Day in the Chateaus

Today we stayed in Tours and went to several of the chateaus to have a look. No matter how many you go to they are all so different in their own way.

The first we visited was Chateau de Langeais.

We then drove onto Chateay du Clos Luce, built in 1471, and as we were walking to the Chateau was a good example of the homes that are built into the hill or mountain. Goodness only knows how they work out boundary lines etc when buying a property.

This is Leonardo da Vinci's bedroom. He spent the last three years of his life in this room, he died in 1519 aged 67.

Inventions that he created were on display in the home and large play versions were all through the gardens for children to play with. This is the first armoured tank.

The paddleboat.

The 1st car.

The swing bridge.

The treadmill.

We then went on to see the Chateau de Chenonceau on the River Cher built in the 16th century.

This was the bedroom of King Henri II

Look at the size of this stove.

This is the butchery room.

Yet another kitchen, I think I counted 5 in all, they are all gathered together in the same part of the castle but the size and scale of it all was overwhelming.

Notice this ornate carving above the door, it has the crest along with two mermaids.

The gallery 60 mtrs in length and 6mtr wide with 18 windows formed a wonderful ballroom. This is the renaissance fireplace at one end.

The five queens bedroom in memory of Catherine de Merdici's two daughters and three daughter in laws.

Catherine de Medici's bedroom.

Diane de Poitiers' garden.

We left this chateau to go to Cahteau de Chambord and saw this gorgeous car on the way in front of us on the road.

King Francis I was 25 years old when he inherited the Chateau of Chambord. He reigned for 32 years during which he spent only 72 days at Chambord.

The double spiral staircase that links the chateau's three floors and also supports the lantern surmounted by a fluer-de-lys. The staircase has two concentric spiral flights of stairs that wind independently around a hallow central column. If two people each take one flight they can see each other through the openings in the central column but will never meet.

The queens rooms occupied successively by Louise XIV's two wives, Maria Theresa of Austria and Madame de Maintenon.

A ceramic stove. This was purchased because in spite of huge open files everywhere the chateau was still really cold. They did not think the practicalities through when constructing their super impressive homes!

Another great day had by all. See you tomorrow.