Château-de-Chenonceau

For several hundred years the World Heritage-listed Loire Valley was the home and playground of the rich and famous. Generations of royalty and their noble hangers-on built chateaux along the river and today the valley still preserves hundreds of extravagant castles and fortresses. Jewels in the crown include Chenonceau and Villandry and during our Travelrite tour two-night stopover we will be visiting both.

Loire_vineyard

As the controller of the royal treasury in the 16th century, Thomas Bohier, the original owner of Chenonceau could have used some of the advice he gave to his employer, King Francois I. Bohier’s son had to relinquish the castle to the crown in settlement of debts accrued by his father. This monument to Renaissance extravagance went on to become the residence of several royal wives and favourites, including Diane de Poitiers, Catherine de Medici and Gabrielle d’Estres. The chateau spans the River Cher, and during the German occupation, many people took advantage of the privileged position of its gallery. The southern door gave access to the free zone while the castle entrance was in occupied territory. Two large formal gardens and an extensive woodland surround the castle.

France_Loir-et-Cher_Chambor

The Renaissance Chateau Villandry has the the distinction of being the residence of neither a king nor a courtesan, but of Jean Le Breton, Minister of Finance for François I. At Villandry, Jean Le Breton drew on his exceptional architectural experience acquired on a large number of sites, including the Chateau of Chambord, which he supervised and directed on behalf of the Crown over many years. The Chateau boasts fabulous terraced gardens and a vegie garden that Flopsie, Mopsie and Cottontail would die for. Red capsicum, green and purple silverbeet and magenta kale are arranged like troops showing their colours.

Loire

Join me on a two-night stopover in the Loire Valley in September, 2016. For more information visit Travelrite.

Sign off

More Like This

The Eternity Project

The Eternity Project

Ange Boxall and Mike Travalia are tackling a huge restoration on Tasmania’s East Coast with equal measures of hospitality and hard […]

A Natural Progression

A Natural Progression: Sue Clohesy’s Journey in Mildura’s Homewares and Antiques

Explore the inspiring story of Sue Clohesy from Mildura, Victoria, as she transforms her 1930s cottage and ventures into homewares, antiques, […]

Verdigris Visions

Verdigris Visions: Sustainable Copper Sculptures by Rachel Burns and Ulan Murray on NSW’s South Coast

Discover how artists Rachel Burns and Ulan Murray create intricate copper sculptures from recycled wiring, embracing sustainable art practices on the […]

By a Billabong: The Rutledge Family’s Moble Station in Queensland’s Channel Country

Discover how the Rutledge family has transformed Moble Station near Quilpie into a haven of hospitality, blending rich history with authentic […]

An Organic Process

An Organic Process

The Mcintosh family has been custodians of Denbigh on Sydney’s South-Western periphery for 156 years. They are working hard to ensure […]

Syd Royal Easter Show4

CELEBRATING EASTER AROUND THE COUNTRY

Celebrate all things Australia at the annual Sydney Royal Easter show

country inspired kitchens

5 COUNTRY INSPIRED KITCHENS

Decorate your dream country inspired kitchen with our pick of kitchen designs from past Australian Country issues.

peony flower

PEONY PORTRAITS

At Australian Country, we’re just mad about the blowsy beauty of the perfect peony. View this collection of stunning flowers.

Follow Us on Instagram