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I love history - mostly European and English I confess. The grandeur, the splendor, the architecture, the "location," are all modern marvels. Except some of the greatest examples of extraordinary vision, architecture, paintings, design, landscape gardens were created centuries ago. How did they do it then without design apps and computer programs? Without villages of people sitting around sewing, stitching, creating tapestries that tell vivid stories. How did...? There really is no answer, so, when you've spent a few days in Paris, had your fill of city-life, hop aboard a TGV train and speed away to the Loire Valley. And the magic will engulf you.
Louis XIV is probably regarded as France's greatest builder. The Sun King did create the marvel of Versailles. But it was Francois I, or Francois Premier, the man who helped create and shape The Renaissance, who created the Chateaux of the Loire Valley.
A renowned huntsman and oenophile, Francois had discovered the joys of hunting in the vast, lush fertile forests of the Loire Valley. He quickly realized that more hunting could be achieved by staying in the area and only returning to Paris when his Kingly duties dictated. Several other kings followed in his footsteps and the area is seeped in French history, wars, battles, marriages, murders, and affairs of the heart that the French so loved.
This small region of France is often overlooked as people race to and from the coasts, and the Parisian heart of France. But for the luxury traveler, someone with a little time and a lot of money on their side, this is the perfect stopping off place.
Take a guide, take a tour, but see as many Chateaux as you can. Each is uniquely individual - I mean, how many giant Palaces/Chateaux are actually built on water? The Chateaux de Chenonceux will take your breath away. From every window and door a view of the water as it flows by, as if the building is floating. Catherine de Medici, yes, of that Family and fame, wanted the Chateaux so badly, then when the King died, she exiled his Mistress Madame de Pompadour. The mistress had lived in Royal style there, but quickly regained status when she moved to Chaumont nearby. Ah the intrigue that went on behind those walls. And, behind some walls secret rooms and secret passageways helped lovers and
murderers navigate the Chateaux without being seen! Ask to see the Poison closet where people believed Catherine made her potions and lotions that could kill or maim anyone - even a King.
At Blois is the famous circular staircase created by Francois I. There is one staircase going up, and one coming down, and never the twain shall meet! Chambord is the world's largest Chateaux, and it's grandeur will take your breath away. You will need a good day to see all the splendors this magic place has to offer. Take a trip to Chinon and see the Chateaux Fortress where Henry II imprisoned his wife, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. It is the stuff of movies and plays, and many of you will recognize it as the fighting arena for A LION IN WINTER, that Oscar winning movie.
Wines are from the renowned Loire Valley vineyards, so it is difficult to go wrong in choosing any one of them. And, as they are deep in fertile agricultural land, the freshest produce is on your table from morning to night.
THE CHATEAUX COUNTRY is worth at least a 3-4 day stay to enjoy the richness of the area. Walking the great corridors of Chateaux built 6 centuries before our own 21st century, will leave you walking in the shadows of history and greatness.
January 10, 2023
