Guide to castles of Loire Valley in French garden
2023-07-04
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Some people once said that if you want to fully understand French culture, one is Paris and other is Loire Valley. The largest river in France, Loire is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and was once a gathering place at castle. for royalty. Here you can appreciate all kinds of outstanding castles, as well as feel origins of historical and cultural stories at close range. Dazzling and colorful, humanities and nature are ingeniously united, presenting world as a famous legendary masterpiece. Medieval fortresses, royal castles and renaissance houses, idyllic mansions, impressive cathedrals... These artistic marvels have evolved continuously over more than three centuries, creating what historians call "the French art of living". , Francis I, Charles VII, Leonardo da Vinci, Maurice Geneve, Julien Gerac and others decided to live here with discernment. But even now, you can still appreciate this majestic cultural impulse through architectural landscapes such as caves, Renaissance castles, medieval fortresses, old towns and gardens. We can say that reputation of French backyard garden is well deserved.
Before leaving, I was looking forward to seeing splendor of this magical land in person, such as Chambord overlooking Cosson River, Azay-le-Rideau Castle on banks of Indre River, Chenonceau Castle on banks of Cher River and Daphne Castle. The royal castle of Amboise in medieval Gothic style and castle of Clos Luce in Renaissance style, castle of Chaumont-sur-Loire, which looks like a natural oasis, castle of Blois with image of lilies, medieval sculptures and mythical castles, are closely related to Castle of Vuelve. Many times, no matter how beautiful words are, they seem to be eclipsed in front of castles. Being in them, feel amazing beauty more with your soul.
Round-trip flight: Air France, departure AF125 09:05-14:00, return flight AF382 23:20-15:20.
Names of 8 castles on this trip: Azay-le-Rideau, Liv, Chenonceau, Château Royale Amboise, Clos-Luce, Chaumont-sur-Loire, Château de Bourou-Vas, Chambord.
Travel mode: charter car for duration of trip, comfortable and considerate.
Wi-Fi connection. Throughout process, global roaming Wi-Fi is used with a good signal and uninterrupted connection.
Château de Azay-le-Rideau Recommended index: 3 stars Keywords: reflection, antique furniture
The castle was first built in 11th century, it was destroyed during Hundred Years War between Britain and France and rebuilt during reign of Francis I. A perfect combination of French architectural art and new Italian artistic style. Balzac described castle of Azay-le-Rideau at dinner: it is like "a beautifully carved diamond set on river Indre".
Compared to other castles, it is smaller in size, with two main parts surrounded by river Indre and a landscaped garden. The entrance to castle is built in form of a triumphal arch, decorated with initials of founder Gilles Berthelot and his wife, and lower part of stairs is decorated with images of Francis I and his wife Claude of France. : salamander and ferret.
During restoration work carried out in 1950s, 15th century cannon terrace originally located at bottom of castle was demolished, so castle can be completely reflected in water, and slowly flowing river water is like a mirror reflecting endless splendor.
Many small tributaries of Andel River are planted with North African cedar, sequoia, American pine, Asian ginkgo, etc. Tree species from distant lands, full of greenery, create a pleasant natural landscape.
The interior of castle is still made in Italian style, French decoration of Renaissance. The stairs are beautifully carved and decorated, and ceiling is carved with classic medals, seaweed wells, and decorative patterns.
The room is hung with tapestries from 16th and 17th centuries, with scenes from Old Testament woven by Oudenarde and Antwerp, hunting scenes woven by Beauvais manufactory, and fragments of story of St. Almid and Renaud woven in city of Sale.
In the banquet hall, automatically rotating and rising dolls and animals put on magical retro shows.
A lot of antique furniture was collected, especially rich interior decoration. In different rooms there are a lot of beautiful furniture and paintings, among which royal portraits make up majority.
Stained glass windows create an elegant castle atmosphere.
Liv Castle Recommended Index: 5 stars Tags: Fairy Garden, Theme Room
Situated in middle of Royal River Valley, Liv Castle with twelve beautiful themed gardens was created in fifteenth century by famous French royal family of Beauvos and has close ties to French Renaissance, Jeanne. Arc before attack on Orleans came here to recruit troops, and famous writer Rabelais was also a guest here.
There are many reasons why I fell in love with it at first sight, for example, a reproduction of medieval carved fairy tales, 400 types of roses, pumpkins everywhere, perfume trails, fairy carpets, artistic labyrinths, like a garden in a dream; This kind of family collection is exquisite and sophisticated, and glass crafts are natural; or, present representation of various animals symbolizes harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and dreamy collection is like an infant. Glass is fragile, but tough, symbolizing tension of life. Or a colorful themed color room perfectly conveys visual feel of castle heroine, which is very much like a fairy tale. Too many places that beckon me to stop, it's really indescribable.
The old vines of King's River Valley and roses that climbed walls intertwined and grew on fence of garden. You can walk along grassy path to Tom's Finger, Magic Forest, Labyrinth, Running Forest. "Wait for garden. Pass through these gardens and see fairies and fairies molded from clay pots and garden tools or carved from oak trunks.
I came across this white peacock in garden. He is very arrogant, but not very afraid of people. He just danced past me like that.
This castle and Temple of Heaven in our country were founded in 1420, and friendly relations were established to jointly promote the development of Sino-French cultural exchange.
Modern works of art in garden reflect harmonious exchange between man and nature. Every year owner of garden invites a new artist to decorate garden, expressing influence of man on nature. In garden, under sun, thousands of roses compete for beauty.
That's what I mentioned earlier, about harmonious coexistence of man and nature, looking at real representation of these animals, either blooming or ferocious, behind their faces, I think more about natural environment.
Dream style room, pink and delicate girlish heart, when you enter you are inadvertently attracted to this piece of glass art, glass is fragile, but here it is flexible like a web, symbolizing vitality. Unlimited voltage.
It is a great honor for us to be invited to a family dinner with owner of the castle, here we talked and laughed, and received warm and cordial French hospitality.
The rooms in castle, decorated in colors, are a beautiful existence, carefully created by hostess. Each room is decorated in its own style, highlighting ingenious ideas within thematic colors such as blue, green, yellow, red, purple and suites. , Unique design, from murals to tapestries, from lamps to bedding, show noble and elegant quality. Come on, guess what color scheme I live in?
Bath products have a fragrance design prepared by hostess herself. The unique packaging exudes a light fragrance and texture of handmade soap. If you pay attention, you may find that key to room is also unique. Then, now you have to guess which room I live in, right?
Château de Chenonceau Recommended index: 4 stars Keywords: queen, restaurant
The water castle of Chenonceau, left and right wings of which are thrown over banks of Char River, a tributary of Loire River, and are connected by a covered bridge with five holes in middle. moored on river Char. After generations of hostesses, it has become a castle full of exquisite, elegant and romantic temperament, with fine tenderness, exquisite and beautiful posture, and strong femininity, tender and soft. If Chambord is king, then Chenonceau is queen.
The castle of Chenonceau is a mixture of Gothic and early Renaissance architecture. In addition to main castle, embankment above river, which is both a corridor and a bridge, is most striking, hence saying about water castle. The gardens on both sides seem to be decorations on sideburns of castle or two silk handkerchiefs, which blends perfectly with architecture of castle.
The castle is loved by prominent women in history of France, which they manage and protect, such as Diane Poitier, Catherine de Medici and others. Today, Chenonceau Castle is most visited castle in France, with exception of Versailles. Indeed, when I entered, crowd was so crowded that it was difficult to walk, which is indicative of high degree of attention it received.
The castle has a rich collection of paintings, and thanks to collection of masters, it is one of most famous museums and art galleries in world. It has many famous Flemish tapestries and is only castle with audio guides with iPods. ., there are 11 languages to choose from.
Gourmet restaurants, wax museums, boat trips on river Cher in spring and summer, visits to gardens of Diane Poitiers and gardens of Catherine de Metis, vegetable gardens, 16th century farms and flower workshops, every day. The created artistic atmosphere makes castle pleasing to eye and makes you freeze for a long time.
And I was very lucky that I was able to book a place in a restaurant here. You see, landscape outside window is like being in the wild. The glass house radiates a vibrant vitality like an oil painting. Kind and natural.
Elegant food, from pre-dinner appetizers to main courses, chef's daily after-meal dessert and tea, all evoke refined and romantic life of French pastoral art.
After lunch, we walked a little through such a forest, feeling natural breeze, sun just right, and everything remains at moment.
Amboise Royal Castle Recommended index: 4 stars Keywords: da Vinci, magnificent view
During Renaissance, Royal Château de Amboise was one of most prestigious castles built for French kings in Loire Valley.
This castle is decorated in a distinctly Italian style, dating back to deep love of kings for culture of Italian Renaissance. Charles VIII once marveled at magnificence of Poggio Garden in Kingdom of Naples and has been fascinated by Italian culture ever since. Da Vinci spent last three years of his life here with King Francis I of France, and da Vinci's tomb is in chapel of Saint Hubert in castle.
Located on a small hill in Loire Valley, with unique landscapes and views of entire city.
French kings from Charles VII to Francis I once lived in former medieval fortress of Amboise Castle.
Although some of furniture was destroyed during Revolution, castle houses a collection of fine arts and crafts from Gothic period to Renaissance, an architectural masterpiece that gave rise to French Renaissance.
Today, this place is still changing and becoming more beautiful every day, gardens are being built, bird sanctuaries are being built, and while breeze is blowing, do not forget to go to observation deck, admire beauty of entire castle, drink a glass of white wine and spend leisurely and poetic day.
The city of Amboise is just an hour's drive from Paris and is located in center of Loire Valley. The royal castle of Amboise dominates this charming little town from a high position. The castle was once residence of French kings Charles VIII and Francis I, and it naturally reveals royal style.
The most touching thing is that this castle witnessed friendship of Francis I, founder of Renaissance and most talented emperor of France, and da Vinci. Many world famous artists have lived in castle, and da Vinci cemetery is located in chapel of St. Hubert inside castle.
Clos Luce Recommended index: 4 stars Keywords: Da Vinci theme park, studio
Welcome to house of Leonardo da Vinci in Amboise - Château de Clolus, decorated with pink bricks and white travertine, typical architectural style of fifteenth century, fresh and elegant style caught my attention. 2019 marks 500th anniversary of da Vinci's death. There will be more than 700 special events dedicated to "Renaissance". A number of exclusive tourist itineraries with theme of "Renaissance" will be fully presented. Enjoying beautiful scenery, food and wine, you can re-experience spirit of Renaissance movement. Should we especially expect a connotation of pioneering spirit? !
Here is an assortment of da Vinci workshops where he spent last time of his life. It includes a studio, a sculpture room, a library and a treasure exhibition hall, showing all prototypes of da Vinci's creations and inventions, in model room on first floor, 40 incredible machine models are displayed in front of you, but it took 5 centuries to invent them, which shows how much thinking of world wizards is advanced.
At Da Vinci theme park, walk through forest, follow inspiration and feel how plants grow here in works of master. The propeller, brilliance of face, boats on mooring, beauty of body, etc., appear one after other, and path of enlightenment begins. There is a museum gallery in park, which regularly hosts various da Vinci themed exhibitions, including The Last Supper, The Amazing Mona Lisa, Nature and Landscapes, and others.
Chaumont-sur-Loire Recommended index: 3 stars Keywords: natural oasis, Hermes
Chaumont-sur-Loire was built in 10th century when Count I, Count of Blois, built a fortress to defend his domain from Fulk III Nea, Count of Anjou. Like a natural oasis, it stands on a headland 40 meters high from undeveloped Loire River and has been owned by Amboise family for five centuries.
The details of castle are full of ingenuity, adorned with twigs and artwork, presenting messy natural artistic beauty, creating a dreamlike atmosphere full of fairy tales.
Wall paintings, lamps, candlesticks, classic reproductions of school scenes from life, conveying charm of early romanticism.
This spectacular fireplace in dining room is decorated with various coats of arms of castle lords.
The leisure and entertainment space has an elegant ambience, and swivel seats for three and two people are comfortable for whispers and intimate conversations. The design concept is amazing.
All kinds of harnesses are hung in harness room, some of most luxurious harnesses were made by Maison Hermes at end of 19th century, which is indescribably luxurious and noble.
From a design point of view, park is based on British nature style with slightly undulating hills, solitary forests and some artificial scenery: castles by water, small rustic bridges and animal cemeteries.
Egg 1 International Garden Festival
Fortunately, when I came to Chaumont Manor, I had opportunity to experience International Garden Festival that was held here. This world-famous garden festival has been hailed by garden professionals and lovers alike since its inception 23 years ago. Mutual Recognition welcomes landscape architects from all over world Every year. The theme of this year's International Garden Festival is "Excellent Collectible Gardens". Based on this theme, different teams have designed 25 original and unique gardens to celebrate collectors' curiosity and endless passion for plants in their own way.
Easter Egg 2 through layers of fog
Next to Chaumont castle, there is a wonderful place not to be missed. I call it a fabulous place - through layers of fog. I must say that French are really good at creating endless water mist environments. Natural sunlight sets off mysterious and dreamy foggy picture, stepping into it, going beyond it, you can feel endless poetic and romantic atmosphere.
Château de Blois recommendation index: 3 stars Keywords: everyday luxury, old town of Blois
For a century it was a French imperial city. The building of this castle emphasizes symbol of French royal family - image of a lily. Throughout history of France, 7 kings and 10 queens have stayed here. The royal castle of Loire shows authority of French royal family in epohu renaissance, and also interprets daily life of court. The exquisite furniture and colorful interior decoration of royal bedroom describe glories of past. Great power and luxurious everyday life, it's true.
In central part of building there is an equestrian statue of Louis XII and a sign of a hedgehog.
Stepping on first floor of castle, it looks like an opera house. You can easily rent an iPad, scan characters and recreate life and entertainment scenes of time in a second. Labyrinth passages add to mystery here.
The names of kings and princes who built castle are engraved on each wing of building in an L shape. The staircase is generally Gothic, but its details are heavily influenced by art of Italian Renaissance.
The many events that take place in this castle add excitement to visitor. The most famous of these is assassination of Duke of Guise. The scarred duke, popular with Parisians and waiting for an opportunity to seize throne, was surrounded by 20 assassins on orders of King Henry and killed in a room behind stairs of Francis I.
The castle is proud of its 35,000 works of art. It is known as Museum of France. Some of collections are displayed in Royal Palace, surrounded by François I, and in an art gallery, surrounded by Louis XII. From time to time exhibition of works of art.
Inexplicably attracted by local artistic atmosphere, frescoes of king are neatly arranged on wall, solemn and solemn.
The exquisite floral design of window naturally caught my attention.
Whether you arrive in Blois from left or right bank of Loire River, its castle is hard to find. The first thing you see is just a patchwork of slate roofs. Climb castle tower for panoramic views of old town of Blois and Saint Nicholas Church.
And I can't help but merge with local landscape and capture beautiful moments of this trip.
Global roaming Wi-Fi still has a good signal here, and wind blowing in my face makes me feel infinitely comfortable.
Chambord recommendation index: 3 stars Tags: double helix staircase, return to nature
Away from tiresome everyday life and back to nature, between wild Loire and jungle where roe deer and wild boars hide, lies Chambord.
In south of Paris, less than two hours from Chambord, gates of Loire Valley are open to you. The Loire River, a great river inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List, has been included in "List of Living Culture and Landscape" for its unique charm. Chambord is most majestic and expansive castle of French Renaissance and is a place not to be missed in Loire Valley.
Through huge and majestic stone columns you can travel back to era of Francis I and enjoy French art of living.
This is famous "double staircase"spiral". Two groups of independent stairs are staggered around a common axis and spiral upwards. People going up and down stairs at same time can see each other without being aware of meeting. At that time, king specifically asked da Vinci to design it, which can be called a masterpiece in history of architecture.This staircase leads to terrace of castle, which is a great place for king and nobility to enjoy scenery of garden and rodeo.
The entertainment area and bedrooms are decorated in bright colors in an elegant and luxurious style. Crystal chandeliers, frescoes and bedroom palaces showcase royal style. The residence of Francis I is located on second floor of Royal Wing and consists of a bedroom, several adjoining private cabins and a prayer room with an elaborately carved dome.
Climb to top of Chambord Castle on Da Vinci Stairs and admire Chambord Castle's unique roof from top of tower, small tower, gabled tile on chimney and dizzying skylight. From here you can have stunning views of entire Chambord area.
Looking down, castle is reflected in garden, romantic and elegant.
The castle houses more than 4,000 paintings, tapestries, furniture and works of art.
Take your intimate companion on this trip - global Wi-Fi roaming and take a photo with Chambord.
Chambord at dusk is reflected in water, soft and enchanting.
And I am also deeply intoxicated by sunlight at this moment. How can a distant landscape be worth beauty of a moment?
The history of castles of Loire Valley in France is, of course, an endless treasure. It is difficult to describe all its features in just a few days. Culture and stories are a heartbreaking existence that lasts forever.
In Loire Valley, let me see behind romantic French style, about nature, about style of royalty, or elegant, or luxurious, or artistic, or solemn, all these are treasures that stretch endlessly.
I'm looking forward to reuniting with castles of Loire Valley in future, and that will be a period later!