Castles in the Loire Valley of France

“Le jardin de la France”

The Loire Valley

Fertile soil and mild climate Loire River and its tributaries Over 100 castles (or chateaux) still

remain 15th & 16th century country residences

for the kings of France

Amboise

Amboise

Italian influence Leonardo da

Vinci’s tomb inside

“Conspirator’s Balcony”

Chenonceau

Le Chateau de six femmes

Chenonceau

Henri II’s mistress, Diane de Poitiers had the bridge build to the opposite side of the river

Henri’s wife, Catherine de Medicis kicked Diane out after Henri’s death and had the gallery build over the bridge, and enlarged the gardens started by her rival.

Chenonceau

In WWI, the gallery was used as a hospital ward In WWII, it was a means of escaping the Nazi occupied zone

on one side of the river to the free zone on the other bank.

Chambord

The biggest caste in the Loire Valley

Chambord

440 rooms, 365 fireplaces, 84 staircases Famous double spiral staircase Vacation spot for Francois I & other French kings & nobles

Versailles

Versailles

Located southwest of Paris Built in 17th century for Louis XIV, le Roi Soleil Took over 50 years to build Extends over 250 acres Parks, gardens, statues, fountains Over 20,000 people lived in the palace at one

time This royal extravagance contributed to the

decline of France’s power and the rise of the French Revolution

Versailles

Versailles

La galerie des glaces (Hall of Mirrors) Almost 250 feet long, 17 mirrors reflecting light from 17

windows

Quiz

Why did so many French kings choose to build their dwellings along the Loire Valley?

a. It was close to Paris

b. Because of its mild climate & fertile soil

c. It was far from Paris

Quiz

What country’s art and culture influenced the builders of the Loire castles?

a. Germany

b. Spain

c. Italy

Quiz

What happened to many French Protestants at the castle of Amboise?

a. They were shot

b. They were released from prison

c. They were hanged

Quiz

Who’s tomb is located in the Chateau d’Amboise?

a. Michel Angelo

b. Francois I

c. Leonardo da Vinci

Quiz

Which castle crosses a river?

a. Chambord

b. Versailles

c. Chenonceau

Quiz

Who was Henri II’s mistress who had the bridge built across the Cher?

a. Diane de Poitiers

b. Catherine de Medicis

c. Francoise de France

Quiz

In WW I, Chenonceau was used as

a. A means of escaping the Germans

b. A hospital

c. An army base

Quiz

Chambord has

a. 550 rooms, 85 staircases, and 300 chimneys

b. 540 rooms, 84 staircases, and 362 chimneys

c. 440 rooms, 84 staircases, and 365 chimneys

Quiz

Chambord is famous for its unique

a. bell tower

b. staircase

c. courtyard

Quiz

Where is the palace of Versailles located?

a. Southwest of Paris

b. In the Loire valley

c. In the middle of Paris

Quiz

Louis XIV’s nickname was

a. Le Roi d’or

b. Le Roi de glaces

c. Le Roi de soleil

Quiz

How many people once lived in the palace of Versailles?

a. 10,000

b. 20,000

c. 30,000

Quiz

The Hall of Mirrors is

a. almost 250 feet long

b. almost 100 feet long

c. almost 500 feet long