Walking Loire Valley, patrolling Château's French back garden is no problem if you can afford it, it's amazing if you play well
2023-07-17
The Loire (La Loire) is largest river in France and most beautiful river. Especially in middle reaches of valley, hills and vegetation on both sides of river are lush, and various castles of various sizes are scattered in meandering Loire Valley. Historically, French royal family came here every summer to escape summer heat, which is why it is also called “French Garden”. On November 30, 2000, it was included in UNESCO World Heritage List. ▽
Autumn Loire Valley has a rich and cozy pastoral style. ▽
There are more than 300 castles in Loire region, and it is impossible to see and visit them one by one. Faced with densely populated castles in valley, after some discussion, Uncle Yu and Aunt Yu finally made choice of "three castles and one city" based on vacation and taking comfort as a criterion. ▽
Travel time: 5 days and 4 nights, three castles and an ancient city
Circular: Paris - Chateau de Chambord - Chateau de Cheverny - Chateau de Chenonceau - Bouquet Blois -—Paris▽
Chambord Château de Chambord: majestic royal rhapsody
When animation designer Glenn Keane and his Beauty and Beast team arrived at Château de Chambord in France, he said, "I can't forget scene of driving here through fog that morning. I think it's castle where Prince of Beasts lives."▽
When I drove up to hotel next to Chateau de Chambord on a gloomy evening, image of legendary castle, cursed by magic, really appeared in car window. ▽
A castle in a garden, a hotel in a castle, thanks to excellent location of Relais de Chambord (hidden on banks of castle moat), blue field in picture is where hotel is located. Chambord Castle, which perfectly combines traditional style of Middle Ages with classical structure of Italian style, will be an incomparable backdrop to this holiday itinerary in next few days. ▽
Hugo once praised this castle: "The people who live in this castle seem to be knights and fairies. It has all magical things, all poetic stories and all crazy images." The Relais de Chambord, framed in blue in this picture, is also converted from outbuildings of castle, which can be seen as a fairy next to a fairy. ▽
I don't care about him - people come and go, situation changes, I myself - go into courtyard and look at harem. ▽
600 years ago, Leonardo da Vinci was invited to French court to make some sketches for architectural plan of Chambord. When François I decided to build it, castle of Chambord took on traditional style of Middle Ages. It goes well with Italian classical structure. The simple structure of lower section is a simple rectangular fortress, while magnificent Gothic spiers of upper section are dense, light and tall. Elegant vaults are round and neat, and exquisite seaweed wells are carved with patterns. Simplicity and complexity form a great contrast here, and Chambord Castle is known as an orphan in history of architecture. ▽
With exception of buying tickets to visit interior of castle, everything around castle is a place for walking. The landscape trees on both sides of U-shaped ring road in southeast direction of castle have been trimmed to create a magical look. ▽
The most distinctive feature of Château de Chambord is two sets of independent and intertwined double gangways that are symmetrical and spiral upwards. Rumor has it that they are meant to prevent meeting between queen and king's mistress. ▽
In void of a double spiral staircase, one can imagine malevolent eyes peeking out of every window. ▽
A staircase leads directly to a large rooftop platform 33 m high. The zenith is decorated with Italian patterns, cartouche decorations and patterns with salamanders as a symbolic emblem. F", simple construction of lower part of castle and intricate finishing of upper part form a significant contrast. ▽
Château de Chambord is indeed largest and most majestic building in group of Loire castles. Occupying an area of 5440 hectares. There are 440 rooms, 13 main stairs, 70 small stairs, 365 windows and 365 beautifully decorated chimneys. On big platform is another small town. There are streets and alleys, all kinds of little buildings, and as far as the eye can see, there are towers with square roofs, chimneys and skylights. ▽
Château de Chambord seems to have an invisible connection to builder's eclectic history. The endless forest of Chambord and winding Loire River, here royal family and nobles like to linger. Louis XIII, Louis XIV, Louis XV and others had fun here, forgetting about great plans of country. ▽
Cheverny Castle: the daily life of aristocrats, full of children's fun
An important reason to visit Cheverny Castle is its origins in The Adventures of Tintin comics. The castle (Château de Moulinsart) was inspired by this place. ▽
The starting point of Tintin's adventures every time is this castle, home of reckless and beautiful Captain Haddock: Marlinspike Hall, which almost becomes base camp of Tintin and Captain Haddock. Sometimes it is really a surprise on a journey to find out on a map. The castle that appeared in The Adventures of Tintin deliberately removed huge domed towers on both wings of Cheverny Castle in comics. ▽
At entrance to castle grounds for collecting tickets, there is a farm set up as an exhibition hall for adventures of Tintin, where exhibits related to several plots in history of Tintin are on display. Tintin, Dupont and Dupont and traces of Bai Xue, returning to childhood memories. ▽
If Chambord Castle is masterpiece of French royalty, then Cheverny Castle is a depiction of real life of French nobles for hundreds of years. The elegant, harmonious and snow-white appearance of Cheverny Castle is known as "a white boat in a sea of flowers breaking through the waves." ▽
The Chateau de Cheverny is recognized as most structurally perfect castle, representing pinnacle of French classical architecture, a perfect combination of symmetry, geometry and aesthetic concepts. ▽
Not much has changed in castle since its construction in 1625-1634. The interiors include most luxurious furniture, tapestries and works of art from Loire Valley. The Huro family has owned (and lived in) castle for past 6 centuries, and Marquis de Vibraye and their three children still live in castle today. ▽
The LEGO exhibit has been added. ▽
From June 27, 2018 to December 31, 2019, LEGO collected a total of one million LEGO bricks based on most famous historical events, TV series, detective stories and life-size films. Its sculptures, drawings and sketches create plays. to life, from Hitchcock's Invading Birds to The Orient Express Murder of Agatha Christine to Arthur Conan Doyle. ▽
The garden behind castle is called Orangery and was built in early 18th century. The original function of this large and elegant home was to protect orange and lemon trees from bitter cold of winter. ▽
Today it has become an ideal venue for weddings, banquets and press conferences. ▽
The tall and wide barn in orangery was converted into an 18th-century style restaurant where visitors could relax and eat. ▽
Of course, every day at 11:30 am, more than 100 tricolor hounds put on a hound-eating show for tourists, which is also not to be missed. Well-trained hounds obey trainer's command, no matter how hungry they are, they are not allowed to touch food, and they start eating only after order to eat is given. ▽
In castle, on right side of all hounds, they cut out with scissors capital letter V, initials of Marquis Vibraye. ▽
These hounds participate in hunt every week, and Château Cheverny is only private castle in region that has preserved tradition of hunting noble hounds. As right hand on hunt, prey caught is displayed on wall of honor in adjacent hall. ▽
Seeing nostalgic and sophisticated castle, I would give Cheverny a comment: childlike innocence. Then it was a noble house, interior of which was not only beautifully decorated, but also gave people more warmth and friendliness. A huge metal photo frame has been installed at main entrance to castle especially for tourists. ▽
The magic of Cheverny Castle is this: entire castle has always been private property of Yuro family and has never been abandoned. The castle is very lucky that it is well preserved. During World War II, Cheverny Castle accidentally escaped flames of war, and even treasures of Louvre, such as Mona Lisa Smile, were sent here for safekeeping. Then why should we miss it! ▽
Chenonceau Castle of Chenonceau: love and hate in castle of lady on water
Château de Chenonceau - only water castle in Loire Valley and only castle built for women, so-called sailboat, moored on river Cher. When French name is translated into Chinese, calm atmosphere and greenery of greenery bursts out of paper and, combined with softness of word "Nong", takes on a charm that letters don't have. ▽
The castle of Chenonceau is a mixture of Gothic and early Renaissance architecture. In addition to main castle, Chenonceau's embankment above river is most striking, it is both a corridor and a bridge, hence saying about a castle on water. The gardens on both sides seem to be decorations on sideburns of castle or two silk handkerchiefs on "her" hands, which blends perfectly with architecture of castle. ▽
When you come to this castle, you don't seem ashamed to say you've been here, let alone gossip. In 1547, King Henry II of France (the second son of Francis I) married Catherine de Medici, who was born into a prominent Italian family, as his queen, but fell in love with a 50-year-old woman who was 20 years older. than himself, widow Diane de Poitiers, and gave her castle of Chenonceau. Diana seems to have an ageless face, mostly looking 30/50 without Meitu Shushu, which fascinates Heng Heng. Legend has it that Diana's secret recipe for beauty was to jump into icy Cher River every morning to bathe, then go hunting on horseback, then go to bed before noon. Diana was not only beautiful, but also smart, and had a business mind. She managed castle in an organized manner. She led development of castle flower garden, orchard and vegetable garden, decorated it into most artistic garden of that time, and built a long bridge over river Cher, making Chenonceau is only castle in world with a bridge. ▽
The Chosen Dai treated queen in palace with a certain mercy and compassion, and even cared for her when she suffered from scarlet fever. A look at two gardens from balcony of castle can give a better idea of this gossip. The large garden on right is "Garden of Diane de Poitiers (Lady)" (red frame) and small garden on left is "Garden of Catherine de Medici (Queen)" (yellow frame). ▽
The turning point came in 1559 when King Henry II died in a joust at wedding of his daughter at age of 40. Since then, story has been reversed. Queen Catherine de' Medici not only expelled Diana from castle of Chenonceau, but also established herself in political arena. Since her sons, who inherited throne, were not long-lived, Catherine became mother of three children. generations of French kings., Influencing French politics for 20 years. ▽
Another mistress of castle of Chenonceau, which should be mentioned, is Madame Louis Dupont (1706-1799), most prominent representatives of elite, such as Montesquieu, Voltaire and Rousseau, stayed here. It is said that thanks to her wisdom, castle was saved from destruction by French Revolution. ▽
Having changed generation after generation of mistresses, Chenonceau has become most refined, elegant and romantic castle among all castles of Loire Valley. ▽
Flowers adorn each of castle's luxuriously furnished rooms, adding to sophistication of castle. Here are bedrooms where 5 queens once lived, Louis XIV hall, front promenade across Cher River, a peculiar kitchen built into pier, workshop of Catherine de Medici (Cabinet Vert)... ▽< /p> 
I cannot fail to mention embankment across Cher River. During First World War, owner of castle set up a temporary hospital on embankment of Chenonceau Castle. During World War II, embankment was a passageway from Nazi-occupied territory to Vichy French puppet government in France on other side of Cher River, with enemy-occupied territory at one end and free territory at other. ▽
See that jungle maze above garden? As you can see in Google satellite image, it is to left of entrance and was built by Queen Catherine de Medici. ▽
"Quiet, but not boring, melancholic, but not painful," - this is how Flaubert spoke about castle of Chenonceau. This castle, which has survived several female owners and witnessed their joys, sorrows, joys, loves and hates, exudes such vicissitudes and temperament that it invites to be explored. ▽
Blois City of Blois: a combination of history and art
The best way to enter city of Blois is to cross river, cross ancient bridge of Jacques Gabriel (Pont Jacques-Gabriel) and enter ancient city. ▽
When entering urban area of Blois, first thing you will see is Royal Castle of Blois, which consists of buildings built between 13th and 17th centuries. The four wings of palace courtyard are a harmonious combination of different architectural styles that are naturally integrated, comprehensively showing history and art of castles in Loire Valley. ▽
The Royal Château de Blois has a reputation as a "French museum". In central part of building there is an equestrian statue of Louis XII and a sign of a hedgehog. ▽
The Royal Castle of Blois was built successively by King Louis XII of France, Francis I and Duke Caston d'Orléans. It has 564 rooms, 75 staircases and 100 bedrooms with fireplaces. Here, grandeur of royalty is revealed everywhere, as well as daily life of French royal family is shown: exquisite and magnificent jewelry, luxurious appliances and luxurious halls - all testify to glory of royal family of that time. ▽
300 paintings, sculptures and works of art collected by Château de Blois Art Museum represent history of European art from 16th to 19th centuries. The castle houses famous painting "Fountain" by Ingres (1780-1867), a representative of neoclassicism. ▽
Another highlight of Royal Chateau of Blois is unique sound and light show that takes place almost every night from April to September each year. With bright lights and shocking sound effects, it tells story of love and hate that took place in royal castle of Blois. Screenplay adapted from a screenplay by historian Alain Decout. Come here, don't miss these unforgettable 45 minutes. The sound and light show is equipped with multilingual simultaneous interpreters, so don't worry if you don't speak French. ▽
The small town of Blois gave birth not only to King Louis XII of France, but also to world famous great magician, father of modern magic—— Jean Eugene Robert - Goudin (Jean- Eugene Robert-Houdin, 1805-1871). At same time, Wudang is also a watchmaker and inventor. His former residence is opposite entrance to castle. If you are lucky, you may see steampunk monsters chasing window of magician's former residence. ▽
Opposite Jacques Gabriel bridge (Pont Jacques-Gabriel) across Loire River, a step leads directly to cathedral, which is depicted as a target from afar. Look, steps are very long, and in middle there are 3D paintings that visitors can look at. Climbing stairs, you can stand next to statue of French physicist Denis Papin (inventor of centrifugal pump and pressure cooker). ) and exit onto avenue leading to other side of Loire River. ▽
Walk to Cathedral of St. Louis (Cathédrale Saint Louis) and "specify country" in Bishop's Garden (Le Jardin de l'Evêché et sa roseraie). This magnificent towering building sits on commanding heights of small town of Blois, adding timeless style to Blois' skyline. ▽
Behind church is episcopal garden overlooking Loire River, offering panoramic views of city and Loire River. ▽
From here you can feel red chimneys and gray roofs that can be seen everywhere in city, and you can see rushing colors of Blois and solemn elegance. ▽
In a prominent place in garden, there is tomb of Joan of Arc and a statue of a galloping horse with a sword. ▽
Here famous Jeanne d'Arc received bishop's blessing and prayer before going to fight, and her cemetery was also arranged here by will of fate. Luc Besson's film Joan of Arc was filmed here. ▽
The river flows under Blois bridge, and castle on shore seems to be a thing of past. ▽
In days of Loire Valley, every day you can wander aimlessly along banks of Loire, following direction of wind and clouds... Le voyage, c'est la vie. ▽
As they say:
Lu Ping goes to fort by car, there are few people, but scenery is good.
Mountains and waters soar upward, no matter how old world is.
Other routes will be discussed next time.
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