Chateaux in the Loire Valley

The Loire Valley is lush and green and served by several large rivers. It is not too far from Paris and so the aristocracy and the wealthy of the past built fabulous castles here. We had a bright warm sunny day to visit 2 of them.

Firstly we drove to Chambord at the heart of Europe's largest enclosed wooded park, the dream of a young king, it is the largest château in the Loire Valley. It boasts a pleasure garden and a hunting park both listed as Historical Monuments. It's incredible size and detail overwhelms as you approach, and it is famous for the elliptical staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Two intertwining staircases that never meet!

The colossal size of Chambord, beyond all human scale, displays a unique silhouette with its 156 metre façade, 426 rooms, 77 staircases and 282 fireplaces. The geometric layout, proportions and the imaginativeness of the rooftops spiked with turrets, chimneys and skylights fill you with wonder.  What a hunting lodge! And what a waste, reportedly the king spent only 72 days here in over 40 years or so.

Next we went to my favourite, Chenonceau, so much smaller but exceptionally beautiful, and with lovely gardens and fully furnished rooms, you truly have a glimpse into the wealth, excesses and lifestyle of past occupants. One standout feature amongst the opulence of this chateau is the floral decoration. Every room has an enormous, unique, fresh bouquet to match the decor. The scent of the flowers fill the chateau and add the the opulence and experience.