|
|
Loire Valley, France - July 2002SummaryWe began our trip to France in the Loire Valley. I chose to go here first because of the direct TGV from the airport. Our plan was to see a number of the chateaux and the surrounding countryside. HistoryFor a considerable span the history of the Loire Valley is
the history of France. The French and the English have long fought over France
and Loire Valley. After Eleanor of Aquitaine married Henry II her lands passed
to English rule. Eventually, this struggle escalated into the Hundred Years'
War (1337-1453). The Loire Valley was the scene of a pivotal event when Joan of
Arc identified the |
|
To book a trip or get more information send an email to
kelly@apostcardhome.com or call (281)334-0427
|
disguised Dauphin (Charles VII) at Chateau de Chinon. She convinced him to give
her an army so that she might drive the English from France. She led the army
and delivered Orleans from a siege by the English. This turned the tide of the
war. Eventually she was captured by the Dukes of Burgundy (who also wanted a
piece of France) and was turned over to the English who had her burned at the
stake in 1431 in the city of Rouen. The years of fighting influenced the
architecture of the royal chateaux. Many look more like the fortresses they
were than the story book castles we envision. As peace continued in the country
the chateaux took on the roll of pleasure palace and grand hunting lodge. The
culmination of this progression is Francois the First's Chateau de Chambord.
Many families of the court built their own chateaux to be nearer the royal
homes. After the Revolution many of these chateaux became public property and
are now open to the public.