Valley Of The Kings
Valley Of The Kings
Val de Loire in France is a beautiful area granted World Heritage status because of its great castles. The kings and queens of France, seduced by the mild climate and the game of their forests created this incredible Loire Valley castles. They surrounded themselves with the greatest architects and artists of this era.
This is the land of a thousand castles. Many castles and stately houses are open to the public: some are state enterprises, such as Chambord and Blois, others are private, and still lived in. Many of them run and sound light glasses during the tourist season. Chateau de Chenonceau and Chateau de Chambord are incredibly popular.
Chateau de Chenonceau
Le Chateau des Dames to build a bridge over the River Cher is one of the finest chateaux of the Loire with elegant domes and arches and stately avenues bordered by plane trees. The beauty is reflected in the waters of the river the Cher.
Chenonceau owes much of its design and beauty to four women. Catherine de Briconnet was largely responsible for the early Renaissance style. Catherine then The castle passed to Henry II mistress, Diane de Poiters responsible for the formal gardens to the left of the castle as you approach, and for building a bridge over the River Cher.
Unfortunately Diane de Poitiers was forced to cede ownership of the castle to Catherine de Medici (the bitter wife of Henri II) who offered Chateau de Chaumont in exchange. Not really a fair exchange! Catherine de Medici built the gallery on the bridge. Later the castle was inherited by Louise de Lorraine, wife of the survivors favorite Catherine's son Henry III. They painted the ceiling of her bedroom black and white out of respect for her deceased husband.
Chateau Blois
Chateau Blois is almost like 4 separate chateaux rolled into one - so different architectural styles are present. Renaissance architecture was the dominant style in the Francois 1 wing. The Gaston d'Orleans wing will satisfy any desire for classical architecture.
The medieval heart is centered around the Salle des Etats Généraux that is where the court and the Council were based. Flamboyant Gothic flair is evident in the Louis XII wing. Catherine de Medici's private rooms complete with an array of toxins in the Francois 1 wing. This is where in 1588 the Duc de Guise was brutally murdered after he was thought to be planning a Catholic uprising against Henri III.
Chateau de Cheverney
Chateau de Cheverny unmistakedly is the most lavishly decorated of the Loire Valley Chateaux. Built between 1604 and 1634 changed little. The current owner is a direct descendant of the original owners. The 1640s interior is one of the finest of its kind. Some of the masterpieces of the castle include paintings by old masters, tapestries from Paris and Holland plus Louis XIV's commode and unforgettable grandfather clock.
Tintin fans will note that Herge based the mythical Moulinsart on Cheverny. There is an exhibition Tintin directly opposite the castle. In World War 2 the 18th century Orangerie served as a shelter for the Mona Lisa.
Chateau du Chaumont
Chateau du Chaumont is located on the banks of the Loire about 20 minutes west of Blois was born in the eleventh century
In 1560 the castle was owned by Catherine de 'Medici who entertained numerous astrologers there, including Nostradamus. After the death of her husband, King Henry II, Catherine used her power to take the coveted Chateau de Chenonceau from her husband's mistress, Diane de Poitiers. She was forced at the Chateau de Chaumont in exchange for her beloved Chenonceau.
Each year from April to October, the castle has an international garden festival for a different theme. Last year was playing. In 2007 the theme will be mobility.
Chateau du Clos Luce
Chateau du Clos Luce is where Leonard de Vinci spent the last four years of his life. You can visit his salons, study, kitchen and bedrooms, the chapel and see frescoes painted by his pupils. His paintings and drawings are included in the garden chateau with giant models of the IBM sponsored by some of the most spectacular machines he invented with voice-overs.
The Loire Valley is a beautiful area and a great destination. Remember you need not be satisfied just visiting castles, you can actually stay in a castle. Many are now converted into hotels and chambre d'hotes (bed and breakfast establishments). You can usually choose to rent a suite or the entire castle.
About the Author:
Corina Clemence runs an exclusive luxury chateau ideal for a french holiday in the Loire Valley. Rent a castle in France http://www.loirechateau.com She also writes for http://www.articleaunty.com on writing articles for your website.
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com - Loire Valley Castles - Six of the Best Historic French Chataeux That You Must Visit
What is the distance from Cairo, the valley of kings?
The valley is located on the west bank of the Nile, opposite Thebes (Luxor) The distance between Cairo and Luxor is 419 mileshttp: / / Maps maps.google.com /? f = d & hl = en & geocode = & time = & date = & ttype = & Sll = 25.005973,33.640137 & sspn = 13.69335,15.622559 & ie = UTF8 & cd = 2 & saddr Uqsur = AL + + = daddr Egypt and Cairo, Al + + + + + Aires Argentina & z = 6 & om = 1
The Valley of the Kings