The Blue Fireplace – La cheminée bleue

The Royal Castle of Blois is full of sumptuous fireplaces. The deux Cs, interlaced with an H, for Henri II and Catherine de Medici, are found in many châteaux, including the Louvre. I need to go back again to find out where this fireplace is. Le château royal de Blois regorge de cheminées somptueuses.  Les deux lettres …

Corner of the courtyard at Blois Castle – Coin de cour au château de Blois

This leafy corner with its bench is on one side of the courtyard of Blois Castle. You can see the different architectural periods in the background. Ce petit coin arboré avec son banc se trouve sur un côté dans la cour du château de Blois. On aperçoit les différentes périodes d’architecture.  

Two Renaissance Windows – Deux fenêtres renaissance

These two Renaissance windows with their elegant ogee arches are on the Petits Degrés Saint Louis steps leading up to the Cathedral. Ces deux fenêtres Renaissance aux élégantes accolades se trouvent sur les Petits Degrés Saint Louis qui conduisent à la Cathédrale.  

Henri II leather chair – Chaise en cuir Henri II

The Henri II style or Renaissance Revival, which was popular between 1850 and the early 20th century, was inspired by the furniture and decor of the second half of the 16th century during the reign of Henri II. Several original pieces are on display in Blois Royal Castle. Leather chairs in good condition are hard …

Sundial in Les Grouets – Cadran solaire aux Grouets

Another sundial, this time in Rue Basse des Grouets. the English translation of the Latin motto is “Time goes slowly for the idle, but quickly for the industrious”. An autre cadran solaire, cette fois-ci dans la rue Basse des Grouets: La traduction de la devise en latin est : “L’heure coule lentement pour les paresseux, …

Saint Etienne – Cheverny

The lovely little 12th century church of Saint Etienne is just opposite the entrance to Château de Cheverny. It’s surrounded by a timber gallery forming a porch where you can see the coat of arms of the Hurault family who owns the château. La jolie petite église de Saint-Étienne se trouve en face de l’entrée du …

The Cadran solaire de l'évêché – The Bishop's Sundial

This analemmatic sundial is on the wall of the former bishop’s palace, now the town hall. It is painted on two right-angled walls and has a large disc with a centre hole. There are two mottos. On the right: DUM TEMPUS HABEMUS OPEREMUR BONUM – While we have the time, let us do good; and on the …