The Loire Valley, Part Two

The patronage of Francis I and Henry II contributed to the flourishing of the arts and culture in the Loire Valley during the Renaissance. Their support for architectural projects not only enhanced the beauty of the region but also solidified the Loire Valley's reputation as a center of artistic innovation and royal splendor. Located in the heart of the Loire Valley, the Château de Blois served as a royal residence for several French kings, including Francis I and Henry II. It underwent numerous expansions and renovations during their reigns, reflecting the evolving architectural styles of the time.

The château's architecture blends Gothic, Renaissance, and classical elements, making it a remarkable example of French royal architecture.

Like Chambord, one of the features of the château de Blois is its magnificent staircase. While it is not a double helix like the one at Chambord, the staircase at Château de Blois is a central feature of the François I Wing of the castle. Unlike Da Vinci’s double helix staircase at Chambord the staircase at Blois follows a more traditional spiral form. However, it is no less impressive in its design and craftsmanship. The staircase is adorned with intricate carvings, ornate balustrades, and decorative details, reflecting the artistic sensibilities of the Renaissance period. There are 74 other staircases serving 564 rooms, including, of course, the bedrooms of the king and queen.

While stone was used to construct the château wood was a necessary building material as well. Slate or tile may have been used to weatherproof the roof, wooden rafters were required to frame it. Wood was used, of course for paneling, doors and decorative features. Huge joists were needed to support the stone floors.

Entrance to the Francis I wing of the château tells us that the occupants are Francis by the grace of God King of France and Claudia Queen of France.

Henry, not be outdone by his father had to mark his presence with a logo featuring his initials along with "C" for his queen, Catherine de Medici.

Joan of Arc received a blessing from the Archbishop of Reims at Blois before setting out on her crusade to end the English attempt to rule France. Her victory in breaking the siege at Orléans was a momentous turnaround in the Hundred Years War.

Most of the châteaux in the valley like Cheverny are surrounded by acres of grass and low tech methods were and are used to keep the grounds looking neat.

While the major attraction of the Loire Valley is the grand and opulent châteaux if kings and nobility there are more humble abodes scattered throughout the region; some of which seem more inviting than the castles of the rich and mighty.

Predating the construction of many of the château the Poulignac castle rises majestically over the Loire on a basalt plateau near le Puy-en-Velay. It was constructed for the Poulignac family and enlarged in the 10^th and 11^th centuries.

 

On the outskirts of le Puy, 3 miles from the castle, a volcanic needle some 260 feet  high is crowned by a 10th–11th-century church, Saint-Michel-d’Aiguilhe, that was ingeniously designed to cover the irregular surface of the rock. 

Traveling in rural France offers lodging that departs from the customary hotel or resort. Cozy gîtes and auberges can be found nearly everywhere and provide a more intimate connection to the local culture. As a plus, many of them have on site restaurants that attract the local populace.

Located outside the confines of cities, they are surrounded by beautiful countryside.