Châteaux de la Loire

This area is "littered" with castles! There were far more than we had time to see. We only saw three of them...but honestly, after that...you probably don't want to see very many more. This is a place that is worthy of several trips.


Château de Cheverny

Château de Chenonceau



They were too good to build it on the ground...they had to have it built over a river! Such lavish lifestyles!



How'd you like to look outside your bedroom window and see that?





The view from the gardens.






If I remember correctly, this castle was used as a hospital during World War II. This hallway was full of hospital beds. A pretty nice hospital, I'd say...and rooms with an excellent view.


The floors used to have little designs painted on them. They're being worn down over the years with everybody walking on them.

I like the concept behind this picture: simple pottery blurred by the fast pace of life.

I know, you don't get it. You think I'm strange. Whatever! I stand my ground.


Oh...now you're gonna tell me I'm being defensive and overly-senstive.

There's just no winning with you people. *sigh*






Château de Chambord

King Francis I caused this castle to be built. After he invaded Italy, he brought with him the Rennaissance. These influences are apparent throughout the castle. I'm not sure, but I think he might have died before the place was completed. It wasn't until King Louis the 14th took power that the castle was completed and looked as it does today.




You might remember King Louis XIV as the Sun King. His emblem is all over the place.





Most of the rooms were empty, mainly because the King travelled with all his furniture. Don't ask me why!


The game room.

I find this especially eerie and creepy looking.

This is a picture taken inside the "double-helix" staircase. For some reason, I didn't post a picture of that...look on Wikipedia's site... they'll show it to you.

You might have noticed, by this point, that I like taking pictures of windows.














The place where we slept:
We stayed at a really cute B&B: Les Metamorphozes
You MUST click on the link and look at the rooms they have there. It's hilarious.


It was strange, the room had an african theme.

Some strange owners, but they were very friendly. The main part of the house was over 10 centuries old and was originally built by monks. Can you imagine that?!?!

I was told this was funny...
I can't really say whether it is or not...but if you're french, I'll assume that you get it...if not, please refer your questions to Flo.

Some links to help broaden those horizons:

Wikipedia - Château de Chenonceau

Wikipedia - Château de Cheverny

Wikipedia - Château de Chambord

If you want something more detailed or more accurate than Wikipedia...it is up to you to find it. I can't do all the work around here! Is it not enough that I made this blog for you?! Is it not enough that I even thought to add links?!