Air Serbia » Er Srbija | 19 France's aristocratic gardens The Loire Valley and its castles transport visitors back in time for a feel of French aristocratic life. Architectural splendour, all the imagination of ingenious builders like Leonardo da Vinci, and the spirit of intrigue, love and betrayal all live here, in harmony with nature. The Loire Valley is often referred to as the “Garden of France” and its beauty comprises vineyards, flowers and green hills, but also a huge number of château manor houses. Perhaps the most impressive of all the manor houses found in the Loire Valley is the Château de Chambord. Representing one of the crowning achievements of French Renaissance architecture, it is the largest, grandest and most visited château in the area. Rising through the centre of the structure, the world-famous double-helix staircase – which was very possibly designed by Leonardo da Vinci – ascends to the great lantern tower and rooftop, where you can marvel at the authentic skyline. With construction launched in 1519 by François I, who intended for it to become a weekend hunting retreat, it quickly grew to become one of the most ambitious and expensive construction projects ever undertaken by a French monarch. Louis XIV was a frequent resident here, and it was while staying at the château as his guest that celebrated playwright Molière presented his comedy Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme. Surrounding this château is a beautiful and spacious park, where many wild animals roam free. Chenonceau is one of France's most elegant châteaux. It's hard not to be moved and exhilarated by the glorious setting, formal gardens, magical architecture and the château's fascinating history. The interior is decorated with rare furnishings and an art collection that includes works by Tintoretto, Rubens, Van Dyck and Ribera. Built at the beginning of the 16th century, it is known as the “Castle of the Six Ladies”, the most famous of whom is Catherine de Medici. Surrounded by exquisite gardens and a forest, this château appears to be 'anchored' in the tranquil waters of the River Cher, connected to the opposite bank by a bridge that boasts its own elegant, two-storey gallery. Its beautiful arches over the river have ensured that this is one of the planet's most photographed castles. And, to conclude, we have the Château d'Amboise, which is located in the commune town of the same name and provided the venue for the coronation of King Louis XI in 1461. Any planned tour of the surroundings of Amboise would also include the unavoidable Chapel of Saint-Hubert – the site where Leonardo da Vinci is buried, a tour of the house where this genius spent the last three years of his life, but also the park where some of the greatest inventions and discoveries of this Renaissance master were created and exhibited. The house, which is today a museum, is located in close proximity to the château and is connected to the castle by secret underground passages. Leonardo’s wish was to be buried in Saint-Florentin Church in Amboise, where his body was interred on 12th August 1519. However, the church was subsequently demolished and the alleged bones of da Vinci were only discovered in 1863, when they were moved to the Chapel of Saint-Hubert in the gardens of the Château d’Amboise. The tomb can be visited today. Located on the left side of the tiny chapel, it includes two epitaphs (in French and Italian) hanging on the wall that describe his birth, death and how it happened that he came to rest in the Chapel of Saint-Hubert. U baštama dvorca Amboaz u maloj kapeli nalazi se grobnica „renesansnog čoveka“ In the gardens of the Château d’Amboise, overlooking the Loire, a small chapel houses the tomb of the Renaissance Man Šenonso je jedan od najelegantnijih dvoraca Francuske Chenonceau is one of France’s most elegant châteaux Profimedia.rs
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