"The Loire Valley Chateaux (Castles)" Pays de la Loire Travelogue by wanderlust23

Chambord is the biggest of the Loire Valley chateaux and one of the most interesting architecturally. It is situated near the Loire and was the grand castle of Francois I. The castle has 440 rooms, 85 staircases, and 365 chimneys! The chateau was finally finished in 1685.

The chateau is open year 'round with the exception of January 1 and May 1. For information call:
33(0)2.54.50.40.00

Roof terrace on top level of the chateau

Chambord is excellent and very time-consuming to look at. Visitors are allowed on the roof terrace which goes around the entire length, 360 degrees, of the roof. From here you can not only admire the many spires and chimneys, but also get a great view of the castle and it's surrounding lands.

Central tower on roof terrace

This tower arises from the double revolution staircase and is the entrance for the terrace. Visitors take the staircase all the way to the top and arrive outside on the roof. On the very top is a sort of enclosed widow's walk.

Staircase of Double Revolution

This staircase was designed by Leonardo Davinci and resembles a double helix. Two people can see each other while going up the two entwined staircases but never meet until the top or bottom. It was rumored that Francois had this built to keep his wife and mistresses from each other.

Chenonceau from Diane de Poitier's garden

Chenonceau has been nicknamed "Le chateau des dames" and for good reason. Designed by Catherine Briconnet, the chateau was given to the mistress of Henri II, Diane de Poitiers. In 1556 she comissioned an architect to build a bridge to the other side of the Cher river. When the king died however, his wife Catherine de Medicis ousted Diane and built her own rooms and halls over the bridge. Both had beautiful gardens made.

Chateau de Chenonceau
F. 37150 Chenonceaux
Telephone: 33(0)2.47.23.90.07
www.chenonceau.com

Interior view of the hall over the bridge

During World War II, the Cher river and Chenonceau served as a boundary between the occupied German side of France, and the other free side of France. If one was able to cross the bridge to the other side then they were free from German rule. The chateau was also used as a hospital during war time.

Grounds at the Chateau de Loches

I had no idea that this castle or town existed until the propriator at our bed and breakfast told us it was a castle not to be missed. The chateau and it's grounds include 11th century keeps, ramparts, dungeon, church and castle. Agnes Sorel, the mistress of Charles VII, lived in the castle. Don't miss her tomb.
While we were there there was a huge thunderstorm. It was kind of an eerie, yet authentic, feeling to be in an 11th century chateau and have the wind be howling and the rain pouring out outside!

Visitor Information:
Loches
Place de la Marne
33(0)2.47.59.07.98

**Amboise chateau grounds

The Chateau d'Amboise, located in Amboise in the Loire Valley, was a favorite of the French kings, including Francois I who lived there much of the time. It was in Amboise that Italian art first came to France when Leonardo DaVinci was invited by the king to stay in the village and be the king's personal architect. It is rumored that DaVinci brought with him his famous painting "Mona Lisa." It is also rumored that an underground tunnel stretches from the chateau to DaVinci's residence, Manoir du Clos-Luce, a short distance away. DaVinci's tomb is allegedly within the Chapelle St. Hubert on the castle grounds.

Visitor information for Amboise
quai du General du Gaulle
33(0)2.47.57.09.28

Chateau Royal d'Amboise
33(0)2.47.57.00.98

**The photo of the chateau, it's fortified walls, and grounds (Amboise in the background) is taken from "Le Chateau d'Amboise", Editions Valoire.

Chapelle St Hubert

Chapel in the flamboyent gothic style, built in the 15th century. It is here where the tomb of Leonardo DaVinci allegedly rests.

Tomb of Leonardo DaVinci

"In this place lies the remains of Leonardo DaVinci."

Leonardo DaVinci's manor in Amboise

Residence of Leonardo DaVinci during his time in Amboise. The house contains some original art, quotes, architectural drawings, a museum of his inventions, and computer aided graphics of some of his inventive drawings.

Manoir du Clos-Luce
2 rue du Clos-Luce
33(0)2.47.57.62.88

Blois chateau, view from town

Blois was a great city to see! I went with an international group from the university I was studying at. We all have a blast. Blois is one of those cities that seems untouched by everything around it. It still has all the narrow streets, back alleyways, and small town pubs and restaurants in the centre. The castle was interesting to look at on the outside, but it was very plain on the inside. One thing that they do though, in the summer and during a few holidays, is they light up the castle with different themed lights. It's a really cool thing to see.

Dragon "coo coo" clock at Blois

One of my favorite memories at Blois was when I was with a group of friends standing around the courtyard and the clocks in the town started to chime on the hour. Soon, this noise started coming from the building across the courtyard. Then 7 or 8 golden mechanical dragon heads start popping out of the windows and music is playing. It was the weirdest site I've ever seen, the weirdest chiming clock anyway. It was definately worth the wait out in the courtyard to get in!!