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The Loire Valley: Splendor in the Heart of France!
The Loire Valley spins a magical web through the heart of France. Following the Loire River, the longest in France, the Loire Valley has served as a playground to kings, princes, dukes, and other nobles between the 15th to the 18th century. These wealthy families expended family fortunes in creating fabulous chateaux, inspired by the beauty and enlightenment of the Renaissance movement in Italy. A vacation in this part of France is a feast for the senses. The countryside that follows the Loire is relatively flat and inviting, and offers endless opportunities for panoramic views of the region.
The capital of the Loire is Orleans. In 1429, a simple peasant girl organized troops and stormed the city, freeing it from the British. To this day, Joan of Arc day is celebrated with parades and a medieval festival. A statue of her sits overlooking the place du Martroi, created by Foyatier in 1855. A site not to be missed is the Hôtel Groslot, a Renaissance mansion begun in 1550, and embellished in the 19th century. Francois II (first husband of Mary Queen of Scots) lived here in 1560. Between the Revolution and the 1970s the mansion served as the town hall. Today, weddings, and formal receptions of state are still held on the property. The Musee des Beaux Arts houses an impressive collection of European art from the 15th to the 20th centuries. Among the collection are numerous works of art that were seized during the French Revolution.
Southwest of Orleans is the medieval town of Blois. The town was once the seat of power for France and served as a second capital during the 16th century. The city's focal point is the storied Chateau de Blois. All six kings of the 16th century spent time at the chateaux. In the early 19th century, it was given to Louis XVIII's brother to keep him away from Paris. The mansion is famous for its grisly past. In 1588, Henry III asked the popular duke de Guise to join him for a meeting. Instead of the King, the duke was greeted by a group of 20 of the King's henchmen who proceeded to stab the duke to death. His brother, the cardinal of Lorraine, was murdered in jail a day later. A year later, a monk avenged the deaths by assassinating the King. Elsewhere in town, some great shopping opportunities await those searching for finer goods around the rue St-Martin. Clothing, perfume, shoes, cosmetics, and jewelry are the standard fare for these upscale shops.
In the countryside near Blois sits the magnificent Chateau de Chambord. The former "little hunting lodge" of Francois I, the chateau is the largest in the Loire Valley. The structure has over 440 rooms and is surrounded by 34 km of wall; the Loire even had to be diverted to accommodate the plan. Designed with the Italian Renaissance in mind, the home was built by French masons who preferred a more French medieval style. The huge towers with their conical shapes, and the explosion of chimneys, turrets, and pinnacles bring to mind a Flamboyant Gothic motif. The interior details are purely Italian. The giant stair case is attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. There are panels of colored marble, nooks decorated with shell-like domes, and plenty of free-standing columns.
Visiting Tours is like stepping into a smaller version of Paris. The wide, 18th century avenues are lined with cafes, and formal public gardens make for interesting walks. The town is also a bustling university area, hosting 30,000 college students. A city with a lively spirit, Tours is known for its fine wine and excellent cuisine. The heart of town is place Jean-Jaures. The main street is rue Nationale, which runs north to the Loire River. The general hustle and bustle of a thriving city can be found along this street. Upscale boutiques and restaurants await those with such appetites.
The beautiful Cathedrale St-Gatien, named for a 3rd century evangelist, is a mixture of architectural styles. It has a Gothic façade flanked by towers with bases from the 12th century and Renaissance lanterns. The choir area dates from the 13th century, and the church houses the tomb of the children of Charles VII and Anne de Bretagne.
Close to Tours is the elegant Château d'Azay-le-Rideau. Built on an island in the River Indre, the chateau is surrounded by a quiet pool. It is adorned with stylized fortifications and turrets intended both as decoration and to indicate the status of the owners. The interior is adorned with period furniture, and the portrait gallery houses a collection that includes Francois I, Catherine de Medici, the de Guises, and a risqué painting of Gabrielle d'Estree, Henry IV's lover.
Some of the best vineyards in the Loire Valley can be found around the little town of Chinon. Known for its delightful red wines, Chinon's name regularly pops up on the best wine lists in the world. If you have room in your suitcase, you should fill it with as many bottles of the excellent, but low priced vintages that you can!
Chinon's medieval old town section has been meticulously re-created. The ominous Chateau de Chinon sits high atop the town, the 400 meter long fortress looming, as if ready to pounce. It was here, in 1429, that Joan of Arc asked the Dauphine for an army. The rest is history. Chinon was the seat of power in France until the end of the 100 years war. The fortress is mostly ruins on the interior, but is still a marvelous exploration attraction.
The Loire Valley is where the castles are. Walt Disney gained inspiration for his famous park here. The chateaux are everywhere, a constant reminder of the Renaissance era, when beauty and enlightenment reigned supreme. Like tasting a fine wine, a vacation in the Loire Valley should be savored, not rushed. Meander through the gentle terrain and let your eyes wonder at the splendor of a bygone era.
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Chateau de Charme
Chateau de Charme — Property 407676
- Chateau / country house
- 7 bedrooms , sleeps 15
- 5 bathrooms
- private pool
- garden
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $5261 per property per week
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Chateau les Bardants
Chateau les Bardants — Property 404980
- Chateau / country house
- 6 bedrooms , sleeps 12
- 3 bathrooms
- 1 half bathroom
- private pool
- garden
- Rates (shown in USD)
- $2783 per property per week
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