The Loire Valley and especially Blois
Seen from the foot of Foix Tower in the grounds of Blois Castle, these lovely sunny terraces seem to be beckoning to us even though you may notice there aren’t any deck chairs at the beginning of March. Vues depuis le pied de la tour du Foix au château de Blois, ces belles terrasses bien …
Continue reading “Sunny terraces overlooking the Loire – Terrasses au soleil avec vue sur la Loire”
This beautiful mullion window is on the south-east façade of Blois Castle. On the right is the porcupine which, you may remember is the symbol of King Louis XII, born in the castle in 1462. His motto was “Qui s’y frotte s’y pique” which is a play on words: se frotter means both literally to rub up against …
Continue reading “Mullion Window & Porcupine – Fenêtre à meneau & porc épic”
Known as the Queen’s Cabinet but in reality François I‘s studiolo (study) designed for king when the castle was built. The original sculpted woodwork with its painted gilt candelebra makes it the only royal cabinet from the Renaissance to have survived in France. Le cabinet dit de la Reine, est en réalité le cabinet ou studiolo (lieu …
Built of brick and stone between 1498 and 1501, the Louis XII wing of Blois Castle is in the Gothic Flamboyant style combining elements of northern influence with ornaments of Italian origin. Construite en brique et pierre entre 1498 et 1501, l’aile Louis XII du château de Blois est marquée par le style gothique flamboyant …
Dedicated to the hermit Saint Calais, the Chapel, consecrated in 1508, was the private place of worship for Louis XII and Anne of Brittany. The nave was demolished in 1635 during the construction of the Gaston d’Orléans wing of Blois Castle. The painted vaults and tiles flooring date from 1869. The present-day stained glass windows …
Continue reading “Saint Calais Chapel – Chapelle Saint-Calais”
Happy Christmas from the bottom of the steps leading up the Blois Royal Castle! Joyeux noël depuis le bas des escaliers qui mènent vers le château royal de Blois !
Looking out the window of Blois Royal Castle. The porcupine is the symbol of King Louis XII, born in the castle in 1462. His motto was “Qui s’y frotte s’y pique” which is a play on words: se frotter means both literally to rub up against something and metaphorically to cross swords with them; se …
Continue reading “CBD theme day – Looking Out the Castle Window”
These balconies are at the top of the main staircase of the François I wing of Blois Castle. They enabled the courtiers to see the king coming up the staircase and to contemplate the festivities organised in the Court of Honour below. As usual, there are several salamanders. Ces balcons couronnent le grand escalier …
Continue reading “Renaissance Balconies – Balcons Renaissance”
The round Tour du Foix, near the Gaston d’Orléans wing of Blois Castle, is a vestige of the 13th century feudal fortifications and offers a panorama of the city of Blois, the Loire River and the church of Saint Nicolas. In the middle ages, the tower defended the south-west corner of the castle and the …
A few autumn leaves on the floor tiles of the king’s oratory built in 1498,which is at the end of the Louis XII wing of Blois Royal Castle. Quelques feuilles d’automne sur les pavés de l’oratoire du roi construit en 1498 qui se trouve au bout de l’aile Louis XII du château royal de Blois.
