Jan
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Famous chateaux in France

Author Chateau De Gateau    Category French Property Articles     Tags

Millions of tourists each year visit the castles on the Loire Valley, the former capital of France during the Valois dynasty. A region of superlatives where you will find numerous castles in one of the most visited country’s in the world.

France is home to the most famous chateaux in the world, but nowhere are there as many as in the Loire Valley. One of the main reasons is because during the Middle Ages, here were located the most prosperous cities, thanks to the commerce on the Loire River, and which were protected by solid fortresses. Moreover, the fertility of this region brought to itself the name of “garden of France” which changed later into “garden of kings”.

The most original castle is Chenonceau also known as “Dame’s castle” thanks to the famous women who lived here: Catherine de Medicis (wife of King Henry II), Diane de Poitiers (mistress of the same king) and Mary, queen of Scotland. Chenonceau is built on a site of an old mill on the River Cher, and its main purpose was to be a residency for royal mistresses. Here, one can observe, perfectly preserved, furniture and tapestry from the XV century, and part of the building built over the bridge still roofs the smashing ballroom.

Among other famous chateaux in France are the castles of Azay le Rideau, Chambord and Versailles. Azay le Rideau is built in the most pure Renaissance style and it is considered a true architectural jewel. This fairytale castle built near the Indre River had a purpose to impress the guests with its luxurious decorations.

Chambord castle is the result of combining Leonardo Da Vinci’s imagination with dreams of King Francis I. This grand creation contains 440 rooms and it is the greatest castle in the Loire Valley with its 13.000 acres of woods and a 20 miles wall surrounding. Here, lied the scene for Moliere’s plays in front of King Louis XIV, the Sun King.

Last but not least, one of the famous chateaux in France is Versailles. It is being visited by 8 million tourists each year since it is being considered a true architectural masterpiece and of the greatest palaces in the world. It has become a museum in 1837; it extends on 194.000 square feet; it has 2000 windows, 700 rooms and a wide garden spread over 800 hectares.

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