This is Chateau Chenonceau, situated over the river Cher. There aren't words to describe how amazing this chateau is, how well it has been maintained and how picturesque the surroundings are.
I'm including an aerial shot (not mine) so you get a better idea of the size of the chateau, the gardens and the grounds.
Swallows zipped around the grounds catching bugs and it took me a while to realize that what I thought was stonework under the tower overhang, were actually swallow's nests.
The interior has been flawlessly maintained without a lot of the hokey touches you find in many chateaus and castles. I loved the smooth white stone on the walls and floors.
The walls and windows are adorned with carvings, artwork and stained glass.
It should come as a surprise to no one that despite the perfection of the chateau, it was the gardens and the grounds that stole my heart.
They deserve a blog post of their own (tomorrow).
Here is a view of the gardens to the left and right from an upstairs chateau window.
Lovely photos, beautiful castle.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your visit :)
DeleteQue ce soit le château et son parc, je suis toujours émerveillée par la beauté de ces lieux. Le château de Chenonceau est une véritable splendeur...
ReplyDeleteJe vous remercie de nous faire partager de si belles photos. Je vous envoie de gros bisous.
Martine the chateau is stunning close up, but when I saw the aerial picture I was without words! Imagine having such a vision.
DeleteI imagine myself on a canoe under one of the arches. It's got that look...magical....love to inside the place!
ReplyDelete"Magical" is the only word for this wonderful chateau :)
DeleteRosemary, what a photo of Madonna! it seems that she's looking through the glass of the centuries.
ReplyDeleteNadezda, I was so happy that pictures were allowed to be taken inside and even more happy with my camera's ability to focus so well with low light conditions. You can't help but drift back in time in this beautiful chateau.
DeleteHow huge, charming a peaceful place! I love castles!!
ReplyDelete