France’s Supremely Regal Valley of the Loire River
Renowned for its lavish castles, the relics of royal days gone by, the glorious valley of the Loire is rich in both history and architecture. Like the river Loire, this huge area runs through the heart of French life. Its sophisticated cities, luscious landscape and magnificent wine and food add up to a bourgeois paradise. The lush Valley of the Loire River is incredibly regal.
In the 13th century, Orleans was the intellectual capital of France. Artists, poets and troubadours were attracted to its royal court.
Also ripe for discovery are the troglodyte caves, sleepy hamlets, and small Romanesque churches decorated with frescoes. Inviting guesthouses offer game, fish and plentiful fresh vegetables to be lingered over with full-bodied Bourgueil or a light white Vouvray. Overindulgence is no sin in this rich region.
The Chenonceau Chateau, the "Chateau des dames", is incredibly breathtaking and built on a bridge across the river Cher. King Henri II gave it to his favourite, Diane de Poitiers, but his wife Catherine de Medici demanded it back upon the untimely death of Henri II after a jousting accident - who can blame her it is such a gem. Diane was offered Chateau Chaumont on the banks of the Loire River opposite Onzain in exchange. But Diane never set foot there, instead retreating to Chateau Anet, where she died in 1566, seven years after Henri's demise.
The Blois Castle, capital of the kingdom from (1498-1595), was stirred by the last starts of the Valois dynasty. It is like visiting four different chateaux rolled into one - so different are the architectural elements at play in the four wings.
One of the purest creations of the Renaissance, the Chateau Azay le Rideau,, was built on an island of the River Indre River ideal setting for an architectural treasure
The Chambord chataeu, pinnacle of the Renaissance, combined the dream of King Francois the First with the imagination of Leonardo da Vinci, who lived at Clos Luce also open to the public, in Amboise for the last four years of his life. The result is a real "mathematisation" of architecture, a grandiose creation: 440 rooms,a fabulous double helix staircase,a chimney for every day of the year and unique roof terrace. Over its history Chateau Chambord has only ever been used as a residence for 20 years.
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