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Archive for May 16th, 2012

The second chateau that I visited on my whirlwind tour last Saturday was Chateau de Chenonceau. It was built in the 16th century on the River Cher.

View of Chateau de Chenonceau

On the grounds of Chateau de Chenonceau on a beautiful, sunny day!

Looking out at the garden from the chateau

This garden borders the River Cher. It was the garden designed by Catherine De' Medici who was married to King Henri ll. She lived from 1519-1589.

Fireplace in the Council Chamber

Here are a few pictures from inside the Chateau d’Amboise

King Henri ll's Chamber

Music Room in the chateau

Wildflowers near the road on way to chateau

Last Saturday, I spent the day traveling to three different Chateaux. I was on the train and several different buses but managed to make it to all of them. It was a 16 hour day but well worth it! They are all located in the Loire Valley which is southwest of Paris, if you are looking at a map. The Loire Valley is called the “Garden of France,” because of the abundance of vineyards, orchards, flowers, asparagus and artichoke fields. There are over 300 chateaux in this region!

The first place I visited is called Chateau d’Amboise.  It is the place where Leonardo da Vinci was invited to join the French court at the age of 64.  He was given a salary of seven hundred gold crowns. He spent his time teaching, drawing, and urban planning…in 1516! He died here in 1519 and was interred at the Chateau d’Amboise, according to his wishes.

St Hubert Chapel where Leonardo da Vinci is buried

Chateau d'Amboise from the garden

The grounds were very beautiful.

Around the chateau - beautiful grounds!

Grounds around Chateau d'Amboise