7 days and 8 castles world heritage tour of castles of Loire Valley in France, best interpretation of French elegance
2023-07-10
foreword
As an art student
Since my childhood, I got acquainted with European art and learned a lot
From studying history of Renaissance in textbooks to actually copying paintings
In class, I listened to love and hate stories of European courtiers who were fascinated
Chasing castles in Loire Valley taught me another powerful lesson
Although I haven't posted in a while
But I have always been inextricably linked with art
A romantic trip to castle once again took me away from fast-paced and fast life
Time flies, but history is like yesterday
The majesty of castle surrounds me and speaks to me
You must slow down
Slow down
7 days at 1012 km of Loire Valley
8 locks
There is a luxurious private castle
There is a castle that witnessed lifelong friendship of Francis I and da Vinci
A castle that combines nature and art
There are also castles that tell secrets of French court...
Each castle is well worth exploring
Invite everyone to visit Loire castle, which is a World Cultural Heritage Site
Here you can understand real and pure French style
1. The romantic garden of castle of Azay-le-RideauRecommendation score: 2 stars
Breaking Point: Water Reflection
Suitable for crowd: lovers of photography, history
Location: from Paris to Chartres can be reached in 2 hours (Charteles is currently hosting a festival of light), and then to castle in 2.5 hours
Azey-le-Rideau was first castle we visited, so photos were taken relatively carefully. We took a 360-degree shot of castle. This castle was built during time of Francis I. It was also in this castle that I learned about deeds of Francis I and began to admire him.
The landscape park of this castle was renovated in 2014, so castle you see now has become more elegant and elegant. Since it is also built on an island in river Indre, this is also a place I saw along way, especially suitable for photographing. It is not surprising that this is an example of the Renaissance style.
The shell on door of painting is very interesting, it is a sign of Renaissance, but in turn it is a sign of Spanish pilgrimage. But I'm very strange, I bought a glass bowl with upside down shells at castle gate, is this bowl of Spanish pilgrimage? . .
A walk through castle, from 19th century domestic life on ground floor to interesting Renaissance decoration on second floor, to design of wooden structure preserved on top floor hundreds of years ago, castle has become a French historical life, architectural excellence, embodiment of artistic changes. You can see that this interesting billiard table has no holes, French literary billiards has no holes and American style has only holes. I am very curious how French aristocrats play billiards on this pool table without holes.
This is my idol François I, why I admire him so much, you can see that François has a big beard in this portrait because he scratched his face while hunting and he is a person who loves beauty very much. To hide his scars, he grew a large beard. When this beard grew out, it started fashion for beards in France at that time. You can also see that portraits of Francis I are always from side. Because he thinks he looks best from this angle, just like Paris Hilton photographs.
You can also look at decorative wallpaper style of this home. When I entered room, I felt very much like a palace in Venice. The Italian style is very strong. Only then did I find out that François I liked to travel world when I was young, because I especially liked Italian culture, and then I brought this style to France. The French style of decorating palaces at that time was still very bleak, including bringing da Vinci to France, which changed trend, aesthetics and art of whole of France at that time.
1. Lead French fashion 2. Change whole French culture and aesthetics 3. Bring Da Vinci to France These three points are enough to make me think that without Francis I there would be no France today, but culture and art of whole country. Being subverted and promoted by one person also shows contribution that François I made to French literature and art.
On third floor, you can see very interesting little windows. These are small openings for enemy to attack. When enemy comes, large stones are thrown from above.
Save centuries-old wooden structure design! ! If you are a student of architectural design, you must climb to top of every castle to see it, it is truly a marvel. Each piece of oak must be soaked in water and then air-dried for three years before it can be used for building.
It is worth noting that at entrance to castle there is an exhibition hall in which, with help of multimedia, internal structure, furnishings and history of castle are shown. If you are still interested, you can also come here to experience a fuller visit experience.
2. Liv Castle to fulfill your princess dream
Recommendation score: 5 stars
Explosion: private, you can stay in castle
Suitable for crowd: couples, experienced workshops, hotels, art lovers
Location: 40 minutes drive from Chateau Azaleli to Chateau Liv
If you want to be a little princess in a castle, Liv Castle will definitely fulfill your desire. The huge castle is a private castle and it even has accommodation. There are only 7 rooms available to book on booking and price is not too expensive, around 2000 RMB. If you are lucky, you can go hunting with hostess and eat with your own hands. food all ingredients are grown in castle and whole experience is to integrate with nature.
This is a medieval castle with over 600 years of history. Joan of Arc came here to recruit troops before attack on Orleans. The whole castle is dotted with pumpkins, lavender, all kinds of flowers, herbs, vegetables, plants and peacocks, birds roam freely in it, so you can’t tell if this is a zoo or a botanical garden. This is a day to just visit back garden of castle.
Afternoon tea in castle is also a very joyful affair, all ingredients are taken from castle.
The hostess used word "amazing" to describe interior of her castle. Everyone was perplexed. How can a castle be connected to wildlife? When I go inside, countless animal heads and various behavioral patterns are hanging on wall, let me fall. love instantly!
Each piece of art in castle has been selected by generations of family members from all over world, and there are many works of artists left here. The hostess is very fascinated by Chinese art, and she also hosted 26 kagura musicians of Beijing Temple of Heaven from Beijing, establishing a friendship between Liv Castle and Beijing Temple of Heaven.
What I like most is hall in castle, filled with renaissance art and modern at same time. I am also very happy that I can take a bath in castle. There are only 7 rooms in whole castle and theme of each room is different, my room has best view and whole castle can be seen from window.
In addition to general type of rooms, there are also suites. The upper and lower floors are also very large, and there are many Chinese books in room.
It's a great honor to have a hostess cook at night. The pumpkin in pumpkin soup is freshly harvested from field, chicken feet are free-range chickens at castle, even wine is from Liv Castle, and sheep cheese is really delicious with a strong flavor. But I still can't fall in love with a long-haired aged cheese after daring tasting it. .
Guys try again for me~
3 The world's only castle with a bridge: Chenonceau
Recommendation score: 3 stars
Hot spot: Orangery restaurant, one of must-see castles of Loire
Suitable for crowd: girlfriends, photographers, history buffs
Location: 1 hour 15 minutes drive from Château Liv to Chenonceau
The Château de Chenonceau, built in middle of Loire River, was originally a noble mansion, but due to tax debts it became royal property, subsequently renovated and expanded many times. Compared to Château de Chambord, Chenonceau is relatively small.
In 1533, Catherine de Medici, daughter of Medici family, ruler of Florence, married Henry II, who at that time was still a prince. This is a powerful queen who served as regent after death of her husband. Three sons successively became kings of France, and two daughters married queens of Spain or Navarre. Therefore, she had a significant influence on French and even European politics in 16th century. .
In 1547, Henry II gave castle of Chenonceau to his beloved Diane de Poitiers, but after unexpected death of Henry II in 1559, castle passed to Catherine de Medici, Queen Regent. Come back, exchange another castle with Diane de Poitiers. Later, Medici lived here with their two daughters and three daughters-in-law, so there is a house here called “Room of Five Queens”.
Behind Kathleen gardens. The garden faces water on one side and park on other. From path in garden, you can admire beautiful views of castle from all sides.
All flowers in castle are flowers that are replaced every day by 2 florists in garden. There is also a large flower planting area in castle. Fresh floral arrangements and a warm fire in fireplace in winter can capture heart of this castle.
Be sure to visit Castle's Orangery restaurant. This place was originally used to shelter orange and lemon trees in winter, but has now become a gourmet restaurant. The vineyards surrounding Chenonceau also produce famous wines from 16th century that we can still taste today.
4. Location of da Vinci's tomb: Royal Castle of Amboise.
Recommendation score: 4 stars
Tipping point: da Vinci's tomb, drinking champagne in castle
Suitable for crowd: da Vinci, art lovers
Location: 40 minutes by car from Chenonceau to Tours, then 40 minutes by car to Amboise.
Starting from castle of Amboise, story of friendship between Francis I and Leonardo da Vinci has only just begun. This is residence of many French kings. As mentioned above, Francis I first brought Italian artistic style to this castle through his love of Renaissance art. Many famous artists also lived in this castle, and Leonardo da Vinci was buried here after his death.
French kings from Charles VII to Francis I lived in former medieval fortress of castle of Amboise. Although some of furniture was destroyed during Revolution, Château de Amboise houses an exquisite collection of decorative art from Gothic period to Renaissance, an architectural masterpiece that gave rise to French Renaissance.
Flaming gothic church Chapel of St. Hubert, where tomb of Leonardo da Vinci is located.
The stained glass window in church depicts life of King Louis IX.
The Italian Renaissance master Leonardo da Vinci left an indelible mark on Château de Amboise. After his death in 1519, he was buried in castle with permission of Francis I. When he arrived at this castle at age of 64, he was already known in Florence, Milan, Venice, Rome and other places where he met Francis I. By On his arrival in Amboise, king gave him an estate called Crewe, which would later be spelled Castle Clolus. Da Vinci had a very good personal relationship with king, and he also designed many carnival festivals for Francis I, including famous "Paradise Feast" in 1518.
Royal bedroom.
In fact, whole picture of this castle consists of a black + red part. We only visited black part which shows how big this castle is.
François I was handsome without a beard. Louis XII chose Amboise to meet his cousin François, who was only 4 years old at time, and spent his childhood in company of his sister Marguerite and mother Louise. Thanks to his love of Renaissance art, he was surrounded by many famous Italian artists, and Da Vinci was one of them.
He raised wing of castle in style of Louis XII and decorated skylight in Italian style, best evidence of his support for Renaissance art.
The painting on wall depicts Da Vinci before his death next to François I
But this picture is not real, 1. Da Vinci did not die in this castle, 2. François I was not with him until his death
This painting simply depicts da Vinci's place in heart of Francis I, it's just a vision
What surprised me even more was knight's ramp. At that time, people cleverly came up with idea of using this kind of spiral ramp so that horses could pull a wagon from bottom of castle to a platform at top of castle, similar to what we have today. The same as rotating basement. Seeing this, everyone said in unison that this must be Da Vinci's idea!
When you step onto platform, you will be able to see magnificent scenery of Loire Valley
When I came down from castle, I was pleasantly surprised to find that clothes I was wearing today looked a lot like yellow and purple royal flag on my back.
I was pleasantly surprised to find that champagne and snacks were prepared for us in castle, because there really are surprises everywhere in castle of Amboise.
Drinking champagne, looking at royal palace in distance, from generation to generation, how many princes were born here, baptized, married. Times have changed, but what remains unchanged is glory of French royal family during Renaissance.
5. The castle where Leonardo da Vinci spent last three years of his life: Klolos.
Recommendation score: 4 stars
Key point: various art installations invented by Leonardo da Vinci, secret underground passages
Suitable for crowd: da Vinci, art lovers
Location: next to Royal Castle of Amboise, walking distance
As mentioned above, although da Vinci's tomb is located in Château d'Amboise, Clolos is his former residence, where da Vinci spent last three years of his life. This is why, although Da Vinci is Italian, he studied and traveled in Italy, but his masterpieces are mostly found in France. If you are a Da Vinci fan, this is your happy place. There are all kinds of novelties designed by Da Vinci, as well as various works of art that combine nature and art. Can be addicted to experience.
The da Vinci workshop in castle is certainly eye-opening. It presents prototypes of all inventions of da Vinci, and his 40 inventions are related to military affairs, urban planning, mechanical engineering, aviation, water management and many other areas. He is simply an unsurpassed genius, omnipotent, perfect!
The picture above shows a propeller
After leaving castle, head to Da Vinci theme park. The path through forest is specially designed to showcase genius of Leonardo da Vinci. The plants described by master are alive and growing here, and his studies on geology and hydrodynamics are also transferred from drawings to models to garden, and even some landscape projects in garden were also created by Leonardo da Vinci. 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.
The muscles of bones in painting match lines of trees, showing integration of man and nature. He is interested in both vessels and internal organs, old and young bodies. Not only does he strictly adhere to traditional principle of proportions of human body, just like ideal ratio of proportions shown in masterpiece "Vitruvian Man", master also often observes movements of models and imagines their internal activities. Is it possible to better express figures Movement, strength and soul.
Looking at canvas in middle, I'm about to revisit The Da Vinci Code. As a child, I did not understand this.
Face painting
Tank
Perspective
The most interesting thing is underground passage of castle, which, as they say, leads to castle of Amboise, through this secret passage Francois I often visited da Vinci. Even now it is not completely open, and it makes you gossip about mysterious connection between Da Vinci and Francis I. Since we love Da Vinci and Francois so much, staff made an exception and allowed us to enter and look. Their relationship is so good that I mentally imagined if they were such a relationship, but due to big age difference, my doubts were disproved by staff, what do you think? .
Lunch at Renaissance Terrace restaurant at noon overlooking Royal Château de Amboise, (God they're good) Same ingredients, all organic, and shape of plate made me think it was a collaborative lunch at Van Cleef & Arpels. .
It was here that Leonardo da Vinci wrote before his deathal phrase "no one will turn into nothing" and calmly accepted his fate. "Death will be inevitable, but I don't know when death knell will sound." ring." He wrote his will, committing his soul to God, "to Sovereign King, Master, God of all."
The da Vinci workshop in castle is certainly eye-opening. It presents prototypes of all inventions of da Vinci, and his 40 inventions are related to military affairs, urban planning, mechanical engineering, aviation, water management and many other areas. He is simply an unsurpassed genius, omnipotent, perfect!
The picture above shows a propeller
After leaving castle, head to Da Vinci theme park. The path through forest is specially designed to showcase genius of Leonardo da Vinci. The plants described by master are alive and growing here, and his studies on geology and hydrodynamics are also transferred from drawings to models to garden, and even some landscape projects in garden were also created by Leonardo da Vinci. 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.
The muscles of bones in painting match lines of trees, showing integration of man and nature. He is interested in both vessels and internal organs, old and young bodies. Not only does he strictly adhere to traditional principle of proportions of human body, just like ideal ratio of proportions shown in masterpiece "Vitruvian Man", master also often observes movements of models and imagines their internal activities. Is it possible to better express figures Movement, strength and soul.
Looking at canvas in the middle, I'm about to revisit The Da Vinci Code. As a child, I did not understand this.
Face painting
Tank
Perspective
The most interesting thing is underground passage of castle, which, as they say, leads to castle of Amboise, through this secret passage Francois I often visited da Vinci. Even now it is not completely open, and it makes you gossip about mysterious connection between Da Vinci and Francis I. Since we love Da Vinci and Francois so much, staff made an exception and allowed us to enter and look. Their relationship is so good that I mentally imagined if they were such a relationship, but due to big age difference, my doubts were disproved by staff, what do you think? .
Lunch at Renaissance Terrace restaurant at noon overlooking Royal Château de Amboise, (God they're good) Same ingredients, all organic, and shape of plate made me think it was a collaborative lunch at Van Cleef & Arpels. .
It was here that Leonardo da Vinci, before his death, wrote phrase "no one will turn into nothing" and calmly accepted his fate. "Death will be inevitable, but I don't know when death knell will sound." ring." He wrote his will, committing his soul to God, "to Sovereign King, Master, God of all."
6. Chateau Chaumont: an art exhibition where man and nature merge togetherRecommendation score: 5 stars
Hotpoint: International Garden Festival
Suitable for crowd: photographers, art lovers
Location: 30 minutes drive from Amboise to Château Chaumont
While Château Chaumont is relatively famous in Loire Valley, it falls far short of splendor of Chambord and history of Château de Amboise, but why is Chateau Chaumont highest recommendation of entire itinerary? , and what I like. Most importantly, highlight here is not castle, but dozens of extraordinarily creative horticultural exhibitions in a huge garden. Every year gardeners from all over the world are invited to hold thematic exhibitions.
You can look at square of castle, it is really big. The garden festival we are going to is in middle left, where vegetation is very dense. There is also a guide car in park, otherwise you won’t see it all day after walk~
The Manor Chaumont International Garden Festival has been running for 10 years now, with its 18th year running from March 31st to November 4th, with well-known artists from all over world invited to create over 75 groups of works. Among them are not only gardeners, landscape architects, urban planners, but also filmmakers, designers, geographers, anthropologists, etc. What is promoted is a combination of art and nature, you will not only feel visual impact, but also be overwhelmed by senses and sound.
Each landscape art has a deep meaning. This means that when we encounter things, we should not just look in eyes, look up stairs, and we may not see new opportunities
Paper cave
The tree grows in water, in fact, a conduit is made under trunk
Time tunnel
I like work of this British team most. The trees are surrounded by blood and sound of a beating heart. In fact, every flower and grass around us is actually fresh life.
The church is filled with dry grass and some decorations
The best thing here is Alice in Wonderland, water vapor is ejected directly from pipes embedded in ground, creating a smoky atmosphere under sun's rays, and you can also see a rainbow.
These are some of most classic ones, and there are way too many of them inside. If you are interested, you can visit them in person.
Entering castle, luxurious European aristocratic style still prevails in interior. If Chambord is king of castle, and Chenonceau is queen of castle, then Chateau Chaumont is “princess of castle”. Catherine The owner of castle was de Medi Qi Zeng, who, having expelled his beloved concubine Diana from Chenonceau, handed over to this beloved concubine Château de Chaumont as compensation.
I heard that nobles at that time were very fond of oriental culture, but after a long time of training, they did not resemble it.
This chair is interesting. It should be a gossip chair. Imagine that three women from ancient European royalty sat on such chairs, dressed in luxurious clothes, covering their mouths with fans and facing people in front of them. Whispering gossip in ears.
In harness department, Hermès started out as a harness manufacturer, meaning all harnesses in this room are Hermès branded.
I must say that art is everywhere in Chaumont castle, and there are surprises everywhere, even dovecote next to harness has been turned into an art exhibition. It's no exaggeration here to really go shopping for a few days.
Each landscape art has a deep meaning. This means that when we encounter things, we should not just look in eyes, look up stairs, and we may not see new opportunities
Each landscapeart has a deep meaning. This means that when we encounter things, we should not just look in eyes, look up stairs, and we may not see new opportunities
Paper cave
The tree grows in water, in fact, a conduit is made under trunk
Time tunnel
I like work of this British team most. The trees are surrounded by blood and sound of a beating heart. In fact, every flower and grass around us is actually fresh life.
The church is filled with dry grass and some decorations
The best thing here is Alice in Wonderland, water vapor is ejected directly from pipes embedded in ground, creating a smoky atmosphere under sun's rays, and you can also see a rainbow.
These are some of most classic ones, and there are way too many of them inside. If you are interested, you can visit them in person.
Entering castle, luxurious European aristocratic style still prevails in interior. If Chambord is king of castle, and Chenonceau is queen of castle, then Chateau Chaumont is “princess of castle”. Catherine The owner of castle was de Medi Qi Zeng, who, having expelled his beloved concubine Diana from Chenonceau, handed over to this beloved concubine Château de Chaumont as compensation.
I heard that nobles at that time were very fond of oriental culture, but after a long time of training, they did not resemble it.
This chair is interesting. It should be a gossip chair. Imagine that three women from ancient European royalty sat on such chairs, dressed in luxurious clothes, covering their mouths with fans and facing people in front of them. Whispering gossip in ears.
In harness department, Hermès started out as a harness manufacturer, meaning all harnesses in this room are Hermès branded.
I must say that art is everywhere in Chaumont castle, and there are surprises everywhere, even dovecote next to harness has been turned into an art exhibition. It's no exaggeration here to really go shopping for a few days.
7. Castle of BloisRecommendation index: 1 star
Blois Point: view of city of Blois from roof, city of Blois
Good for crowd: history buffs
Location: 30 minutes by car from Chaumont Estate
The royal castle of Blois was popular with French kings of Renaissance. Compared to previous six castles, this castle is relatively inferior and boring, but castle is located in Blois, a city in north-central France. The city, this city has a long history, it is better to visit if you come to castle of Loire, it is also recommended to visit city of Loire.
In central part of building there is an equestrian statue of Louis XII and a sign of a hedgehog.
From top floor of castle of Blois, you can see entire city of Blois.
8. World Famous Art Treasures: ChambordRecommendation score: 3 stars
Blast Point: World Heritage, Big Glory, Big Castle
Good for crowd: history buffs
Location: 30 minutes by car from Blya
Even if you've never heard of 7 castles recommended above, most people probably know about Chambord because this castle is really famous. It's less than 2 hours from Paris. It was included in UNESCO World Heritage List in 1981. Also inspired by Da Vinci, castle itself is unique in its scale and artistry. Among most beautiful architectural works in world, Chambord has almost same impact on architecture as Mona Lisa has on painting. It can be seen that influence of Da Vinci is also clearly visible here.
The 16-35 wide-angle lens doesn't capture whole picture at all, which shows how big area of Chambord is.
No guide is required to visit 4th floor of Chambord Castle. A person can use this tablet computer to bypass entire castle. This HistoPad is very good. It can provide 3D reconstruction and virtual technology to reproduce 8 halls of Chambord Castle. The original appearance as well as GPS positioning, a detailed tour of 24 halls and rooms in castle, and many interactive games are very high-tech.
There are several places in Chambord not to be missed. One of them is double helix staircase. The castle's two spiral staircases rise in a checkerboard pattern around a common hollow axis. Two people who use two staircases at same time can see each other through inner core of entire staircase opening without meeting face to face.
There are also many furnished suites on second floor.The magnificent decoration and ever-evolving furnishings of these suites reveal changing interior layouts of suites from Renaissance to French Revolution.
It turns out that ancient European toilets looked like this.
From double spiral staircase to top of main tower, view to rooftop is even more breathtaking. You have a breathtaking panorama of park and surrounding gardens, and you are in a patchwork landscape of high and low chimneys of various sizes and shapes, skylights and stair towers. They cover roof of castle and outline unique outline of castle.
Lunch near Chambord, our tour of castle comes to an end. How about this? Which of 8 castles do you like most?
Travel TipsSeason:
The best tourist season in France is from end of April to middle of June, when temperature during day is 10-20°C, you can also wear long sleeves, weather is not hot, and there are not too many people. In July and August, schools in Europe and US are closed, huge crowds of people everywhere.
Transport:
From Paris by train you can get to different cities of Loire Valley, and there are many trains here. You can take a French TGV (high-speed train with a maximum speed of 300 kilometers per hour) from Gare de Montparnasse train station in Paris to Tours, a city in southwest of Loire region. about half an hour to enter picturesque and beautifulgray historical district of Loire. You can also take a train from Paris to northeast end of Loire Valley. City of Blois.
Diet:
As we all know, French cuisine is leader of Western cuisine, and cuisines from all over world have their own characteristics. Snails, ham, poultry, seafood and even just a variety of beans - they all have their own uniqueness. The Loire Valley is famous for its variety of red wines and cheeses. The official banquet procedure in some regions of France is as follows: starter, soup, starter, main course, cheese, dessert and coffee or tea; after main course is ready, host introduces various cheeses of guests' choice, followed by dessert. Cheese lovers can find a dozen or two varieties of cheese in France. Many people love foie gras, but foie gras is actually extremely high in cholesterol, just try it.
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