The Loire Valley in France is famous for its castles. Make a separate trip for him - it means not only to visit very beautiful places, but also imbued with special romantic atmosphere of the past. After all, these old military buildings were the scene of colorful history.
Langeais (Chateau de Langeais)
French town of Langeais is located not far from Tours, the former in the turbulent Middle Ages, the provincial capital. This determined the role of Langeais - defensive and protective.
The walls of the castle, standing on the banks of the Loire, produces a rather grim and dark impression. Primarily because of the dilapidated dungeon Knerr Fulk (Count of Anjou), which was built here in the X century. Donjon (Fr. Donjon) - this is the main tower, standing apart from the rest of the buildings and is like a "castle inside the castle." Such structures, often circular, built to hide the master and his entourage, when the defense will be broken and the enemy will break into the territory. Hidden in the dungeon (where there is accommodation for the owner of the castle and his family, as well as weapons, the main well and a food warehouse), the soldiers could hold out for a while and wait for reinforcements.
Donjon Fulk Knerr in the castle park Lange was one of the oldest, built of stone, until he built a building out of wood. However, the stone building lost time: the south and west of its walls collapsed in 1841, the other two, however, stand still.
Langeais castle itself was built simultaneously with the dungeon, but gained its present appearance until the middle of the XV century. He is perfectly preserved to this day, thanks to the efforts of previous owners. Inner space affects a spacious bright rooms, surprisingly comfortable, with lots of beautiful decorative items. Tiled floor coverings in the rooms was restored by the samples of the XV century, wooden furniture (wardrobes, sideboards, chests) is basically true, and applies also to the XV century.
Part of the interior - it's most valuable collection of tapestries XIV-XV centuries. Among them, a group of tapestries under the title "Raznotsveta and tapestry" Crucifixion "by Flemish masters. Part of the tapestry was made in Aubusson, and they pronounced gothic: the image of hunting scenes and biblical scenes. The exposition has been planned to tapestries, combined with the overall furnished rooms: for example, in a room of Monsignor large tapestry on the wall, with floral patterns, combined with four-poster bed stands here, with a mosaic floor of the same golden and dark grays and rich carving tree on the elements of a bed, dresser and wardrobe.
Over the centuries, Lange changed many owners. The most significant changes occurred in the middle of the XV century, when the castle belonged to King Louis XI. King decided to finish building and strengthen it to protect the Tour from the west. So he gave the construction of the current form: there were three round towers and a stone wall with battlements with a continuous "sentinel zone" (a circular passage for lookouts) with a total length of 130 m. Lange was a typical example of a fortified medieval castle, in which all elements are military objectives, the walls made a massive, and the little window - tiny. But connoisseurs of architecture can see the merit of Louis XI, and in another: a formidable military capacity, he created a sophisticated interior design that meets the whims accustomed to the luxury of a monarch.
The fate of the castle as an architectural monument has been very successful: even during the tumultuous French revolution Langeais almost hurt. Later, in 1886, he was bought out by a certain Jacques Siegfried. Being a big fan of medieval art, the new owner set out to restore the castle and bring it into line with the original idea. He has spent on this project for more than 20 years of life and attracted to the work of renowned archaeologists and architects (such as Palyustr, Fulk, etc.). Preference was given to the style "Flamboyant Gothic."
In 1904, Jacques Siegfried gave the castle and its collections are in the state. Lange now operates as a museum. Visitors have the opportunity to see the monuments and recreated medieval castle interiors.
Address: Chateau de Langeais Langeais 37130 Phone: +33 (0) 2 47 96 72 60 Location: City of Langeais, 22 km south-west of Tours. You can get a taxi from the Tour Hours: April - September - open daily from 9.00-18.30, with a mid-July to August, the castle is open until 21 pm, in October - from 9.00-12.30 and 14.00-18.30, in the rest of the year - from 9.00-12.00 and from 14.00 -17.00 Entrance: € 6.50
Chambord (Chateau de Chambord)
Shambok - the largest of the castles of the Loire Valley. However, he is famous, perhaps, not 800 columns, 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases, and the fact that the project construction work itself Leonardo da Vinci. In 1517 an ardent admirer of Italian art, Francis I (korol_Frantsii) invited the great painter to build the royal rezindentsiyu. The project remained unfinished, and led the construction of Chambord (until the end of XVII century) has other famous architects. However, one of the broad spiral staircases, located in the center of a cross connected halls and crowned with a lantern and a large terrace, where the staircase ends, according to one version, it was borrowed from the idea of Leonardo.
Magnificent castle was both a royal residence, a hunting estate and protective structures. However, the seemingly well-fortified towers and powerful to form the walls were clean and the scenery never served defensive functions.
In the guise of Chambord merged elements of Italian and French Renaissance architecture. The luxurious and monumental entrance to the castle is decorated pediment. Interestingly decision roof: it represents the whole city a variety of turrets, staircases and passages. The outdoor terrace on the roof, in the Italian style, by appointment has never been used - the climate in France is too cold. And it is not only impractical part "on display": the castle was first and foremost a symbol of luxury and power. For example, protopit these spacious rooms with high ceilings has been an almost impossible task. In fact, Francis and lived around here only short visits: to come with his entourage in the number of 2000 people to hunt. All food and furniture were imported each time.
And such a scale was present in all. In 1526 the castle were added two wings, specially for the apartments of the king and queen. In the north-western part of the chapel built in the Italian style. The inner chambers of Chambord, this can be seen today have been carefully decorated: it lacks, and paintings in gilt frames, and luxurious furniture, and silk dripirovok and majestic four-poster bed. I must say, this ambitious project nearly bankrupted the monarch.
All of this amazing imagination luxuries suffered greatly during the Revolution. The castle was almost destroyed in 1793, all furniture was removed from the premises it, even the floor slabs were removed and sold for a pittance, and door panels were the fuel for heating during the auctions held in the halls. Some time Chambord was completely abandoned until Napoleon Bonaparte did not gave it to one of his ministers. Subsequently, the castle passed from hand to hand, one time it even housed a military hospital, and finally in 1930 became state property. Restoration work began here just after the Second World War.
Today it's nearly 500-year-old building is in excellent condition and takes visitors all year round. Acquainted with the interiors, you can go and territory: around a park of 53 square meters. km. where the deer walk. In late June, the park hosts an annual festival of hunting and fishing.
Address: Chateau de Chambord, Chambord 41250 Phone: +33 (0) 2 54 50 40 00 Location: 16 miles east of Blois and 29 km north-east of Cheverny. You can get here by car or train RER from Paris Hours: July - August - open daily from 9.30-18.30 in April - June and September - every day from 9.30-17.45 in October - March - daily from 9.30-16.45 Entry: Adult - € 8.50 (September-June) and € 9.50 (July-August) for people aged 18-25 - € 6.50, Children - free www.chambord.org
Chenonceau (Chateau de Chenonceau)
Romantic Chenonceau, whose walls are washed by the river Cher, the most visited castle in France. And not only in the architectural monuments, but also in the magnificent gardens, which stretched here since mid-XVI century.
Fort built in 1243, which began the history of the castle over the centuries and changed owners, and their appearance. Chenonceau in its current form, was built between 1515 and 1521 year, combines the features of late Gothic and early Renaissance. The building is well preserved, although nearly a hundred years, from 1624 to 1720, was empty. At the same time, one wing was given to a Capuchin monastery. About this resembles a drawbridge, which served to isolate the monastery from the outside world. In 1733, the castle was bought banker Claude Dupin and his wife, a great admirer of science and art, opened a fashion salon. It to its owners must lock with such prominent guests as Voltaire, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Later, great-great-granddaughter of Claude Lupin,
George Sand, written memories of their stay in Chenonceau. The chateau is also in private ownership, it belongs to a family Meunier - industrialist Anti Menier bought the castle in 1888.
Partially preserved medieval dungeon marks the entrance to the castle. Bascule bridge leads to the lower floor, where the Guardsmen Hall, decorated with tapestries of the XVI century. Hence it is wrapped in the green room, the room of Diane de Poitiers and in a small gallery, where paintings by Rubens, Natta, Mignard and Primaticcio. Most of the sculptures, one of those that were originally in the castle are now in Versailles. In general, the original furnishings remained small - many notable owners were finishing Chenonceau that went bankrupt, and before selling the castle, get rid of expensive items and interior works of art.
On the second floor of the castle you will see halls devoted by persons who are owning the castle at different times, or had anything to do with his stories: Gabriele D'Estrees Room, Front Room, Bedroom or "five queens," Room of Catherine de Medici and Charles de Vendome Room. The castle also has a wax museum, which presents scenes from the life of the castle with famous historical figures: Catherine Boyer with minstrels, Diane de Poitiers, hunting, Madame Dupin, patroness of the arts, the host of Voltaire.
Worth a visit and have miraculously survived during the French Revolution, a small chapel with marvelous stained glass windows. Here you can see the wooden altar, decorated with carvings, the famous Carrara marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child "of the Mino de Fiesole, as well as several paintings by famous painters.
During the year, visitors to the castle offers a variety of cultural events: excursions to classical music, special children's audio tours, boat trips on the River.
Address: Chateau de Chenonceau 37510 Phone: +33 (0) 2 47 23 90 07 Location: In the village of Chenonceau, 34 miles south of Tours, 10 km south-east of Amboise, and 40 km south-west of Blois. You can get there by RER train from Paris or take a taxi from the Tour Hours: mid-November to January every day from 9.00 to 16.30, since mid-March to mid-September from 9.00 to 19.00 Entry: Adult - € 9.50, men 18-25 years and children - € 7.50 www.chenonceau.com
Azey-le-Rideau (Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau)
One of the most beautiful chateaux of the Loire - Azey-le-Rideau - is right on the river Indre, and is surrounded by water. This is a "diamond in the frame of the River Indre," as Balzac called it, writing a novel here, "Lily of the valley."
Azey-le-Rideau in its present form was built from 1518 to 1527. The architecture of the buildings can easily see the features of the early French Renaissance: gable roof, a group of small elongated vertical windows, round towers at the corners of the building. In the very same form of the building - long and low - trace the influence of Italian architecture. Around the perimeter at the top, third, floor passes patrol zone, the truth, here it serves only as a decoration - underlines the tradition of medieval architecture and speaks highborn owners of the castle.
One of the characteristic features Azey-le-Rideau - a luxurious central staircase in the French style, which you will see when entering. It is not strictly upward, and partly connected with the walls and entryways are decorated windows, loggias.
The interior decoration is also worthy of attention. Among other things, pay attention to the graceful columns on the first floor on which they rest sculptures salamanders and ermine - the symbols of Francis I and Claude, Queen of France.
The castle is the Museum of the Renaissance, here exhibited furniture (chests, sideboards, tables and beds), household items (ceramic and metal utensils, tongs, grill, pitchers), paintings and tapestries. The collection of medieval tapestries are especially noteworthy four paintings of the XVII century on the walls Ballroom. They are created by the Flemish masters of traditional Bible stories. In addition, the Museum of the Renaissance are a lot of portraits of French kings and their families: Catherine de 'Medici, Francis II, Henry III, Marguerite de Valois, etc.
After visiting the castle you can walk on broken around the park, among the cedars, cypresses and sequoias.
Address: Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau Phone: +33 (0) 2 47 45 42 04 Location: 26 km to the south-west of Tours, in Azey-le-Rideau. Cyuda can get from Tours by train SNCF Hours: April - June, and September - from 9.30 to 18.00 in July - August from 9.00 to 19.00 in October - March from 9.30 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 17.30 Entry: Adult - € 6.10, for people 18-25 years - € 4.10, Children - free azay-le-rideau.monuments-nationaux.fr
Langeais (Chateau de Langeais)
French town of Langeais is located not far from Tours, the former in the turbulent Middle Ages, the provincial capital. This determined the role of Langeais - defensive and protective.
The walls of the castle, standing on the banks of the Loire, produces a rather grim and dark impression. Primarily because of the dilapidated dungeon Knerr Fulk (Count of Anjou), which was built here in the X century. Donjon (Fr. Donjon) - this is the main tower, standing apart from the rest of the buildings and is like a "castle inside the castle." Such structures, often circular, built to hide the master and his entourage, when the defense will be broken and the enemy will break into the territory. Hidden in the dungeon (where there is accommodation for the owner of the castle and his family, as well as weapons, the main well and a food warehouse), the soldiers could hold out for a while and wait for reinforcements.
Donjon Fulk Knerr in the castle park Lange was one of the oldest, built of stone, until he built a building out of wood. However, the stone building lost time: the south and west of its walls collapsed in 1841, the other two, however, stand still.
Langeais castle itself was built simultaneously with the dungeon, but gained its present appearance until the middle of the XV century. He is perfectly preserved to this day, thanks to the efforts of previous owners. Inner space affects a spacious bright rooms, surprisingly comfortable, with lots of beautiful decorative items. Tiled floor coverings in the rooms was restored by the samples of the XV century, wooden furniture (wardrobes, sideboards, chests) is basically true, and applies also to the XV century.
Part of the interior - it's most valuable collection of tapestries XIV-XV centuries. Among them, a group of tapestries under the title "Raznotsveta and tapestry" Crucifixion "by Flemish masters. Part of the tapestry was made in Aubusson, and they pronounced gothic: the image of hunting scenes and biblical scenes. The exposition has been planned to tapestries, combined with the overall furnished rooms: for example, in a room of Monsignor large tapestry on the wall, with floral patterns, combined with four-poster bed stands here, with a mosaic floor of the same golden and dark grays and rich carving tree on the elements of a bed, dresser and wardrobe.
Over the centuries, Lange changed many owners. The most significant changes occurred in the middle of the XV century, when the castle belonged to King Louis XI. King decided to finish building and strengthen it to protect the Tour from the west. So he gave the construction of the current form: there were three round towers and a stone wall with battlements with a continuous "sentinel zone" (a circular passage for lookouts) with a total length of 130 m. Lange was a typical example of a fortified medieval castle, in which all elements are military objectives, the walls made a massive, and the little window - tiny. But connoisseurs of architecture can see the merit of Louis XI, and in another: a formidable military capacity, he created a sophisticated interior design that meets the whims accustomed to the luxury of a monarch.
The fate of the castle as an architectural monument has been very successful: even during the tumultuous French revolution Langeais almost hurt. Later, in 1886, he was bought out by a certain Jacques Siegfried. Being a big fan of medieval art, the new owner set out to restore the castle and bring it into line with the original idea. He has spent on this project for more than 20 years of life and attracted to the work of renowned archaeologists and architects (such as Palyustr, Fulk, etc.). Preference was given to the style "Flamboyant Gothic."
In 1904, Jacques Siegfried gave the castle and its collections are in the state. Lange now operates as a museum. Visitors have the opportunity to see the monuments and recreated medieval castle interiors.
Address: Chateau de Langeais Langeais 37130 Phone: +33 (0) 2 47 96 72 60 Location: City of Langeais, 22 km south-west of Tours. You can get a taxi from the Tour Hours: April - September - open daily from 9.00-18.30, with a mid-July to August, the castle is open until 21 pm, in October - from 9.00-12.30 and 14.00-18.30, in the rest of the year - from 9.00-12.00 and from 14.00 -17.00 Entrance: € 6.50
Chambord (Chateau de Chambord)
Shambok - the largest of the castles of the Loire Valley. However, he is famous, perhaps, not 800 columns, 440 rooms, 365 fireplaces and 84 staircases, and the fact that the project construction work itself Leonardo da Vinci. In 1517 an ardent admirer of Italian art, Francis I (korol_Frantsii) invited the great painter to build the royal rezindentsiyu. The project remained unfinished, and led the construction of Chambord (until the end of XVII century) has other famous architects. However, one of the broad spiral staircases, located in the center of a cross connected halls and crowned with a lantern and a large terrace, where the staircase ends, according to one version, it was borrowed from the idea of Leonardo.
Magnificent castle was both a royal residence, a hunting estate and protective structures. However, the seemingly well-fortified towers and powerful to form the walls were clean and the scenery never served defensive functions.
In the guise of Chambord merged elements of Italian and French Renaissance architecture. The luxurious and monumental entrance to the castle is decorated pediment. Interestingly decision roof: it represents the whole city a variety of turrets, staircases and passages. The outdoor terrace on the roof, in the Italian style, by appointment has never been used - the climate in France is too cold. And it is not only impractical part "on display": the castle was first and foremost a symbol of luxury and power. For example, protopit these spacious rooms with high ceilings has been an almost impossible task. In fact, Francis and lived around here only short visits: to come with his entourage in the number of 2000 people to hunt. All food and furniture were imported each time.
And such a scale was present in all. In 1526 the castle were added two wings, specially for the apartments of the king and queen. In the north-western part of the chapel built in the Italian style. The inner chambers of Chambord, this can be seen today have been carefully decorated: it lacks, and paintings in gilt frames, and luxurious furniture, and silk dripirovok and majestic four-poster bed. I must say, this ambitious project nearly bankrupted the monarch.
All of this amazing imagination luxuries suffered greatly during the Revolution. The castle was almost destroyed in 1793, all furniture was removed from the premises it, even the floor slabs were removed and sold for a pittance, and door panels were the fuel for heating during the auctions held in the halls. Some time Chambord was completely abandoned until Napoleon Bonaparte did not gave it to one of his ministers. Subsequently, the castle passed from hand to hand, one time it even housed a military hospital, and finally in 1930 became state property. Restoration work began here just after the Second World War.
Today it's nearly 500-year-old building is in excellent condition and takes visitors all year round. Acquainted with the interiors, you can go and territory: around a park of 53 square meters. km. where the deer walk. In late June, the park hosts an annual festival of hunting and fishing.
Address: Chateau de Chambord, Chambord 41250 Phone: +33 (0) 2 54 50 40 00 Location: 16 miles east of Blois and 29 km north-east of Cheverny. You can get here by car or train RER from Paris Hours: July - August - open daily from 9.30-18.30 in April - June and September - every day from 9.30-17.45 in October - March - daily from 9.30-16.45 Entry: Adult - € 8.50 (September-June) and € 9.50 (July-August) for people aged 18-25 - € 6.50, Children - free www.chambord.org
Chenonceau (Chateau de Chenonceau)
Romantic Chenonceau, whose walls are washed by the river Cher, the most visited castle in France. And not only in the architectural monuments, but also in the magnificent gardens, which stretched here since mid-XVI century.
Fort built in 1243, which began the history of the castle over the centuries and changed owners, and their appearance. Chenonceau in its current form, was built between 1515 and 1521 year, combines the features of late Gothic and early Renaissance. The building is well preserved, although nearly a hundred years, from 1624 to 1720, was empty. At the same time, one wing was given to a Capuchin monastery. About this resembles a drawbridge, which served to isolate the monastery from the outside world. In 1733, the castle was bought banker Claude Dupin and his wife, a great admirer of science and art, opened a fashion salon. It to its owners must lock with such prominent guests as Voltaire, Montesquieu, Jean-Jacques Rousseau. Later, great-great-granddaughter of Claude Lupin,
George Sand, written memories of their stay in Chenonceau. The chateau is also in private ownership, it belongs to a family Meunier - industrialist Anti Menier bought the castle in 1888.
Partially preserved medieval dungeon marks the entrance to the castle. Bascule bridge leads to the lower floor, where the Guardsmen Hall, decorated with tapestries of the XVI century. Hence it is wrapped in the green room, the room of Diane de Poitiers and in a small gallery, where paintings by Rubens, Natta, Mignard and Primaticcio. Most of the sculptures, one of those that were originally in the castle are now in Versailles. In general, the original furnishings remained small - many notable owners were finishing Chenonceau that went bankrupt, and before selling the castle, get rid of expensive items and interior works of art.
On the second floor of the castle you will see halls devoted by persons who are owning the castle at different times, or had anything to do with his stories: Gabriele D'Estrees Room, Front Room, Bedroom or "five queens," Room of Catherine de Medici and Charles de Vendome Room. The castle also has a wax museum, which presents scenes from the life of the castle with famous historical figures: Catherine Boyer with minstrels, Diane de Poitiers, hunting, Madame Dupin, patroness of the arts, the host of Voltaire.
Worth a visit and have miraculously survived during the French Revolution, a small chapel with marvelous stained glass windows. Here you can see the wooden altar, decorated with carvings, the famous Carrara marble sculpture of the Madonna and Child "of the Mino de Fiesole, as well as several paintings by famous painters.
During the year, visitors to the castle offers a variety of cultural events: excursions to classical music, special children's audio tours, boat trips on the River.
Address: Chateau de Chenonceau 37510 Phone: +33 (0) 2 47 23 90 07 Location: In the village of Chenonceau, 34 miles south of Tours, 10 km south-east of Amboise, and 40 km south-west of Blois. You can get there by RER train from Paris or take a taxi from the Tour Hours: mid-November to January every day from 9.00 to 16.30, since mid-March to mid-September from 9.00 to 19.00 Entry: Adult - € 9.50, men 18-25 years and children - € 7.50 www.chenonceau.com
Azey-le-Rideau (Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau)
One of the most beautiful chateaux of the Loire - Azey-le-Rideau - is right on the river Indre, and is surrounded by water. This is a "diamond in the frame of the River Indre," as Balzac called it, writing a novel here, "Lily of the valley."
Azey-le-Rideau in its present form was built from 1518 to 1527. The architecture of the buildings can easily see the features of the early French Renaissance: gable roof, a group of small elongated vertical windows, round towers at the corners of the building. In the very same form of the building - long and low - trace the influence of Italian architecture. Around the perimeter at the top, third, floor passes patrol zone, the truth, here it serves only as a decoration - underlines the tradition of medieval architecture and speaks highborn owners of the castle.
One of the characteristic features Azey-le-Rideau - a luxurious central staircase in the French style, which you will see when entering. It is not strictly upward, and partly connected with the walls and entryways are decorated windows, loggias.
The interior decoration is also worthy of attention. Among other things, pay attention to the graceful columns on the first floor on which they rest sculptures salamanders and ermine - the symbols of Francis I and Claude, Queen of France.
The castle is the Museum of the Renaissance, here exhibited furniture (chests, sideboards, tables and beds), household items (ceramic and metal utensils, tongs, grill, pitchers), paintings and tapestries. The collection of medieval tapestries are especially noteworthy four paintings of the XVII century on the walls Ballroom. They are created by the Flemish masters of traditional Bible stories. In addition, the Museum of the Renaissance are a lot of portraits of French kings and their families: Catherine de 'Medici, Francis II, Henry III, Marguerite de Valois, etc.
After visiting the castle you can walk on broken around the park, among the cedars, cypresses and sequoias.
Address: Chateau d'Azay-le-Rideau, 37190 Azay-le-Rideau Phone: +33 (0) 2 47 45 42 04 Location: 26 km to the south-west of Tours, in Azey-le-Rideau. Cyuda can get from Tours by train SNCF Hours: April - June, and September - from 9.30 to 18.00 in July - August from 9.00 to 19.00 in October - March from 9.30 to 12.30 and from 14.00 to 17.30 Entry: Adult - € 6.10, for people 18-25 years - € 4.10, Children - free azay-le-rideau.monuments-nationaux.fr
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