wouldn't be complete without its own chapel.
Outside on the grounds if well manicured lawns and in the distance, trees and gardens. Its also a huge hunting venue and houses over 100 hounds, who were all hungry and waiting to be fed. I had run out of time and had to leave but not before a quick stop to "smell" the roses. A french man began talking to me, from what I could understand, was a Bridgette Bardot rose. Im not sure what he was talking about, it sounded lovely
Thus my trip to the Loire valley has ended. a quick taste into this amazing area.one I may need to make again. Loire valley 2.0 for 2016?
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