Jul
31
Castles Along The Rhine
Filed Under Travel | Leave a Comment
Rick Hendershot asked:
The Rhine River is one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions. This famous river has been at the heart of German history for centuries, dating back to at least Roman times. In fact the river marked the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire.
Julius Caesar himself conquered the areas of Europe to the south and west of the Rhine, and the Germanic tribes retained control of the lands to the north of the river.
When the Roman Empire collapsed in about 400 AD the Germans flooded across the river and created a succession of states which would later become the Holy Roman Empire and eventually modern day Germany.
Picturesque feudal castles guard the gorge
The Rhine is hundreds of miles long, flowing north from Switzerland through Germany and the Netherlands to the North Sea, but it is the 35 mile stretch between Bingen and Koblenz that is the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Along this narrow section of the gorge there are more castles than in any other river valley in the world.
Many of these castles are in ruins, but some have been restored as hotels and are open for tours. The castles stand like sentinels on the cliffs above both sides of the river creating the perfect environment for stunningly picturesque boat tours.
The castles are an unmistakable and unique feature of the mid-Rhine landscape. They were built by feudal overloards, to protect their lands from marauders who travelled up and down the river.
One of the most famous spots along this section of the river is the Lorelei Rock at St. Goarshausen. This is the deepest and narrowest points on the Rhine and is the inspiration for a famous German legend. As the story goes, a nymph lived in the Lorelei rock high above the Rhine. She is said to have lured fishermen to their destruction with her singing until she was overcome with love and plunged to her own death. A bronze statue of the nymph overlooks the river.
As you travel along the river, you see quaint, colorful villages that cater especially to tourists. The most popular are St. Goar and Bacharach, each with its own castle open for touring. And of course there are unlimited opportunities for sampling the German cuisine and exquisite Rhine wine.
In the heart of wine country
Most of Germany’s vineyards are located in the Rhine valley. At Bingen, the Nahe river flows into the Rhine and along its banks are some of the most perfect south facing vineyards. North of Bingen the wine growing region is called the Mittelrhein. It is a magical place with vineyards growing among the fairy tale castles and snuggled into the overhanging rock face.
All of the German wine regions along the Rhine produce distinctive styles of wine, but in general Rhine wine is fuller and richer than Mosel wines. As in the Mosel, the primary grape is the Reisling, but there are other varieties of grapes too. The German wine research facility at Geisenheim has created many new hybrids such as Ehrenfelser, Scheurebe, and Kerner, offering visitors a wide variety of different tastes.
The best way to see this area
There are several ways to see this scenic area along the Rhine. Several river cruise companies offer tours along the most spectacular part of the gorge. It takes about two hours to cruise from St. Goar to Bacharach, and most visitors agree this is the best way to get the maximum castle exposure.
But it’s not the only way. There is also a train that runs between the villages in the area, and you can stop at numerous points along the way to sample the local culture. Tourists can also drive the highway along the banks of the river. Or the more adverturous can ride a bicycle along the many trails, and hop on a ferry at various points to cross over to the other side of the river.
KEVIN
The Rhine River is one of Germany’s most popular tourist attractions. This famous river has been at the heart of German history for centuries, dating back to at least Roman times. In fact the river marked the eastern frontier of the Roman Empire.
Julius Caesar himself conquered the areas of Europe to the south and west of the Rhine, and the Germanic tribes retained control of the lands to the north of the river.
When the Roman Empire collapsed in about 400 AD the Germans flooded across the river and created a succession of states which would later become the Holy Roman Empire and eventually modern day Germany.
Picturesque feudal castles guard the gorge
The Rhine is hundreds of miles long, flowing north from Switzerland through Germany and the Netherlands to the North Sea, but it is the 35 mile stretch between Bingen and Koblenz that is the destination of thousands of tourists every year. Along this narrow section of the gorge there are more castles than in any other river valley in the world.
Many of these castles are in ruins, but some have been restored as hotels and are open for tours. The castles stand like sentinels on the cliffs above both sides of the river creating the perfect environment for stunningly picturesque boat tours.
The castles are an unmistakable and unique feature of the mid-Rhine landscape. They were built by feudal overloards, to protect their lands from marauders who travelled up and down the river.
One of the most famous spots along this section of the river is the Lorelei Rock at St. Goarshausen. This is the deepest and narrowest points on the Rhine and is the inspiration for a famous German legend. As the story goes, a nymph lived in the Lorelei rock high above the Rhine. She is said to have lured fishermen to their destruction with her singing until she was overcome with love and plunged to her own death. A bronze statue of the nymph overlooks the river.
As you travel along the river, you see quaint, colorful villages that cater especially to tourists. The most popular are St. Goar and Bacharach, each with its own castle open for touring. And of course there are unlimited opportunities for sampling the German cuisine and exquisite Rhine wine.
In the heart of wine country
Most of Germany’s vineyards are located in the Rhine valley. At Bingen, the Nahe river flows into the Rhine and along its banks are some of the most perfect south facing vineyards. North of Bingen the wine growing region is called the Mittelrhein. It is a magical place with vineyards growing among the fairy tale castles and snuggled into the overhanging rock face.
All of the German wine regions along the Rhine produce distinctive styles of wine, but in general Rhine wine is fuller and richer than Mosel wines. As in the Mosel, the primary grape is the Reisling, but there are other varieties of grapes too. The German wine research facility at Geisenheim has created many new hybrids such as Ehrenfelser, Scheurebe, and Kerner, offering visitors a wide variety of different tastes.
The best way to see this area
There are several ways to see this scenic area along the Rhine. Several river cruise companies offer tours along the most spectacular part of the gorge. It takes about two hours to cruise from St. Goar to Bacharach, and most visitors agree this is the best way to get the maximum castle exposure.
But it’s not the only way. There is also a train that runs between the villages in the area, and you can stop at numerous points along the way to sample the local culture. Tourists can also drive the highway along the banks of the river. Or the more adverturous can ride a bicycle along the many trails, and hop on a ferry at various points to cross over to the other side of the river.
KEVIN
Jul
30
Victor Epand asked:
Chess is one of those tricky games with a lot of different little strategies and little moves which can be enacted to help build a defense against the other player. While each and every piece on a chessboard has a certain set of rules regarding movement, and those rules must be strictly obeyed, there is one variation on those rules which allows two pieces to act outside of their normal boundaries. This technique is called “Castling,” and it involves the player’s King and one of their Rooks. This move is one of the most interesting moves in the game and is often considered to be one of the smartest strategical decisions that a player can make regarding their King.
When a player castles their King and Rook, there are a few rules which must be obeyed. Firstly, the King and the Rook is question must never have been moved from their starting locations on the board. If either piece had been forced to move at some point, castling is impossible between the two. All of the pieces that started the game in between the King and the Rook in question must have already been moved away from their spots. A completely open row between the two pieces is absolutely necessary. Furthermore, castling cannot be used by the player to get the King safely out of Check. The King must be completely free of danger when the move is made. Additionally, while this is true of every move made in Chess, the end result of the move must not put the King into Check by any means.
If all of the above conditions are met, Castling between the two pieces can occur. The King may Castle with either the Rook that is closest to him or with the Rook that was closer to the Queen, the move will work either way. When the Castling is to occur, the King will move two spaces toward the Rook. This is the only time during the game in which the King will ever be allowed to move more than one space at a time. In return, the Rook will jump over the King and move to the single space that the King passed through on his route. This successfully forms a Castling.
The move can be considered wise in the early stages of the game because it not only removes the King from the generally more dangerous center area of the board, but it allows the more versatile Rook access into the center from the far side of the board in which it was originally kept. This frees the player up to make more daring moves on the offense while keeping the King in a safer position, away from more of the fighting. Castling is a pretty frequented action that is taken in Chess, with both players often performing the shorter Kingside Castling. However, it should be noted that when one player performs the shorter Kingside Castling and the other player performs the longer Queenside Castling, the resulting battle is generally rather fierce, as each player’s pawns are free to move into attacking position against the King without exposing their own. Castling can open up whole new avenues to explore within the game and should be a strategy that any novice Chess player should consider for the future.
CHRISTIAN
Chess is one of those tricky games with a lot of different little strategies and little moves which can be enacted to help build a defense against the other player. While each and every piece on a chessboard has a certain set of rules regarding movement, and those rules must be strictly obeyed, there is one variation on those rules which allows two pieces to act outside of their normal boundaries. This technique is called “Castling,” and it involves the player’s King and one of their Rooks. This move is one of the most interesting moves in the game and is often considered to be one of the smartest strategical decisions that a player can make regarding their King.
When a player castles their King and Rook, there are a few rules which must be obeyed. Firstly, the King and the Rook is question must never have been moved from their starting locations on the board. If either piece had been forced to move at some point, castling is impossible between the two. All of the pieces that started the game in between the King and the Rook in question must have already been moved away from their spots. A completely open row between the two pieces is absolutely necessary. Furthermore, castling cannot be used by the player to get the King safely out of Check. The King must be completely free of danger when the move is made. Additionally, while this is true of every move made in Chess, the end result of the move must not put the King into Check by any means.
If all of the above conditions are met, Castling between the two pieces can occur. The King may Castle with either the Rook that is closest to him or with the Rook that was closer to the Queen, the move will work either way. When the Castling is to occur, the King will move two spaces toward the Rook. This is the only time during the game in which the King will ever be allowed to move more than one space at a time. In return, the Rook will jump over the King and move to the single space that the King passed through on his route. This successfully forms a Castling.
The move can be considered wise in the early stages of the game because it not only removes the King from the generally more dangerous center area of the board, but it allows the more versatile Rook access into the center from the far side of the board in which it was originally kept. This frees the player up to make more daring moves on the offense while keeping the King in a safer position, away from more of the fighting. Castling is a pretty frequented action that is taken in Chess, with both players often performing the shorter Kingside Castling. However, it should be noted that when one player performs the shorter Kingside Castling and the other player performs the longer Queenside Castling, the resulting battle is generally rather fierce, as each player’s pawns are free to move into attacking position against the King without exposing their own. Castling can open up whole new avenues to explore within the game and should be a strategy that any novice Chess player should consider for the future.
CHRISTIAN
Jul
25
Have you been to some Castles and do you think they really are haunted?
Filed Under London | 6 Comments
I_cook_its_wot_I_doo asked:
I am just curious, I would like to go out there one day, but I would like a little info from others on where I would be wasting my time looking for haunted places.
SHELDON
I am just curious, I would like to go out there one day, but I would like a little info from others on where I would be wasting my time looking for haunted places.
SHELDON
Jul
25
Why did William the conqueror build castles?
Filed Under History | 3 Comments
Jennirox asked:
Ok.most people should know this but,I never asked my History teacher about this,we learned what effects it had but never really a clear reason why…and also some info about how William took control,if you can please.
DENVER
Ok.most people should know this but,I never asked my History teacher about this,we learned what effects it had but never really a clear reason why…and also some info about how William took control,if you can please.
DENVER
Jul
24
Go Ahead and Spoil Yourself - Rent a Castle in the Majestic Loire Valley in France
Filed Under Destinations | Leave a Comment
Corina Clemence asked:
What child reading about fairytale castles in Europe doesn’t dream of being a handsome prince or beautiful princess, being waited on hand and foot and living a life of complete romantic luxury. Now you are an adult, you can realise this childhood fantasy by renting a luxury Loire Valley chateau for your next vacation. Here you can totally relax and unwind and feel like royalty.
The Loire Valley is one of France’s best kept secrets, located some 200km south of Paris. The Loire River is over 1000 kilometres long and it is the longest last wild river of Europe.
The Loire Valley is actually France’s third most popular tourist destination after Paris and the French Riviera. But the Loire Valley is so vast, that families return year after year and never tire of its many attractions. It has something to offer every tourist.
Firstly it is famous for its renaissance chateaux: town chateaux like Chateau Blois and Chateau Amboise, Chateau Usse the original inspiration for Sleeping Beauty, Chateau Cheverney with the best collection of furniture in the Loire Valley and Herge’s inspiration for mythical Moulinsart from the Tin Tin cartoon, Chateau Chenonceau spanning across the River Cher mirroring her beauty, Chateau Chambord the largest hunting lodge in the world
Francois I was not content with just Chateau Blois and Chateau Amboise as his residence, he commissioned Chateau du Chambord the largest chateau in the Loire Valley as a mere hunting lodge. It took 20 years to build and then he spent only seven weeks there hunting.
Then there are also Chateau Chaumont with its incredible summer long international contemporary garden festival, and Chateau Villandry with its famous gardens. If you need inspiration for a vegetable garden you must visit Chateau Villandry.
Gardening in the Loire Valley takes on a mystical quality, and even Mick Jagger, gyrating thick lipped lead singer of the Rolling Stones who has his preferred second residence, a 16th chateau he purchased 26 years ago called La Fourchette at Pose-sur-Cisse near Amboise, is a keen gardener. Artistic historian John Richardson says of Mick Jagger and his new walled garden “he became completely part of the garden, knew every single thing about all the plants, the flowers, the way the fruit trees were espaliered”.
Fans of Leonard Da Vinci can visit Chateau Clos Luce and admire his bedrooms, kitchen, salons and the chapel and see frescoes painted by his pupils. His paintings and drawings are set out in the park of the castle with giant models of the most incredible machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo da Vinci and his disciple Melzi.
There is so much more to the Loire Valley than turrets, towers, topiaries and tapestries. The Touraine region also has the reputation for being the region where the best French is spoken in the world.
The Loire Valley is also a popular destination for followers of the Knights Templar and Holy Grail because of its close association with Leonardo Da Vinci and because it is so seeped in history.
The combination of vineyards and chateaux make the Touraine region of the Loire Valley an incredible destination for any wine lover and his or her family. The Loire Valley really is the most beautiful wine region in the world.
The Loire is France’s last great unrecognized wine region. The Val de Loire wine area is located south west of Paris typically a little over 2 hours drive from the Paris peripherique and extending out as far as Nantes. It is a region blessed with rich soil and a gentle climate, allowing for the production of diverse appellations with vast degrees of character.
Some of France’s best winemaking occurs in the Loire though few Americans are aware of it. Even many French are unaware of some of the gems now being produced in the Loire Valley. No other wine region in France welcomes visitors with such warmth or simplicity. Sommeliers, wine-shop and wine-bar owners, the wine press from Brussels, London, Paris and Tokyo in the know spend their vacations visiting the Loire Valley.
White wines of the Loire Valley typically improve with being aged from five to fifteen years depending upon the vintage and the AOC. A new bottle of French Loire Valley white wine may be fine, but a properly aged bottle is even better.
Then there is the food. French cuisine is famous and flourishing in the Loire Valley. Little village bistros whip up amazing dishes at incredibly cheap prices. Goat’s cheese is a speciality. The local produce is divine. And the glorious local food is best accompanied with a glass or two of Loire Valley wine.
The Loire Valley is especially well-appointed for two wheels because of the gentle gradients and intricate network of back roads that are refreshingly free of motorised traffic. The Loire et Velo track is heaven for cyclists.
The Loire Valley offers everything the travelling golfer requires. If you are a golfer and you bring your clubs you will not be handsomely rewarded.
In France there are 280,000 registered golfers for 340 courses. This translates into lots of available tee times and no crowds on a course. Many golf courses are designed around magnificent chateaux. The finest course in the region, is Les Bordes near Chateau Chambord, consistently ranked in the top five of France’s best courses.
This fine relaxed living is one of the reasons why Mick Jagger holidays at his chateau every summer. With his wealth and his connections he could holiday anywhere.
Don’t just visit a french castle - rent a castle in France and truly experience the grandeur of living in a castle in France. You will be absolutely amazed.
BRADFORD
What child reading about fairytale castles in Europe doesn’t dream of being a handsome prince or beautiful princess, being waited on hand and foot and living a life of complete romantic luxury. Now you are an adult, you can realise this childhood fantasy by renting a luxury Loire Valley chateau for your next vacation. Here you can totally relax and unwind and feel like royalty.
The Loire Valley is one of France’s best kept secrets, located some 200km south of Paris. The Loire River is over 1000 kilometres long and it is the longest last wild river of Europe.
The Loire Valley is actually France’s third most popular tourist destination after Paris and the French Riviera. But the Loire Valley is so vast, that families return year after year and never tire of its many attractions. It has something to offer every tourist.
Firstly it is famous for its renaissance chateaux: town chateaux like Chateau Blois and Chateau Amboise, Chateau Usse the original inspiration for Sleeping Beauty, Chateau Cheverney with the best collection of furniture in the Loire Valley and Herge’s inspiration for mythical Moulinsart from the Tin Tin cartoon, Chateau Chenonceau spanning across the River Cher mirroring her beauty, Chateau Chambord the largest hunting lodge in the world
Francois I was not content with just Chateau Blois and Chateau Amboise as his residence, he commissioned Chateau du Chambord the largest chateau in the Loire Valley as a mere hunting lodge. It took 20 years to build and then he spent only seven weeks there hunting.
Then there are also Chateau Chaumont with its incredible summer long international contemporary garden festival, and Chateau Villandry with its famous gardens. If you need inspiration for a vegetable garden you must visit Chateau Villandry.
Gardening in the Loire Valley takes on a mystical quality, and even Mick Jagger, gyrating thick lipped lead singer of the Rolling Stones who has his preferred second residence, a 16th chateau he purchased 26 years ago called La Fourchette at Pose-sur-Cisse near Amboise, is a keen gardener. Artistic historian John Richardson says of Mick Jagger and his new walled garden “he became completely part of the garden, knew every single thing about all the plants, the flowers, the way the fruit trees were espaliered”.
Fans of Leonard Da Vinci can visit Chateau Clos Luce and admire his bedrooms, kitchen, salons and the chapel and see frescoes painted by his pupils. His paintings and drawings are set out in the park of the castle with giant models of the most incredible machines he invented with voice-overs of Leonardo da Vinci and his disciple Melzi.
There is so much more to the Loire Valley than turrets, towers, topiaries and tapestries. The Touraine region also has the reputation for being the region where the best French is spoken in the world.
The Loire Valley is also a popular destination for followers of the Knights Templar and Holy Grail because of its close association with Leonardo Da Vinci and because it is so seeped in history.
The combination of vineyards and chateaux make the Touraine region of the Loire Valley an incredible destination for any wine lover and his or her family. The Loire Valley really is the most beautiful wine region in the world.
The Loire is France’s last great unrecognized wine region. The Val de Loire wine area is located south west of Paris typically a little over 2 hours drive from the Paris peripherique and extending out as far as Nantes. It is a region blessed with rich soil and a gentle climate, allowing for the production of diverse appellations with vast degrees of character.
Some of France’s best winemaking occurs in the Loire though few Americans are aware of it. Even many French are unaware of some of the gems now being produced in the Loire Valley. No other wine region in France welcomes visitors with such warmth or simplicity. Sommeliers, wine-shop and wine-bar owners, the wine press from Brussels, London, Paris and Tokyo in the know spend their vacations visiting the Loire Valley.
White wines of the Loire Valley typically improve with being aged from five to fifteen years depending upon the vintage and the AOC. A new bottle of French Loire Valley white wine may be fine, but a properly aged bottle is even better.
Then there is the food. French cuisine is famous and flourishing in the Loire Valley. Little village bistros whip up amazing dishes at incredibly cheap prices. Goat’s cheese is a speciality. The local produce is divine. And the glorious local food is best accompanied with a glass or two of Loire Valley wine.
The Loire Valley is especially well-appointed for two wheels because of the gentle gradients and intricate network of back roads that are refreshingly free of motorised traffic. The Loire et Velo track is heaven for cyclists.
The Loire Valley offers everything the travelling golfer requires. If you are a golfer and you bring your clubs you will not be handsomely rewarded.
In France there are 280,000 registered golfers for 340 courses. This translates into lots of available tee times and no crowds on a course. Many golf courses are designed around magnificent chateaux. The finest course in the region, is Les Bordes near Chateau Chambord, consistently ranked in the top five of France’s best courses.
This fine relaxed living is one of the reasons why Mick Jagger holidays at his chateau every summer. With his wealth and his connections he could holiday anywhere.
Don’t just visit a french castle - rent a castle in France and truly experience the grandeur of living in a castle in France. You will be absolutely amazed.
BRADFORD
Jul
22
would anyone know about the adventist vacation bible school titled Castles and Crowns?
Filed Under Religion & Spirituality | 2 Comments
Ingrid G asked:
I need to know what was the snack served on the 5th and final day. I know it has something to do with mini bagels. what were the other ingredients and what was the name of the snack.
ABRAHAM
I need to know what was the snack served on the 5th and final day. I know it has something to do with mini bagels. what were the other ingredients and what was the name of the snack.
ABRAHAM
Jul
18
go_ask_alice asked:
I really want some right now.
MANUEL
I really want some right now.
MANUEL
Jul
13
Which Loire Valley Historic French Castles Should You See On A Family Holiday
Filed Under Travel | Leave a Comment
Corina Clemence asked:
The Loire Valley is a spectacular destination for a family holiday. There are many historical castles to see, so many that it can be difficult to decide on which ones to see before it becomes too much for the children to bare. Each of the Loire Valley castles listed below have their own special attraction.
We would highly recommend Chateau Close Luc and its gorgeous park and working models of over forty of Leonardo Da Vinci’s amazing inventions. Chateau Chaumont is worth a visit in the summer months for the garden festival alone. Many of the gardens are incredibly interactive and highly sensory designed to capture the imaginations of children and adults.
Chateau Chenonceau is classically breathtaking and a must see. There is a maize for children to get lost in for a little while. Chateau Cheverney has spectacular furniture and a working pack of dogs. Chateau Chambord is the largest of the Loire Valley castles and you can hire bicycles or pedal boats to make it more child appealing. Chateau Blois is interesting architecturally because it is like four castles rolled into one. It has the added benefit of being located opposite the Maison de la Magie which is a magic museum in honour of Robert Houdin who was Houdini’s inspiration. Children delight at the exhibits and simulations and the magic show is very impressive.
Chateau Azay-le-Rideau (minimum visit 1.5 hours)
Hours- 9:30-6:00 Cost- $6.00 for entrance and $4.00 for an audio guide
This chateau is less grand in size than many of the others listed here, but is all the more beautiful for it. Built in 1515, this is a wonderful example of early Renaissance. In the high season there are often evening son et lumiere spectacles at the castle. It is best to visit this chateau late in the afternoon in summer so you can enjoy the sound and light show in the evening.
Chateau Chaumont (minimum visit 1 hour and another 2 hours for the garden festival)
Hours- 9:30-5:30, plan on 1 hour for your visit Cost- $6.00 includes an English pamphlet
Located between Amboise and Blois, this chateau is set high above the Loire River and commands spectacular views. Its placement was for strategic reasons, since it was built as a fortress stronghold in 1465. Later it became a home for royalty and then the merely rich. The most famous resident was Diane de Poitiers, the former mistress of King Henri II who lived in exile here, after Catherine de Medici demanded Chateau Chenonceau when King Henri II died.
Today the interiors represent the lavishness of the wealthy people living here until the 1930’s when the stock market crash caused the last owner to sell the property to the government. Of particular interest are the elaborate horse stables.
Chateau Amboise (minimum visit 1.5 hours)
Hours- 9:00-6:30 Cost- $7.00 includes an English pamphlet. The chateau towers over the town and offers a mix of architectural styles including 17th century classical and 16th century gothic. Six Kings of France lived here including Francois the 1st, who had an underground tunnel built to the home of Leonardo da Vinci, located nearby. Using this passage they could visit each other without mingling with the locals. In the 15th century this castle was four times its current size, but it has been reduced by neglect and war.
It is worth combining a trip to Chateau Amboise with a visit to Chateau Clos Luce as they are nearby.
Chateau Usse (minimum 1.5 hours)
Hours- 9:00-6:30 Cost- $8.00 includes English pamphlet. This fairytale chateau with lots of turrets was the inspiration for the chateau in Sleeping Beauty. Construction began in 1455 on the foundation of an 11th century chateau, and subsequent remodels took place in the 16th and 17th centuries. The chateau has been owned by the Blacas family since the 18th century and the family still occupies one of the wings. The grounds include several centuries old trees and a cedar that was given to the family in 1808.
There is a chapel from 1528 with a white sparkling interior made from local stones, and a garage with antique vehicles and a wicker carriage. The castle interior is filled with 18th century antiques. Finally you can climb the round tower to see wax figures depicting characters in Sleeping Beauty. If you are travelling with young children they will probably love the fairy tale scenes in the round tower depicted by wax mannequins.
Chateau Villandry (minimum 1 hour for each of chateau and 1 hour for the garden)
Hours- 9:00-7:30 Cost- $7.50 for chateau and gardens, $5.00 for only gardens
This privately owned castle was built in the 16th century on the former site of a 12th century chateau. Today the tower of the original castle still remains.
The castle is most famous for its wonderful gardens, and is considered a must see for gardeners. There are 3 different gardens in all: a Louis the XIV style vegetable garden, an ornamental mosaic flower garden, and a water garden with pools and waterfalls. Many people skip the interior of the castle and come for the gardens alone. There is a slide show that features photographs of the gardens during all four seasons.
Chateau Blois (minimum visit 2-3 hours)
Hours- 9:00-6:00 Cost- $6.00 includes an English pamphlet . You can book a free guided tour even available in English. This castle dominates the town of Blois and was the home of royalty for over 400 years, including Francois I and Charles the VIII. Parts of the building, composed of four wings each of a different architectural style joined by a large central courtyard, date back to the 10th century.
Interiors include luxurious period design and floors stamped with fleur-de-lis motifs. One of the highlights is a Renaissance exterior spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. In summer they have a sound and light show at night and on Wednesdays it is in English.
Chateau Chenonceau (minimum visit 2.5 hours)
Hours- 9:00-7:00 Cost- $8.00 includes an English pamphlet. This castle is one of the most striking of the Loire Valley castles. It was built for Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of King Henri II. In 1559 when the King died his wife, Catherine de Medici, forced Diane into exile (to the smaller chateau of Chaumont).
After Catherine moved in she had the beautiful gallery added, which is 180 feet long, 18 feet wide, with 18 windows and set on arches over the Cher River. It was originally used as a ballroom, and in WWI it became a hospital and the wounded soldiers used to fish out the windows. During WWII it was a means of escape as the castle sat in occupied territory but the door at the end of the gallery opened to the Free Zone.
The kitchen is very popular with children. Today the gallery holds art exhibits. Also worth a note are the Marques Tower, the 2 formal gardens (each named for the two ladies who ruled the house), the sixteenth century working farm and the flower shop.
Chateau Cheverny (minimum visit 1.5 hours)
Hours- 9:15-6:45 Cost- $6.00, includes English pamphlet. This chateau was built in 1634 and has been owned and occupied by the same family ever since. Today family members occupy the third floor. This castle has the best furniture of the Loire Valley Chateaux open to the public because the family that owned Cheverny was very popular with the local villagers and as a result the castle was not stripped of it’s treasures during the French Revolution.
The current interior is the most complete and lavish in the Loire Valley. This castle was built as a hunting palace and today hunts still take place on the grounds. You can visit the 70 dogs in their kennel, or watch the daily feed at 5:00 PM. The trophy room proudly displays the antlers from more than 2000 animals.
Beware because most chateaux have shorter hours in low and shoulder seasons and may even be closed for lunch during that time. Conversely in late July and August there are usually extended hours.
RODERICK
The Loire Valley is a spectacular destination for a family holiday. There are many historical castles to see, so many that it can be difficult to decide on which ones to see before it becomes too much for the children to bare. Each of the Loire Valley castles listed below have their own special attraction.
We would highly recommend Chateau Close Luc and its gorgeous park and working models of over forty of Leonardo Da Vinci’s amazing inventions. Chateau Chaumont is worth a visit in the summer months for the garden festival alone. Many of the gardens are incredibly interactive and highly sensory designed to capture the imaginations of children and adults.
Chateau Chenonceau is classically breathtaking and a must see. There is a maize for children to get lost in for a little while. Chateau Cheverney has spectacular furniture and a working pack of dogs. Chateau Chambord is the largest of the Loire Valley castles and you can hire bicycles or pedal boats to make it more child appealing. Chateau Blois is interesting architecturally because it is like four castles rolled into one. It has the added benefit of being located opposite the Maison de la Magie which is a magic museum in honour of Robert Houdin who was Houdini’s inspiration. Children delight at the exhibits and simulations and the magic show is very impressive.
Chateau Azay-le-Rideau (minimum visit 1.5 hours)
Hours- 9:30-6:00 Cost- $6.00 for entrance and $4.00 for an audio guide
This chateau is less grand in size than many of the others listed here, but is all the more beautiful for it. Built in 1515, this is a wonderful example of early Renaissance. In the high season there are often evening son et lumiere spectacles at the castle. It is best to visit this chateau late in the afternoon in summer so you can enjoy the sound and light show in the evening.
Chateau Chaumont (minimum visit 1 hour and another 2 hours for the garden festival)
Hours- 9:30-5:30, plan on 1 hour for your visit Cost- $6.00 includes an English pamphlet
Located between Amboise and Blois, this chateau is set high above the Loire River and commands spectacular views. Its placement was for strategic reasons, since it was built as a fortress stronghold in 1465. Later it became a home for royalty and then the merely rich. The most famous resident was Diane de Poitiers, the former mistress of King Henri II who lived in exile here, after Catherine de Medici demanded Chateau Chenonceau when King Henri II died.
Today the interiors represent the lavishness of the wealthy people living here until the 1930’s when the stock market crash caused the last owner to sell the property to the government. Of particular interest are the elaborate horse stables.
Chateau Amboise (minimum visit 1.5 hours)
Hours- 9:00-6:30 Cost- $7.00 includes an English pamphlet. The chateau towers over the town and offers a mix of architectural styles including 17th century classical and 16th century gothic. Six Kings of France lived here including Francois the 1st, who had an underground tunnel built to the home of Leonardo da Vinci, located nearby. Using this passage they could visit each other without mingling with the locals. In the 15th century this castle was four times its current size, but it has been reduced by neglect and war.
It is worth combining a trip to Chateau Amboise with a visit to Chateau Clos Luce as they are nearby.
Chateau Usse (minimum 1.5 hours)
Hours- 9:00-6:30 Cost- $8.00 includes English pamphlet. This fairytale chateau with lots of turrets was the inspiration for the chateau in Sleeping Beauty. Construction began in 1455 on the foundation of an 11th century chateau, and subsequent remodels took place in the 16th and 17th centuries. The chateau has been owned by the Blacas family since the 18th century and the family still occupies one of the wings. The grounds include several centuries old trees and a cedar that was given to the family in 1808.
There is a chapel from 1528 with a white sparkling interior made from local stones, and a garage with antique vehicles and a wicker carriage. The castle interior is filled with 18th century antiques. Finally you can climb the round tower to see wax figures depicting characters in Sleeping Beauty. If you are travelling with young children they will probably love the fairy tale scenes in the round tower depicted by wax mannequins.
Chateau Villandry (minimum 1 hour for each of chateau and 1 hour for the garden)
Hours- 9:00-7:30 Cost- $7.50 for chateau and gardens, $5.00 for only gardens
This privately owned castle was built in the 16th century on the former site of a 12th century chateau. Today the tower of the original castle still remains.
The castle is most famous for its wonderful gardens, and is considered a must see for gardeners. There are 3 different gardens in all: a Louis the XIV style vegetable garden, an ornamental mosaic flower garden, and a water garden with pools and waterfalls. Many people skip the interior of the castle and come for the gardens alone. There is a slide show that features photographs of the gardens during all four seasons.
Chateau Blois (minimum visit 2-3 hours)
Hours- 9:00-6:00 Cost- $6.00 includes an English pamphlet . You can book a free guided tour even available in English. This castle dominates the town of Blois and was the home of royalty for over 400 years, including Francois I and Charles the VIII. Parts of the building, composed of four wings each of a different architectural style joined by a large central courtyard, date back to the 10th century.
Interiors include luxurious period design and floors stamped with fleur-de-lis motifs. One of the highlights is a Renaissance exterior spiral staircase designed by Leonardo da Vinci. In summer they have a sound and light show at night and on Wednesdays it is in English.
Chateau Chenonceau (minimum visit 2.5 hours)
Hours- 9:00-7:00 Cost- $8.00 includes an English pamphlet. This castle is one of the most striking of the Loire Valley castles. It was built for Diane de Poitiers, the mistress of King Henri II. In 1559 when the King died his wife, Catherine de Medici, forced Diane into exile (to the smaller chateau of Chaumont).
After Catherine moved in she had the beautiful gallery added, which is 180 feet long, 18 feet wide, with 18 windows and set on arches over the Cher River. It was originally used as a ballroom, and in WWI it became a hospital and the wounded soldiers used to fish out the windows. During WWII it was a means of escape as the castle sat in occupied territory but the door at the end of the gallery opened to the Free Zone.
The kitchen is very popular with children. Today the gallery holds art exhibits. Also worth a note are the Marques Tower, the 2 formal gardens (each named for the two ladies who ruled the house), the sixteenth century working farm and the flower shop.
Chateau Cheverny (minimum visit 1.5 hours)
Hours- 9:15-6:45 Cost- $6.00, includes English pamphlet. This chateau was built in 1634 and has been owned and occupied by the same family ever since. Today family members occupy the third floor. This castle has the best furniture of the Loire Valley Chateaux open to the public because the family that owned Cheverny was very popular with the local villagers and as a result the castle was not stripped of it’s treasures during the French Revolution.
The current interior is the most complete and lavish in the Loire Valley. This castle was built as a hunting palace and today hunts still take place on the grounds. You can visit the 70 dogs in their kennel, or watch the daily feed at 5:00 PM. The trophy room proudly displays the antlers from more than 2000 animals.
Beware because most chateaux have shorter hours in low and shoulder seasons and may even be closed for lunch during that time. Conversely in late July and August there are usually extended hours.
RODERICK
Jul
12
In chapter 4 of Lord of the Flies: What did Roger and Maurice do to the littlun’s sand castles and WHY?
Filed Under Books & Authors | 2 Comments
lowecheeku asked:
it has to be from chapter four : Painted Faces and Long Hair. We know they destroyed the sand castles but we don’t know why?
COLLIN
it has to be from chapter four : Painted Faces and Long Hair. We know they destroyed the sand castles but we don’t know why?
COLLIN
Jul
12
madison a asked:
Are the flag colors green and yellow,or what, and what does the famous castle look like? please describe thoroughly.
NED
Are the flag colors green and yellow,or what, and what does the famous castle look like? please describe thoroughly.
NED