The secret facade of France : Chateaus

There are so many splendid Renaissance chateaus in the Loire region of France that it's impossible to give an exact count. The various well-preserved artwork, furniture, and other items used in daily life inside these chateaus provide important historical clues regarding the French aristocracy between the 16th-19th centuries.

Our journey to the chateaus

Driving away from Paris, we first head southwest along the motorway, where we spend our first night in Tours, an interesting residential town going back to the time of the Gauls. It was an important center from the 4th to the 17th centuries, when the French Kingdom moved to Versailles. It also witnessed a plethora of battles and wars. We start out in the morning with Château Azar-le-Rideau, 25 km. outside Tours. It was erected between 1518-29 and was first used as a residence for the Imperial Treasurer. With its furniture and other items, this magnificent abode has the look of a Rennaissance museum. Our second visit is to Château Chenonceau, which was constructed like a bridge over the River Cher. Built between 1515-22, it has elements of both Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The tower separating the bridge from the main building dates prior to the 15th century.

Incredible gardens

Finally, we pass on over to Château Villandry, which posseses the nicest gardens in France. One can view all the magnificence of both the Normandy and Brittany shores from Mont St. Michel, considered to be the 8th Wonder of the World. Along with a 14th century tower, this chateau was constructed in 1532 and has since undergone several restorations. Comprised of 80,000 varieties of plants, the first of three gardens is situated closest to the chateau is known as the 'Kitchen Garden' The one just beyond the this garden is known as the "Ornamented Garden" and is divided into three sections. There's the "Love Garden," where flowers are clustered into heart shapes; the "Music Garden," and finally the "Spice Garden." Maybe they were trying to tell us that "Love is like good music but spicy." We spend the night in Angers where the hotel we stayed in was well-maintained, but the rates were rather high.

Mont St. Michel, the world's 8th wonder

Driving northeast to Mont St. Michel, we pass through some Normandy coast towns and cities to finally reach this mysterious monastery perched off-shore on a rocky point. The history of Mont St. Michel goes back to In the year 708, Christians declared the rocks sacred; construction began in the 10th century and continued for 600 years. Used as a prison during the French Revolution, it was later declared a national monument by the French Government. A narrow road connects it to the shore. From the terrace, it is possible to get a panoramic view of the Normandy and Brittany shorelines. As we head back to the shore, we decide that it's a nice spot to conclude our Tour de France.