FRANCE...Amboise...(12)

Amboise lies on the banks of the Loire River in central France. It is half way between Orléans and Tours. Today a small market town, it was once home of the French royal court. It played a great part in French history especially during the Renaissance era.

Château d'Amboise was built on a promontory overlooking the Loire River to control a strategic ford that was replaced in the Middle Ages by a bridge. The château began its life in the eleventh century, when the notorius Fulk Nerra, Count of Anjou rebuilt the stronghold in stone.

Myself having something cool to drink, it was very hot...look at the lady's hair to the left of me...

The Tower Clock

Myself taking a break at the side-walk...

Beautiful gardens...

Clos Lucé Mansion - the last house where Leonardo da Vinci lived by invitation of King Francis 1 of France before his death...

The gardens at Clos Lucé Mansion

My friend Ronelle and myself enjoyed shopping in the narrow streets of this beautiful town...

Image 3 by Wikipedia, Image 8 and 12 taken by my friend Ronelle, all other images taken by me

FRANCE...Château de Chenonceau gardens...(11)

In the previous post I shared about Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley and how it reflects the combined influence of five women who brought a feminine touch to this graceful building. This week I would like to show more of the gardens. I always dreamt of a life in France in a château with beautiful gardens. Gardens with tree-lined forests, fruit groves, sumptuous flower beds, elaborate topiaries and water fountains where I could stroll, breathe in the fresh air, listen to the birds sing and enjoy the beauty!

I could easily live here but I think we can all cultivate a tranquil retreat of our own even in the tiniest of spaces where we can indulge in the wonderful fragrances of flowers and herbs and enjoy tea or lunch with friends. Gardens provide us with a place to relax in the fresh air and where we can connect with nature again...

All images taken by me

FRANCE...Château de Chenonceau (10)

Château de Chenonceau is a castle near a small village Chenonceau in the beautiful Loire Valley. It was built on the site of an old mill on the river Cher. It reflects the combined influence of five women, who brought a feminine touch to this graceful building. First came Catherine Briconnet, wife of the royal chamberlain, who supervised the construction of the château. Later, Diane de Poitiers, Henri II's mistress, created a formal garden and built a bridge over the Cher river. After Henri's death, his widow, Catherine de Médici, reclaimed the château and topped the bridge with a gallery.

Catherine de Médici's gardens

Myself in the gardens of Château de Chenonceau

The old stables were turned into a restaurant for visitors

The Gallery

Bedroom of Diane de Portiers

Five Queen's bedroom

Bedroom of Catherine de Medici

Francis I's bedroom

Hope you enjoyed the tour of Château de Chenonceau! I will continue with our tour next time...

Images 1, 13 & 15 by Wikipedia. Image 4 by my friend Ronelle. All other images taken by me