A chateau is a beautiful castle and a common sight to see when you visit France. Some chateaus have a beautiful inner court, while others look out onto a simple enclosed park. In this article, we’ll take a look at the Chateau de Tanlay, Chambord, and Chantilly.
Chateau de Tanlay
The Chateau de Tanlay is an ancient French château for sale that was constructed during the 16th and 17th centuries in Burgundy. Its walls are constructed of limestone and the roofs are made of sloping slate. The exterior features cylindrical towers and a central court. The building is listed as a historical monument.
The original structure of the Chateau de Tanlay dates back to the thirteenth century. However, it was rebuilt in the Renaissance style after Francois de Coligny d’Andelot inherited the ruinous site in 1555. After completing the foundation, he began work on the interior of the Chateau de Tanlay.
Tanlay is located in the Yonne department of Burgundy, in northern France. The chateau is surrounded by elaborately carved outbuildings. It is accessible via the D905 and D965. Visitors may take a tour in French or English and learn about the history of Tanlay. The interior of the Chateau is beautifully decorated. It was once a Protestant meeting place and has washhouses inside the castle moat.
The exterior of the Chateau de Tanlay was built between 1550 and 1650. It was designed to replace the medieval castle. It has a trompe-l’oeil gallery, as well as frescoes in the Tour de la Ligue. The castle was originally home to the Courtenay family, which descended from King Louis VI.
Chateau de Chambord
The Château de Chambord is a famous French Renaissance château located in the Centre-Val de Loire region of France. Its architecture is distinguished by its unique blend of classical Renaissance structures and traditional French medieval forms. Today, it is a popular tourist destination. Its interiors are decorated with intricate details.
The roofline of Chateau de Chambord features many turrets. They give the chateau its distinctive’skyline’. These turrets were originally chimneys and staircases inside the chateau. One of the most distinctive features of this chateau is the double helix staircase in the central round tower. This staircase is said to have been designed by Leonardo da Vinci. Aside from the staircase, the interior of the chateau features four reception rooms and the ceremonial bedroom of Louis XIV.
The French State acquired the Chateau de Chambord in the early 1800s and started restoring it to its former glory. They added priceless paintings, furniture, and tapestries to the house. This allowed them to re-create the grandeur of French court life. In 1948, Chambord was made a private game reserve, where stag hunts were still organized for State officials. In 1981, the Chateau was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In 1830, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote an account of his visit to the chateau in his book, Outre-Mer: A Pilgrimage Beyond the Sea. The famous poet noted that the chateau was dilapidated. There were grasses growing on the pavements, and rude sculptures were adorning the walls. It was also used as a field hospital during the Franco-Prussian War.
Chateau de Chantilly
The Chateau de Chantilly is a historic French château located about 50 km north of Paris in the town of Chantilly, Oise. The château has a history dating back to the 13th century. It is an incredibly beautiful structure that is well worth a visit.
The Chateau de Chantilly has undergone several transformations throughout its history. In the 17th century, it was owned by the Grand Conde, a cousin of the Sun King Louis XIV. In the 18th century, the Duke of Aumale built a chapel dedicated to Saint-Louis. An earlier chapel stood on the site, but was destroyed in the Revolution. The chapel’s interior is decorated with elements from the nearby Chateau d’Ecouen. The windows of the chapel date from 1544, and depict the sons of Constable Anne de Montmorency, protected by Saint John. The chapel also features oriental follies.
The gardens of the Chateau de Chantilly reflect the changing fashions in garden design over the centuries. The grounds contain flowerbeds and ponds from the 17th century, a rural hamlet from the 18th century, and an English garden from the nineteenth century. The gardens are also famous for the Temple of Venus, which sits on the Island of Love. Guests can explore the grounds by pedalo or by foot.
Despite its long history, the Chateau de Chantilly remains a beautiful and grand architectural building. Even though the chateau’s sad past is hard to comprehend, it is definitely worth a visit. The stunning architecture of the Chateau de Chantilly is just one of many reasons to visit the historic home.