• Renaissance

    Places of the French Renaissance: Chateau de Chenonceau

    Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Loire Valley in France, the Chateau de Chenonceau stands as a testament to the rich history and architectural brilliance of the Renaissance era. Revered as one of the most beautiful chateaux in the world, this enchanting masterpiece has captivated visitors for centuries with its unique blend of grandeur, natural beauty, and captivating stories. Let us embark on a journey through time and explore the wonders that await within the walls of the Chateau de Chenonceau. A Historical Tapestry: Dating back to the 16th century, the Chateau de Chenonceau bears witness to the remarkable women who shaped its history. Often referred to as the…

  • Places,  Renaissance

    Secrets of History looks at Catherine de Medici’s influence on Loire Chateaux

    You can’t travel across the Loire Valley without encountering Catherine de Medici. During her time as Queen of France and Regent, she exerted an incredible influence on the locations where the court worked and played. Thanks to our friends at Secrets of History, Catherine’s long- reaching influence of the chateaux of the Loire Valley comes to life in this video. It’s in French with no subtitles, but it’s well worth a view. When you’re through watching that video, take a look at this one about the chateaux of the Loire Valley. The most “Catherine” of the chateaux by far is Chenonceau. I remember over twenty years ago watching a show…

  • Mistress,  Videos

    Exploring the remains of a chateau owned by a royal mistress

    Unfortunately, there is very little out there to explore about the life of Catherine Henriette de Balzac d’Entragues, Marquise de Verneuil. She was so reviled during her lifetime for being a greedy mistress with no boundaries or sense of decency, and that reputation has persisted throughout the centuries since the early 1600s. see it here

  • Guise,  History,  Places

    On this day: Louise of Lorraine, Queen of France, dies at Chenonceau

    If you get a chance to visit the Chateau de Chenonceau, you might miss the part of the interpretation that covers Louise of Lorraine’s life and death in 1601 at the chateau in the Loire Valley. The way that the building and the main tour are structured, the typical visitor gets an overview of the rivalry between Catherine de Medici and Diane de Poitiers, and a few mentions of the short time that Gabrielle d’Estrees, mistress of Henry IV, stayed at the chateau. The woman who made a clear mark on the chateau from 1590 to 1603 was Louise of Lorraine, wife of Henri III and a cousin of the…

  • France,  History,  Medici,  Renaissance

    On this day: Catherine de Medici dies at Chateau de Blois

    Louis, Cardinal de Guise Louis, Cardinal de Guise 19th Cent depiction of the murder of the Duc de Guise. From Wikipedia. 19th Cent depiction of the murder of the Duc de Guise. From Wikipedia. more tips here Catherine during the 1560s. Courtesy of Wikipedia https://www.traditionrolex.com/48 Catherine during the 1560s. Courtesy of Wikipedia   L to R: Charles, duc de Mayenne, Henri IIII, Christine of Lorraine, Catherine de Medici L to R: Charles, duc de Mayenne, Henri IIII, Christine of Lorraine, Catherine de Medici   The courtyard of Chateau de Blois, with the 17th Century Gaston d’ Orleans wing. Photo by me. The courtyard of Chateau de Blois, with the 17th…

  • Guise

    On this day, Henri, Duc de Guise is assassinated at Blois by Henri III of France

    19th Cent depiction of the murder of the Duc de Guise. From Wikipedia. 19th Cent depiction of the murder of the Duc de Guise. From Wikipedia.Henri, Duc de Guise Henri, Duc de GuiseThe Marquise of Noirmoutier, Charlotte de Beaune Semblancay (1551-1617) seeking to dissuade Henry I of Lorraine, Duke of Guise, called the Scarred (1550-1588), to go to the meeting of the States of Blois before his assassination (1588) at the Chateau de Blois. Painting by Charles Barthelemy Jean Durupt (1804-1838), 1833. Oil on canvas. Communal Museum of the Castle, Blois, France. The Marquise of Noirmoutier, Charlotte de Beaune Semblancay (1551-1617) seeking to dissuade Henry I of Lorraine, Duke of…