What is Loire Valley chateaux?
The châteaux of the Loire Valley (French: châteaux de la Loire) are part of the architectural heritage of the historic towns of Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Montsoreau, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours along the river Loire in France. They illustrate Renaissance ideals of design in France.
Why are there so many chateaux in Loire?
The accident of geography, battles between armies and the patronage of royal families brought fantastic castles into the area of the Loire Valley.
Why is the Loire Valley popular?
The Loire Valley is famous for its world-class wines. The Valley is laced with vineyards all the way from Sancerre to the ocean, and it offers wines ranging from to suit every palate from sparkling vouvrays to vibrant sancerres. Lots of the vineyards offer public tours of their vines and cellars as well as tastings.
Who built the castles in Loire Valley?
In the 1630s, the edifice was almost entirely demolished. Henri Hurault initiated the construction of a new château with the aid of known artisans like Jean Mosnier for interior paintings and Gilles Guérin for French-style garden sculptures. Guérin would later be in charge of decorative elements at Versailles.
Why do French people not buy chateaus?
Flashy chateau purchases can generate resentment among neighbors. It’s one of the reasons fewer young French people have been interested in chateaus. “For the French, outward signs of wealth or success are no longer a motivation,” Mr. Couturié told Le Figaro.
How old is Loire Valley?
The Loire Valley is an area steeped in history and because of its riches, one that has been fought over and influenced by a variety of adversaries from by the Romans to Atila the Hun. The formation of the region as we know it today began after its conquest by Julius Caesar in 52BC.
Why are there so many château in France?
There are many chateaus because any large noble estate would have one, and France has a lot of nobility and a lot of farmland. Then when the French Revolution came along, and France dissolved it’s nobility.
Where are the Chateaux de la Loire located?
French Renaissance architecture. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Châteaux of the Loire Valley (French: Châteaux de la Loire) are part of the architectural heritage of the historic towns of Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Montsoreau, Nantes, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours along the Loire River in France.
What is the Chateau de Montsoreau famous for?
Château de Montsoreau. UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Châteaux of the Loire Valley (French: Châteaux de la Loire) are part of the architectural heritage of the historic towns of Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Montsoreau, Nantes, Orléans, Saumur, and Tours along the Loire River in France. They illustrate Renaissance ideals of design in France.
What are the characteristics of a chateau in France?
Many of the châteaux were built on hilltops, such as the Château d’Amboise, while the only one built in the riverbed is the Château de Montsoreau. Many had exquisite churches on the grounds or within the château.
What is a chateau designation?
Though there may be no universally accepted definition for the designation, the main criterion is that the château must be situated close to the Loire or one of its tributaries (such as the Maine, Cher, Indre, Creuse or Loir ).