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Le
Richelais | ||
| Richelieu | Champigny-sur-Veude |
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| CHINON |
 |
Chinon is built on the right bank of La Vienne, it kept a medieval character with its many old houses. The Castle of Chinon is an exceptional medieval fortress (approximately 500m of length on 100m width) which overhangs La Vienne. It is standing on a steep buttress on three sides. It is the successive work of the Counts of Blois, Anjou and Kings of France.
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| LEMERE |
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The
castle of Rivau and its fairy tale gardens. Extract of the advertising booklet of the castle of Rivau |
| USSE |
 |
This
castle was built on the site of a medieval fortress by Jean de Bueil in the second
half of the XV th C. It illustrates the transition between the Middle Ages and
the Renaissance. The northern wing was destroyed in order to provide an opening
towards the Indre and the Loire. Jean de Bueil sold it in 1485 to Jean d' Espinay,
Chamberlain of the Kings Louis XI and Charles VIII. Extract of Internet site www.francebalade.com |
| LANGEAIS |
 |
The
castle was built by Louis XI from 1465 on, under the supervision of Jean Bourré
who became Governor of it. This castle was intended to protect Tours on the western
side, hence its character of fortress with a particularly long watch patrol way.
The inner frontage is less austere as it translates the first results of the Renaissance.
The wedding party of Charles VIII and Anne of Brittany was celebrated there in
1491. Extract of Internet site www.francebalade.com |
| AZAY-le-RIDEAU |
 |
At
this place, there was a feudal fortress wich was destroyed by the Crown prince,
future king Charles VII) in 1418. The castle was built between 1518 and 1529 by
Gilles Berthelot, Treasurer of François Ist. His wife directed the works.
It is in fact an unfinished castle, two other wings would had to complete the
existing ones in order to form a quadrilateral. It is probably the most charming
castle of the Loire Valley. Extract of Internet site www.francebalade.com |
| VILLANDRY |
 |
The
castle of Villandry was built from 1532 on by Jean le Breton, Secrétary
of François Ist. It is the last Renaissance castle built in the Loire Valley.
It is embellished by gardens forming a mosaic of colors.
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| FONTEVRAUD |
 |
Founded in 1101, Fontevraud was one of the vastest monastic cities of the Occident. Plantagenêt family members were buried there and four daughters of Louis XV were brought up there. The majestic domes of the abbey church and surprising dimensions of its famous kitchens testify of its power. |
| SAUMUR |
 |
The
castle was built on the site of an old feudal fortress of which it keeps the looks
with its four corner towers. The building of the XIV th C. (shown in the illustrated
calendar "The Very Rich Hours of the Duke of Berry) was altered by the King
of Naples, Rene of Anjou during the XV th C. In the XVI th C the north-western
wing was destroyed to give view on the Loire. Extract of Internet site www.francebalade.com |
| POITIERS |
  |
The "Futuroscope" |
