Again, scaffolding dominated our view of the breathtaking Château Chambord, one of the best-known and most beautiful of the castles along the Loire River. Please remember to click on the small images for larger versions. Below left, Chambord without the reconstruction, an image from Wikipedia; Right, the view as we relaxed with a bit of wine and cheese.
Above, the terrace of our hotel and our snacks. below left, a young tree in its showy full bloom; right, the bridge over the River Cosson dating from 1708.
Above left, a closer look as we walked to the chateau through the gardens; right, beautiful blooming spring trees. Below left, all over the highways on which we drove through the countryside, we saw the still-bare branches of the trees adorned with these balls of mistletoe, a parasitical growth associated with well-known characteristics and legends. Below left, a closer view of the restoration being carried out on the roof's lanterns and bell towers.
Above left, the building from within the central courtyard; right, formal gardens. Below, an aerial view from Wikipedia.
The chateau has the central core surrounded by wings that meet to form a square with towers at two corners. Both photos below show the double helix staircase, central to the main castle building. It is assumed that Leonardo da Vinci, who served Francis I from 1516, was the inspiration for this staircase. Before his death in 1519, da Vinci worked on designs for potential castles for Francis I including such intertwining spiral staircases. These probably served as models for the builders who began remodeling the former hunting lodge at Chambord in 1519.
Above left, the Room of the Hunters; right, the Room of the Bourbon, both set up as galleries for paintings and decorative arts. Below, left, Birth of the Count of Chambord, 1820; right Louis XVIII.
Above left, one of the kitchens. Right, one of the four corner towers.
Purchased by the state of France in 1930, the chateau was used to store many works of art from French collections during WWII. The property has developed many programs devoted to sustainable agriculture in its gardens and vineyards, which I hope have been maintained through the overheated summer during which many of the rivers in France almost dried up.
Next, Orleans and Chartres.
Purchased by the state of France in 1930, the chateau was used to store many works of art from French collections during WWII. The property has developed many programs devoted to sustainable agriculture in its gardens and vineyards, which I hope have been maintained through the overheated summer during which many of the rivers in France almost dried up.
Next, Orleans and Chartres.
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