the wandering chick
...The Loire Valley

France's Loire Valley is known for many things, but its castles top the list. Desired by kings for fortification in the region of power, the construction of most of the chateaux began in the 10th century. After the center of power shifted to Paris in the middle of the 16th century, the royalty continued to return to the Loire for rest and relaxation.

Over the years, the castles suffered destruction by war, and during both World War I and World War II were commandeered by military authorities for use as headquarters.

Today they have myriad uses including private residences, hotels, B&Bs, and above all: tourist attractions.

Chateau Chambord
France's château region
Above and Below: Château de Chambord is the largest of all the castles in Loire. Built in 1519, it holds 440 rooms, 85 staircases and 365 chimneys. The grounds make up the largest walled wild game reserve in Europe.
Cheateau Chambord
Chateau Chaumont
Château de Chaumont built in the 10th century, demolished in the 13th, then rebuilt again before it was bought by Catherine de Medicis in 1560 where she entertained various astronomers, among them, Nostrodamus. Today it is owned by the government which opened it as a museum and hosts a yearly garden festival.
Chateau Chenonceau
Above and Right: Château de Chenonceau was also a favorite of Catherine de Medicis, and it was here that her son Francis married Mary, Queen of Scott.
Chenonceau
Chateau Amboise
Chateau Amboise

Left and Right: Château d'Amboise is yet another castle of the Loire Valley, rich in history.

It was in the local town that Leonardo da Vinci lived and worked, and an underground tunnel led from his place of work to the chateau. Da Vinci lived there the last three years of his life and died there in May of 1519.

He is buried in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert (right) which is on the grounds of the Château d'Amboise.

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