[09/08/2011 00:58:00] Xoria: Where are you going off to?
[09/08/2011 00:58:37] Titouan (Enoch): Touraine, in France. Castles and wines.
[09/08/2011 00:58:51] Xoria: I want pictures of castles when you get back.
[09/08/2011 00:58:58] Titouan (Enoch): Sure.
For those of you who didn't know, I'm back from my 2-weeks holidays in Touraine (Loire Valley, Centre Region, France.)
I visited a lot of castles during my stay, because that's pretty much the only thing to do up there. So I figured I might as well take some pictures (I'm not really a pictures guy myself, usually) and share them with you guys.
First of all, yes, I know you'll probably find much better pictures quality-wise on the Internet. But hey, this thread is more about making you discover pretty castles so you can then look them up on Google Images.
I'll just deliver some basic information about each castle, since I almost forgot everything about most of them.
These castles are monuments, so you have to pay to visit them, about 10'¬ per person. Some of them are state-owned, some are "private" (and some are even still inhabited today). By "Castle" (or "Château) I mean more the place where nobles live than a military fortress. Heck, most of these don't even have bulwarks.
It used to be huge, with bulwarks and all, but nowadays only these buildings remain. One of the latest owners decided he didn't need a fortress so he leveled the bulwarks and defensive towers, and then sold the precious stone (Tuffeau) they were made of.
This one is big. It was built by King François the 1st, initially as a mere hunting lodge. As you can see, it became slightly more important... One of the largest castles in France. I prefer this one to Versailles.
The double-helix staircase, unique feature that gives you the impression you are going to meet people that use the other entrance of the stairs. Most likely inspired by Da Vinci's work, if not realized by him.
The inside of the Gallery, the part that's over the river. 60 meters long, used as an hospital during World War 1. The legend says the patients used to fish from their beds, through the windows.
Nice one, right ? It is older than most other castles. It was built near the end of middle-age whereas the other ones are from the Renaissance.
Le Château de Villandry :
Villandry is more famous for its magnificent gardens.
The builder of the castle, King François the 1st's "Minister" of finances, chose to keep the old medieval keep when he leveled the old military castle to build his own over the ruins.
Sounds like quite a trip. Been to France once, but didn't stay long enough, nor did I visit what I really wanted to. Planning to go again, once I scrap toghether enough cash.
Quote:[00:05:46] Titouan (Enoch): http://discoverygc.com/forums/index.php?...pic=107160
[00:05:47] Titouan (Enoch): (sun)
[00:07:20] Matt (Loken): ALREADY READING IT
[00:07:24] Titouan (Enoch): OK
[00:07:57] Matt (Loken): Kinda want to go to France now
[00:08:11] Titouan (Enoch): 8-)
[00:18:24] Titouan (Enoch): READ
[00:18:32] Titouan (Enoch): AND COMMENT