Ultimate Scottish Castle Tour Guide: History, Tips & Itineraries
Scotland, a land steeped in mystery and history, is home to a remarkable collection of castles that tell tales of yore. Each fortress stands as a living record of the country’s tumultuous past, showing the spirit of the clans and the tales of battles fought. From towering ramparts to lush gardens, these structures invite us […]
Château Gaillard: Richard’s Dream, Philip’s Obsession
A Monument to Royal Pride There’s something deeply personal about ruins. Standing here on the chalk cliffs above the Seine, watching the morning mist roll through the broken walls of Château Gaillard, you can’t help but feel the weight of ego, ambition, and obsession that saturates these weathered stones. This wasn’t just a castle – […]
52 Châteaux, 52 Weeks: Our Epic Journey Through France Begins
Follow our adventure: #52Châteaux The morning sun catches the Loire Valley mist just right, turning it into a golden veil that dances around centuries-old spires. This isn’t just another travel photo – it’s a glimpse into our future. Back home, our life fits neatly into numbered storage containers, each box a reminder of the comfortable […]
Adieu America: Embracing a New Life in France
The first sip of morning coffee tastes different here. Not just because the French have perfected the art of the café crème, but because in France, that first coffee of the day isn’t fuel for productivity – it’s the beginning of a daily ritual that sets the tone for everything that follows. This simple shift […]
Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte: A Hidden Gem of French Baroque Splendor
Just 55 kilometers southeast of Paris lies a masterpiece that inspired even the Palace of Versailles – the magnificent Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. This 17th-century château represents the pinnacle of French Baroque architecture and landscaping, yet remains surprisingly unknown to many visitors to France. Built between 1656 and 1661, this architectural marvel tells a fascinating tale […]
Behind Closed Doors of Château de l’Islette: Our Exclusive Tour
“Through the trees, in the distance I see the tortuous course of the Indre, and an ancient château, flanked by towers…“ So wrote Beaumarchais to his wife in July 1769, describing his first glimpse of Château de l’Islette. Over two centuries later, on a crisp November afternoon, we approached this same view, granted the extraordinary […]
Château d’Ussé: Loire’s Sleeping Beauty Crown Jewel
As we approach the towering spires of Château d’Ussé, it’s easy to see why this magnificent castle is often called the best château in Loire Valley. With its fairy tale allure and rich history, Château d’Ussé offers visitors a truly enchanting experience that sets it apart from other castles in the region. A Fairy Tale […]
The Best Chateaux in the Loire Valley: A Traveler’s Ultimate Guide
Wondering which chateau to visit in Loire? This guide will help you discover the very best castles the region has to offer, diving deep into their rich histories and unique features. Situated in the heart of France, the Loire Valley is a treasure trove of history, architecture, and natural beauty. This UNESCO World Heritage site […]
10 Nights in History: Our Unforgettable Stay at Le Chatelet
As our car wound through the lush Loire Valley, anticipation built with every turn. We were on our way to Le Chatelet, a 16th-century Renaissance gem located just 25 kilometers south of Tours. Little did we know that we were about to embark on a journey not just through space, but through time itself. First […]
Exploring the Royal Fortress of Chinon: A Journey Through French History
Standing atop the hill, overlooking the Vienne River, we felt the weight of a thousand years of history beneath our feet. The Royal Fortress of Chinon, a majestic sentinel in the Loire Valley, has witnessed the ebb and flow of French history for centuries. As my wife, daughters and I embarked on our exploration of […]
The Musketeers: Elite Soldiers and Timeless Icons of 17th Century France
A Legacy Born in Turbulent Times Picture the streets of 17th century Paris, where the clash of steel against steel echoes through narrow alleys, and the air is thick with intrigue. In this world of swashbuckling adventure and political machinations, a group of elite soldiers emerged to capture the imagination of generations to come: the […]
Gargoyles and Grotesques: The Spine-Chilling Guardians of Medieval Architecture
As the autumn mist swirls around the ancient stone spires of a Gothic cathedral, your eyes are drawn upward. There, perched high above the ground, frozen in eternal vigilance, are faces that could have sprung from the darkest of nightmares. Snarling beasts with elongated necks, winged creatures with human faces, and twisted humanoid forms peer […]