European Stars And Stripes (Newspaper) - July 24, 1986, Darmstadt, Hesse It is Villandry i Fri v"11 i Loire langeais one of Many Mac country roads above Ideal for strolling and biking. The famous double spiral staircase righting the Blois chateau inspired by Leonardo a Vinci. Chambord chateau above famous or its 440 rooms. A sculpture of King Louis ii below at the Amboise chateau. By Judy Sarasohn staff writer the Hundred years War wars of the roses Pala. Intrigue and religious plotting in the Loire Valley have Long since quieted. The Chateaux of the Renaissance and Middle Ages Rise alone above the vineyards and towns of the Garden of americans who never get past Paris when they visit France Are missing the Chance to travel leisurely through one of the most romantic countries but still have a destination to Lour the Countryside but still see monuments to history. Chateau country is about 100 Miles Southwest of Paris. Some of the Chateaux May be visited in Day trips by train from Paris. But Many Are not easily accessible except by car or a combination of train and Bike. Amboise Blois and angers sit on major rail lines and roads and May be use As bases to see the Loire. Making Amboise Home for example a bicycle rider can tour the chateau there and then pedal the 10 Kilometres to Che Monceaux. The Chateaux were the favorite residences of the Kings of France. The court would move from one chateau to another As the King chose usually taking the furniture along. It was at Chiron in 1429, Onn of arc recognized the Dauphin Charles Vii. She liberated Orleans. Chambord with its 440 rooms and Rich decoration is the most splendid of the Chateaux. It rises out of nowhere in the Forest of Boulogne. On the Terrace above one can walk around the 11 10 capitalsfi5 chimneys Spires Bull turrets Gables and lantern. The Center staircase inspired by Leonardo a Vinci is actually two spirals that Don t join. The estate also May be poured by horse for 85 francs $13.40. _ Che Monceaux a i the end of a dirt Avenue lined by plane Trees is known for the women who influenced its construction and gardens. Its gallery Over the Cher River served As a Secrel passage Way during world ii. Henry it gave the chateau to his mistress Diane de Poitiers but at his death Catherine Cle Medici his Queen forced her out. At Amboise the chateau is one of the earliest examples of Renaissance architecture in France. Charles Viii invaded Nlaly in 1494 and brought Back italian craftsmen furniture pictures and fabrics. The Minimus Tower is known for its wide ramp that horsemen could ride up from the Village below. Francois i brought Leonardo a Vinci to Amboise where the great artist spent his last years. At Leonardo s Home Al the nearby Clos Luce there is a showing of models of War machines and Bridges made from his plans. It was Al Blois in 1588 that the Stales general under Henry Iii ordered the assassination of the Duke of continued on 9 july 24, 1986 stripes Magazine 9
