Tuesday, June 23, 2015

Chateau du Chambord


 Our guide called Chambord in the Loire Valley a bachelor's palace because it has hardly any furnishings and very little landscaping.  In its 500+ year existence, it has only been inhabited for 42 years. It was built as a royal hunting lodge originally.

 




I love the Byzantine influence in the architecture.

Its double helix staircase is probably its most famous feature. Likely, it was designed by Leonardo da Vinci who lived about 15 years in and subsequent died in nearby Amboise. Interestingly enough he died the same year the castle was begun. The staircase means that two people can be traveling on it in opposite directions and never meet each other perfect for the queen and the king's mistress.






















Yeah, I guess I could live there if France really needed me to do that. :)

6 comments:

  1. Wow, that is crazy beautiful! Hope I get to Europe someday. I'm enjoying living vicariously through your blog and Instagram in the mean time! :)

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  2. This is amazing. I wonder how they pay for the upkeep? Do that many people visit it?

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  3. This is really cool -- I'd never heard about this famous staircase.

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  4. Wow. What a cool place to visit (or to live....it'd be a sacrifice, I'm sure, but I think I could handle it!)

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  5. Another amazing place and that staircase - what a way to lead a double life!

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