When I think of France, I think about castles. Historical land for many people is a home to many medieval architectural masterpieces and cultural heritage and the stream of millions of people every year come to the capital of France to admire the glaring and scenic beauty of the castles which surround the area of the metropolis. I always dreamed about visiting castles near Paris which have seen so many battles and wars, which are the silent reminders of one of the greatest histories of the world: French history. Today I’m going to put together the list of my favorite castles in France and I hope you will fall in love with them as I did once.
Dramatic Castles of Loire Valley
If you dream about visiting romantic landscape of centuries-old age, then why not Loire alley? There is something unbelievable when you get a chance to go back to the centuries, see how the halls were once embellished with the sounds of piano and orchestra, the rooms where the nobles and kings and queens used to wake up every morning, organize a ritual of dressing. And the most fascinating thing people usually ask themselves while enter the castles, is how these miraculous were built. There were no developed technique and everything was hundred times hard to make true, but they did in order to make us be in shock after seeing.
The chateaus in Loire Valley were the summer residents for French Kings and Queens and they like spending here the major part of their time. Why the castles were constructed exactly near Paris, because the French Kings were afraid of loosing power. Nobles were rebelling against the royal families and it was save to built residents near Paris to take control over everyone who tried to re-raise against any member of the French Royal family.
The Loire valley is situated only two hours south of Paris by car and is most-favorite hideaway for may inhabitants and tourists. There are many people who even have their private homes here which are called holiday homes and every summer they come to Loire to enjoy the best-of-the-best in this green and majestic valley. The main chateaus that are open for the public in Loire valley are Chmabard, Azay Le Rideau, Villandry and Cheverny. You will manage to visit each of them surely, just try to plan everything in advance. I know that castles are all eye-scathing in the valley but remember that staying on one of them more than you planned will be an obstacle to not visit the others. These castles are the masterpieces and treasure for the whole world not only France, and they are unique representatives of Renaissance style. Their history is full of magical and bloody moments, the walls of these castles have seen a lot during their existence.
Chamboire Castle
The castle of Chamboire is situated in Loir-et-Cher department and is only 14 kilometers away from Blois and 164 kilometers from Paris. This is the most enormous in the territory of Loire and recordings proved that it is also the most developed and visited. In general, the castle became more popular due to its double helix staircase which was attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci. The castle was built in the sixteenth century when the King was Francois I the nickname of whom was Prince Architect. Chambord Castle enjoys the dramatic scenery of one of the most miraculous forests of Europe which is also the largest enclosed woodland park. Nowadays it’s internationally-known hunting park and wild games destination. Today you are given a chance to visit the royal apartments of Francois I and Louis XIV in the castle and the fabulous roof with chimneys and dormer windows from where you can admire the outstanding beauty of the scenery. There are a lot of exhibitions, spectacles and horse shows: try not to miss them.
Villandry Castle
Villandry is nestles in Indre-et –Loire departments and is 260 kilometers south-west from Paris. The most renowned feature of the castle is its French Gardens that were rebuilt using 14th century old texts. The gardens has their names; Garden of the sun, garden of water which is surrounded by thousands of trees, garden of love, garden of music, modest garden. There is also a decorative kitchen garden which covers one hectares area and the third part has Floral Labyrinth which is the most liveliest places in this territory because usually its full of children.
Amboise Castle
It can be in the list of the most visited castles in Loire valley. Amboise is located approximately 190 kilometers away from Paris and is UNESCO World Heritage Site. The original fortress was owned by the Amboise family for more than 400 years but at the end of the fifteenth century, Charles VIII took it and made a royal residence which in the future houses many French Kings and Queens. You have an opportunity to visit the royal apartments which will make you dive in the usual royal live of french Nobel families. This artistic castle given a breathtaking and panoramic view to is magnificent surroundings so you never believe that human hands could create such a gorgeous and incredible art value.
Close Luce
Close Luce is situated only a few hundred meters away from Amboise Castle. The construction started in 1110 and in 1490 became the summer residence of the kings of France. In 1516 the Renaissance most popular painter, Leonardo Da Vinci got an invitation from Francois I to come to France. He left Rome and established here brought three extravagant canvases: the Mona Lisa, Saint Anne and Saint John the Baptist. The last three years of his life, the greatest painter spent here from 1516-1519. Now, the chateau is owned by the Saint-Bris family who opened it for a public.
Rose colored Renaissance facade will shock you, a visit to Leonardo da Vinci’s bedroom will make you feel the the painter is alive and is painting a masterpiece near the window and the amazing collection of painting will fill your heart towards French people whose land carries history and culture and has given to the world wonderful pieces of art and culture.
