We finally found Chateau Cheverny after the Gps took us to every entrance
but the correct one. This is a large and well organised chateau. Definitely
worth a visit. Entry cost for chateau and gardens E9.50 each.
You find Chateau Cherveny quite near Blois.
It was one of the first stately homes to open to the public in 1922. The estate
has been in the same family for more than 6 centuries except for a couple of
occasions - the King's mistress Diane de Poitiers bought it to live in while
supervising renovations to her chateau at Chaumont sur Loire. Finally the
family bought it back. The family still
live in the chateau.
One of the distinguishing features of
this chateau is the quantity of original furniture in the chateau. Some very
impressive pieces.
The dining room. Neo-renaissance style monumental fireplace
gilded in fine gold and topped by a bust of King Henri IV.
Nursery with the first rocking horses
from the time of Napoleon III. Very rare cradle empire style in Mahogany.Very bold wallpaper and curtains.
Bridal chamber with 1994 wedding dress of
the Marquise. You can see the back of the dress in the mirror. Beautiful Louis
XVI dressing table.
Petit salon - full size portrait 2 Empire
cherry wood sofas and a Louis XV wing chair.
The grand Salon - 18th century harp by Erard - still in working
condition. On either side of mirror a Titian and a Raphael painting.
The library - First Empire furniture -
2000 books
We had a late lunch in the Salon de The
in the Orangerie - very large room - fake gilt chairs a bit twee. We had 2
baguettine - one pizza and one chicken - actually quite nice plus I had a beer
(Heineken) and the better half had an orange juice. Total cost E19.50. The
orangery was used to keep the orange trees under shelter in winter. Some of the
French art collection, including the
Mona Lisa, was stored here during WWII
I hope you enjoyed this instalment from
our trip to France last year. I
certainly enjoy recalling it!
Enjoyed your tour and the history! Would love to see it for myself someday.
ReplyDeleteThat's so beautiful and I love the photo. I have only been to France once but that was I. My hippie days in the 1970s! Ha, showing my age!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your memories and pictures, Carole!
ReplyDeleteDid you travel to France with a tour group, or just you and the better half?
Very ornate chateau. Love it! Thanks for sharing the pics, Carole. It must have been quite a trip.
ReplyDelete