Our first stop is Chambord. It was built as a fortress and is the largest castle in France. It has elements of romantic architecture from the end of the Renaissance. It has 400 chimneys alone! It also was the base for Biltmore in Asheville.
Francis I was known as the Salamander King and there are elements of the salamander spitting fire throughout the castle. The dual spiral staircase was designed by da Vinci, who Francis met during his Italian travels. Francis was impulsive, liked to wage war and was show offy, but did not do a great job managing his money.
Francis loved hunting and built a 35 km wall around the castle to allow him private hunting grounds. Until recently it was the private hunting ground of the French president as well; the last two administrations have decided there shall be no more hunting.
The kiddos are all ready to live here as their summer houses!
Beautiful!! And the weather looks better!!
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