The Opinionated Travelogue of a Photo Maniac
History can be strange and fascinating sometimes. Especially when political intrigue, jealousy, and revenge are involved. But what would a castle be without all that? Château de Chenonceau is perhaps the most beautiful castles in France. But without its unique history, it would probably be just another castle in the Loire Valley. The story of Chenonceau is pretty much …
Château de Chenonceau, a Testament to the Power of WomenRead More
Our trip to the Loire Valley castles started in the city of Blois which is without doubt the gateway to the châteaux in the region. Not surprisingly, the first castle we visited was the famous Château de Blois. Although not as spectacular as Chambord or Chenonceau, the castle’s appeal goes beyond its beauty. Château de Blois …
Château de Blois – Exploring the Favorite Residence of the Kings of FranceRead More
But for the gigantic and lavish Palace of the Popes, Avignon might have never risen to fame. The austere-looking fortress (Palais des Papes) was the residence and ruling place of 9 popes, who reigned in Avignon for nearly 70 in the 1300’s. But how did the French city of Avignon become a papal city? Why Avignon and not …
Avignon’s Palace of the Popes: a Papal City Without PopesRead More
When I think of Avignon, the first thing that comes to my mind is the traditional French song that we used to sing as kids: “Sur le Pont d’Avignon” (on the Bridge of Avignon). This was a very popular song at the time, and one of the first ones you’d learn if you took French lessons. …
Pont d’Avignon – the Legend of the Broken Bridge of AvignonRead More
I love the French Riviera and its frozen-in-time perched villages! After the beautiful Eze Village for many years in a row, I finally decided it’s time to write about it. After all, there are so many things to do in Eze Village! Why not let other people know about this charming village? Where is Eze …
Èze Village – All You Should Know About the Quaint VillageRead More
After Paris, Nice is one of my favorite places in France. Its location on the pebbly shores of the Baie des Anges, makes Nice a very popular summer destination. But Nice can be as beautiful in winter as in summer. A Brief History of Nice In the second half of the 18 century, Nice started drawing the …
Nice in Winter – Best Things to Do in Nice When It’s ColdRead More
Standing on an island in the middle of the Indre River, about 15 miles (24 km) southwest of Tours, lies one of the finest châteaux of the Loire Valley: the Château Azay-le-Rideau.
Château d’Azay-le-Rideau – a Hidden Gem in the Loire ValleyRead More
Chateau de la Napoule is not your typical French castle. In fact, the old medieval fortress in Mandelieu, France, shares neither the sophistication nor the glory of its famous sisters in the Loire Valley. A Brief History of Château de la Napoule Chateau de la Napoule was erected as a military fort in the 14th …
Château de la Napoule – the Destiny of an Enchanted CastleRead More
You cannot visit the town of Amboise and its impressive château without also visiting nearby Chateau du Clos Luce. Château du Clos Lucé has nothing of the extravagance of the Loire Valley castles. In fact, it is not even a castle in the real sense of the word. On the other hand, it can brag about something …
Château du Clos Lucé – in the Footsteps of Leonardo da VinciRead More
