This morning we visited Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau. It is a small chateau and very beautiful, an appropriate start for our journey to three chateaus of the Loire valley today and tomorrow.
I found the construction details of the Azay chateau interesting. The support structure of the chateau was constructed in the early 1500s of massive oak timbers from a nearby forest. The timbers and their mortise and tenon joints were exposed to view in the attic and the lower floor. The tools used to construct the support structure were primitive by our standards, but I was able to see several complicated joints that were very well done and have served their intended purpose for over 500 years.
After leaving the Chateau of Azay-le-Rideau, we drove to Chateau de Chenonceau and squeezed in a tour there before closing. It is a much larger chateau, and a bit more ornate. The tour was excellent, and gave us a good overview of the history of the chateau and it’s occupants. After the tour ended, Jan commented that it is not surprising that the French peasants revolted.
We are spending tonight and tomorrow night at Chateau de Colliers, a small chateau in Muides sur Loire. The chateau’s buildings were built in 1751 and have been in the family of the current owner since 1783. We arrived after dark tonight so did not have a chance to look around the chateau’s property. Tomorrow morning should be fun!
After breakfast tomorrow we plan to tour close-by Chateau Chambord and then, if time permits, Chateau Cheverny. Plus find a place that can do some laundry, and a pharmacy for Mom …