Cheverny castle of the Loire valley – stunningly french
Cheverny castle of the Loire valley. Tintin comics made this castle very famous. Sophisticated gardens and romantic atmosphere to sit in and relax. An undeniable grandeur that seduces castle-hunters. Instagram hunters will also find their heaven here. In other words, Cheverny is a true gem for lovers of traditions and culture. It’s like stepping into a fairy tale.
Melting Sisters – the fairy tale Cheverny castle of the Loire valley
Tintin fans will remember this line; “now, now, turn it up! Too easy. I’m president of the Vagabond Car Club down my way; All I have to do is organise a rally, and the final trials… are at Marlinspike!” dixit Jolyon Wagg to Captain Haddock.
In this story i will start with the basics i.e. the name of the chateau. Marlinspike Hall is the name of Captain Haddock’s family estate. In the American edition it is called Hudson Manor. In French it is know as le Chateau de Moulinsart.
Marlinspike is the home base for Tintin and Captain Haddock in between their adventures. In the movie “the secret of the unicorn”, Captain Haddock regains the possession of the estate. So, what’s that got to do with Cheverny castle of the Loire valley? Well, the hall is modeled after the central section of chateau de Cheverny (source: tintin.wikia.com).
Melting Sisters – the central section of Cheverny castle of the Loire valley as an inspiration to Tintin’s Marlinspike Hall
Ladies and drama once rule Cheverny castle of the Loire valley
This chateau will not leave you unimpressed. Just like other famous castles in the area, Cheverny would not be Cheverny without its own dose of drama. It is worthy of a soap opera plot.
And now, the nitty-gritty.
Firstly, the actual chateau is built because the young lady of the house is caught cheating on her husband. As a result he kills her and her lover. Consequently he decides to live in exil in Cheverny. A bodice-ripper this is not!
Secondly, he remarries and tears down the old chateau to built the actual one. He does this in an effort to erase the past. However, as time passes the chateau is lost to the crown as a result of fraud to the state.
Thirdly, the king Henry II gives this chateau as a gift to his mistress. Now guess who that mistress is? None other than Diane de Poitiers. Yes, her again. You will remember her from this story. Diane however favours Chenonceau castle. She for sure wears the trousers our Diane! As a result she sells the chateau to Monsieur Hurault.
Most importantly, six centuries later, Mr Hurault’s descendent still live in the chateau. To add more drama, you know, just because well why not, Mona Lisa is hidden in Cheverny during world war II.
Melting Sisters – girls rules in Cheverny castle of the Loire valley
Cheverny castle is classic french elegance
There is one thing that strikes me as I look at the castle from the main lawn. Everything is just sym-me-tri-cal. It is also very white and clean. I am told the whiteness is due to the stone used to build the chateau. It is a particular stone from the quarries of Bourré that whitens and hardens with age. The symmetry itself is typical of french architecture of that period.
Inside the building, floor to ceiling rich tapestries and fine ornaments reflect the rich history. An extensive array of works of art and luxurious antique furnishings is on display. As it stands, Cheverny is the most decorated and furnished castle of the Loire Valley. Just sheer eye candy. Huge painted beams set the tone in the central room. The story of Don Quixote illustrated in the wooden panels adds that extra dose of richness and grandeur. There is no doubting that the vibrant splendor echoes the impressiveness of the chateau’s history.
Melting Sisters – an extensive array of works of art and luxurious antique furnishings in Cheverny castle of the Loire valley
Romantic and delicate
It is evident that Cheverny castle of the Loire valley is a truly romantic place to just let time drift by. Its inarguable charm is a testimony to a golden past. There is an eye candy for everyone. Mr Hurault’s descendent keep the picturesque grounds alive. The flower beds and the perfectly manicured wide lawns blend beautifully with the extensive woodlands. A cut above the others.
At tea break, we pause for delicatessen at the gorgeous orangerie. We stroll the grounds leisurely. The end of afternoon glorious shower of golden light spreading across the foliage is picture perfect. Nothing really could capture the sheer exquisite dusk glow.
Just imagine strolling by the stream with your body soaking in the late afternoon golden light. The soft light casts a warm yellowish glow over the whiteness of the chateau. The ballet of sights and sounds is extremely beautiful and delicate. The atmosphere is quite magical. This for me is the true highlight of the day. Literally of the first water.
My only regret is not being able to access the highest tower. I can only imagine that 360 view of the grounds surrounding the chateau.
Melting Sisters – wrapped in the cocoon of the end of afternoon glorious golden light – Cheverny castle of the Loire valley
Lost in Wanderlust
Amid the impressive display of castles, the obsession with grandeur truly expanded to all other aspects of life. As a result, the richness of the Loire Valley encourages our wanderlust. Our excitement is fueled day after day as we get to comprehend some of the culture and history. We limit our wander to one castle area a day. This in my opinion is perfect to avoid being castle-out pretty quickly.
I was impressed by the scale of Chambord. However, my favourite castle is definitely Chenonceau. Its sheer gorgeousness is simply not at all overrated. In addition, that girl power thing did it for me. Who said love and power were a bad mix? 😉
Wandering around Blois and cycling the Loire route is a real immersive experience. 42 castles make up this Unesco world heritage site. That i would think is enough to fulfill a few wandering fantasies. This road trip is truly unforgettable. I can’t wait until next time.
xox M. Let’s share our inspiration
