François Premier, why I am so fascinated by him, can’t tell you. He was good, bad, handsome, ugly…. what do you want me to say. I LOVE HIM. If he was alive I might even agree to marry him although I can’t bring a dowry and I am no longer of childbearing age, but if he would have me I would say YES!
He was born into an era that was awakening otherwise known as the Renaissance. The Spanish and Portuguese expeditions were discovering the unknown lands of Africa, Asia and the New World. Luther and Calvin were reforming the known religions. The 100 years war was over, there was peace.
His 32-year reign has left an indelible mark not only in France; but did you also know that it was in the service of François Premier that the Florentine navigator, Verrazano, was sent to explore the U.S. Atlantic coast?
The world’s longest suspension bridge connecting Staten Island to Brooklyn carries his name.
When you realise that that we are talking about from 1515 to 1547, this guy really moved his butt around the world!
There is an excellent web site which follows François Premier’s influence in France and further. www.routesfrancois1.com .
And, while his legacy is felt around the world, it is in France and, above all, here in Sologne and Loire Valley that he is still alive and quite well!
Chambord is the most grandiose of his legacy but since I have already
I don’t think they have something bigger than this even in Texas!
talked about Chambord in my October 17th article it is “les petits chateaux” (the little castles) influenced by François Premier for today.
Rendered famous by Ronsard’s “Mignonne, allons vor si la rose…” (My lovely, let us go see if the rose…) which was dedicated to Cassandre, daughter of the rich Florentine banker, Bernard Salviati, financier to François Premier and owner of the chateau. Talcy offers a clear perspective on the transition from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. www.chateauxcountry.com
Manoir de Clos Lucé
Built in 1471 Charles VII acquired it not long after and for 200 years Clos Lucé became a summer Royal house and is where Louise de Savoy raised two of her children, Marguerite and François. And it is where François Premier brought Leonardo di Vinci in 1516 to live in the French court. It is here at Clos Lucé that Leonardo di Vinci only three years later. But not before he had designed the plans that would become Chambord. www.vinci-closluce.com
Beauregard
Before Chambord, Beauregard was François Premier’s hunting lodge who then sold it to his uncle the bastard from Savoie. Under Jean du Their’s direction the chateau was embellished in the Renaissance style. In the 18th century Paul Ardier, the then owner, would create the noted “Celebrities Gallery”. Consisting of 327 portraits from 1328 to 1643 this unique collection is a veritable chronicle of Europe’s history during this period. Kings as well as ministers, men of war, religious men, bankers, explorers and other important personalities look down on you in this impressive gallery. www.beauregard-loire.com
Chateau de Troussay
Although the smallest jewel of the Loire Valley Troussay’s superb collection of furniture and elegant gardens make it a favourite among François Premier’s fans. The Renaissance style of this mansion was typical of the period, built not by royalty but the squires (as in this case), financiers and other people important to François Premier. www.routesfrancois1.com
Chateau de Fougères-sur-bièvre
The Renaissance arcade gallery of this chateau was the last phase of construction for this tiny fortress and was completed by Jean de Villebresme, chamberlain to the brother of François Premier. It is an interesting example of three different architectural styles each steeped in local tradition. http://fougeres-sur-bievre.monuments-nationaux.fr
Chateau de Gué-Péan
The furthest from our B&B (1 hour) this imposing castle is snugly tucked into the woods and fields overlooking the Cher River. The reconstruction of the chateau was started early in the 15th century by an Italian family, the Alamans. It was Nicolas Alaman, a squire in François Premier’s service who extended the buildings deeply influenced by the Renaissance. Privately owned, this lovingly furnished gem is well worth a visit.
And don’t forget our B&B, Saint Jacques El Coin Peru is an easy reach to all.
Kristie Anderson
Saint Jacques Le Coin Perdu
15 places de l’église
45240 Ligny le Ribault
French Bog: http://TheAmericanFrog.typepad.fr/lecoinperdu
take peaceful living people and makes their RV's a maximum security prison with restrictions, stipulations and rules-rules-and more rules
Posted by: Belstaff Jacken Shop | 12/12/2011 at 09:19 AM