The French aristocracy built hundred of chateaus, or grand houses, that qualify to be called 'castles,' in the seventeenth century. In the October, 1930, issue of National Geographic Magazine, is a quite lovely 8-page section of color photos, "Chateau Land - France's Pageant on the Loire." As I particularly enjoy architecture of all varieties, this was 'eye candy' for me.
Only one of the castles, Cinq-Mars-la-Pile, was mentioned to be in ruins. I googled the rest to see if they had survived the revolutions and great wars: yes, they are still intact in 2013. My late father, Reuben, who served in the United States Army 1937-1957, once told me of the Allied Forces 'pin-point' bombing during World War II: "They purposely avoided targeting historic sites." Amazing!
Each castle is different from the others in style but most are constructed of grey stone with black roofs. One of them, Chambord Castle, is reported to have taken 1,800 men fifteen years to build. Many of the castles are on the shores of the Loire River, the longest in France.
Much of France's history is intertwined with these castles. St. Joan of Arc, the famous girl-warrior who united and spurred on France's armies to victory, and was rewarded by being burned at the stake, was associated with many of the castles.
We citizens of the world are so inter-connected! "Between Chateaudun and Tours is Vendome. The castle is nothing remarkable, but no American can pass through the town without recalling it as the birthplace of Rochambeau, who aided Washington in capturing Yorktown" (p. 475).
Next week I'll be in France briefly, and would love to share photos of chateaus with you but, alas, my visit will only be a brief stay in the Paris de Gaulle airport!
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