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Yummy!
Why did this picture turn pink? weird weirdAzay-le-Rideau castle
"When the Kings were Gipsies"
Long before Versailles, at a time when the Kings of France were weak and their power constantly challenged by local powers and by the Church, there was no static King's court in the Louvre palace.
The Kings, and all his suite, would travel (season permitting) around the Royal domaine, which was much smaller than the current borders of the country, many provinces being virtually independant because of the military or economic power of their lords.
The Loire Valley was the prefered route, because of the beauty of the landscape, the mildness of the weather, and I am sure, the Loire valley wines!
"A castle laid on the water"
This is the reason why the Loire river region is covered with castles. They were stops for the Kings' caravan, all his servants and such.
Azay le rideau is certainly not the most spectacular one, but, on the countrary, I like its proportions and grace. It looks like it is floating on the water.
Un chateau posé sur l'eau...
"Travelling like nomads, living like kings"
The castle in itself is worth a visit. It is furnished with XVIth century furniture and tapistry. the central stairs are gorgeous.
François the first was the last king to travel like this from castle to castle. I believe that after him, Kings were powerfull enough to stay in the Louvre palace.
Pretty soon, Louis XIV would build Versailles, as a symbol of central power, marking the end of regional counter powers.
