Conversations with Myself

Tuesday

10

June 2014

Château de Chaumont-sur-Loire

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Hello Friends,

Its a beautiful day today and more so because I just had a morning run. 

France has many castle.  This past weekend we visited Chateaux de Chaumont- sur-Loire (The Castle of Chaumont).  It is situated along Loire Valley between Blois and Amboise.  In all the castle I have seen the castle of Versailles is the best.   Reality TV star Kim Kardashian and rapper Kanye West had their wedding rehearsals at the castle of Versailles.  If you are interested in checking out what attracted them to the castle, read about our visit to the Palace Versailles here.

The castle of Chaumont did not disappoint.  Though not as magnificent as the Palace of Versailles, it is worth paying a visit and surely has its own unique history .  It once belonged to Queen Catherine de Medici and later Diane de Poitiers now owned by the Centre Region.  From the entrance,  you follow a well kept steep path to the castle.  Marvelling at the view of Loire river and at the 100 years old cedar trees makes the steep path bearable.

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How neat is this stand, providing a breath taking view of wild Loire Valley.

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The gardens on our way to the castle were radiant, Muli saw that and wanted to walk right on the forbidden gardens.  When asked to step out, she argued her case.

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She was taken out screaming and kicking, asking to be left alone.

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Nevertheless, we made it to the castle’s entrance.

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A happy girl at the reception

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The spiral staircase will take you to different chambers of the castle. Where you will see the grand furniture, the bedrooms, dining rooms, library, rooms with art display and the soldiers armour.

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Elegance.  Furniture dating as far back as the 15th century.

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There is a whole lot of art display.  I loved this one piece.

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The view of the chapel from the upper floor.

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Just outside the castle are the stables, designed by Paul-Ernest Sanson in 1877.   In the 19th century they were considered one of the best in Europe.  The stable’s amazing peculiarity is that they were fitted with electricity and central heating in 1906! 

Can you notice the mats used for protection.  The stables were built to offer the most possible comfort for horses  Showing how highly regarded were the horses.

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Well kept tack room.

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Transport of them days

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There is so much to see at the castle.  The gardens were also magnificent.  If you are lucky, you might come in good time for the International garden festival.  An annual show which takes place from mid-June to mid-October.

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This shot was taken by Muli and we love it.

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It was a day well spent.  Back to work now.

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Take care,
Nez