If you would prefer to talk to a member of the Celtic Castles team over the telephone, call us on:
-
UK Customers:
01422 323200
-
International Customers:
+44 1422 323200
Château Blois
Château Blois is almost like four separate châteaux rolled into one - so diverse are the architectural styles at play here. The Medieval heart is centred around the Salle des Etats Generaux, which is where the court and council were based. Flamboyant Gothic flair is evident in the Louis XII wing, whereas Renaissance architecture is the dominant style in the Francois 1 wing. It is in the Francois 1 wing that you'll find Catherine de Medici's private rooms, complete with array of poisons. This was also the spot where the Duc de Guise was brutally murdered in 1588 after he was thought to be planning a Catholic uprising against Henri III.
Apparently, it was Henri who carried out the deed himself only to be murdered himself a year later by a monk. Lastly, the Gaston d'Orleans wing will satisfy any cravings for Classical architecture. Evenings are a particularly good time to visit Blois, especially if you book to see the 'son et lumiere' shows that recount the château's turbulent past.
Château de Cheverney
Château de Cheverny is undoubtedly the most lavishly furnished of all the Loire châteaux. Built between 1604 and 1634, little has changed. Its present owner is a direct descendant of the original owner and his 70 hounds or so are still used for regular stag hunting. Some of the château's masterpieces include paintings by old masters, tapestries from Paris and Holland plus Louis XIV's commode and unforgettable grandfather clock. The 1640s interior decoration, consisting of panelling, painted ceilings, and fireplaces, and paintings by Jean Monnier, is among the finest of its kind.
There are two interesting facts pertaining to Cheverny. Firstly, die hard Tintin fans will note that Hergé based the mythical Moulinsart on Cheverny. If this appeals, check out the Tintin exhibition situated directly opposite the château. Secondly, the 18th century orangerie served as a hiding place for the Mona Lisa during WWII. From here, you'll be able to take in the majesty of the park and its canals which are open to the public from April to November.
Château de Beauregard
Château de Beauregard was largely built at the same time as Château de Cheverny as a hunting lodge for Francois I. It is famous for its Galerie des Portraits, which comprises over 327 portraits of Kings and their lovers plus famous dignitaries from 14th to 17th centuries. Take note of the unique flooring that is covered in 17th century porcelain tiles.
