Hi mom! Look at the cool house I bought you! (Chambord)
This is Chambord. 440 rooms, 80 open for us to visit. 365 chimneys. Can you imagine trying to stay warm here? There is an underlying story about the oppression of the French people trying to maintain these self-serving rulers. No wonder there was the French Revolution!
Today we visited two chateaus - Chambord and the Royal Palace in Blois. We have learned a lot about French history, especially Francois I, Henry II and Henry III. Chambord and the wooded park around it are the size of Paris center. It is the largest enclosed forest park in Europe. Overwhelming. Francois I built Chambord as a hunting palace and it was never really lived in - at least for any length of time. Most interesting (I thought), during WWII, Chambord was a center for hiding artwork from the Nazis - including for a time, Mona Lisa. Chambord reminded me of something from George RR Martin. Very cold and big.
This is Chambord. 440 rooms, 80 open for us to visit. 365 chimneys. Can you imagine trying to stay warm here? There is an underlying story about the oppression of the French people trying to maintain these self-serving rulers. No wonder there was the French Revolution!
Chambord view from roof, looking out the front.
Chambord roof top
We spent the afternoon at the Chateau Royal in Blois. Started building in 1220, so this is the oldest palace that we have seen. The Chateau Royal was also one of Francois I residences. More live-able.
Outside the chateau is the "Magic House" where huge animatronic dragons come out of the windows ever half an hour. Why? I don't know. Leigh thought it was tacky but I thought it was kinda cool, I won't lie.
Dani from the balcony of our hotel room. That is the Chateau Royal in the distance.
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