Independent Travel, Thoughtfully Planned
The impressive Chateau de Sully sur Loire sits at the confluence of the Loire and the River Sange. The castle was built on a group of three small islands: the main keep sits on the northern island; the Inner Courtyard is on the southern island, and the Outer Courtyard takes up the eastern island. Château …
Château de Sully sur Loire – All You Need to Know Before VisitingRead More
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
If it wasn’t for the glorious and world renowned Neuschwanstein just a stone-throw away, the Hohenschwangau Castle might have never achieved its fame. Schloss Hohenschwangau, as the Germans call it, is best known as the childhood home of King Ludwig II of Bavaria. The castle was built by King Maximilian II, Ludwig’s father, on the ruins of the Fortress Schwanstein.
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
Staying at Parador de Jaen was an unbelievable experience! If you ever wondered how must it feel staying in a castle in Spain, now it’s your chance. After staying at Parador de Carmona we were sure that nothing can top off the experience. But just when you think you have’ve seen the best Spain’s paradores, another great one comes …
After visiting Toledo and the Cathedral of Seville, I thought nothing could impress me more in Spain. But I was wrong. Visiting some of Spain’s Paradores was quite an experience. Especially the Parador de Carmona.
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
