Loire Valley: Strong Fortresses Vs Beautiful Castles (Part 1)

Since the beginning of civilization in France, the Loire Valley has been a focal point of France’s rich history. Culture, heritage and history, starting from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance has lied a long the valley of Loire. Loire Valley, steep in history, has also been listed as a cultural site by UNESCO's world heritage list in year 2000. Be amazed at the views of solid and tall fortresses of Middle Ages while appreciating the magnificent castles of the classic era, defy yourself and play the role of Prince Charming as you save your princess on the top of the highest fortress of Loches, follow the journey of Joan of Arc or be one of the Renaissance princesses, it’s your choice. It would be a shame for anyone, therefore, to miss out on the Loire Valley tour when visiting France.

[caption id="attachment_158644" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Le Logis Royal de Loches"][/caption]

As many phenomenon in the histories of the civilization, fortresses were originally built as a defense from invasion and developed as war tactics changed. For example, the watchtowers were built to observe the surrounding area. With a typical tower having a narrow window on the in-side and a wide opening which served the guards to fire arrows at attacking forces. One change was to move from square towers to round towers.

[caption id="attachment_158649" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Balcony of Chateau d'Amboise"][/caption]

The strategy of wars evolved over time, and soon we arrived at the Renaissance. At this period, peace was introduced to the people and the era of sophistication began. Castles were rebuilt with big windows; no more living in the dark fortress; no more endless barbaric combats and castles in France were designed and constructed to reflect the beauty of French architecture and the surrounding countryside.

Royal Castle of Loches

This medieval castle was built in 12th century by King Richard the Lionheart, son of Henry II of England. The complex consists of 3 parts and each part represents one period of time. The keep (donjon) was formerly built as defense and was modified to State’s prison,most of which was damaged during the revolution.

[caption id="attachment_158653" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="The keep (donjon)"][/caption]

Taking a tour to the basement of the Keep and one will be ushered into the gruesome torture chamber of King Louis XI; while going up to the second level provides a visitor with a picturesof all miniature weapons, soldiers and , even the castle itself. Climb up to the top of the keep and experience a real adventure as an ancient soldier while overlooking the spectacular view of the region’s countryside. [caption id="attachment_158655" align="alignright" width="200" caption="Inside of Royal Lodge"][/caption]

The Royal Lodge was influenced by late gothic (also known as Flamboyant) architecture. Agnes Sorel, the first mistress of King of France to be introduced to public resided in this castle. With her high fore-head and pale skin, she was the portrait of beautiful French woman of this era. Adding to the historical ambience of the Castle of Loches was the summoning of Joan of Arc by king Charles VII to this castle nearly 600 years ago. Situated next to the Royal Lodge now rests the tomb of Agnes, placed in the Church of St. Ours.

Amboise and Clos Luce

The Chateau d’Amboise was the royal residence of King Francis I. His appreciation and undying passion for the arts and architecture brought Leonardo Da Vinci to Amboise. Leonardo would spent the last 3 years here, inventing the principles of modern weapons and designing the splendid architecture,which includes the infamous double spiral staircase. Leonardo spent his life in a nice house called Clos-Luce and legend states that he created an underground passage connecting it to the castle of Amboise.

[caption id="attachment_158656" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="King's apartment"][/caption]

This castle was built under the influence of the latest Gothic and early Renaissance architecture. The influence of Gothic architecture resulted in the heavy decoration and highly elevated construction. This heavily decorated building would be supported by the vault model, allowing the weight of the building to be supported.

[caption id="attachment_158659" align="alignleft" width="150" caption="Gothic sculpture on the façade of St. Hubert Chapel"][/caption]

As many of France’s cultural and architectural wonderments, Chateau d’Amboise faced the major destruction during the French Revolution. Today, all that remains of Chateau d’Amboise are 2 main buildings, the chapel of St. Hubert, which housed the tomb of Leonardo Da Vinci and the small part of the King’s apartment.

[caption id="attachment_158661" align="alignright" width="150" caption="Leonardo da Vinci’s tomb"][/caption]

Inside the King’s apartment hosted a very important icon for both, France and Scotland, the result of political marriage of Francis II and Mary Stuart of of Scotland. Whenever a royal arranged marriage took place, both king and queen will have their very own emblem and the emblem adorning the King’s apartment is no exception. During the Christian war, the façade of the ancient castle was once used as execution hall in which to hang the rebellious French Protestants. Ever since this unpleasant incident, the royal castle of France was moved to Paris.