The Château de Blois, part II !!!

We have driven in the area and would like to have an imprint in my blog on the memorable City of Blois of my belle France, There is so much to see , doing my best, and glad found me these older paper pictures which now transposing in my blog for you and me, The pictures are old ,so the quality may not be as good ,but the memories are forever, I have written plenty on this castle but more is always welcome by me ! Therefore, here is my take on the Château de Blois, part II !!! Hope you enjoy the post as I. The Château Royal de Blois, located in the Department of Loir-et-Cher no 41, Region Centre-Val de la Loire, in my belle France. It is part of the Chateaux of the Loire, and was the favorite residence of the kings of France in the Renaissance. Located in the heart of the city of Blois, on the right bank of the Loire river, the castle gathers around the same courtyard a panorama of the French architecture of the Middle Ages in the classical period which makes it a key building for the understanding of the evolution of the architecture over the centuries. The Salle des États généraux (State General room) were built by the Count of Blois Thibaut VI ,last Count of Blois-Champagne, in 1214. Because of its important dimensions, 30 by 18 meters, or 540 m², it was covered by a frame made up of 2 large paneled naves, which rely in the middle on 6 broken arches worn by 5 columns. The only Gothic window is on the west gable, the large mullioners were pierced in the 15C. It is characterized by a large room divided into two naves by a series of columns. It owes its name to King Henri III who twice gathered the Estates General of France there, in 1576 and 1588, in an attempt to stem the wars of religion which ravaged the kingdom. Blois Château salle des Etats 30m l 12m w c2009 The central element of the François I wing is the monumental staircase, an octagonal screw-type, of which three sides are recessed in the building itself. The staircase, searched like an ivory of China  according to Balzac, covered with fine Renaissance sculptures, Italianate ornaments  (statues, balusters, candelabras)  and Royal emblems (salamanders, crowns, “F” for Francis I, “C” for Claude de France) , opens between the buttresses by large bays on the courtyard of the castle. Its curved, helically shaped vault, supported by outer rectangular buttresses, makes it a recurring symbol of French architecture in the Renaissance and heralds the innovations of the time on the architecture of the staircases, which became, more than a functional element, a major aesthetic addition. Blois Château monumental escalier facade François Ier c2009 The Queen’s bedroom, formerly the gallery of the apartments of Francis I, became the Royal Chamber of Catherine de Médici who died there on January 5, 1589. The monogram of Henri II and Catherine de Medici composed of an H and two interlaced C is omnipresent in this room, especially on the chimney. The walls are decorated with the monogram of the queen, which consisted of two C’s intertwined with the H of Henri II. This room provides an occasion to describe a day in the life of the queen. First thing in the morning, she went to Mass, after which she received visitors. Once the midday meal was over, she received ambassadors and distinguished guests. During the afternoon, the women witnessed the sporting achievements of the men and could themselves ride a horse, shoot their bows or follow the hunters, but most of the time they would prefer conversation, music and needlework. Last but not least, supper in public was often followed by a concert or a ball. Blois Château apt bed catherine de Médicis c2009 The Offiical Chateau de Bloishttp://en.chateaudeblois.fr/ The local Blois Chambord tourist office on the Château de Blois: https://www.bloischambord.co.uk/on-the-agenda/heritage/our-loire-valley-chateaux/chateau-royal-de-blois-243977 The official Loire Valley tourist office on the Château de Blois: https://www.loirevalley-france.co.uk/discover/loire-chateaux/royal-chateau-blois/ The Val de Loire Loir et Cher dept 41 tourist office on the Château de Blois: https://www.val-de-loire-41.com/les-chateaux-de-la-loire/chateau-royal-de-blois/ There you go folks, a dandy area to explore and enjoy with the family, Memorable moments in my belle France, going all over in my road warrior trails brings out sublime awesome spots with nice memorable family visits of yesteryear always remember and always looking forward to be back, eventually. Again hope you enjoy the post on the Château de Blois, part II !!! as I. And remember, happy travels, good health, and many cheers to all !!!

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