CHAMBORD

Chambord,
the prince of French renaissance is located just 20 minutes from our B&B.  Probably the most famous of the Loire Valley chateaux, Chambord was built by François Premier and, when all was said and done, François Premier spent no more (when you combine his visits) than six months there! 

The young king wanted to celebrate his power, his kingdom, and his ideas. With this in mind, in 1516 François Premier invited Leonard di Vinci 
to come and live at his court in Amboise. While di Vinci was to live a scant three years longer, he drew up the plans for Chambord.  And, after his death in 1519 (he is buried in the Clos de Luce just next to Amboise), the king named François de Pontbriant superintendent of the construction of Chambord, and work began that same year.

The work continued into the 1560’s, with such fervour that, at one point, François Premier wanted to divert the Loire to pass by the chateau, he diverted the Cosson instead. Et, voila, a photo of the same Cosson as it gently flows.

by our B&B! That is how close Chambord is!

After François Premier’s death, Chambord would be bestowed on notables such as Stanislas Leczinski, the deposed king of Poland and the Marshal of Saxony who would die there on November 30, 1750.  Left abandoned the revolutionists confiscated the rest of the private property. Marshal Saxe’s legacy is the superb stables where today one can experience an equestrian show in period costume.

Napoleon then made a gift of it to his faithful Berthier, Prince of Wagram. At this point until it’s sale to the state in 1930 Chambord was sadly neglected.

 

 

Chambord Today

 

Since 1948 Chambord’s Park has been a National “Cynegenic” Park.  It is the largest enclosed forest park in Europe – with over 5,000 hectares (13,000 acres), planted with native oak and pine, but also includes "exotic" varieties, such as chestnut, birch, elm and willow.

A 19-mile wall, the longest in France, encompasses it.

During the “brame” (Stag’s Song) visitors are accompanied by a forest guide to see and hear the stags from the numerous “miradors” (high stands).

The chateau itself is the stellar example of the Italian Renaissance influence, with such features as:

-the use of coffered vaulted ceilings such as in the St. Paul’s Cathedral in Rome

 was employed for the first time in France.

-the “double spiral” stairway
(parallel stairways ascend in such a way that two people can go up and down them without ever meeting) was most likely designed by Leonardo da Vinci. It is the most remarkable feature of the castle.

- the terrace is inspired directly from Italy, it provides a unique sight: lanterns, gables, dormer windows, 800 columns and 365 chimneys, spires and pinnacles intermingled together. I love going up and just looking at the comings and goings of all people below.  I didn’t realise that that was a favourite pastime of the King.    And, no wonder,
with all the nooks and crannies that lend themselves to secrets and intrigues,

that the court spent an immeasurable amount of time looking down from above!

Useful sites

www.chambord.org

http://www.37-online.net/gb/castles/chambord_gb.php

http://en.wikipedia.org

 

 

While you’re visiting Chambord don’t forget Cherveny with its notable collection of furniture and the wineries such as Cour-Cherveny’s Domaine de Huards.  And, above all, don’t forget to stay with us!

 

 

 

Kristi Anderson

Saint Jacques le coin perdu   

Bed & Breakfast

Dinner

15 place de l’église

45240 Ligny le Ribault

02.38.45.41.54

[email protected]

www.TheAmericanFrog.com

French blog:  http://TheAmericanFrog.typepad.fr/lecoinperdu